Bhimtal & Naukuchiatal vs Roopkund (Skeleton Lake)
Pick Bhimtal & Naukuchiatal for
tight budgets, family trips, peace and quiet, an easier walk, a smaller budget, fewer days
Pick Roopkund (Skeleton Lake) for
nature, camping, adventure
| Bhimtal & Naukuchiatal | Roopkund (Skeleton Lake) | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Uttarakhand, Nainital, Kumaon | Uttarakhand, Lohajung, Chamoli |
| Highest point | 1,400 m | 5,029 m |
| Difficulty | Easy | Difficult |
| Trek distance | No trek needed | about 53 km |
| Days on the ground | 2–3 | 8–9 |
| Best months | Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov | Jun, Sep |
| Snow likely | Rarely | May, Jun, Oct |
| Crowds in season | Moderate | Moderate |
| Daily spend | about ₹2,500 | about ₹3,000 |
| Gateway | Kathgodam | Kathgodam |
| With kids | Great | Not advised |
| With seniors | Great | Not advised |
| Permits | None. | Forest permit; confirm current Nanda Devi Biosphere restrictions before booking. |
Bhimtal & Naukuchiatal: when to go
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely
Roopkund (Skeleton Lake): when to go
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- ❄︎May
- ❄︎Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- ❄︎Oct
- Nov
- Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely