Bedni Bugyal

Located in beautiful Gharwal, it is a trekking destination in itself as well as the threshold to the mystical Roop Kund Lake. One of the bigger Bugyals (meadows) it is a spread of green with the magnificent view of the western flank of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. There is a small shrine to the local deity and a lake. Touted as one of the most romantic spots it is also a great place to unwind.

How to get there: The walk to Bedni starts from a small village called Wan. To get to Wan one takes the Gwaldham Loharjung route from Kathgodam via the Someshwar valley to end up in this quaint little village that has less to offer as amenities but is big on hospitality and warmth of the local folk, everywhere you go people greet you with cheery smiles and stories of local folk lore and adventure.

Day one: Camp a little above the village at Wan or stay in the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam guest house provided accommodation is available or if one has the legs for it one can carry on further to a small meadow called Ranak dhar half an hour further which on clear days provides views of the peaks of Trishul.

Day two: Wan to Bedni is a 14kms climb, straight up, through a dense, moist verdant Oak and Rhododendron forest watered by the Bedni ganga, every where the trees are laden heavy with ferns and Lichens and in the months of March and April the red Rhododendron blossoms welcome you. Once out of the tree line you are well rewarded with an expanse of green strewn with wild flowers and little streams. This is Bedni. Looking for a camp site, one is spoilt for choice as each spot seems more scenic than the one you picked before and each affording a better view of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti that rise just before you.

Day three: You can either do a day trek to the twin meadow of Ali or push forward to the secluded meadow of Min Phar, along in part to the famous Curzon Trail. Lord Curzon the then Viceroy of India had in 1905 trekked through these parts while crossing on to the Kuari pass. Min Phar is 14 kilometers from Bedni and provides the most mesmerizing views of Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Chaukhamba, Bander poonch, Neelkanth and the Roop Kund crater that lies in the range just before you. Trek to the lake itself takes an extra two days.

Day four: Circle back, this time with Bedni on the other side of the valley, another 8km through beautiful Rhododendron and mixed forest brings you back to where you started this magical walk at Wan.

Roop Kund, the skeleton lake; In 1942 a forest guard had chanced upon hundreds of human skeletons in this lake, the remains have intrigued anthropologists, scientists, historians and even the local people ever since. Radio carbon dating indicate that the skeletons could date back to any time between the 12^th and 15^th centuries ad and scientists estimate that there are as many as six hundred bodies buried in the icy depths of the lake, several theories have been put forth to the existence of these remains which were further perpetuated by local folklore, were they a pilgrimage party?, did they die in ritualistic suicide or by a fluke hail storm, were they traders who had simply lost their way are some questions that remain unanswered till date.

The Goddess “Nanda Devi”

Nanda devi is worshipped and revered all across Kumaon. All villages will have a temple to her where people perform sacrifices and pujas. Passersby tie pieces of cloth or bells praying for a good crop, good weather or simply safe passage through her valley. Nanda devi is regarded as the consort of Lord Shiva, Parvati and the mountain her abode.

What to pack

A duffle bag or a back pack for your clothes etc.
A day pack that you will carry while walking with your water bottle.
Trekking shoes- ensure that they are broken in before the trek.
Three pairs of track pants with at least one that is synthetic and quick drying, or three pairs of cargo pants.
Three to four cotton T shirts a full sleeve sweater or a fleece jacket.
Full sleeve down jacket.
A pair of thermal inners.
Four to five pairs of regular sports sock and one pair of wollen socks.
Woolen cap and muffler
Proper rain gear with a jacket and a lower.
Water proof gloves.
First aid kit.
A thin towel that dries fast.
Sun block and lip balm.
One water bottle and a flash light with an extra set of batteries.
Sandals or a pair of comfortable shoes to wear around camp.