Roopkund Lake, also known as Skeleton Lake, is a high altitude glacial lake located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The lake is situated at an altitude of 16,499 feet (5,029 meters) in the Himalayas and is known for the hundreds of human skeletons that have been discovered at the bottom of the lake.
The lake is a popular destination for trekkers and hikers, as it is situated on a popular trekking route in the Himalayas. The trek to Roopkund is considered to be moderately difficult, as it passes through rugged terrain and steep inclines. The trek starts from the village of Lohajung and passes through beautiful forests, meadows, and glaciers before reaching the lake. The journey can take up to 8 days, depending on the route and the trekker’s pace.
The lake itself is a small, shallow body of water that is surrounded by rocky cliffs. It is said that the lake is frozen for most of the year and only melts during the summer months. The lake is also a sacred site for the local people, who believe that it is the abode of the god Nanda Devi.
The human skeletons that have been discovered at the bottom of the lake have been a mystery for many years. It is believed that the skeletons belong to a group of pilgrims who were caught in a sudden and severe hailstorm while on a pilgrimage to the Nanda Devi shrine. The hailstorm is believed to have been so severe that it killed the entire group, and their bodies were eventually washed into the lake.
The skeletons were first discovered in 1942 by a British forest ranger, but it wasn’t until 2004 that scientists were able to study them in detail. The scientists were able to determine that the skeletons belonged to a group of people from different parts of the Indian subcontinent, including India, Nepal, and even East Africa. They also discovered that the deaths were caused by multiple blunt force injuries, consistent with a severe hailstorm.
In recent years, the Indian government has taken steps to protect the Roopkund Lake and the surrounding area from pollution and overuse. The lake and the trek to it have been declared a “restricted area” by the Indian government, and only a limited number of trekkers are allowed to visit the lake each year. This has helped to preserve the natural beauty of the area and has also helped to protect the human remains that are still present at the bottom of the lake.
Overall, Roopkund lake is a mysterious and beautiful destination that is both challenging and rewarding for trekkers. It is a perfect destination for those who love adventure, nature, and history. The lake is a reminder of the fragility of human life and the power of nature, and is a must-visit destination for anyone who is planning a trek in the Indian Himalayas.
