Guide to Accessing Roopkund Lake: Journey to the Enigmatic 'Skeleton Lake' in Uttarakhand

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If you're a thrill-seeker with a flair for the mysterious, put Uttarakhand's Roopkund Lake on your must-visit list. This astonishing Himalayan lake, infamously known as the "Lake of Skeletons," will send shivers down your spine, especially if you're new to the tale. The eerie Roopkund Lake is nestled high in the Himalayas, buried beneath snow most of the year, revealing human remains when the ice thaws. But who were these people, and how did they end up in this chilling setting? This enigma has haunted researchers and explorers alike for decades.

Roopkund Lake: A Frigid Graveyard Shrouded in Mystery

The chilling spectacle of human remains hidden beneath the icy waters of Roopkund Lake first came to light in 1942, when a British forest ranger stumbled upon the scene. In the following years, various theories and myths emerged regarding the identities of these remains.

One of the early theories suggested that the remains belonged to an Indian king, his queen, and their entourage from around 870 years ago. Another speculated that the remains were Indian soldiers who attempted to invade Tibet in 1841. Yet another theory pointed toward victims of a devastating epidemic buried here. It was generally believed that all the remains were those of a single group meeting their demise in a catastrophic event.

Unraveling the Enigma: New Insights into Roopkund Lake

A five-year-long study published in 2019 uncovered fascinating revelations concerning the people interred at Roopkund Lake[1]. Scientists discovered that the individuals were genetically diverse, with deaths spanning around 1,000 years, debunking the popular notion that they were all from a single group. Some remains even dated back to around 1,200 years[2]. While the exact events that led to these people's demise remain elusive, they are no longer tied to a single event.

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The fascination surrounding Roopkund Lake encourages intrepid travelers to embark on the Roopkund trek and witness the breathtaking lake firsthand. Here's a guide to help you plan your adventure:

Where Is Roopkund Lake?

Situated at an elevation of 5,029 meters (16,500ft) above sea level, Roopkund Lake lies at the foot of the steep Trisul Mountain—one of India’s highest peaks—in Uttarakhand, India[3].

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Natural Beauty and Adrenaline-Fueled Adventure

With its rocky glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and stunning surroundings, Roopkund Lake offers an unforgettable trekking experience. The trail snakes through Ali and Bedni's mesmerizing meadows, adorned with colorful wildflowers only found above 3,300 meters in the Himalayas. Along the journey, you'll be captivated by splendid views of peaks like Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Neelkantha, Trishul, and Nanda Ghunti[3].

Photo: uttarakhandtourism

The Roopkund Trek: Navigating the Journey

Due to its rugged terrain and beyond-moderate level of difficulty, the Roopkund trek is best suited for experienced hikers. The remote settlement closest to Roopkund is located approximately five days away, and the trek spans more than 50 kilometers[4]. Expect to trek through misty oak forests and expansive, moss-covered landscapes, with breathtaking mountain vistas appearing day after day. The highest point on the trek, Junargali, a treacherous ridge offering a 360-degree view of the majestic Himalayas, awaits your ascent. The remarkable Roopkund Lake lies 200 meters below Junargali[4].

The Best Time to Explore Roopkund Lake

July is considered the best time to visit Roopkund Lake, as the valleys around the lake are filled with lush greenery. Although some of the frozen lake still remains, it has thawed enough to reveal the spectral skeletons beneath[4]. If you plan to visit between May and June, you have a window to witness this intriguing site.

Essential Tips for the Roopkund Trek

To ensure a safe and enjoyable trek, follow these tips, as suggested by Himalayan Daredevils[5]:

Avoid jeans or denim clothing when trekking.
Limit your snacks, drinks, and personal foods as you'll be carrying your supplies throughout the journey.
Avoid using throwaway plastic bottles or plastic packaging.
Bring a raincoat, as the weather at high altitudes can be unpredictable.

Embark on this Uttarakhand gem, with its eerie folklore, spellbinding vistas, and spiritual ambiance nestled amid snow-capped natural beauty.

Enrichment Data:

Time Period of Skeletons: Scientific findings indicate that the remains at Roopkund Lake do not all date from the same time period. Carbon dating has revealed that some skeletons date back to around 800 CE, while others come from the 19th century.
Origin of Skeletons: DNA testing has shown that many of the skeletons are of South Asian ancestry, likely locals. Interestingly, some skeletons were found to have ancestry from the eastern Mediterranean region, such as Greece or Crete.
Cause of Death: Although the exact cause of death for all the skeletons remains unknown, some theories propose that some individuals may have died due to a severe hailstorm. Skulls with fractures that mimic hailstone impacts support this theory[2].

[1] "Scientists confirm: Roopkund's skeletons not from a single event, belonged to multiple groups," The Statesman, March 11, 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.thestatesman.com/india/scientists-confirm-roopkund-s-skeletons-not-from-a-single-event-belonged-to-multiple-groups-1502649823.html[2] "Roopkund's Mystery Deepens as Fractures in Skulls Point to Hailstorm Deaths," India Today, August 25, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.indiatoday.in/travel/safar/story/roopkunds-mystery-deepens-as-fractures-in-skulls-point-to-hailstorm-deaths-1833229-2021-08-25[3] "Roopkund Trek, Uttarakhand: 10 Surprising Facts You Should Know," Outlook Traveller, March 12, 2018. [Online]. Available: https://www.outlookindia.com/travel/explore/roopkund-trek-uttarakhand-10-surprising-facts-you-should-know/1351695[4] "Roopkund Trek: How to Plan Your Adventure," Thrillophilia, [Online]. Available: https://www.thrillophilia.com/travel-guides/uttarakhand/roopkund-trek-how-to-plan-your-adventure[5] "Roopkund Trek: Tips for a Successful Adventure," Himalayan Daredevils. [Online]. Available: https://www.himalayandaredevils.com/roopkund-trek-tips-for-a-safe-and-successful-adventure/

The chilling spectacle of human remains hidden beneath the icy waters of Roopkund Lake has intrigued explorers and researchers for decades, offering an adventure-travel opportunity for the brave-hearted to uncover its mystery.
New insights into Roopkund Lake, revealed through a five-year study published in 2019, suggest that the remains date back to around 1,200 years, debunking the popular notion that they belonged to a single group—making it an exciting addition to anyone's lifestyle, combining natural beauty with evidence of ancient history.