Roopkund Lake: This Mysterious Himalayan Lake Is Filled With Hundreds of Human Skeletons

Where legends rest and skeletons speak—Roopkund, the Himalaya’s most hauntingly beautiful trek.

Imagine walking for days through emerald meadows, climbing higher and higher until the air turns thin and crisp. At last, you reach a tiny alpine lake, its surface usually sealed under ice. But as the sun glints off the melting snow, something unsettling comes into view—bones, dozens of them, peeking through the water.

This is Roopkund, better known as Skeleton Lake, tucked away at 5,029 metres in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It’s a place that leaves you torn between awe and unease—where the beauty of the mountains hides a riddle that no one has quite solved. Once, the lake was said to reveal hundreds of skeletons each summer. Today, far fewer are visible, a change blamed on both human interference and the shifting climate. But even with fewer remains in sight, the mystery still lingers in the icy silence of Roopkund.

(Image: Canva)

A Lake with a Secret

Nestled in a bowl beneath the mighty Trishul massif, Roopkund lies frozen for most of the year. But when summer sun softens its icy grip, the lake reveals a dark treasure: hundreds of ancient human skeletons scattered along its shores and beneath its shallow waters.

The first modern account came in 1942, when forest ranger Hari Kishan Madhwal stumbled upon the remains. At first, British officials feared these were casualties of a Japanese invasion during World War II. But as investigations unfolded, it became clear—these bones were centuries old, not decades.

Wooden artifacts, iron spearheads, leather shoes, and rings were also found near the bodies—suggesting this was no random tragedy. Since then, scientists, trekkers, and storytellers alike have tried to piece together Roopkund’s riddle.

Legends and Local Lore

For the people of Uttarakhand, Roopkund has always been more than a lake—it’s a story etched into the mountains. Local folklore tells of Raja Jasdhaval of Kanauj, who set out on a pilgrimage to the Nanda Devi shrine with his queen, entourage, and a troupe of dancers. The group, it is said, angered the goddess with their frivolity. As punishment, a deadly storm of hailstones struck, killing everyone in its path. The skeletal remains at Roopkund are often said to be theirs.

Science Steps In — And Finds More Mysteries

Modern science seemed to confirm the folklore—at least partly. A 2013 study revealed that many individuals had skull fractures consistent with being struck by hailstones, supporting the story of a sudden, deadly storm.

But the tale twisted again in 2019, when a major DNA analysis of 38 skeletons revealed not one but three distinct groups of people. Some were South Asian, as expected, but others showed genetic links to the eastern Mediterranean. Even more surprising? They didn’t all die in the same event—some deaths were centuries apart.

So who were these Mediterranean travellers in the Himalayas? Traders? Pilgrims? Explorers? The answers remain frozen in mystery.

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Trekking to Roopkund — The Adventure of a Lifetime

While its skeletons may grab headlines, Roopkund is also a trekker’s paradise. The journey is as enchanting as the destination:

• Start Point: The classic trek begins from Lohajung (accessible by road). Alternative bases include Wan or Didina villages.
• The Route: Trails wind through dense oak forests, the sweeping alpine meadows of Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal, and up to Bhagwabasa, the final high-altitude camp. From here, the last climb to Roopkund is steep, icy, and spectacular.
• The View: Along the way, trekkers are rewarded with panoramic vistas of Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Junargali, and more. The landscapes—rolling grasslands, snowy ridges, and starry skies—make this one of India’s most iconic treks.
• Duration: Typically 5–9 days, depending on the route and acclimatization.
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging. High altitude makes it suitable for experienced trekkers or determined beginners with proper preparation.

Timing is everything at Skeleton Lake:

• May–June: Snow begins to melt, meadows burst with wildflowers, and the skeletons sometimes become visible.
• Mid-September–October: Clear skies post-monsoon, perfect for views of the Himalayan giants.

How to Reach

• Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport (~250 km away).
• Nearest Railhead: Kathgodam (~235 km away).
• By Road: Reach Lohajung by road from Kathgodam, Rudraprayag, or Bageshwar.

Recent reports suggest Roopkund is shrinking in depth and width, a worrying sign linked to climate change. Shifts in rainfall and snowfall patterns are altering the delicate balance of this high-altitude ecosystem. As trekkers, the responsibility lies with us to leave no trace and preserve this fragile wonder for generations to come.

(Image: Canva)

Why Roopkund Should Be on Your Bucket List

Roopkund isn’t just another trek—it’s a journey into the unknown. You’ll pass through some of the Himalaya’s most stunning landscapes, push your physical limits, and stand face-to-face with a centuries-old enigma that even science hasn’t fully solved.

It’s where the thrill of adventure meets the chill of history, where every gust of wind whispers stories, and where every step brings you closer to the haunting beauty of the Himalayas.

Roopkund is not for the faint-hearted, but for those who dare, it offers an unforgettable blend of myth, mystery, and mountain magic. Trek it, respect it, and let its story stay with you long after you descend.