The Ghostly Guardians of Roopkund Lake

Sitting atop the lap of the Indian Himalayas at an altitude of about 16,500 feet, the Roopkund Lake is one of the world's most intriguing and enigmatic glacial lakes. Roopkund Lake is also known as Chamoli district of the state of Uttarakhand's lake and as "Skeleton Lake." The lake is named so because hundreds of long-buried human skeletons are visible on its shores. The lake freezes throughout the year, but during summer, when snow melts, skeletal remains are observed, sparking endless curiosity and interest among scientists, historians, and trekkers. Skeletal remains were initially found by a British forest ranger in 1942, and since then, scientists have been baffled for decades. Some of the early assumptions were epidemics, mass suicides, and ritual murders. However, the latest carbon dating and DNA testing established that the skeletons were around 9th-century in age, and belonged to a band of people, likely pilgrims, slain by an instant and forceful hailstorm. Skull injuries on most of the skeletons are consistent with large hailstones, and hence, researchers are sure that an extreme climatic event resulted in their death. Aside from its legendary history, Roopkund Lake is also a favourite destination for trekking adventurers, with thrill-hunters from around the globe flocking to the area. Roopkund Trek has the photogenic vistas of white mountain tops, grasslands, and forests, with the trek itself being hailed as one of the most scenic high-altitude treks of India. Roopkund is not just a geographical marvel; it's a site where nature, mystery, and history converge. It's either because of its ghostly history or the thrill of discovering the Himalayas that Roopkund Lake is a fascinating and eerie destination.

History of Roopkund Lake

The Roopkund Lake’s history is as haunting as the cold water it holds. At 16,500 feet in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, this glacial lake was not accessible to the world until the year 1942, when a British forest ranger chanced upon hundreds of human skeletons abominably well-preserved along its shores. With time, the discovery roused world curiosity, and there was gigantic research to find the tale behind this hillside cemetery. Historians and researchers have debated for decades the reason behind the existence of the bones. It could be the vanished army of General Zorawar Singh, victims of sudden disease epidemics, or they could be the sacrificial lamb. However, new scientific work has put paid to all conjectures finally. Carbon dating and DNA tests confirmed that the skeletons date to 850 CE and are two groups, South Asian and Mediterranean, quite likely from Greece or Crete in the modern world. So thrilling was a shock discovery of that sort that Roopkund would have been an en route stopover for a pilgrim’s journey in the past, that had been luring visitors from much beyond the Indian subcontinent.

The most popular theory at present is that the party was destroyed in a sudden hailstorm. The skulls do have widespread fractures typical of collisions with enormous hailstones, and as there was no shelter to be had, the travellers probably perished in the same way. Local legend bears witness to this, the story goes of a royal procession out to the Nanda Devi temple, cursed by the goddess and massacred by "heavenly iron balls." Roopkund Lake is a ghostly reminder of nature's fury and the enigmatic history of the location. Even after all these centuries, the ghostly spectacle of skeletons beneath the crystal clear glacial water still raises an eyebrow and stirs awe in the minds of historians, trekking expeditions, and adventurers.

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Places near Roopkund Lake

1. Bedni Bugyal: Bedni Bugyal is a beautiful alpine meadow at around 11,000 feet and is among the most beautiful camps on the Roopkund trek. Spreading out in green grass and wildflowers during summer, the meadow presents breathtaking views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti ridges. Not only is it a peaceful place, but this is also a sacred place since it has a small temple devoted to Goddess Nanda Devi. It's a perfect spot to relax, inhale the mountain air, and watch some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets in the region.

2. Ali Bugyal: Along the trekking trail to Roopkund comes the short stretch before Bedni Bugyal, and Ali Bugyal, a postcard-perfect meadow, is competing with the European Alps in looks. It is a huge rolling green grassland that stretches as far as the eye can see, with humongous Himalayan ranges. Trekkers want to linger behind to absorb the serene atmosphere, see Himalayan birds, and bask in the open sky, provided it is presented as a photographer's and nature lover's heaven.

3. Wan Village: Wan is the final motorable village on the Roopkund trek and generally the departure or arrival point for trekkers. It is a wooden house Himalayan village with terrace fields and warm, welcoming villagers. Wan offers an insight into village life in Uttarakhand, and is a perfect place to experience the local culture before setting out into the wild.

4. Lohajung: Lohajung is the starting village for the trek to Roopkund and a town in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is road-connected and also provides basic facilities and services to trekkers. Lohajung is the site where Goddess Parvati fought with the demon Lohasur, named origin, "Lohajung" (Lohasur + Jung, war against Lohasur).

Best Time to Visit Roopkund Lake

• Summer (May to June): Summer is among the finest times to tour Roopkund Lake. It is good weather, 10°C to 15°C, and it is very soothing on the trek. The melting of the snow exposed the rolling meadows, wildflower-covered, rainbow-hued sites, and ridges. views everywhere. Well, the whole trek is open, and the weather is. It’s perfect for long treks, and one. has no difficulty in walking and camping. It is also the time when the Bedni Bugyal and Ali Bugyal meadows are in good condition, with the green grass and the alpine flowers fully in bloom in their full splendour.

• Monsoon (July to August): Although relief from the weather conditions during the monsoon season, it is not advisable to visit Roopkund Lake in this season. Roopkund monsoon rains turn trails slippery, resulting in landslides and tire treks. Monsoons are risky for trekking as the trail gets mushy and one does not get a clear view. Skipping monsoon months is an excellent alternative to have a good and safe experience of trekking.

• Autumn (September to October): Autumn is also a good time to see Roopkund Lake. The weather conditions are pleasant and warm, ranging from 7°C to 15°C, perfect for trekking. The monsoon rains have disappeared, and in front of us is a green world with fresh, clean air. Skies are mostly clear, providing stunning views of the white mountains, like Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. Our nearby meadows are still green with summer season flowers, and it is a good time for shots and adventures.

• Winter (November to February): It is extremely cold with the temperature going as low as -5°C, and heavy snowfall makes it a tough ride. The lake freezes, and the whole surrounding area turns into a winter wonderland. Although it's a treat to see, the harsh weather, coupled with the challenge of finishing the trek in heavy snow, is less than ideal for the majority of trekkers. That's ideal for the adventure-seeker who needs a more rugged, remote experience but demands extensive experience and training in winter trekking.

How to Reach Roopkund Lake

• By Airport: The nearest airport to Roopkund is Pantnagar Airport, at a distance of 182 km. Another choice is Dehradun Airport (Jolly Grant), located 250 km away.

• By Rail: The nearest railway head to Roopkund is Kathgodam, 275 km from the starting point of the trek, i.e., in Debachaur. Kathgodam is connected with trains from Lucknow and Delhi.

• By Road: One can drive down from Rishikesh or Kathgodam to Wan, trekking starting point, by a shared vehicle or taxi. It takes 12-13 hours from Rishikesh and 9-10 hours from Kathgodam by road.

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