November 14, 2025 Hidden deep in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand lies Roopkund Lake, a glacial water body that has intrigued historians, trekkers, and researchers for decades. Surrounded by snow-clad peaks at an altitude of nearly 16,500 feet, the lake is best known for something extraordinary: hundreds of ancient human skeletons preserved in and around its frozen edges. This eerie archaeological site has earned Roopkund the name Skeleton Lake and transformed the trek into one of India’s most mysterious adventures.
The blend of alpine beauty, unexplained skeletal remains, challenging terrain, and mythological tales makes the mysterious Roopkund trek one of the most captivating journeys in the Indian Himalayas.
What Is the Mystery of Roopkund?
The biggest question that has surrounded Roopkund for decades is: Who were the people whose skeletons lie scattered around the lake, and how did they die?
When the remains were first discovered in the 1940s, several theories emerged:
A lost invading army
Victims of an epidemic
A merchant caravan caught in a storm
Ritual sacrifice gone wrong
However, scientific research over the last 20 years has provided more concrete answers, though the site still retains an air of mystery due to its remote location and the unusual manner of death.
How Old Are the Skeletons in Roopkund?
In-depth DNA, carbon dating, and forensic studies conducted by scientists from India and international institutions revealed something surprising—
The skeletons belong to at least two distinct groups from different time periods.
The earlier group: Around the 9th century (approximately 1,200 years old)
The later group: Around the 17th to 19th century
The diversity in bone structure and DNA also indicates they were not from the same community. Some individuals had Southeast Asian genetic markers, suggesting Roopkund may have been part of a long-distance pilgrimage route.
What Was the Cause of Death in Roopkund Lake?
The most widely accepted scientific explanation points to a sudden and catastrophic hailstorm.
Forensic analysis revealed:
Deep, round injuries on skulls
No signs of weapon wounds
No evidence of disease
The head injuries matched impact patterns caused by large hailstones, some estimated to be the size of cricket balls. With no shelter in the exposed high-altitude region, the group was likely caught in a deadly storm that struck them down instantly. The freezing temperatures preserved the remains for centuries.
Local folklore mirrors this scientific finding. A popular legend says that King Jasdhaval of Kannauj and his entourage angered the goddess Nanda Devi during a pilgrimage with music and dancing. Her wrath came in the form of falling ice stones, killing them near Roopkund.
Science and folklore, remarkably, tell a similar story.
Can We Visit Roopkund Lake?
Visiting Roopkund is currently restricted.
Due to environmental concerns, fragile terrain, and conservation needs, the Uttarakhand government has suspended access to the lake since 2018.
Trekkers can still visit regions up to Bedni Bugyal and sometimes Bhagwabasa, depending on annual permissions, but the final ascent to Roopkund is not permitted.
Before planning the trek, travelers must check:
Forest department guidelines
Trekking agency updates
Restrictions on high-altitude camping and waste management
Regulations may be revised in future years, but as of now, the lake itself is not open to the general public.
Why the Mysterious Roopkund Trek Still Attracts Thousands
Even with current restrictions, the trail leading towards Roopkund remains one of India’s most scenic and thrilling. The journey offers:
Dense forests of oak and rhododendron
Sweeping alpine meadows like Ali and Bedni Bugyal
High-altitude ridges with stunning views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti
Ancient temples and cultural routes followed by Himalayan pilgrims
The trek is a blend of natural grandeur, mythological charm, and scientific curiosity.
The Trek Route and Landscapes
The route begins at Lohajung and ascends gradually through:
Didina Village – traditional Himalayan settlement
Ali Bugyal – vast rolling meadows
Bedni Bugyal – one of Asia’s finest grasslands
Ghora Lotani – high-altitude camps
Bhagwabasa – final base camp before the lake
Roopkund Lake – the mysterious glacial basin (currently not accessible)
Every section of the trek showcases dramatic shifts in terrain, making it a photographer’s paradise.
Best Time to Attempt the Trek
Traditionally, the best seasons were:
May to June (snow remains on the trail)
September to October (clear skies and lush meadows)
Current trekking limits apply, but these months still offer the ideal conditions for exploring the permitted sections.
Why Roopkund’s Mystery Matters
The story of Roopkund is more than a historical puzzle. It is a reminder of:
How ancient communities traveled through unforgiving terrain
How myths often carry elements of historical truth
How fragile Himalayan ecosystems must be protected
How natural forces can shape human destiny in profound ways
For trekkers and researchers, the mysterious Roopkund trek represents the perfect blend of adventure, discovery, and introspection.
Final Thoughts
The Roopkund trek holds a unique position in India’s adventure landscape. Even with limited access, its lore continues to fascinate explorers worldwide. With captivating meadows, towering Himalayan peaks, and a centuries-old archaeological enigma, the trail to Roopkund is not just a trek—it is a journey through history, legend, and the raw power of nature.
Whether trekkers are drawn by the challenge, the beauty, or the mystery, one thing is certain: Roopkund leaves an impression that lasts a lifetime.