If you thought your life was mysterious, wait until you read about Roopkund Lake.
Roopkund Lake, famously called the Skeleton Lake of India, lies in Chamoli District of Uttarakhand. At 16,500 feet in the Nanda Devi Biosphere of Garhwal Himalayas, this lake is shrouded in mystery. Surrounded by snow-covered peaks like Trishul Massif and Nanda Ghunti, the mystery of how skeletons were found in this high-altitude lake is a tale worth reading! The skeletons become visible on the surface briefly in summer when the snow melts. This article will unravel the history, legends, and practical information you need to know.
First Appearance of the Skeletons
The Skeletons were first found by a Forest Ranger, H.K Madhwal, during the British era in 1942. The flesh was still clinging to the bones. Initially, the authorities feared the skeletons were the remains of Japanese soldiers attempting a secret invasion during World War II. However, radiocarbon dating and DNA analysis revealed that the remains date back to as early as 850 CE, ruling out the Japan connection and making the mystery more deeper.
Legends of the Lake
According to local folklore, Roopkund’s origins trace back to a divine spat between Shiva and Parvati. After battling demons, Parvati sought to cleanse herself. Lord Shiva hit the ground with his Trishul, creating a lake where she could bathe. Thus, the site became sacred, but it soon turned into a mystery, which we all delve into now.
Another legend speaks of King Jasdhaval of Kanauj, who took a pilgrimage to Nanda Devi in the 9th century with his pregnant wife, servants, and dancers. Disregarding warnings about the sacredness of the area, the group celebrated singing and dancing loudly, which angered the goddess. Drawing her wrath, she brought a barrage of iron hailstones which killed the entire group. Their skeletons then became a part of the Lake.
Scientific Investigations: Unraveling the Past
The Hailstorm Theory
The mystery of the skeletons had everyone baffled, and a series of investigations followed –
Initial theories suggested a single catastrophic event, likely a violent hailstorm. Victims, caught in the open, succumbed to skull fractures from cricket ball-sized hail. Radiocarbon dating placed this event around 800 CE, aligning with the Jasdhaval legend.
DNA Analysis and the Mediterranean Connection
A study in 2019 by Nature Communications analyzed 38 skeletons. This revealed the skeletons belonged to three different genetic groups. The majority had South Asian ancestry, dying around 800 CE. And 14 of them dating to 1800 CE, shared genes with modern Greeks and Cretans. These migrants, who came for trade, died in a separate incident. Why Mediterranean travelers ventured here in the Garhwal Himalayas in the 19th century, still remains unanswered. Recent studies hint at a grueling journey, due to which some of them malnourished before death.
The stable isotope analysis showed varied diets – some consumed millet and rice, indicative of lower castes, while others ate wheat and meat, denoting people from higher class. This diversity suggests Roopkund was a pilgrimage route for centuries, attracting people from various backgrounds, and many may have died in different periods.
Despite the multiple theories, the reasons are a complete mystery.
Roopkund Lake Itinerary
Roopkund Lake can be reached through a high-altitude Himalayan trek. The trek spans over 8 days, and starts from Lohajung. Here is an overview of the trek.
Day 1: Kathgodam to Lohajung
Through a 10-12 hour drive passing through villages of Bhimtal, you will reach Lohajung. The locals believe the name comes from the legend that Goddess Parvati had a war (Jung) with a demon Lohasur here.
Day 2: Lohajung to Gehroli Patal
You will drive to Wan, which is a nearby village. After which a trek of 3-4 hours via Neel Ganga river will get you to Gehroli Patal. The area is said to be under the protection of the local deity, Latu Devta.
Day 3: Gehroli Patal to Bedni Bugyal
On this day, after a trek of 3 hours you will make your way to the breathtaking alpine meadows of Ali and Bedni Bugyal. After crossing Oak and Rhododendron forests, you will see Ali Bugyal in all its beauty. From here walk to Bedni Bugyal soaking in the views.
Day 4: Bedni Bugyal to Patar Nachauni
The trail from Bedni to Patar Nachauni ascends through scenic meadows with mountain views. As you trek you will see the meadows of Ghora Lotani below you. A trek of 4 hours will bring you to Patar Nachauni.
Day 5: Patar Nachauni to Bhagwabhasa
You will ascend to Kalu Vinayak which is a steep climb. Take your time to acclimatize; this will make the climb to Roopkund easier. From Kalu Vinayak (Black Ganesha Idol), progress to Bhagwabasa. It turns cold at night, ensure to layer up adequately.
Day 6: Bhagwabasa to Roopkund
This is the moment you have been waiting for. It is advised to start the trek as early in the morning as possible. A 5km walk from Bhagwabasa will take you to Roopkund Lake, where you can see the mystery for yourself. Please do not carry back the skeletons’ bones with you affecting the conservation efforts.
Trace back your way to Para Nachauni via Bhagwabhasa.
Day 8: Patar Nachauni to Lohajung
Walk back your way to Bedni Bugyal and then to Lohajung.
As per the latest information, camping on the meadows has been banned by the authorities.
How to Reach Roopkund
It would be ideal to get to Lohajung, the base camp for the trek.
By Air:
The nearest accessible airport is Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport from where you can take a further road trip to reach Lohajung. This airport has connections to major cities in the country.
By Train:
The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, about 225 km from Lohajung. From Kathgodam, you can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to Lohajung.
By Road:
Regular buses and private taxis are available from Kathgodam, Haldwani, Almora, and Rishikesh to Lohajung.
Safety Tips
Acclimatization: Roopkund is at high altitude – give yourself time to adjust and avoid altitude sickness.
Stay Hydrated: Carry water and hydrate regularly, especially as you ascend.
Respect the Site: Roopkund is both a historical and spiritual site. Avoid touching or disturbing the skeletons if you see them.
Weather: Sudden weather changes are common – be prepared for snow, rain, and sub-zero temperatures.
Trek Responsibly: Follow Leave No Trace principles. Carry back all non-biodegradable waste.
Going to Roopkund Lake is more than just a trek. It is travelling back in time, living a piece of mystery, walking your way through nature’s grandeur.
Do you know any other stories surrounding this mysterious lake? Tell us in the comments.
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