Haunting Tale of Roopkund: India's Skull-Filled Lake situated in Uttarakhand
Roopkund, nestled in Uttarakhand's picturesque Chamoli district, is a place shrouded in intrigue and mystery. Known as Skeleton Lake, this high-altitude lake (5,029 meters) has captivated the imaginations of trekkers, researchers, and storytellers alike for decades.
The macabre sight of hundreds of ancient human skeletons, preserved in the dry, cold air of the Himalayas, has been a chilling reminder of the past since they were first discovered in 1942 by British forest ranger H K Madhwal.
Estimates suggest that between 300 and 800 individuals met their fate in Roopkund. The remains found there include bones, flesh, hair, and even wooden artefacts, offering a haunting glimpse into the lives of those who perished.
A five-year global study conducted in 2019 revealed three distinct groups of people in the skeletons: one of South Asian origin, another of eastern Mediterranean ancestry, and one of Southeast Asian origin. This finding dismantled the earlier theory of a single catastrophic event and suggested that Roopkund had been the site of multiple episodes over more than a millennium.
Archaeologists urge caution in declaring the puzzle of Roopkund solved due to the disturbance of the site by years of trekking activity and the difficulty of clear interpretation. However, DNA studies of the skeletons found at Roopkund show they belong to genetically diverse groups, including people of South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Mediterranean ancestry. This suggests that the groups of people found around the year 1900 likely consisted of diverse individuals from different regions, some possibly coming from far regions, such as the Mediterranean or other distant regions.
Roopkund remains frozen for most of the year, with the skeletons emerging only when the snow melts. Despite the chilling discovery, Roopkund has evolved into one of India's most iconic trekking routes, offering sweeping views of Himalayan peaks. The 50km trail, however, has been made inaccessible due to environmental damage caused by overuse.
The road journey from Kathgodam to Lohajung (trek base) is approximately 220-230 km and takes 8-12 hours. Shared jeeps and local taxis run from Kathgodam to Lohajung. The trek route from Delhi to Lohajund includes stops at Meerut, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, and ends at Lohajung.
Overnight camping in alpine meadows (bugyals) is banned to protect fragile ecosystems. Basic guesthouses are available at Lohajung, Wan, or Didina, and forest department permits are required.
A more compelling theory suggests that the dead were likely pilgrims on the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, a Hindu pilgrimage, caught in a catastrophic hailstorm around the 9th Century. Roopkund continues to defy conclusive answers and remains a source of fascination for those who dare to venture into its icy depths.
The nearest airport to Roopkund is Pantnagar Airport. Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) is another airport that connects to Roopkund by road and rail. Kathgodam Railway Station is the nearest railhead to Roopkund, located about 235 km away.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties, the mystery of Roopkund continues to captivate and inspire, offering a glimpse into the past and a testament to the power of nature.
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