High above the forests and far beyond the comfort of ordinary trails lies Roopkund, a glacial lake where silence speaks louder than words. At first, it feels like any other Himalayan destination—snow, wind, and endless sky. But as you get closer, the mountains seem more conscious, as if guarding a secret too important to forget. Roopkund is not only visited; it is lived, slowly and deeply.
What makes Roopkund unique:
- Located at around 5,029 meters in Uttarakhand.
- Also known as Skeleton Lake.
- Visible human remains inside and surrounding the lake.
- A unique blend of adventure and mystery
This is a site where adventure and mystery meet, and each step on the route seems like stepping into an ancient narrative waiting to be told.
Table of Contents
A Journey Begins Before the Trail
The journey to Roopkund doesn’t start at the lake.
It begins much earlier, with curiosity.
Roopkund is located in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district at an elevation of roughly 5,029 meters (16,500 feet). For most of the year, it is concealed beneath snow, surrounded by steep mountains and unpredictable weather. When the ice melts, it reveals something that has alarmed travelers and scientists for decades: human skeletons scattered around and within the lake.
To understand Roopkund, one must first travel its journey.
The Trail to Roopkund: Walking Through Changing Worlds
Base Village – Wan
The hike typically begins in Wan village, a quiet Himalayan retreat with stone buildings, grazing sheep, and friendly residents who offer little indication of the disturbing story that lies ahead. As hikers shoulder their backpacks and take their first steps into the unknown, excitement and nerves mix.
Wan to Ghairoli Patal
The trail leads through lush oak and rhododendron forests, where sunshine seeps through the leaves and birds echo in the distance. Streams cross your route, compelling you to pause, listen, and feel the mountains embrace—or test—you.
Ali Bugyal & Bedni Bugyal – Meadows of Dreams
Suddenly, the woodland transforms into never-ending green waves.
Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal are some of India’s most magnificent alpine meadows. Here, grass sways like an ocean, clouds flow at eye level, and faraway Himalayan peaks rise like silent gods.
At Bedni Bugyal, a little temple and a mirrored lake remind you that these mountains are more than just physical forms; they are sacred.
Despite this beauty, there is a strange stillness. It’s as if the soil recalls something.
Pathar Nachauni to Bhagwabasa
The name Pathar Nachauni literally means “the place where stones dance” due to the high winds that cause pebbles to drift across the land.
As you travel higher, the greenery thins, oxygen levels drop, and voices become quieter. Nights at Bhagwabasa, the final encampment, are cold and restless. Winds howl through the rocks, and the mountain appears to be alive—or watching.
Roopkund Lake: When the Mystery Reveals Itself
The final rise is steep, exhausting, and quiet.
And then—suddenly—you notice it.
A little, shallow lake nestled between ice mountains. At first impression, Roopkund appears to be average. But when you get closer, the truth is revealed.
Human skulls. Bones. Entire skeletons.
Some are immersed in crystal-pure water. Others are resting near the shore, exposed by melting ice. Many still have hair attached. Some skulls have deep fractures.
The air here feels different. Heavier.
No birds are singing. No water flows.
This is more than simply a lake; it’s a cemetery in the sky.
The Mystery of the Skeletons: What Really Happened Here?
For years, Roopkund puzzled explorers, locals, and scientists.
The Ancient Tragedy
Scientific research shows that the skeletons belong to different groups of people and date back to the 9th century AD. DNA evidence indicates that these were pilgrims, not soldiers—men, women, and even children.
The most widely recognized theory recounts a haunting story.
A group of pilgrims, probably accompanied by a royal retinue, was heading to a sacred site. While crossing Roopkund, they were hit by an unexpected hailstorm of large ice balls. With no protection at such an altitude, the storm proved fatal.
The circular fractures on skulls back up this theory—injuries compatible with huge hailstones falling from the sky.
Local Legend: The Wrath of the Goddess
Local mythology adds a spiritual element to the mystery.
It is thought that the travelers insulted Nanda Devi, the mountain goddess. In her rage, she unleashed a storm of iron-hard hail to punish them for their contempt.
Even now, people tread these routes with respect, not arrogance.
Why Roopkund Is More Than a Trek
Roopkund is not just about reaching a destination—it is about confronting impermanence.
- It reminds us how small humans are against nature
- It blurs the line between science and belief
- It forces silence where words fail
Many hikers experience an emotional transformation here—a profound calm and an unfathomable humility.
Things You Must Know Before Planning Roopkund
Best Time to Visit
- May–June: Snow-covered trail, skeletons partially visible
- September–October: Clear skies, harsh cold, eerie visibility
(The trek is currently restricted at times due to environmental concerns—always check official updates.)
Physical & Mental Preparation
- High-altitude trek: Good fitness is essential
- Acclimatization is critical
- Mental readiness matters—this is not a casual hike
What to Carry
- Thermal layers & down jacket
- Waterproof trekking shoes
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp
- First-aid & altitude sickness medication
A Place That Stays With You
Most adventures finish with your return home.
Roopkund doesn’t.
Long after the walk is completed, pictures of bones beneath pure water, wind booming through empty valleys, and moonlight on frozen ground return to you in stillness.
It does not provide an answer but rather raises more questions.
And perhaps this is the true mystery.
Roopkund isn’t a place to conquer.
It is a place where you stand silently, humbled, and listening.
Also read the Manali Travel Guide