Roopkund Skeleton Lake located at 15,696 feet over the sea level in the state of Uttarakhand, the trek leads to the lake that is filled with the remains of skeletons, therefore known as the Roopkund Skeleton Lake. The Roopkund Skeleton Lake is famous for the remains of skeletons of humans taking back to the Paleolithic age.
What Makes the Roopkund Trek Special?
The Roopkund Skeleton Lake trek is amazing, with so many varied landscapes. While trekking through a lush green forest, meadows, glacial valleys and traditional villages. The Kedar Dome trek also provides gorgeous views of peaks such as Mt Trishul, Mt Nanda Ghunti, Chaukhamba range, Neelkanth Peak, Kedarnath and Kedar Dome.
Here are some reasons why the Roopkund Trek is a must-do.
Scenic Aspect: It passes through rich terrains like the peaceful oak orchards of Gehroli Patal.
Alpine Meadows: The trail is considered to have two of the largest meadows of its kind, Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal, in India.
Adventure: The Roopkund trek, especially while climbing through deep snow to reach the lake, provides a very real sense of adventure.
Mystery: The presence of human skeletons at Roopkund Lake adds an intriguing element of mystery.
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Planning Your Roopkund Skeleton Lake
Ideal Time for Trek: The best season when one can do the Roopkund trek is in the summer (mid-April till June) and autumn (September till mid-November).
Grade: The Roopkund Trek is rated moderate to difficult, previous trekking experience is advised for the trek.
Trip duration: Eight days, 53 km.
Accommodation: Guesthouse stay at base camp and tented accommodation (twin-sharing) during the trek.
Fitness Preparation:
Requisites for Roopkund Trek: You must be fit enough to take on the Roopkund Trek. Before embarking on the trip, would-be trekkers should build cardiovascular endurance by jogging, running or cycling. Strength training, and even flexibility training, helps a lot.
Essential Packing List:
Trekking Shoes: Good quality trekking shoes which have a good grip, and ankle support, and are suitable for snow.
Backpack: 50-60 liter comfortable backpack that can carry all your necessary gear.
Clothing: Wear layers to be prepared for shifting weather patterns related to climate change. Bring base layers, warm layers, a windproof jacket, waterproof rain gear and a sun cap.
Other essentials: Sunglasses, sunscreen, a headlamp, trekking poles, a water bottle and a first-aid kit.
Detailed Itinerary for Roopkund Skeleton Lake
The Roopkund Uttarakhand the skeleton lake itinerary is designed to allow for gradual acclimatization to the altitude. Here’s a day-by-day breakdown:
Day 1: Arrival at Kathgodam and Drive to Lohajung
- Trekkers will be picked up from Kathgodam Railway Station at 6:00 am.
- The drive to the base camp, Lohajung, takes approx. 10-11 hours.
Day 2: Drive to Wan and Trek to Gehroli Patal
- The day starts with a one-hour drive from Lohajung to Wan village.
- The trek to Gehroli Patal (10,000 ft) takes around 4 hours, passing through oak and rhododendron forests.
Day 3: Trek from Gehroli Patal to Bedni Bugyal
- The trek to Bedni Bugyal (11,500 ft) takes about 3 hours and includes a section through Ali Bugyal, a vast meadow.
Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Bedni Bugyal
- This day is dedicated to acclimatizing to the altitude.
- An optional excursion to Bedni Top (12,200 ft) can be undertaken for stunning views.
Day 5: Trek from Bedni Bugyal to Patar Nachauni
- The trek to Patar Nachauni (12,700 ft) is relatively easy trek, taking around 4 hours.
Day 6: Trek from Patar Nachauni to Bhagwabhasa
- This day involves a 5-hour trek to Bhagwabhasa (14,100 ft), including a steep climb to Kalu Vinayak.
Day 7: Trek to Roopkund Lake and Return to Patar Nachauni
- Trekkers will ascend to Roopkund Lake (15,750 ft) and further up to Junargali (16,000 ft).
- After exploring the lake and enjoying the views, the group will descend back to Patar Nachauni.
Day 8: Trek to Lohajung and Departure
- The trek back to Lohajung takes around 7-8 hours, passing through Bedni Bugyal and Wan village.
- From Lohajung, transport will be arranged back to Kathgodam Railway Station.
Mystery of Roopkund Lake
The mystery of Roopkund Lake, also known as “Skeleton Lake”, lies in the presence of hundreds of human skeletons found at its edge. This glacial lake, situated at an altitude of 16,500 feet in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India, reveals these skeletal remains when the snow melts. Theories and scientific research have attempted to explain the origins of these skeletons and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Roopkund lake story
The Roopkund Skeleton lake were discovered in 1942 by H.K. Madhwal, a Nanda Devi Game reserve ranger. Initial theories suggested they belonged to General Zorawar Singh of Kashmir and his troops, who perished during a retreat from Tibet in 1841. However, later carbon dating disproved this theory, placing the skeletons much earlier in time.
Scientific Research and Evolving Theories
- The Hailstorm Theory: Research conducted in 2004, including DNA analysis and examination of artifacts, indicated the skeletons were from individuals belonging to different groups and periods. A prominent theory suggests that the individuals perished in a sudden and catastrophic hailstorm around 850 AD. The hailstones, described as being the size of cricket balls, would have been lethal in the exposed Himalayan terrain.
- Multiple Events and Diverse Origins: A 2019 study challenged the single-event theory, proposing that the skeletons represent genetically diverse individuals who died for up to 1,000 years. This indicates that Roopkund Lake might have been a site of multiple tragic events.
Roopkund Lake mystery solved
Despite ongoing research, the mystery of Roopkund Skeleton lake remains unsolved. The precise reasons why these individuals were at the lake remain unclear. Some speculate they may have been pilgrims heading to the Nanda Devi Raj Jat festivities, which occur every 12 years. However, concrete historical evidence supporting a trade route or pilgrimage route to Tibet is lacking. The Roopkund Skeleton Lake continues to captivate the imagination, serving as a testament to the power of nature and the enduring mysteries of the past.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
AMS is a serious concern at high altitudes. Trekkers should be aware of the symptoms, which can include headache, nausea, fatigue, and loss of appetite. It is crucial to acclimatize properly, ascend slowly, and stay hydrated. Diamox, a medication that aids in acclimatization, is strongly recommended as a preventative measure.
Responsible Trekking
- Green Trails: Both sources emphasize responsible trekking practices, particularly the “Leave No Trace” principle. This involves packing out all trash and minimizing the impact on the environment.
- Respect Local Culture: Trekkers should be respectful of local customs and traditions.
- Support Local Economy: Consider purchasing goods and services from local communities to contribute to their economy.
Additional Information for Roopkund Skeleton Lake
- Trekking Operators: The sources provide information about specific trekking operators, Trek The Himalayas and India hikes, which offer guided tours to Roopkund. Both emphasize safety protocols and experienced guides.
- Alternative Treks: While India hikes no longer offers the Roopkund Trek due to camping restrictions in the meadows, they suggest the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek as an alternative.
Remember to plan well, pack accordingly, prioritize safety, and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas on your Roopkund Trek.