Roopkund Lake (Skeleton Lake)

A high-altitude glacial lake in Uttarakhand, Roopkund is famed for hundreds of ancient human skeletons visible in its clear waters.

Roopkund Lake, sitting at about 5,029 meters (16,499 ft) in the Garhwal Himalayas, is a mysterious glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks like Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. What makes the site unique are the skeletal remains of 200–300 people, discovered around the lake in the 1940s. Later studies dated them back to the 9th century CE, suggesting they were pilgrims or travelers struck down by a sudden hailstorm. The trek to Roopkund is considered one of India’s most scenic and adventurous high-altitude trails, offering alpine meadows (Bedni Bugyal, Ali Bugyal), dense forests, and breathtaking mountain views.

How to Reach Roopkund Lake (Skeleton Lake)

The trek to Roopkund starts from Lohajung village (Chamoli district, Uttarakhand), which is the common base point accessible by road from Kathgodam or Rishikesh.

Location	Google Maps

Extra Details

Roopkund is not motorable; reaching it requires a multi-day trek (6–8 days round trip) from Lohajung.
Weather is unpredictable, and the trail is challenging with high altitude, so acclimatization and fitness are crucial.
The skeletons are best visible when the snow melts (late May–June, September–October).
The trek was officially closed to tourists for some years due to ecological concerns—check current regulations before planning.
Carry sufficient warm clothing, as temperatures can drop drastically even in summer.

By Type	Lake
By Popularity	Extraordinary
By Location Features	On High-Altitude

Roopkund Lake (Skeleton Lake)

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