Photo: Shubhamrathod15 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
High between the peaks of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti lies Roopkund - a small glacial lake at 16,470 ft that has puzzled scientists for decades. When the snow melts, the remains of more than 300 people appear at its edge, earning it the name "Skeleton Lake."
Radiocarbon dating placed many of the bones around the 9th century CE, while later DNA studies revealed something stranger still: several distinct groups, including individuals of eastern Mediterranean ancestry, who appear to have died centuries apart. The mystery has never been fully solved - and that only adds to the trail's pull.
The trek itself, from Lohajung through the storied meadows of Ali and Bedni Bugyal, is one of the finest in Uttarakhand. The final climb to the lake and the Junargali ridge is steep, cold and demanding - a serious high-altitude undertaking.
Why it captivates
- The genuine archaeological mystery of the Skeleton Lake
- The vast alpine meadows of Ali and Bedni Bugyal
- Close views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti
- A true high-altitude challenge at 16,470 ft
The YHAI way
Best attempted in autumn (mid-September to October), Roopkund demands fitness, acclimatisation and respect for the mountains. A medical certificate is essential, and the upper sections should only be attempted with experienced guides.
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