Hidden away in the Himalayas, amidst verdant forests and snow-capped peaks, is a strange lake called Skeleton Lake. Although Roopkund Lake is its legal name, the eerie moniker comes from the hundreds of human skeletons that have been discovered strewn all over its shores.
For many years, scientists and explorers have been captivated by the enigma surrounding Skeleton Lake. How did these individuals pass away and who were they? Why were their bones strewn all over the place?
The bones may have been the victims of a single, devastating avalanche, rockslide, or hailstorm, according to one idea. The skeletons may be those of pilgrims who perished en route to a neighboring shrine, according to another belief. The idea that the skeletons are the bones of fallen troops is yet another.
The skeletons’ varying decades of age, as determined by radiocarbon dating, imply that people have been dying near Skeleton Lake for centuries. This suggests that it is improbable that any one incident caused all of the fatalities.
Scientists now think that the skeletons are probably the remains of pilgrims who perished en route to the Hindu deity Nanda Devi’s shrine. Many pilgrims likely perished from the severe circumstances throughout the lengthy and hazardous pilgrimage path to the shrine.
Skeleton Lake is still a strange and spooky area, regardless of the reason for the fatalities. Anyone would get shivers just looking at the hundreds of human skeletons strewn across the banks of an isolated lake.
How to visit Skeleton Lake
About 500 kilometers from Delhi, in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, sits Skeleton Lake. The hike to the lake is difficult, therefore it’s critical to be well-prepared before beginning.
Skeleton Lake is best visited in the summer, which runs from May to June. There is no snow on the trails during this time of year due to the mild weather. But remember, even in the summer, the lake is still extremely chilly.