Roopkund in India, often referred to as Skeleton Lake, is one of the most fascinating and mysterious places today. The name itself and the entire atmosphere add to its enigmatic reputation. Located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, this area is part of the uninhabited Himalayan region. The site’s eerie nature stems from the fact that it serves as a massive grave, containing around 600 skeletons. Carbon dating has revealed that some of these remains date back to the 15th century. However, this place was only discovered by a park ranger in 1942.
The frozen lake attracts scientists and other experts, even though it is very isolated. To reach the nearest settlement, one would need to travel for four days. Numerous studies have been conducted here, uncovering new theories and facts about this mysterious location. DNA tests have shown that there are two distinct groups of people among the skeletons: some are shorter, while others are taller, possibly indicating a royal lineage. Recent radiocarbon dating suggests that these remains are even older than previously thought, with some dating back to the 19th century.
Despite various studies, the mystery remains unsolved, with numerous theories floating around. Questions like what caused their deaths and why they are in such a remote location are still unanswered. Scientists have studied the skulls and found fractures, speculating that hailstones might have caused them. Other theories suggest natural disasters like blizzards or landslides as possible causes, explaining why some bodies are well-preserved under layers of ice.
Interestingly, although the area is nowhere near common trade routes, scientists now believe it might have been a path for a religious procession called Nanda Jaat Yatra, which occurs every 12 years. This raises further questions about whether these people were religious devotees.
Today, the secrets of Roopkund’s Skeleton Lake remain unsolved. The lake, situated in a remote corner of the Himalayas at about sixteen thousand feet above sea level, holds its mysteries close. If you’re thinking about visiting, you might want to consider applying for an Indian e-Visa to ease your travel arrangements.