RoopKund

Roopkund : Quick Glance

Altitude : 16499ft
Level : Difficult
Duration : 9 Days (Delhi to Delhi)

Best Season : April to June
Route : Delhi, Rishikesh, Srinagar, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnprayag, Lohagunj and finally the base camp at Wan.

Where is the Roopkund Lake

The Roop Kund Lake is situated in eastern part of Chamoli district, Uttrakhand (UK) in the lap of Mount Trishul Massif, which is 7122 mtrs. The lake at a height of 5029 (16500 ft) mtrs, though not a very large lake is rather shallow having a depth of only about 2 mtrs. The edges of the lakes remains covered with snow for most part of the year. When the snow melts during summers, one can see human and equine skeletons. It is said that about 300 people died about 500-600 years ago. There are many theories to explain the findings but none which can satisfactorily unlock the mystery surrounding the area. Therefore, the lake is also known as Mystery Lake.

Roopkund Skeleton Lake Story

The skeletons at the Roopkund Lake area were discovered in 1942 by Shri HK Madhal, who was a park ranger at tht time. Initially, it was believed that the skeletons belonged to people who had perished from an epidemic, landslide or a blizzard. Then in 1960s samples were collected and the carbon dating on them indicated that the skeletons to some extent belonged to people from the 12th to the 15th century.

The cause behind the mass grave at Roopkund remained a mystery until 2004 when additional research, spurred on by a National Geographic Society documentary unearthed new facts about the skeleton lake. It was found that the remains were not only much older than originally thought, dating from 850 AD to be more exact, but also that the all the deceased individuals had been victims of a massive and obviously deadly hail storm.

Riddles of the Dead: skeleton lake

DNA evidence also indicated that there were two distinct groups of people, one a family or a tribe of closely related individuals, and a second smaller, shorter group of locals, who were likely hired as porters and guides. Later on things like spears, leather shoes, rings and bamboo staves were also found. On this basis Experts believed that the group might have comprised of pilgrims heading through the valley with the help of the locals.

The skulls found here were in fractured position. Experts believed that this was caused because of a heavy hailstorm with hailstones of the size of cricket balls. In such a scenario, the unlucky lot at this lake would have had little or no shelter from this epic storm and most would have succumbed quickly. What is still unclear and perplexing is that why such a large group came to be in this desolate corner of the Himalayas. Roopkund Lake is neither even remotely near any trade routes nor is historically known for being a site of religious pilgrimage. However, today Roopkund lake is a famous trekking destination visited only by groups of hardy trekkers, both Indian and Foreigners.

The Nanda Devi Jat Festival

On the way to Roopkund is a beautiful alpine meadow called Bedni Bugyal. Here a religious festival is held every autumn with people from nearby villages participating. Though this is an annual festival, however, a larger celebration, takes place at Roopkund, which is called the Nanda Devi Raj Jat and it is held once every 12 years. This fair is held for three long weeks. During this long Nanda Devi Raj Jat, people from the entire Garhwal and Kuman areas as well as from other parts of the country come and participate in this Yatra. The Nanda Devi Jaat starts from a village near Karnprayag and goes up to the heights of Roopkund and even Homekund, another lake. A four horned sheep is taken during this Jaat and after the havan yagna is over, the sheep is freed with decorated ornaments, food and clothings. Other offerings are also given.