Roopkund (Mystery Lake, Skeleton Lake), a high altitude glacial lake in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, India. The state where I belong ancestrally. Lies in the lap of ‘Trishul‘ (peaks). Famous for 100’s of human skeletons found at edge of lake. Area is uninhabited, an altitude of 17,000 feet. Surrounded by rock-strewn glaciers, snow-clad mountains. A daunting, daring trekking destination. Not for the faint hearted.
Roopkund is a shallow lake, depth of 2 metres. Researchers say skeletons are remains of people killed in sudden hailstorms in 9th century. A pristine, picturesque destination. One of the most beautiful places in the world. Trek starts near base of 2 Himalayan peaks – ‘Trisul’ (7,000m), Nanda Ghunti (6,500m). Flanked by a rock face named ‘Junargali’ to the North, a peak named ‘Chandania Kot’ to the East. A festival is held at alpine meadows of ‘Bedni Bugyal‘ in autumn. A larger celebration, ‘Nanda Devi Raj Jat’, once every 12 years to worship ‘Goddess Nanda’. Ethereal, mysterious, eternal.