Roopkund is one of most popular trekking place in Uttarakhand, India. It is also known as Mystery and Skeletons Lake which is surrounded by rock-strewn glaciers and snow-clad mountains in India.
Explore Roopkund through captivating images that showcase their rich culture, history, and charm.
Roopkund is a high-altitude glacial lake located in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, at an altitude of approximately 5,020 m above sea level. The lake is widely known as the Skeleton Lake because of the approximately 800 ancient human Skeletons found along its edges, believed to date back to the 9th century CE.
The lake located in a small glacial basin below the Trishul peak in the Garhwal Himalayas. Reaching it requires a multi-day trek from Loharjung, a small town about 255 km from Rishikesh. The full trek covers approximately 53 km in a round trip and takes 7–8 days to complete.
Roopkund is visited by trekkers who want a challenging high-altitude Himalayan experience. Along the route, trekkers pass through the famous Bedni Bugyal and Ali Bugyal meadows, which are among the largest high-mountain grasslands in the Garhwal region. The trek also offers views of Trishul peak and surrounding Himalayan ranges.
| Information | Details |
| Location | Chamoli District, Uttarakhand |
| Also Known As | Skeleton Lake, Mystery Lake |
| Altitude | 5,020 m above sea level |
| Famous For | Ancient human skeletons, Himalayan trek, Trishul peak views |
| Entry / Permit | Forest permit Rs. 150 (Indians); Registered guide mandatory |
| Trek Distance | Approximately 53 km round trip (Loharjung base) |
| Trek Duration | 7–8 days round trip |
| Best Time to Visit | April–June, September–October |
The skeletons at Roopkund were first reported in 1942 by a forest ranger. When the snow melted that year, hundreds of human skeletal remains were visible at the lake edge and in the shallow water. Initial theories ranged from a military retreat to a mass epidemic. The discovery attracted significant scientific interest over the following decades.
DNA and radiocarbon studies conducted from the 1990s onwards have placed most of the skeletons to around the 9th century CE. Research published in 2019 by an international team concluded that the individuals came from multiple groups — some likely from the Indian subcontinent and others possibly from Mediterranean or Central Asian origins — though the full explanation for how so many people died in one place remains debated among researchers.
For the people of the Garhwal region, the Roopkund area has long held religious significance. The trek route passes through sites connected to the Nanda Devi Raj Jat, a traditional pilgrimage held every 12 years that brings thousands of devotees from across Uttarakhand.
Roopkund in Chamoli, Uttarakhand is famous primarily for the ancient human skeletons found at its lake edge — a mystery that has attracted scientists, trekkers, and adventurous travelers for decades. It is also one of the most rewarding high-altitude treks in the Garhwal Himalayas.
| Category | Fee / Requirement |
| Indian Nationals – Forest Permit | Rs. 60 per person |
| Foreign Nationals | Enquire at forest department; rates higher |
| Registered Guide | Mandatory — not optional; arrange via Loharjung or Mundoli |
| Porter / Additional Staff | Hire locally at Loharjung or through a trek operator |
Permits are obtained at the forest check post at Loharjung or through the forest department office at Mundoli. Solo trekking without a registered guide is not allowed. Most trekkers book a complete package through a trek operator who arranges permits, guides, porters, tents, and meals.
The best time to visit Roopkund is May to mid-June for the first window, and September to mid-October for the second window. These are the months when the trail is accessible, the skeletons at the lake edge are partially visible as snowmelt exposes them, and weather conditions are safest for trekking.
May and June have longer daylight hours and the meadows along the route are green with wildflowers in bloom. Temperatures at Bhagwabasa camp drop to around -5°C to -10°C at night but daytime trek temperatures are manageable. October gives the clearest mountain views and very cold nights.
November to March is the closed season. The lake freezes completely, passes are blocked by deep snow, and the cold is extreme. June to early September is the monsoon period — the trail becomes very slippery, visibility is poor, and the risk of landslides on approach roads is significant.
Trekkers visiting Roopkund often plan the trip alongside a visit to the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib, as these sites share the same general region of Chamoli district.