The Roopkund mystery, also known as the Mystery of Skeleton Lake, refers to the discovery of human skeletal remains at Roopkund Lake, a high-altitude glacial lake located in the Himalayas, near Auli, Uttarakhand, India.
During my travelogues I always try to focus on folk lore of those regions. What people are following since ages, what they think culturally about that place. I try to capture their feelings in my writings. The same was earlier I had depicted the story of Srikhola and its mysteries. Today the topic is different. I want to emphasize upon Roopkund Lake or very popularly known as The Skeleton lake to the foreigners.
The mystery began in 1942 when a British forest ranger stumbled upon the lake and discovered hundreds of human skeletons scattered around its shores. The sight was eerie and baffling, as the remains appeared to be quite old and the lake was located in a remote and treacherous region, making it unlikely for such a large number of people to have perished there. For many years, the origin of the skeletons remained a puzzle. Various theories and speculations emerged, including mass suicides, epidemics, and even alien activity. It wasn’t until later scientific investigations that some light was shed on the mystery.
In the 1960s, a team of scientists and researchers visited Roopkund Lake to examine the remains and try to unravel the truth. The skeletal remains were carbon-dated and were found to be approximately 1,200 years old, dating back to the 9th century CE. Further analysis revealed that the individuals had died from severe blows to the head, consistent with large hailstones or round objects.
Based on anthropological and genetic studies, it was determined that the majority of the skeletons belonged to a group of around 200 individuals, mainly of Indian and Central Asian origin. Theories emerged that suggested these individuals were a pilgrimage or trade group, caught in a sudden and violent hailstorm while crossing the high-altitude pass near Roopkund.
Further research indicated that the region experienced a severe hailstorm during the 9th century, which could explain the cause of death. It is believed that the hailstones, combined with the harsh terrain and lack of shelter, resulted in the tragic demise of this group of people.
The Roopkund Mystery remains a subject of fascination and intrigue, drawing adventure enthusiasts, researchers, and tourists to the region. The skeletal remains, now exposed due to glacial melting, serve as a stark reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature and continue to captivate the imagination of those who visit Skeleton Lake. You can also have a look upon BBC’s documentary here.