Roopkund

Roopkund is a high-altitude glacial lake in the Garhwal Himalaya of Uttarakhand, India, commonly known as “Skeleton Lake” because of the large number of ancient human skeletal remains that appear at the shoreline when snow retreats. The lake sits above the tree line and is a dramatic endpoint for a multi-day mountain trek.

The lake and its immediate surroundings comprise rocky moraine, snowfields and alpine meadows that attract trekkers during the summer months when routes are passable. The site is well known for the visible human bones that prompted scientific study and local folklore.

The skeletal remains were brought to wider attention in the 20th century and have been subject to archaeological and forensic research to determine their age and origins. Roopkund has long been part of local oral history and pilgrimage routes in the surrounding high valleys.

Located in Uttarakhand in northern India, Roopkund lies in a remote high valley of the Garhwal Himalaya. Access requires a multi-day trek from the nearest roadheads and the site is approached via alpine meadows and mountain passes.

• Elevation: Sits at roughly 5,029 metres above sea level, making it an Arctic‑alpine lake subject to heavy snow and seasonal access limitations.
• Skeletal remains discovered: Human bones and skeletal remains visible at the lake have been known to researchers and local inhabitants since the mid 20th century.

What to See #

• Roopkund (Skeleton Lake): High altitude glacial lake sitting above the tree line that periodically reveals human skeletal remains when snow and ice melt.
• Bedni Bugyal: Alpine meadow area used as the common camping approach for the Roopkund trek and as a staging point for ascents into the high valley.