The Himalayas are full of miracles, mysteries, and mind-boggling conundrums.
This glacial lake is popularly known as 'Roopkund Skeleton Lake' or 'The Mystery Lake', located at the altitude of 5029 meters in Uttarakhand, a beautiful state in northern India.
During winters, this glacial lake is a perfect place to go skating.
But when the ice melts, the real horror starts. The entire area surrounding this glacial lake is covered with discarded Human bones and skulls. There are also many clearly visible skeletons at the bottom of this shallow lake.
It is also one of most curious and amazing trek route, known throughout the whole world, that is surrounded by rock strew glaciers, steep slopes, and snow clad mountains.
Thinking of Himalayas, first thing that comes to our mind is its alluring beauty.
These skeletons were first found in 1942, when a British forest ranger while walking found himself surrounded by hundreds of human skeletons.
There are many alleged stories present in the history of this lake.
Inititally it was said that these skeletons belong to the soldiers of Japan who died while crossing this route during the World War II.
Well, Alies weren't the only thing that could be unfavorable.
There was another story as well.
General Zorawar Singh of Kashmir, often referred as 'Napolean of India', who might have gotten lost in this region with his men after returning from the Battle of Tibet in 1841 and getting caught in a bad weather.
Or it could have been a suicidal ritual performed near the lake.
Nevertheless, the mystery of this lake continued for decades.
Finally the forensic research showed the results.
Radiocarbon dating of tbones at Oxford University finally determined the time period between 830-850 AD.
As per the local legends
This story goes back to the 9th century, where the king of Kanauj, Raja Jasdhaval along with his pregnant wife, Rani Balampa, their servants, a dance troupe and others went on a pilgrimage to Nanda Devi shrine, and the group faced a storm with large hailstorm, from which entire party perished near the Roopkund.
