Mysteries of Roopkund Lake
This Frozen Lake in the Himalayas Contains Hundreds of Human Skeletons
Some reasons why these mysteries have lasted so long:
Roopkund Lake is a glacial lake, situated at 5.029 metres (16,499 feet) on Mount Trisul, at 7.000 metres (22,970 feet) one of India’s highest mountains, in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state (see map below).
The lake is small; 30.48 metres (100 feet) in diameter, and 2 metres (6.6 feet) deep. Its total surface area is only 1.250 square metres (around 13,455 square feet).
Each time the snow melts, many human skeletons, some retaining flesh, become visible in and around the lake. Sources vary considerably, but most estimate these are the bones of at least 600 individuals.
The terrain is dark, and scarred by landslides. The lake can only be reached by hiking steep paths. Unpredictable weather includes snow and hailstorms, howling winds, and thick fog; it is also hard work to hike at altitude, where oxygen is scarce. The site is only accessible for 6–8 weeks each year.
You can see the area in this video, about a scientific expedition. (Unfortunately, only part one was uploaded.)
