Roopkund Lake is situated high up in the Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand, about 5000 meters above sea level. Due to the strange finds made there, it is known as "Skeleton Lake." Yet the journey itself is magnificent, even before you get to the lake.
The Himalayan Mountain trek offers stunning views and a path through dark forests, leading to expansive Ali and Bedni Bugyal meadows with diverse plants and animals. As you progress, the trek changes from greenery to icy snow sheets, leading to the famous Roopkund Lake. The trek offers an exciting experience, with glimpses of famous peaks like Mt. Nanda Ghunti and Trishul.
About Mysterious Roopkund Lake
Roopkund Lake, also called the Mystery Lake or Skeletons Lake, is a high-altitude glacier-fed lake in Uttarakhand, India. The lake is renowned and has a long history. The setting and surrounding natural beauties add to the feeling of mystery and mystique. The Nanda Devi National Park includes this lake.
The lake is beautiful, especially when the soft sunshine catches the mountains and reflects on the surface of the water. A very magical atmosphere is produced by the lake's legend and the surrounding snowy peaks.
When you visit, you'll feel like you're in a place of legends, especially as you hike and see the massive snowy peaks getting closer as you approach the lake. You can spot various peaks along the trek, such as Trishul, NandaGhunti, Neelkanth, Bandar Poonch, Gangotri, Chaukhamba range, Maiktoli, Mrigthuni, Chanyakot, and many others.
Reveling the Mythology Behind Roopkund Lake
Roopkund, known as the Land of Gods, holds captivating myths and tales. According to Hindu beliefs, the Bedni Bugyal meadow is where the ancient Vedas were written. The nearby Bedni Kund is said to be the location where Goddess Durga slew the demon Mahishasura in her Kali avatar. It gives the area a hallowed air.
In another legend, after battling demons, Goddess Parvati wished to cleanse herself. So, Lord Shiva formed a lake with his trident and guarded her as she bathed. The clear reflection of Parvati in the lake's blue waters led to its name, Roopkund.
You can view the Roopkund crater on the trek from Kalu Vinayak Pass, where Lord Vinayak is said to have stood watch during Parvati's bath.
Every 12 years, the Nanda Raj Jat Yatra occurs. The location is said to be visited by a mysterious four-horned ram, maybe a heavenly figure. Thousands of pilgrims come to Hem Kund Lake for this celebration to praise Goddess Nanda Devi.
According to legend, King Jasdal of Kanauj went on a quest to win the Goddess' favor. Goddess Nanda Devi, enraged by births taking place on her holy territory, unleashed a deadly snowfall that killed many pilgrims. It might account for the bones found at Roopkund Lake.
Evidence of the king's pilgrimage remains at Pathar Nauchuni, meaning 'Dancing Stones'. According to folklore, the king was tempted by dancers while on the journey, which aroused the Goddess' anger and turned the dancers into stones. These myths provide the magical world of Roopkund and its surroundings with an exciting new dimension.
Best Time to Visit Roopkund Trek
The summer season includes the months leading up to the monsoon, such as May and June. The finest time of year to travel is July. The meadows in the valleys are quite lush, and enough of the famed lake has melted away to reveal bones. There might not be much snow if any at all.
On the other hand, the months after the monsoon, specifically August and September, mark the end of the rainy season. The lake is frozen, there is a lot of snow around, and the meadows appear more brownish at this season. Now this is the ideal time to visit Roopkund if you have to pick between viewing snow and the skeleton lake.
Tips for the Trek
The following are some guidelines you should remember:
· Do not wear jeans or denim
· Avoid packing too many snacks, colas, drinks, or personal foods.
· Never carry throwaway plastic bottles or things that are wrapped or packed in plastic.
· Because the weather is erratic at high elevations, bring a raincoat.
Closing Remarks
Roopkund Lake in Uttarakhand is a place of mystery and beauty, shrouded in captivating legends and surrounded by stunning Himalayan peaks. The mysterious and beautiful Roopkund Lake in Uttarakhand is encircled by breathtaking Himalayan peaks and cloaked in enthralling mythology. Trekkers pass through verdant meadows, dense forests, and frozen snow sheets on their way to the lake, which is a spectacular experience in and of itself. Roopkund provides an incredible trip, whether you decide to visit during the pre-monsoon months to see the verdant meadows and the thawed Skeleton Lake or during the post-monsoon months to enjoy the snowy scenery. Enjoy this high-altitude gem's captivating mythology, stunning surroundings, and spiritual atmosphere. It is located in the Garhwal area.
