Roopkund Lake

12 Nov 2024 13:32:44 pm

Tags : Roopkund Lake

Topic: Lakes

Why in the news?

Uttarakhand\'s \'Lake of Skeletons,\' Roopkand is shrinking because of climate change. Known for its skeletal remains, the lake is losing size and depth each year. Increased rainfall is causing more silting.
Roopkund Lake, one of Uttarakhand\'s premier trekking destinations, is located 16,500 feet above sea level at the base of Mount Trishul.

Source: The Economic Times

About Roopkund Lake:

It is a glacial lake at the base of Mt Trishul in the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India.
It is located at an altitude of 5,029 m.
It is a peri-glacial lake, primarily fed by melting snow and glaciers around the area.
It is situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, part of the Nanda Devi National Park. Roopkund lies on the pilgrimage route to Nanda Devi.
Historical mystery:
- The lake contains human skeletons that date back to 850 AD, with DNA studies suggesting two distinct groups of people, likely pilgrims, who died from a hailstorm.
Current issue:
- Climate change is shrinking the lake, reducing its depth and area due to shifting precipitation patterns and increased silting from moraine slides, impacting both the lake’s ecosystem and cultural significance.