5 Mysterious Facts About Uttarakhand That Will Leave You Amazed!
Uttarakhand, known as Devbhoomi (Land of the Gods), is not just about scenic landscapes and spiritual sites. Hidden within its valleys and mountains lie ancient secrets, eerie legends, and unexplained mysteries that have left travelers and historians awestruck for centuries.
From a lake filled with skeletons to caves linked to the Mahabharata, here are five mysterious places in Uttarakhand that will ignite your curiosity and make you want to explore them yourself.
1. Roopkund – The Lake of Skeletons
Located at 16,500 feet above sea level, Roopkund is no ordinary glacial lake. What makes it infamous worldwide is the hundreds of human skeletons found at its bottom.
What’s the Mystery?
Discovered in 1942, these skeletons were initially thought to be from a single event. However, recent studies suggest that different groups of people died here centuries apart—some as far back as the 9th century!
Best Time to Visit: May – October
How to Reach: A challenging trek from Lohajung, taking 4-5 days.
The most widely accepted theory? The people perished due to a sudden hailstorm with ice balls the size of cricket balls, killing them instantly. But why were they traveling at such a high altitude in the first place? That remains a mystery yet to be solved.
2. Lohaghat Village – The Most Haunted Place in Uttarakhand?
Tucked away in the Champawat district, Lohaghat is a small, serene village with a dark secret. Many locals and travelers believe it is one of India’s most haunted places.
What’s the Mystery?
The most chilling stories come from Abbey Bungalow, an old British-era house. It is said that a British doctor performed bizarre experiments here on dying patients, predicting exactly when they would die. Locals claim that spirits still roam the house, and visitors have reported hearing strange voices and eerie whispers at night.
If you're a fan of ghost stories and paranormal adventures, Lohaghat should be on your travel list!
Best Time to Visit: March – June, September – November
How to Reach: 60 km from Tanakpur railway station, accessible by road.
3. Pandavkholi Caves – Linked to the Mahabharata?
Deep in the Kumaon Hills, Pandavkholi Caves are believed to be the secret meditation spot of the Pandavas during their exile. These mystical caves are surrounded by dense forests and remain untouched by mainstream tourism.
What’s the Mystery?
Hindu mythology states that the Pandavas spent a significant amount of time here, meditating and preparing for their journey ahead. Many saints and spiritual seekers visit these caves, believing they hold divine energy. The caves also contain ancient carvings and scripts, some of which have yet to be deciphered.
For those seeking spiritual awakening or simply a peaceful retreat, Pandavkholi offers a rare connection to ancient history.
Best Time to Visit: September – June
How to Reach: 3 km trek from Kukuchina village, near Dunagiri.
4. Jageshwar Temple – The Undeciphered Inscriptions
Jageshwar, an ancient temple town near Almora, is home to over 100 stone temples, dating back to the 7th–12th century AD. These temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva, are believed to be one of the oldest Shaivism centers in the world.
What’s the Mystery?
The walls of these temples are covered in inscriptions written in an unknown script. Scholars have been trying to decode them for years, believing they might contain historical or spiritual knowledge lost to time.
Additionally, the air around Jageshwar is said to have high magnetic energy, making it a significant site for meditation. Some even claim that the temples align with cosmic forces, similar to how the Pyramids of Egypt are aligned with celestial bodies.
Best Time to Visit: April – November
How to Reach: 35 km from Almora, easily accessible by road.
5. The Lost Town of Champawat – A Forgotten Capital
Before Nainital and Dehradun, Champawat was the capital of the Chand Dynasty, ruling over Kumaon. Today, it is a lesser-known destination, hiding ancient secrets within its temples and ruins.
What’s the Mystery?
- Champawat was once home to the most powerful kings in Kumaon history, yet very little is documented about its decline and abandonment.
- The town houses the Baleshwar Temple, an architectural marvel built from single-cut stones, but no one knows how it was constructed without modern tools.
- Some say Champawat is guarded by divine forces, while others believe hidden treasures lie beneath its ruins.
How to Reach: Well-connected by road, 76 km from Tanakpur railway station.
Despite its historical importance, Champawat remains off the radar for most travelers, making it a hidden gem waiting to be explored.
0 Comments