Lohajung Travel Guide
Village base for Roopkund, Brahmatal and Ali Bugyal — perched above the Wan Bhyundar valley at 2,350 m.
- Altitude
- 2,350 m
- Best season
- May–Jun, Sep–Nov · Brahmatal in Dec–Mar
- From Dehradun
- ~270 km
- Category
- Trek Base
Why visit Lohajung
- The primary base village for four of Uttarakhand's most celebrated treks — Roopkund, Brahmatal, Bedni Bugyal, and Ali-Bugyal — all accessed from this single mountain village
- Sitting at 2,350 m above the Pindar valley in Chamoli district, Lohajung offers apple orchards, terraced fields, and 360-degree Himalayan views from the village itself
- Roopkund — the mysterious skeletal lake at 5,029 m — is Lohajung's most famous destination, one of the most talked-about trekking objectives in India
- Brahmatal trek (a winter trek to a frozen lake at 3,861 m) has made Lohajung a year-round trekking hub rather than a summer-only destination
- Bedni Bugyal, accessible as a 2-day route from Lohajung, is considered one of the most beautiful high-altitude meadows in the entire Himalayas
- The village retains authentic mountain character — no resort development, stone houses, prayer flags, and resident farming communities
Lohajung is a small village at 2,350 m in the Chamoli district, connected to the Karnprayag–Gwaldam road. It is the starting point for three of Uttarakhand's most popular high-altitude treks: the Roopkund skeleton lake trek (40 km round trip, reaching 5,020 m), the Brahmatal winter trek through snow-covered forests (32 km, January–March) and the Ali Bugyal meadow trail (accessible from July).
The village has several trekkers' guesthouses and a growing number of local guides and porters who work the routes. It has no ATM — all cash should be carried from Karnprayag (80 km) or Gwaldam (35 km). The road from Gwaldam to Lohajung is narrow and the last 15 km takes an hour by jeep.
Explore around
Places near Lohajung
Alt route start for Bedni Bugyal; traditional Garhwali village with apple orchards
Alpine meadow at 3,354 m — considered among the most beautiful bugyals in India
Roopkund Lake24 km trekGlacial lake at 5,029 m famous for hundreds of ancient human skeletons on its shore
Frozen lake at 3,861 m — the centrepiece of the popular winter trek
One of the Panch Prayag (five holy confluences) of the Alaknanda river system
What to do
Activities at Lohajung
Roopkund Trek
8-day round trek from Lohajung to the skeletal lake at 5,029 m via Bedni Bugyal, Pathar Nachani, and Bhagwabasa — one of the most iconic high-altitude treks in India, with a significant history and dramatic landscape
Brahmatal Trek
6-day winter trek (December–February) from Lohajung to Brahmatal Lake at 3,861 m through snow-covered forests and meadows — one of the finest winter treks in Uttarakhand, with views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti
Bedni Bugyal Day Walk
Two-day moderate walk from Lohajung to Bedni Bugyal (3,354 m) through oak and rhododendron forests — the meadow is carpeted with wildflowers in June and early July
Ali-Bugyal Walk
Ali Bugyal at 3,600 m, connected to Bedni, forms the largest alpine meadow in Asia (by some accounts) — the traverse from Ali to Bedni is 6 km of uninterrupted Himalayan meadow walking
Village Life Immersion
Lohajung itself — apple orchards, threshing floors, stone houses, prayer flags, and Chamoli district Garhwali hospitality — is worth a day before or after any trek
Book with us
Tours covering Lohajung
Before you go
Lohajung travel tips
- All treks from Lohajung require Forest Department registration at the Lohajung check post — carry original ID and trek permits if required
- The road from Tharali to Lohajung is narrow and steep; shared jeeps are the standard transport and may refuse large groups
- Acclimatise for at least one full day in Lohajung before starting Roopkund trek — altitude sickness is common for trekkers coming directly from plains
- For Brahmatal in winter, carry proper microspikes and gaiters — the approach trail is icy from December onward
- Lohajung has basic shops; stock up on trekking food (dry fruits, energy bars, packaged noodles) in Kathgodam or Almora
- Trishul (7,120 m) and Nanda Ghunti (6,309 m) are visible from the bugyals above Lohajung — carry a good telephoto lens
Getting there
How to reach Lohajung
From Kathgodam: drive to Almora (90 km), then Karnaprayag (108 km from Almora), then Tharali (45 km), then Mundoli, then Lohajung. Total distance approximately 200 km from Kathgodam, taking 8–9 hours. Shared jeeps run from Tharali to Lohajung.
Kathgodam is the nearest railhead (200 km). The overnight Ranikhet Express from Delhi (Old Delhi station) reaches Kathgodam by morning — ideal for this route.
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (220 km via Rishikesh and Karnaprayag) is a viable option for those coming from Rishikesh direction. Pantnagar (230 km) is the other option.
Where to stay in Lohajung
- Lohajung has a dozen basic guesthouses catering to trekkers — Himalayan Eco Lodge and Lohajung Guest House are reliable options
- GMVN Tourist Rest House at Lohajung provides clean budget accommodation with mountain views
- The guesthouses double as campsites for groups; rooftop camping under clear skies is excellent at this altitude
- On the Roopkund route, tea house lodges operate at Didina, Bedni Bugyal, and Patar Nachani during the May–June and September–October season
Food & dining
- Guesthouse kitchens at Lohajung prepare basic trekker meals — dal-bhat, aloo paratha, omelette, and hot chai
- Local home-stays sometimes serve Garhwali specialities: kafuli (spinach and fenugreek curry), jhangore kheer, and kachmauli
- Pack sufficient trail snacks from Kathgodam or Almora — food availability on the Roopkund route above Bedni Bugyal is limited
- Freshly pressed apple juice is available in Lohajung during autumn harvest (September–October) from local orchardists
Background
History of Lohajung
Lohajung sits in the ancient pilgrim and trade corridor connecting the Pindar valley to the high Himalayan passes. The bugyals above — Bedni and Ali — were summer grazing grounds for Garhwali shepherds (gujjars) for centuries and continue to be used seasonally. The Bedni Kund (lake) at Bedni Bugyal is a sacred site mentioned in local religious tradition as a bathing ghat of the gods.
Roopkund Lake, at 5,029 m above sea level, was known to local shepherds for centuries before coming to wider attention in 1942 when a British forest ranger, H.K. Madhwal, discovered hundreds of human skeletons on its shore. The skeletons sparked decades of mystery — are they victims of a hailstorm? Pilgrims? Soldiers? A 2019 Nature Communications DNA study found the remains span multiple eras (9th century and 17th–20th century) and include individuals of South Asian, Mediterranean, and East Asian origin, deepening the mystery considerably.
The trek to Roopkund was popularised by Uttarakhand-based trekking organisations in the 2000s and has since become one of India's most recognisable high-altitude trekking routes. This popularity led to the National Green Tribunal imposing a cap of 500 trekkers per season in recent years to manage ecological impact on the fragile alpine meadows and glacial zone.
Plan your trip
Suggested Lohajung itinerary
- Day 1Arrive Lohajung from Kathgodam (full-day drive, 200 km). Check in at guesthouse. Evening walk through village apple orchards. Acclimatisation day — no major ascent. Overnight Lohajung (2,350 m).
- Day 2Lohajung to Didina (8 km, 4 hrs, 2,800 m). Trail through oak and rhododendron forest with views opening toward Trishul. Overnight at tea house.
- Day 3Didina to Bedni Bugyal (9 km, 5 hrs, 3,354 m). Emerge from treeline into the vast alpine meadow. Nanda Ghunti and Trishul dominate the skyline. Overnight at Bedni — most spectacular campsite on the route.
Common questions
Lohajung FAQ
- What is the Roopkund skeleton mystery?
- Roopkund Lake at 5,029 m contains hundreds of ancient human skeletons visible on its shores (partially under ice in winter). A 2019 DNA study found remains from multiple eras and populations — South Asian, Mediterranean, and East Asian — making the mystery more complex than simple theories of a single disaster event. The lake is a UNESCO tentative site.
- Which trek is better — Roopkund or Brahmatal from Lohajung?
- They serve different seasons and skill levels. Roopkund (8 days, 5,029 m) is a summer-autumn trek for fit, experienced trekkers. Brahmatal (6 days, 3,861 m) is a winter trek (December–February) through snow, suitable for beginners with proper winter gear. Both offer exceptional Himalayan scenery.
- Is Lohajung accessible by public transport?
- Partially — state buses run from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Tharali (or Karnaprayag). From Tharali, shared jeeps cover the 45 km to Lohajung. The full journey from Kathgodam by public transport takes 10–12 hours.
- What is Bedni Bugyal?
- Bedni Bugyal is a high-altitude alpine meadow at 3,354 m, about 17 km from Lohajung. It is considered one of the most beautiful bugyals in India — a vast rolling grassland with clear views of Trishul (7,120 m) and Nanda Ghunti (6,309 m). The Bedni Kund (sacred lake) sits in the meadow.
- Is a guide required for Roopkund trek?
- A guide is strongly recommended and practically necessary for navigation above the treeline. Several registered trekking outfitters in Lohajung and online operators organise fully guided Roopkund treks with porters, tents, and meals. Self-guided trekking above Bedni Bugyal requires significant high-altitude experience.
Keep reading
Lohajung guides
Adventure & TrekkingDharchula, Lohajung & Sankri: Three Remote Himalayan Trek BasesThree remote villages hold the keys to Uttarakhand's finest Himalayan treks. Dharchula is the border town for Milam glacier and Adi Kailash. Lohajung opens Roopkund and Brahmatal. Sankri is the gateway to Kedarkantha and Har Ki Dun. Read More…
Adventure & Trekking4 Day Roopkund Trek and Hemkund Sahib Tour Package from RishikeshBook 4 day Roopkund trek and Hemkund Sahib tour package from Rishikesh at ₹18,000 per person. Get itinerary, route & cost details. Call +91-977-976-6740 to book now! Read More…Adventure & Trekking8-Day Haridwar to Roopkund Trek and Hemkund Sahib Tour Package Cost 2026Book 8-day Haridwar to Roopkund trek and Hemkund Sahib tour package at Rs. 40,000 per person. Get itinerary, route, and cost details. Call +91-977-976-6740 to book now! Read More…Ready to visit Lohajung?
Tell us your dates and we’ll put together a plan that fits.