Lohajung is a mountain village in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, nestled at approximately 2,400 meters altitude in the foothills of the Himalayas. An essential starting point for treks to Roopkund Lake and Bedni Bugyal, it attracts hikers and high-altitude enthusiasts. The village offers an authentic alpine setting, far removed from mass tourism circuits.

Quick facts at a glance

• Access: Lohajung is reachable from Kathgodam (nearest railway station) via Almora and Tharali, or from Rishikesh via Karnaprayag and Tharali — traveled by jeep or local bus.
• Best time: May-June and September-November for trekking; winter closes mountain roads.
• Recommended duration: 1 night minimum as an acclimatization stop before starting a trek.
• What to wear: Warm clothing essential, even in summer — nights are cold at this altitude.

What to see

Lohajung is first and foremost a trekking waypoint. Stone and wood houses, terraced fields and rhododendron and oak forests make up the immediate landscape. On clear days, the snow-capped peaks of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti dominate the horizon. The village bazaar groups together several lodges, small shops, and trekking equipment rental outlets.

History and context

Lohajung belongs to the Garhwal region, historically linked to mountain kingdoms and Hindu pilgrimage routes. The village name refers to an ancient local battle (loh = iron, jung = war in Hindi). The region remains inhabited by Garhwali communities whose economy relies on mountain agriculture and, increasingly, trekking tourism.

Highlights of your visit

Trek to Roopkund Lake

Lohajung is the classic starting point for the Roopkund trek, which leads to a glacial lake famous for its medieval human skeletons discovered on its shores. The route traverses alpine meadows, dense forests, and snow-covered passes over several days.

Bedni Bugyal

A few hours' walk from Lohajung, Bedni Bugyal is one of Uttarakhand's largest alpine meadows. In summer, flowering grasslands offer clear views over Garhwal peaks. It's a key stage on the Roopkund circuit.

Views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti

From the heights surrounding the village, the summits of Trishul (7,120 m) and Nanda Ghunti (6,309 m) are visible on clear days. Dawn and dusk offer the finest light on these glaciated walls.

Photography tips

The golden morning light illuminates snow-capped peaks from ridges above the village. Rhododendrons in bloom (April-May) add color to forest landscapes. Avoid midday, often misty during monsoon season.

Location and access

Lohajung sits in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. The road from Tharali is the most frequented; shared jeeps regularly connect the two localities. From Rishikesh, allow one full day of travel. Kathgodam, the nearest railway terminus, is several hours away by road. Wheelchair accessibility is severely limited due to mountainous terrain and narrow roads.

Nearby attractions

• Roopkund Lake — mysterious glacial lake several days' trek from Lohajung, renowned for its ancient human skeletons.
• Bedni Bugyal — vast flowering Himalayan alpine meadow in summer, a major stage on the Roopkund circuit.
• Karnaprayag — sacred confluence of the Alaknanda and Pindar rivers, transit town on the route to Lohajung.
• Rishikesh — yoga and pilgrimage city on the Ganges, logistical starting point for Garhwal treks.