Treks Around Lohajung

Lohajung is a quiet roadhead village at 2,350 metres in Chamoli district, perched on a ridge that overlooks the Wan valley and the white peaks of the Nanda Devi region beyond. It is not a town that exists for tourists — there is no market, no hotel strip, no commercial infrastructure. Lohajung exists because the road ends here, and two of the most celebrated trekking routes in the Indian Himalayas begin from its outskirts.

The Brahmatal winter trek and the Roopkund mystery lake expedition both launch from Lohajung, making it the common base camp for Garhwal's frozen lake and mystery lake routes. The village sits at the sweet spot between accessible (10 hours from Rishikesh by road) and remote (far enough from any tourist corridor that the mountains feel genuinely wild). This combination — real mountain solitude with road access — is what makes Lohajung work as a trekking base.

If you are planning a trek in the Garhwal Himalayas, Lohajung is where the Brahmatal and Roopkund journeys begin.

The Brahmatal Trek is a 4-day, 22 km route through oak and rhododendron forest to the frozen Brahmatal lake at 3,850 metres. Rated moderate, it is Garhwal's best winter trek — snow-covered ridges, frozen alpine lakes, and continuous views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. The trail is non-technical and well-supported, making it accessible to first-time high-altitude trekkers with reasonable fitness. Best season: December to March.

The Roopkund Trek is a 7-day, 53 km expedition to the glacial Roopkund Lake at 4,800 metres — one of the most iconic high-altitude routes in India. The trek crosses the vast Bedni Bugyal alpine meadow, ascends through exposed high-altitude terrain, and reaches the mystery lake famous for its ancient skeletal remains. Rated challenging, it requires prior high-altitude experience and strong fitness. Best season: May–June and September–October.

Both treks share the first section of trail out of Lohajung before diverging — so the village truly functions as a common gateway to two very different mountain experiences.

Winter (December–March): The Brahmatal window. Snow blankets the trail above 2,800 metres, lakes freeze solid, and mountain visibility is at its sharpest. Night temperatures drop to −10°C at camp. This is Lohajung's signature season — quieter than the winter treks near Sankri and equally rewarding.

Pre-monsoon (May–June): The Roopkund window. Snow line retreats above 4,000 metres, opening the high passes. Temperatures are warm at lower elevations, with afternoon cloud build-up common. The alpine meadows at Bedni Bugyal and Ali Bugyal are carpeted in wildflowers.

Monsoon (July–August): Not recommended. Heavy rainfall, trail erosion, leech activity in forests, and zero visibility above treeline. All guided operations suspend.

Post-monsoon (September–October): The secondary Roopkund window. Sharper visibility than pre-monsoon, cooler temperatures, golden meadow grasses. A less crowded alternative to the May–June season. Snow begins returning to higher ridges by late October.

From Rishikesh: Lohajung is approximately 220 km from Rishikesh — a 10-hour drive via Karnaprayag and Dewal on NH-7 and state roads. The road is paved but narrow in the final section. Shared taxis and state transport buses run daily from Rishikesh.

From Delhi: Take a train or bus to Haridwar or Rishikesh (5–6 hours), then road transport to Lohajung. Total door-to-door from Delhi is approximately 14–16 hours. Most guided groups arrange shared transport from Rishikesh or Kathgodam.

Road conditions: The road is reliable in winter (Brahmatal season) and pre-monsoon (Roopkund season). During monsoon, landslide disruptions are common between Dewal and Lohajung. The last reliable fuel stop is at Tharali — fill up before the final stretch.

Accommodation: Lohajung has basic guesthouses and a few lodges. Most guided treks include one night in Lohajung before the trek start. Do not expect hotel-grade facilities — this is a working village, not a resort town.

Treks from Lohajung span moderate to challenging, with terrain that progresses through four distinct zones:

Forest trails (2,350–3,000 m): Dense oak and rhododendron forest with well-defined paths. Sheltered from wind, these sections are comfortable even in cold months. The canopy is particularly beautiful in spring (rhododendron bloom) and winter (snow-laden branches).

Alpine meadows / bugyals (3,000–3,500 m): Open grasslands — Bedni Bugyal and Ali Bugyal on the Roopkund route are among the largest alpine meadows in India. Terrain is exposed with panoramic views. Snow cover is common from November through April.

High-altitude zone (3,500–4,800 m): Above the treeline. Rocky moraine, snow, and exposed ridges. The Roopkund approach above 4,000 metres is genuinely challenging — steep gradients, thin air, and weather that can change in minutes. Only for experienced trekkers.

Frozen lakes: Both Brahmatal and Roopkund are glacial lakes. In winter, Brahmatal freezes solid — trekkers camp near the lake edge. Roopkund is typically frozen or partially frozen depending on season. No swimming, no water collection from the lake.

Both routes from Lohajung are excellent, but they serve very different trekkers:

Choose the Brahmatal winter trek if: You want a snow experience at moderate difficulty, this is your first Garhwal trek, you have 4 days on trail, or you prefer the December–March window. Brahmatal is one of the best winter treks in Uttarakhand for a reason — it delivers dramatic snow scenery without extreme altitude demands.

Choose the Roopkund mystery lake expedition if: You have prior high-altitude experience above 4,000 m, you want a 7-day wilderness expedition, you are drawn to the iconic skeleton lake destination, or you prefer the May–June or September–October windows.

Not sure? Our comparison of moderate Garhwal treks helps if you are deciding between Brahmatal and Joshimath-based routes. For the challenging tier, see Roopkund vs the Pangarchulla summit climb.

Both treks are part of the wider Garhwal Himalayas trekking circuit — see our region guide for the full picture.