The short answer
Lohajung Village and Pass: what visitors should know first
Worth a quiet day or two if you are already here for a trek, or as a base for older parents while others walk. Expect basic homestays, cold nights and very little to do beyond walking, views and village life.
History and context
The story behind Lohajung Village and Pass
Folklore says the goddess Parvati fought the demon Lohasur here, and the name means roughly 'the battle with Lohasur'. The village is the roadhead for the Roopkund and Brahmatal treks.
Useful facts
Lohajung Village and Pass facts at a glance
- Location
- Dewal block, Chamoli district
- Altitude
- About 2,300 m (7,600 ft)
- Known for
- Roadhead for Roopkund and Brahmatal; Nanda Ghunti views
- Stay
- Homestays and simple guesthouses
- Visitor note
- Very cold in winter; limited medical services
Why it matters
Why Lohajung Village and Pass is worth your time
Lohajung is the gateway to some of the best-known treks in Uttarakhand, and almost every Roopkund and Brahmatal group passes through. That makes it one of the busiest small trekking villages in Chamoli in season, and a place where much of the local income now comes from homestays, porters and mule men.
Its name carries a local legend: a fight between the goddess Parvati and the demon Lohasur, which ties the village to the Nanda Devi stories that run through the whole valley. Staying a night longer than you need, eating locally and hiring local guides keeps more of that trekking money in the village.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Nanda Ghunti at sunrise
The peak catches the first light above the forest on clear mornings.
- 02
Trekking bazaar
A short street of shops and dhabas where groups gather before setting off.
- 03
Winter snow
In January the village is often under snow, with the Brahmatal season in full swing.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Lohajung sits on a saddle where the road from Dewal ends, at roughly 2,300 m. Most visitors arrive late after a long drive and spend the next morning sorting gear for a trek. If you have time, walk up from the road in the early morning: on a clear day the snow face of Nanda Ghunti glows above the forest at sunrise.
The village has a handful of small shops and simple eating places that serve the trekking groups; expect plain dal, rice and roti rather than menus. Homestays and guesthouses are simple, usually with shared bathrooms in older houses and better rooms in newer ones. In winter the village can be under snow, and power and mobile signal are not always reliable.
For a half-day outing without trekking, take a jeep up to Wan to visit the Latu Devta temple, or walk a short way along the forest trail towards Bekaltal and turn back when you have had enough.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Carry cash; ATMs are not dependable here
- Bring all medicines and a warm sleeping layer
- Confirm heating and hot water before booking a homestay
- Arrive before dark; the final road is narrow
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Lohajung, Dewal block, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand
- Time needed
- Half a day to walk around; most people stay one or two nights
- Best time
- October to November for clear views; December to February for snow; May to June for mild weather
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- The village is on a slope, with short climbs between homestays and the road. There are no hospitals, and the nearest larger services are hours away by road. Older visitors with good mobility can enjoy it as a quiet base; carry all medicines.
- Tickets and access
- No ticket is needed to visit the village. Trek permits are arranged separately. Homestay rooms are simple; confirm hot water, heating and parking in advance.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Lohajung Village and Pass
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are live on the partner site.
Travelling with parents?
The village is on a slope, with short climbs between homestays and the road. There are no hospitals, and the nearest larger services are hours away by road. Older visitors with good mobility can enjoy it as a quiet base; carry all medicines.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How high is Lohajung?
About 2,300 m (7,600 ft), according to trek operators.
Are there hotels in Lohajung?
There are homestays and simple guesthouses rather than hotels. Book ahead in the trekking season.
What does the name Lohajung mean?
Folklore links it to a battle between the goddess Parvati and the demon Lohasur.
Sources and further reading
- Uttarakhand Tourism: Roopkund, India's grandest meadow trek
- Himalaya Shelter: Unfolding the trails to Brahmatal
- Wikipedia: Roopkund
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
