Experiences in Lohajung
- 01
Ali and Bedni Bugyal
Two of the largest high meadows in the Garhwal Himalaya, at about 3,350 m above Wan and Didna, with Bedni Kund, small shrines and close views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. The meadows are the heart of the Roopkund route.
- Time needed
- 2 to 3 days as a round trip from Wan or Lohajung
- Walking
- Demanding
- Best time
- May to June for flowers in the meadow; September to October for clear views
- Tickets
- Bedni Bugyal is reserve forest. A forest permit is needed and treks should go through a registered operator. Camping rules changed in July 2026; confirm current rules and fees with the forest department or your operator.
- 02
Bekaltal Lake
A small lake in oak and rhododendron forest above Lohajung, at roughly 2,900 to 3,000 m. It is the first stage of the Brahmatal trek and a long, quieter outing for walkers who do not want a full trek.
- Time needed
- A long day with a guide, or one night at the Gujreni or Bekaltal camp
- Walking
- Demanding
- Best time
- April to June and October to November; snow often lies here from late December to early March
- Tickets
- The lake is on forest land, and camping needs a forest permit, usually arranged by an operator. For a day walk, ask locally whether a permit is needed. Confirm current rules and fees locally.
- 03
Brahmatal Trek
A five- to six-day lake and ridge trek from Lohajung via Bekaltal to Brahmatal, with a summit at about 3,800 m and close views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. Popular as a winter snow trek.
- Time needed
- About 4 trekking days; 6 days including the drive from Dehradun or Kathgodam
- Walking
- Demanding
- Best time
- December to March for snow; October and November for clear views; April to May for rhododendrons
- Tickets
- Forest permits and camping charges apply and are usually arranged by the operator. Treks should be run through a registered operator with a local guide. Confirm current fees locally.
- 04
Roopkund Trek
A high-altitude trek from Lohajung through Ali and Bedni Bugyal to Roopkund, the 5,020 m 'skeleton lake' below Trishul. Camping rules on the meadows have changed recently, so check the current position with the Badrinath Forest Division before booking.
- Time needed
- About 7 to 8 days from Lohajung, plus a long drive each way
- Walking
- Demanding
- Best time
- Late May to June, and mid-September to October; the lake is frozen for most of the year
- Tickets
- A forest permit is required and treks must be booked through a registered, authorised operator. Trek operators report that in July 2026 the Supreme Court set aside the 2018 High Court limits on camping and group size in the bugyals; this is not yet officially confirmed, and other conservation rules remain. Confirm current permits, fees and camping rules with the Badrinath Forest Division or your operator.
Day trips in Lohajung
- 05
Gwaldam
A small hill town at about 1,940 m on the Kumaon–Garhwal border, with views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. It is on the road into the Pindar valley from Kausani and Kathgodam, and makes a gentler stop on the way to Lohajung.
- Time needed
- An overnight stop or a few hours on the drive
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- October to November and March to May for clear views
- Tickets
- No ticket is needed. Hotel and guesthouse standards vary; confirm heating and parking in advance.
Temples in Lohajung
- 06
Latu Devta Temple, Wan
A village temple at Wan, above Lohajung, dedicated to Latu Devta, the brother and guide of Nanda Devi in local belief. Its doors open once a year on Baisakh Purnima and priests worship blindfolded.
- Time needed
- 1 to 2 hours, plus about 45 minutes by jeep each way from Lohajung
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- May to November; the opening day on Baisakh Purnima draws large crowds
- Tickets
- No entry ticket. The inner sanctum is not opened to view; devotees worship from a distance and priests cover their eyes, nose and mouth. Dress modestly and ask before taking photographs.
Neighbourhoods in Lohajung
- 07
Lohajung Village and Pass
The small roadhead village at about 2,300 m where the Roopkund and Brahmatal treks begin, with homestays, a short bazaar and a clear view of Nanda Ghunti at sunrise.
- Time needed
- Half a day to walk around; most people stay one or two nights
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- October to November for clear views; December to February for snow; May to June for mild weather
- Tickets
- 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.
