Two routes to Lohajung
From the Garhwal side the route is Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Tharali → Dewal → Lohajung, about 260-270 km. Either way, plan to reach Lohajung the evening before your trek.
From Kathgodam (Kumaon side)
Kathgodam is the most convenient railhead. The overnight Ranikhet Express from Old Delhi reaches early in the morning, and the Sampark Kranti or Shatabdi are alternatives. From Kathgodam the road climbs via Bhimtal, Almora, Kausani and Gwaldam, then drops to Tharali and Dewal on the Pindar river before the last climb to Lohajung.
Most operators run a shared pick-up from Kathgodam early in the morning. If you are going on your own, hire a taxi, or take shared jeeps in stages (Kathgodam-Almora-Gwaldam-Dewal-Lohajung), which is slow and needs an early start.
- Book train tickets early in winter; the Ranikhet Express fills up.
- Carry snacks; long stretches have only small dhabas.
- The road after Gwaldam is narrow; avoid driving it after dark.
From Rishikesh (Garhwal side)
Take an early bus from Rishikesh towards Joshimath or Badrinath and get off at Karnaprayag (6-7 hours). From Karnaprayag, shared jeeps go to Tharali (about 47 km along the Pindar), then on to Dewal (about 14 km). From Dewal, a local taxi covers the last 24 km to Lohajung.
A private taxi from Rishikesh or Dehradun does the whole drive in 10-11 hours.
- Start by 6 am so you reach Lohajung before dark.
- Shared jeeps fill up by afternoon; take the earliest you can.
- Fill fuel at Karnaprayag or Tharali.
By air
The nearest airports are Pantnagar (for the Kathgodam route, about 270 km to Lohajung) and Jolly Grant, Dehradun (for the Rishikesh route, about 290 km). From either, the rest is by road, so flying saves time only on the Delhi leg.
- Morning flights let you stay near the railhead and start the drive next day.
Distances to Lohajung
| From | Distance | Approx. drive |
|---|---|---|
| Kathgodam | ≈ 210 km | 9-10 hrs |
| Rishikesh | ≈ 260-270 km | 10-11 hrs |
| Dehradun | ≈ 300 km | 11-12 hrs |
| Karnaprayag | ≈ 85 km | 3-4 hrs |
| Dewal | ≈ 24 km | 1 hr |
| Delhi | ≈ 480-500 km | 2 days by road |
Approximate road distances; mountain roads are slow and times change with weather and road work.
How to Reach Brahmatal: FAQs
Which is the nearest railway station to Brahmatal?
Kathgodam, about 210 km and 9-10 hours by road from Lohajung. Rishikesh is the option on the Garhwal side, about 260-270 km away.
How do I reach Lohajung from Rishikesh?
Take a bus to Karnaprayag, a shared jeep to Tharali and Dewal, then a local taxi to Lohajung. A private taxi from Rishikesh takes about 10-11 hours.
Is there a direct bus to Lohajung?
No. Lohajung is reached by road only, from Kathgodam or Rishikesh. Most trekkers break the journey with a night at the railhead.
Can I reach Lohajung and start the trek the same day?
It is possible on a long day if you start very early, but most trekkers stay one night at Lohajung to rest before the trek begins.
