Lohajung is a small village located in the Almora district of Uttarakhand, nestled in the beautiful Kumaon Himalayas. It is a popular base for treks like the Roopkund trek and attracts nature lovers and adventure seekers from across India.

This route from Delhi to Lohajung is commonly traveled by trekkers and tourists who want to explore the serene Himalayan landscape. This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Lohajung from Delhi using different transport modes, along with practical travel tips and a step-by-step plan.

Getting from Delhi to Lohajung – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a comfortable and affordable way to cover most of the distance between Delhi and Uttarakhand. However, Lohajung does not have a railway station, so you will need to combine train travel with road transport.

• The nearest major railway stations to Lohajung are Kathgodam and Ramnagar, both well connected to Delhi by regular trains covering around 280-300 km in 6 to 8 hours.

• Trains like the Ranikhet Express and Shatabdi Express run frequently from Delhi's New Delhi Railway Station to Kathgodam, offering comfortable seating and sleeper options.

• From Kathgodam or Ramnagar, you will need to hire a taxi or take a bus for the remaining 120-130 km to Lohajung, which takes about 5 to 6 hours on hilly roads.

• Train tickets can be booked via IRCTC, and it is advisable to book in advance during peak trekking seasons to avoid last-minute unavailability.

Bus

Buses are a popular choice for budget travelers and offer direct road connectivity from Delhi to Uttarakhand towns near Lohajung. However, there is no direct bus to Lohajung village itself.

• From Delhi, you can take a Volvo or deluxe bus to Haldwani or Almora, which takes about 8 to 10 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Haldwani and Almora have good bus connections to Lohajung via local buses or shared taxis, but these are infrequent and may not run daily, especially in the off-season.

• State transport buses operated by Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) and private operators run on these routes, with fares ranging from INR 400 to 800 depending on the bus type.

• During monsoon and winter, bus services may face delays or cancellations due to landslides or snowfall on mountain roads.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Lohajung is a flexible and scenic option, especially if you want to explore the region at your own pace. The route covers plains and mountainous terrain.

• The total distance is approximately 460 km, taking around 11 to 13 hours depending on traffic and road conditions, mainly via NH9 and NH109 through Haldwani and Almora.

• The route includes toll plazas on the national highways and narrow winding roads in the hills, so drive carefully and avoid night driving in mountainous areas.

• There are several rest stops and dhabas along NH9 and NH109 where you can find food and refreshments, such as near Karnal and Haldwani.

• Self-drive cars can be rented from Delhi with providers like Zoomcar or local agencies; ensure the vehicle is suitable for hilly terrain and carry a physical map or GPS device due to patchy network coverage.

Flight

There is no airport near Lohajung, but flying can be combined with road travel to save time. The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport in Uttarakhand.

• From Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, you can take a direct flight to Pantnagar, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

• Flights are operated by airlines such as IndiGo and Air India, with fares ranging from INR 2000 to 5000 depending on the season and booking time.

• From Pantnagar Airport, Lohajung is about 150 km away and can be reached by taxi or bus in 5 to 6 hours on mountain roads.

• Flight schedules may be limited, especially in the off-season, so check availability and book tickets well in advance.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Delhi to Lohajung, helping you prepare and navigate the journey smoothly.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to secure your preferred travel dates and avoid last-minute price hikes.

• If traveling by train, reach Kathgodam or Ramnagar station and arrange a pre-booked taxi or shared jeep to Lohajung, as local transport options may be limited.

• Carry sufficient cash in small denominations for tolls, local transport, and food stops, as digital payments may not be accepted in remote areas.

• Pack light but include warm clothing, rain gear, and sturdy footwear, especially if traveling during monsoon or winter seasons.

• Use apps like Ola or Uber in Delhi and nearby towns, but be prepared to switch to local taxis or shared vehicles for the final mountain stretch.

• Inform someone about your travel itinerary and expected arrival times, as mobile network coverage can be spotty in the hills.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying expensive items openly, especially in crowded railway stations and bus depots in Delhi and Uttarakhand.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during your journey to prevent stomach issues, and try local food at trusted dhabas for an authentic experience.

• Book your bus or taxi tickets from authorized counters or online portals to avoid scams and inflated prices, particularly during peak seasons.

• Use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs in cities to ensure fair pricing and reliable service; negotiate fares beforehand for local taxis in remote areas.

• Pack your luggage in waterproof bags or covers to protect against rain and humidity common in the Himalayan region during monsoon.

• Check weather forecasts regularly and be prepared for sudden changes, especially if traveling in winter when snowfall can block roads.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Lohajung is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Summers can be warm in the plains but cooler in the hills, while winters bring cold temperatures and occasional snowfall.

Monsoon season from July to September can cause landslides and roadblocks, making travel risky and slower. Planning your trip outside heavy rain months ensures a safer and more comfortable journey.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi, as trains and buses are crowded and prices surge.

• Winter fog in the plains near Delhi and Haldwani can delay trains and flights, so plan extra buffer time during December and January.

• Early morning departures from Delhi help you avoid city traffic and reach Uttarakhand towns by afternoon, allowing daylight travel on mountain roads.

• Check for road condition updates from Uttarakhand Public Works Department during monsoon and winter to avoid unexpected closures.

Arrival at Lohajung & What to Expect

When you arrive in Lohajung, you will find a small, peaceful village with basic amenities catering mostly to trekkers and nature tourists. The village is well connected by narrow roads but lacks large public transport hubs.

Local transport options include shared jeeps and taxis that can take you to nearby trekking trailheads or accommodation. Most travelers stay in guesthouses or homestays near the village center, which can be reached on foot from the main road.

Prepaid taxis or app-based cabs are not available in Lohajung, so it is best to arrange your return transport in advance. Carry cash as ATMs are not available here, and mobile network coverage may be weak.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Lohajung from Delhi is to take a train to Kathgodam or Ramnagar and then hire a taxi or shared jeep for the mountain drive. This combines comfort, affordability, and scenic views along the way.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather and road conditions, and packing appropriately will help you have a smooth and enjoyable journey. With this guide, you can confidently prepare for your trip from Delhi to Lohajung and focus on the adventure that awaits in the Himalayas.