Lohaghat, Abbott Mount (Uttarakhand) | Images, Hotels, Best Time

Lohaghat, Abbott Mount Overview

Lohaghat is a beautiful hill station located in the Champawat district in the state of Uttarakhand. 5 km away from Abbott Mount, this ancient town is an important place for temples and is flocked by tourists due to its historical and mythological significance. This sleepy little town is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The serene climate, pine and oak trees and verdant greenery are what beckons people to this exquisite location.

Situated on the banks of Lohawati River and at an altitude of 1800 meters, Lohaghat is one of the least explored Himalayan retreats. Blessed with natural beauty in abundance, this place acts as a perfect getaway from the daily trials of the city. It has managed to retain its charm and grandeur for over a century now. The summer sees the place turn into a landscape of countless hues due to Rhododendrons spread over the town.

Pilgrims drop into Lohaghat before visiting the Mayawati Ashram (Advaita Ashram). It is close to several tourists spots in the region like Gurudwara Ritha Sahib, Vanasur fort, Shyamla Taal, Galchaura and Forti Village. Lohaghat is a place to just be and enjoy the peace and serenity it offers and is highly rated among travellers to Uttarakhand.

Best Time To Visit Lohaghat

Lohaghat can be visited any time of the year due to its pleasant weather all year round. The climatic conditions are pleasant during the summers, while temperature falls below freezing point in the winters. Lohaghat receives rainfall almost throughout the year. June is the hottest month with the temperature ranging around 19 degrees Celcius. January is the coldest month with the temperature going below zero degrees.

Things to See Around Lohaghat

One of the major attractions of Lohaghat is the Mayawati Ashram which attracts tourists from all over the globe. The Advaita Ashram located in Mayawati Ashram is a branch of the well-known Ramakrishna Math, dedicated to Swami Vivekanand. The ashram is also the editorial office of Prabuddha Bharat which is a monthly English journal. It also runs a charitable hospital.

The other attraction in Lohaghat includes Vanasur-Ka-Kila which is located 9 km away from Lohaghat. It is believed to be the place which was the capital of the demon Vanasur, who was defeated by Lord Krishna in a fierce face to face battle. To reach here, you can easily find a bus to cover the 7 km distance from Lohaghat and cover the remaining 2 km on foot.

Abbott Mount is a peaceful and picturesque attraction located 8 km away from Lohaghat. This place is a secluded spot, away from the humdrum of the city life. It remains covered with snow throughout the winters and is a sight to behold. There are only 13 cottages spread over this hill offering tranquillity and exquisiteness.

Things to Do At Lohaghat

Lohaghat is an ideal place for trekking, bird watching and photography. It is also a perfect place for camping for the anglers. You will also find a cricket pitch here with scenic vistas of the surrounding Himalayas. Located on the stairs from the main road to the top of the village, the bustling Khadi bazaar is an added attraction of this quaint town.

It is an ideal place to indulge in nature walks on forest trails as it is situated amidst towering pine and oak trees with prolific natural beauty. Many visitors come to Lohaghat to practice yoga and meditation as the art of meditation can be best experienced in a serene environment and what better place to enjoy the silence that this sleepy little town!

Camping is also a major activity here as there are not many accommodation options available. The backpackers to this place often camp out in the open under the starry sky. You are required to bring your own camping equipment as Lohaghat is not a trekking destination.

Tips For Visiting Lohaghat

1. Try to advance book your hotel at Lohaghat to avoid missing out on rooms.

2. Enquire about the routes beforehand if travelling during the monsoons to avoid landslide stricken roads.

Stay Near Lohaghat

Most people drop into Lohaghat while visiting Advaita Ashram located at a distance of 9 km, hence prefer to stay at the ashram itself. This is a place of worship for the Bengalis and is mostly visited during the summers. This place has decent accommodation option with a vast library having books related to Swami Vivekanand.

Located at a distance of 5 km, Abbott Mount is another scenic place which has good hotels. There are a few good hotels in Lohaghat. There is a rest house situated at KMVN that is usually used for the stay. Visitors often stay at either Abbot Mount or the Advaita Ashram and make a day trip to Lohaghat.