Trek Arrival Logistics
The trek program starts at 6:00 AM on 14 September. You have to be in either Dehradun or Kathgodam at that time, to be picked up and driven to Lohajung.
Kathgodam is the standard starting point for getting to Lohajung. The route from Kathgodam to Lohajung is very scenic and takes in many of the famous hill stations (Nainital, Almora, Kausani, Baijnath, Gwaldam). It is also the access point for the weekend reunion.
Dehradun is farther from Lohajung than Kathgodam (~80 km and 1hr+ longer drive). However, it has many more connections than Kathgodam. For arriving by air, it is your only option (for our trek dates). The drive from Dehradun to Lohajung passes through its own share of scenic and famous sites (Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag).
Although the Kathgodam area is served by Pantnagar Airport (PGH), flying is not an option for trek arrival. PGH has a single incoming flight arriving at 11:00AM, and only on Wednesdays/Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays. This is too late for arrival on 14 September, and there are no flights into PGH on 13 September (Thursday).
The primary mode of reaching Kathgodam is rail (KGM). Daily trains come in from several directions (e.g., Delhi, Howrah, Lucknow, Kanpur, Jaisalmer, Dehradun, Jammu Tawi).
If the train schedules do not work for you, another option is to take a bus, or drive (6+ hours from Delhi). Depending on interest levels, road transportation from Delhi to Kathgodam will be arranged for 13 September. Based on the synchronization of arrival times, you might be able to share the cost with others. You will be taken directly to the Kathgodam vicinity hotel (described in the section below).
Dehradun Airport (DED) has multiple flights operated by multiple airlines throughout the day. It has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow.
Dehradun is well connected by frequent trains, including from Mumbai and Chennai. Self driving, and buses are other options.
A few trains arrive early in the morning (before 6:00AM) into Dehradun, and one into Kathgodam. Unless you are planning to use one of these trains, you will have to arrive the previous day. A common hotel has been selected for overnight lodging on 13 September near each of Kathgodam and Dehradun.
Pickup (on 14 Sep) will be made directly from these hotels. The hotels are 45 minutes to an hour away from their respective train stations, plumb on the route to Lohajung. Translates to a later pickup time (and extra sleep).
Rooms have been blocked with negotiated rates as described below. The stated rates include GST but no meals (breakfast is not particularly useful since you’ll be departing by 7AM).
Rs. 3500 per room, independent of occupancy. Up to two singles can stay in the room, or a family of four (two children) with extra beds provided as needed.
Payment by bank transfer.
Hotel can arrange pickup from Kathgodam Train Station. Charges are Rs. 800 for a small cab (Alto/Wagon R), and Rs. 2000 for a large cab (Innova/Tavera). Except for odd hours, you can also get cabs outside the station, and the costs are expected to be similar.
Single Occupancy | Rs. 3000 (per room) |
Double Occupancy | Rs. 3500 (per room) |
Additional Persons (over two) | Rs. 1000 per person (>5 years old). Extra beds provided for each additional person. |
Payment by bank transfer, credit card, or cash.
Hotel can arrange pickup from Dehradun Airport and Train Station. For the airport, charge is Rs. 200 per cab, and for the train station it is Rs. 1500 per cab. You can also find cabs at the airport and train station.
You can book your room and setup necessary payment directly with the hotel. Mention group name “IITK90” when booking with either hotel to get the above stated rates. The negotiated rates are competitive, but if you find lower rates through other channels, you are welcome to use those instead. Individual bookings can also be made to avail of other room types (e.g., bigger suites) for which group rates have not been negotiated. For a double sharing room, coordinate with your room partner to book and pay for a single room for both of you. The WhatsApp group (open to all) and the Email group (restricted to trek registrants) may be useful resources for finding a roommate.
Direct bookings (as described above) can be made as soon as you are ready, and would be the most convenient and flexible method for most. However, if this does not work for you, we can coordinate the booking and/or payment on your behalf. This includes, e.g., those who want a double sharing room but have not found a room partner. Efforts of this nature can only be undertaken later in the process after (sufficient) people have completed registration.
Pickups will be made in each of Kathgodam and Dehradun from two locations:
Pickups from the train stations will be at 6:00 AM. The hotels are en route from the train stations, and will be the second pick up point at a later time. Transportation costs are covered in the Trek Program.
If you prefer to reach Lohajung directly, you should plan to be there by 5:00 PM on 14 September.
It is strongly recommended that you use one of the group pickup locations (train station or hotel). This ensures the lowest transportation costs for you (due to group sharing), and simplifies the logistical planning for the organizers.
We will, however, try to help with any special requests for pickups from other locations. Pricing will depend on your location and how many you can be pooled with.
Arrivals into Kathgodam should store extra luggage (not needed for the trek) in the cloak room at Hotel Harshikhar - it is the venue for the weekend reunion where you’ll be returning to. Arrivals into Dehradun (or directly at Lohajung) can use the cloak room in the Lohajung hotel (from where we will start and end the trek).