Brahmatal Trek is a winter wonderland trekking adventure that offers stunning views of Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti, two of the most magnificent peaks in the Indian Himalayas.
Located in the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand, the Brahmatal Trek offers a unique experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. The trek is named after the beautiful Brahmatal Lake, which is frozen solid during the winter months and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
The total trail of the trek is around 22km which can be covered within 4-5 days. The starting point of the trek is Dehradun, and after reaching Lohajung, a beautiful village of Uttarakhand nestled amidst the mountains, trekking to Brahmatal starts. The trail passes through dense forests that are covered with snow during the winter months and offer a breathtaking view of the valley around.
One of the unique features of the Brahmatal Trek is that it is less crowded compared to other popular treks in the Himalayas. It is perfect for travelers who want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas away from the tourist crowds.
Another advantage of the trek is that it can be completed during the winter months when the snow covers the entire region. This adds a new level of excitement and adventure to the trek, making it ideal for those who love challenging and exhilarating experiences.
The trek is ideal for beginner trekkers to experience the beauty of the mountains. Throughout the trek, trekkers can expect to encounter beautiful landscapes, stunning panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks, and a wide variety of flora and fauna. Highlights of the trek include Bekaltal Lake, a beautiful frozen lake surrounded by snow-clad peaks, and Brahmatal Lake, nestled amidst the mountains and frozen solid during the winter months.
Dehradun I.S.B.T (Google Map)
6 A.M
Distance: 295 km
Time Taken: 12 hours (Drive)
Altitude: 2,300 m (7,545 ft)
The Brahmatal trek starts from the little village of Lohajung. The drive from Dehradun to Lohajung is a 295 km road journey through winding mountain roads. If you book transport with us, the vehicles will pick you up at Dehradun I.S.B.T at 6 am. You can expect to reach Lohajung by evening.
We’ll drive through Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag with the breathtaking view of the rivers, green hills and the vivid flora during this remarkable road journey.
During the ride, we’ll be having breakfast and lunch on the way where you can enjoy the authentic cuisine of the region. We’ll reach the Lohajung village by evening. Over the past few years, Lohajung has become a bustling hub for trekkers because of the many treks situated in the area.
The stay will be in a hotel/guest house and you can see a sensational view of the sunset in the valley. After that, your trek leader will brief you properly about all the details of the trek, and dinner will be served.
Distance: 6 km
Time Taken: 5 hours
Altitude: 3,020 m (9,900 ft)
We’ll be starting our trek early morning after a healthy breakfast. As soon as we start walking on the trail, Mt. Nanda Ghunti makes an appearance behind you.
You will start to find snow on this trail, depending on the season. In the peak winter season, you’ll find snow from the start of the trail. After trekking for a couple of hours, we’ll reach a Dhaba. We’ll rest and snack here.
The trail to the Bekaltal campsite is through a jungle of Cedar, Oak, and Fir. So, it is a nature lover’s paradise! Meanwhile, keep an eye out if you’re interested in bird-watching.
The Bekaltal campsite is nestled in a small meadow. As we reach, we’ll have a cool-down session and relax with a hot cup of tea. After having some snacks, we’ll go and visit Bekaltal lake.
Bekaltal is a beautiful lake that remains completely frozen in the months of January and February. The lake is surrounded by mighty Oak trees. After spending some time at the lake, we’ll come back to the campsite, have dinner, and rest for the night.
Distance: 5 km
Time Taken: 6 hours
Altitude: 3,230 m (10,600 ft)
Today, we will be trekking to Brahmatal Lake. As soon as we start from the campsite, we’ll reenter the forests and follow the uphill trail. The forests on this trail are home to the Himalayan Monal, the state bird of Uttarakhand.
As you climb up and reach the ridge, you will get mesmerising views of snow-capped peaks like Trishul, Baithartoli and Nanda Ghunti.
We will continue walking on the ridge and towards Jhandi Top. From Jhandi top, Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti both seem a stone throw away. Almost as if you can touch them if you extend your hands!
From Jhandi Top, we have to descend to reach the Brahmatal Lake. Brahmatal Lake is the place where Lord Brahma is believed to have meditated years ago. The lake is small in size and difficult to locate from a distance especially during winters when the lake remains completely frozen.
We will find a camping spot by the side of the lake and set up our camps for the night. We’ll have our dinner and sleep tight. It can be freezing cold during the winters but our sleeping bags will keep us warm throughout the night.
Distance: 5 km
Time Taken: 5 hours
Brahmatal Top Altitude: 3,850 m (12,630 ft)
We will be trekking to the highest point of the Brahmatal Trek today i.e. Brahmatal Top. Moreover, we will leave our backpacks down at the Brahmatal campsite and carry a small 10L backpack with all the trail essentials including water bottles, snacks, and rain gear. We will be returning to the same campsite.
The trail to Brahmatal top ascends gradually up to the ridge. Once you reach the ridge, you’ll be able to see Mt. Trishul, and Mt. Nanda Ghunti again. We need to keep walking along the same ridge to reach the Brahmatal Top.
Upon reaching the top, look out for the spectacular views of Mt Chaukhamba, Mt Neelkanth, Mt Hathi Ghoda. Don’t forget to ask your guide about the stories relating to each. They are a feast for your eyes! After spending some time on the top and clicking some amazing pictures, we will return back to the Brahmatal campsite.
Distance: 10 km
Time Taken: 8 hours
Altitude: 2,300 m (7,545 ft)
After having an early breakfast, we will start retracing our steps back to Jhandi Top. After Jhandi Top, we will follow a shorter route that will descend straight to Lohajung. This route goes through the forest and once again, you’re under a canopy of large trees.
During the descend, you will need to be extra careful to avoid any slips, falls, and injuries. After descending most of the way, you’ll rejoin with the main route and again start retracing your steps back to Lohajung.
Mt. Nanda Ghunti will once again show itself as if to bid you a final goodbye before it hides behind mountains. You will reach back to Lohajung by evening. After reaching, have dinner and relax on a bed after days of camping.
Distance: 295 km
Time Taken: 12 Hours (Drive)
Today is the day you’ll be parting ways with your trek leader, trek mates and the support staff. It is sure to be an emotional moment for everyone after spending a week in the mountains together.
If you opt for transportation with us, your vehicles will pick you up in Lohajung in the morning and leave you at Dehradun I.S.B.T by 7 PM. If you plan to continue your travels you can say goodbye to us at Lohajung.
However, the best time to visit Brahmatal Trek is during the winter months, which begins in December and ends in early March.
The reason behind this is the weather. The winter months bring a magical charm to the trail, making it truly surreal. The snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, and dense forests of oak and rhododendron trees transform into a winter wonderland, with a picturesque setting. The temperature during the winter months can drop as low as -10 degrees Celsius, making it challenging to trek, but the views you get to witness are absolutely breathtaking.
Another reason to visit Brahmatal Trek during the winter months is the clear views. The skies are mostly clear, and the visibility is excellent, allowing you to catch glimpses of the Nanda Ghunti and Trishul peaks. During the winter months, the Brahmatal Lake is frozen, adding an extra layer of adventure to the trek. It makes the whole experience more thrilling and gives trekkers a feeling of accomplishment.
It is essential to note that Brahmatal Trek is closed during monsoons, from mid-June to early September. This period sees a lot of rainfall, and it makes the trail inaccessible and slippery. The summer months, from April to June, offer a more relaxed trekking experience compared to the winters. The weather is pleasant, and the trail is green with blooming flowers. However, the ultimate feel and charm of the Brahmatal trek lie during the winters.
One aspect to consider when planning a winter trek is the equipment required. Proper trekking equipment to combat the cold is a must-have. Additionally, you should choose an experienced guide or trekking company that is familiar with the trail, the weather, and the safety guidelines to make the trekking experience enjoyable and safe.
In conclusion, Brahmatal Trek during the winter months is a must-have experience for trekkers. The trail is challenging, but the views make it all worth it. The snow-capped peaks, frozen lake, and serene surroundings offer a sense of tranquility. The winter trek demands preparation, skill, and patience, but it is an adventure that lingers in one’s heart forever.
The Brahmatal Trek is a popular trekking route in Uttarakhand, India. It is known for its stunning views of the Himalayas and its easy and beginner-friendly difficulty level. The trek covers a distance of about 20 kilometers and takes 6 days to complete from Dehradun to Dehradun.
The difficulty level of the Brahmatal Trek depends on several factors, including weather conditions, gradient, altitude, and terrain. In general, it is considered an easy trek with some challenging sections. The terrain is mostly rocky with some steep ascents and descents. The highest point of the trek is 12,000 feet above sea level, so acclimatization is important before attempting the trek.
Weather conditions can also affect the difficulty level of the trek. During winter months, temperatures can drop to -10 to -12 degrees Celsius and there may be heavy snowfall which makes it more difficult to traverse certain areas. It is important to dress warmly and appropriately according to the weather conditions during this time of year.
Altitude sickness can also be a concern when doing this trek as it reaches high altitudes quickly. It is important to take your time while ascending and descending so that you don’t experience any symptoms associated with altitude sicknesses such as headaches or nausea.
Overall, the Brahmatal Trek has an easy difficulty level but requires good fitness levels and proper preparation before attempting it. Weather conditions should also be taken into consideration when planning your trip as they can make it more difficult or easier depending on what time of year you are going. With proper preparation and acclimatization, you will be able to enjoy this beautiful trek without any major difficulties!
