TREK DIFFICULTY
Moderate
TREK DURATION
6 Days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
12,240 feet
GROUP SIZE
12
TREK DISTANCE
24 Km
BASECAMP
Uttarakhand
BEST TIME
December to early February
PICKUP POINT
Dehradun
Out of many mesmerizing experiences of the Himalayas, the Brahmatal Trek is sure amongst the few on the list of favorites for all trekkers. “Tal” means lake and “Brahma “means the god of creation. This lake has been named after Brahma the supreme in the triad of great Hindu gods which includes Shiva and Vishnu.
The Brahmatal Trek is particularly popular during the winter season from December to March. The Summit of Brahmatal trek offers some breathtaking views of Silvery snow-dressed mountains and clear blue skies to enjoy the 360 degree stunning views of the Himalayan ranges, including peaks like Trishul and Nanda Ghunti.The lake gets frozen during winter season and its beauty multiplies multifold. Most of the treks in Uttarakhand during this season, are in snow and the white snowy meadows and terrain are exciting to explore. Also, The Brahmatal trek offers trekkers an opportunity to immerse themselves in the authentic lifestyle of traditional villagers and explore lush oak and rhododendron forests.
The Starting point of the trek is Lohajung which can be accessed via Kathgodam. This is the base camp for the Brahmatal trek. To reach Lohajung, we cross Nainital and the winding mountain roads passing through forest-laden areas are particularly interesting. As per the Legend Goddess Parvati and a demon named Lohasur had a war and hence this place is named Lohajung. “ Jung” means “war”.
Another interesting destination of this trek is Bekaltal, another beautiful lake en route to Brahmatal summit. The trail crossed through some snow-covered forest during the winter season and since this trail is comparatively unexplored it adds to the thrill of the entire experience. Some breathtaking views of gorgeous meadows offering views of Majestic Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti are a part of this hiking program.
Below are some of the main highlights that trekkers can experience during the trek.
While most of the treks remain closed during the peak winter season until the following summer, it is one of the treks that can be accessed during the peak. The best time to visit Brahmatal trek is from mid December to early February in the winter season.
Brahmatal is an altitude of 12,200 feet, and despite winter being at its peak in the month of December, the Brahmatal trek is generally safe. The trek remains active during this time and you get white snow cover in most part of the trek. The snow looks amazing on the Brahmatal trek and it feels like you are in heaven.
As you step towards the Brahmatal trek from Lohajung, you see the majestic oak and luscious rhododendron trees bending under the weight of snow, giving off a mesmerizing aura along the trekking trail. Bekaltal Lake freezes in peak winter and you can enjoy by stepping on this frozen lake. The rays of sunrise falling over the snow on the Brahmatal trek look vibrant.
Brahmatal Trek is one of the most popular Himalayan treks for its stunning mountain peak views. It offers a spectacular view of some of the most beautiful hills like Mount Nada Ghunti, Mount Trishul, Hathi Goda, Kamet, Chaukhamba, Neelkanth which is one of the highest mountain peaks in the world. The view of mountains in snow creates a feeling of awe and wonder.
During the day, the temperature usually ranges between 8 to 12 °C, and at night, it can drop to between 0 to -8 °C. Given the possibility of temperatures dropping below zero, it is essential to have at least five layers of clothing, including thermals, warm T-shirts, fleece sweaters, padded jackets and wind-cheaters.
Since snowfall can occur at any time during the Brahmatal trek in winter, it is advised that you carry a poncho or rain cover with you. Additionally, don't forget to wear crampons and gaiters on your feet to ensure safe and comfortable hiking on the trail.
Brahmatal is a fascinating trip to do in the spring season. As we proceed further towards its base camp Lohajung, the surrounding landscape is seen covered with rhododendrons (Buransh). The slopes look attractive with rhododendrons blooming in deep pink and red in spring. Moving further towards Brahmatal, when the snow of last winter has not yet melted, its beauty increases even more in the background of this frozen snow. However, if you move much higher, these rhododendron trees will not be visible.
For a magical experience, visit Brahmatal in early spring (March to April). This spring season provides you a chance to see the flowers in bloom as well as go trekking in the snow. By mid-April, much of the route and its surroundings remained covered with snow. During the month of March to April, the trek remains chilly in the morning and evening, while the temperature ranges between 15 °C and 20 °C in the daytime and 5 °C and 12 °C at night.
This trek can be done in summer in the months of May and June but this time is not favorable due to high temperatures. Similarly, it is not suitable in monsoon from July to August due to heavy rains, continuous rain in monsoon causes risk factors of the trek.
In this season, trees start shedding leaves, giving a distinct crunch in your footsteps when you walk on them. The view of the mountains is especially attractive in autumn, because after the monsoon the air is free from haze and the environment is clear. You will see all the majestic mountains like Neelkanth, Mt Trishul, Mt Nanda Ghunti, etc, under the clear and blue sky.
If you like crowd-free trails then autumn is also a great season as the Brahmatal trek is generally crowd-free during this time.
There's another aspect of autumn that few people talk about, sunrise and sunset. They are most vibrant during autumn. At sunset, the sun spreads vibrant red colors across the sky and the next morning, don't forget to wake up early to see the golden sunrise on the other side.
The temperature on the Brahmatal Trek in autumn ranges between 10°C and 15°C during the day and drops to between 0°C and -5°C at night.
The Brahmatal trek is a notch less difficult than easy-moderate treks like Kedarkantha and Dayara Bugyal. Therefore, It is considered easy to moderate level trek in terms of difficulty. During the Brahmatal trek, you will cover a distance of approximately 23 km in four days and summit an altitude of approximately 4,650 feet. On average, you will travel 7 km every day, which will include ascents and descents.
It is very important to remain physically fit; otherwise, you will miss the beauty of this trek due to fatigue. Although the level of difficulty goes up when you are trekking in snow, similarly at Brahmatal, the level of difficulty increases when you are trekking in snow.
In winter, you will hike this trail buried in knee-deep snow. However, it does not require the support of technical staff. Safety on the Brahmatal TrekThe itinerary of the Brahmatal Trek allows you to acclimatize well. When climbing a peak through thick snow, make sure you wear microspikes. Hard snow has a high probability of slipping. A small mistake can result in injuries like ligament tears, ankle sprains, or even fractures. Always place your feet on the footings made by earlier trekkers. Look for deep bottoms. Don't try to create new paths for yourself.
Lohajung is the starting point of the trek and serves as the base camp for the Brahmatal Trek in Chamoli, a district in Uttarakhand, India. Here are graphs that will provide information about the elevation gained each day of the hiking.
The hike traces routes over snow-carpeted forests, meadows, and lakes - as if you are in a true winter fairy tale.
The Brahmatal Lake is one of the top attractions of the trek where you can marvel at the magnificence of frost as the lake is frozen up during winter months and offers fantastic scenery.
As you journey through this exuberance of nature, you will meet rich flora and fauna as thick oak and rhododendron forest will appease your eyes, and you may spot Himalayan Monals, Musk deer, and Snow leopards, a few of them scattered.
The walk is spread over five nights and six days, culminating in an elevation of five thousand four hundred and seventy-eight feet, from Lohajung to Brahmatal Top. You will reach an altitude of 12,250 feet at the Brahamtal Top, from where you can enjoy mesmerizing views of Mt Trishul, Mt Nanda Ghunti, Mt Chowkhamba, and Mt Neelkanth. Next to the Brahmatal, there is a place called Bekaltal, a hidden glacier lake.
The challenging terrain requires careful planning and adherence to safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience. Here is a list of 11 essential safety precautions and protocols for the Brahmatal Trek:
Adhering to these safety precautions and protocols will help ensure a safe and memorable experience on the Brahmatal Trek. Proper preparation and awareness are key to navigating the challenges of this beautiful Himalayan adventure.
If you’re physically fit and aware of the safety precautions for the Brahmatal Trek, you’ll experience the beauty of this trek 200% more effectively compared to those with weaker physical fitness and insufficient knowledge of safety precautions. This preparation enables you to fully enjoy the majestic landscapes and challenging trails without being held back by fatigue or physical limitations.
To overcome the difficulty level of Brahmatal Trek, it requires strong cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and overall physical fitness. Incorporate these exercises into your routine to increase strength, stability, and stamina, which will help you tackle difficult terrain sections of the trail at high altitudes.
Regularly performing these exercises will build the necessary strength and stamina for a successful trekking experience. Good fitness is crucial for tackling the challenges of the Brahmatal Trek and fully appreciating the adventure it offers.
Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Lohajung (7,600 ft)
Drive: 290 km, 10- 11 hrs
Early in the morning, we will depart for Lohajung. Travelling through the Himalayan roads will be a mesmerizing experience for you. In the evening, we will arrive in Lohajung and check into the guesthouse. Lohajung serves as the base for the Brahmatal Trek. We will have plenty of time to rest and prepare ourselves for the trek.
Day 2: Trek from Lohajung to Gujreni (9,200 ft)
Trek: 4-5km, 5 hrs
Post Breakfast, we will begin our trek from Lohajung. Hiking through rhododendron and oak forests we will reach to the Gujreni where will set our camp. Gujreni is a picturesque campsite surrounded by oak trees, rhododendrons, and wildlife. The trail enters thick oak forests with glimpses of Mt. Trishul. Khopdalia, a small dried lake, is reached after an hour and a half through the forest.
Bekaltal, just above Khopdalia, is a ten-minute trek away. It’s encircled by dense oak trees, and its brown waters indicate high dissolved organic matter. Brown lakes like this are often light-limited and may be acidic with limited aquatic life.
Day 3: Gujreni to Tilandi (10,495 ft)
Trek: 3 km, 4-5 hrs
Today’s trek is a relatively short one, commencing at the campsite and heading southwest. Shortly after starting, you’ll cross a stream, and then the trail begins a steep ascent through the captivating Oak and Rhododendron forest. On your left, a ridge reveals the valley below, while Bekaltal is on your immediate right. As you continue the climb, Rhododendron trees dominate the scenery in the first half of the trail, gradually giving way to Oak trees. After about an hour of trekking through this stunning forested section, you’ll reach the tree line and enter the meadows. Here, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti, along with their surrounding ranges. At the edge of the meadows, you’ll find a ridge that serves as your Tilandi campsite.
Day 4: Tilandi to Brahmatal (10,190 ft) via Brahmatal top (12,250 ft)
Trek: 6km, 7-8 hrs
The day’s trek leads you along a ridge, with the treeline shifting as you ascend and descend. Rhododendron and Oak trees dominate the landscape. As you continue along the ridge, you’ll be greeted by majestic mountains and sweeping valleys, with layers of mountain ranges unfolding before you, creating an unmatched sense of openness. Following the right trail from Jhandi Top, you’ll ascend another mountain ridge to reach the trek’s highest point, Brahmatal Top at 12,250 ft, where you can relish the awe-inspiring vistas. Descending gradually, you’ll reach the stunning Brahmatal Lake, often with a captivating reflection of the night sky if it’s not frozen. The Brahmatal campsite, situated at 12,250 ft, is just 500 meters to the left of the lake on the slope, offering a perfect vantage point for witnessing a mesmerizing sunset.
Day 5: Brahmatal to Lohajung (7,600 ft)
Trek: 9km, 7-8 hrs
After breakfast, start descending from Brahmatal Lake towards Lohajung. The trail is relatively open with sparse vegetation until you reach Jhandi Top, where you’ll have occasional mountain views during your ascent. From Jhandi Top, take the left trail for your descent to Lohajung. Initially, you’ll pass through an open area, losing sight of the mountains. After about a kilometre, you’ll re-enter the treeline, now surrounded by Oak trees. Khorurai, a clearing named after oaks, makes for a good rest spot and a potential campsite if you want to extend your trek. After another 1.3 kilometres, you’ll rejoin the main trail, descending through a Rhododendron forest. Follow the well-maintained path connecting mountain villages to Lohajung, crossing two streams along the way. About an hour from the start, you’ll reach Shepherd huts, locally known as ‘chawni,’ used by villagers and shepherds to shelter their livestock. Continue following the man-made trail, connecting these mountain villages to Lohajung. At Lohajung we will stay in a guest house.
Day 6: Drive from Lohajung to Dehradun
Drive: 290km, 10-11 hrs
Today, we will greet the rising Sun and have an early breakfast. Going back home is always a bittersweet moment, but the journey is made easier by taking the same picturesque road back to Dehradun. As we leave behind the dense pine forests and descend towards the city, the landscape slowly changes and opens up into wider roads. Finally, we will arrive in Dehradun in the evening.
Our treks are specially designed by the experienced team at Himalaya Shelter, taking you on an adventure of a lifetime all while making you connect not only with the bountiful nature but also with yourself and with others on the trek with you creating wonderful memories which will last you a lifetime. All Himalaya Shelter treks are guided by experienced Trekkers having vast knowledge and experience of the region, providing with insightful information and stories pertaining to the region’s flora and fauna and the history of the region whilst the trek. It is safe to say that on successfully completing the trek, one will gain tremendous insight and experience along with lifetime memories.
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