Brahmatal Trek

Brahmatal Trek: Witness the Best Highland Lake

Brahmatal Trek is an underrated winter trek in India. It is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 12,250 feet.

Brahmatal Trek 2022 - Best Winter Trek with Complete Details

Overview

Brahmatal Trek begins from the small village of Lohajung. It is situated in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. The Brahmatal Trek is considered a classic winter trek. It is the most underrated and least talked about of the treks. It is one of the very few treks that is open during peak winters and snowfall. It also boasts two frozen lakes: one at Bekaltal and the second at Brahmatal. It doesn’t completely fall under a high-altitude mountain trek, and its ascent is gradual. However, it does include every aspect of the ideal Himalayan winter trip. The dense forest trails are surrounded by oaks and rhododendrons, with large meadows against a backdrop of mountain peaks. Brahmatal Trek is at a maximum altitude of 12,250 ft. which gives you fantastic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges.

Trek Highlight:

Brahmatal Trek is located in the Chamoli district of the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand. The highest point is at 12,200 feet with gradual ascents. It is a 5-night, 6-day trek covering a distance of around 15 km. The base camp for the trek is Lohajung. It is a beginner and intermediate level trek. The average temperature in winter is 9°C, with a low of –2°C. The best time to visit the Brahmatal Trek is in winters, from December to February. The base camp is Lohajung, which is 272 km from Rishikesh, 293 km from Haridwar, and 260 km from Kathgodam. The Brahmatal Trek offers breathtaking views of Mt. Nanda Ghunti and Mt. Trishul. The star highlights of this are two alpine lakes: one at the Brahmatal campsite and another at the Bekaltal campsite.

Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek

Brahmatal Trek is the best winter trek in the Himalayas in Uttarakhand. It has gained widespread popularity along with the Kedarkantha Trek. During December, January, and February, the mountain peaks and trails are covered in a carpet of snow. 

The story goes that Lord Brahma was meditating in this region. As a result, it was given the name Brahmatal Trek. The lake was further called Brahmatal Lake. The place is serene and untouched, and it offers unparalleled views as takeaways from the Brahmatal Trek.

The trek starts from Lohajung with full enthusiasm and progresses toward the forest. It marks the onset of oak and rhododendron trees. In winter it will be covered in picturesque snow. In other seasons, bright red rhododendron flowers are seen at their brightest. After passing through the forest, the trail opens up to meadows and snow-covered mountain terrain. The scenery and the massive Himalayan mountain that stands tall after the meadow is mesmerizing and captivating. 

In Bekaltal, trekkers absorb the best of nature. At Brahmatal, views get up close and mountain peaks look overwhelming. The trekkers take a short visit to Bekaltal Lake and Brahmatal Lake. During the trek, the splendid and mighty peaks of Mr. Nanda Ghunti and Mr. Trishul grace our views. One of the significant features of this trek is the alpine lake at Bekaltal and Brahmatal campsites. Trekkers have an amazing time, trekking through dense oak and rhododendron trees. The trek trail passes through forests, snowy meadows, and snow-capped mountain peaks. Often in December, one will experience fresh snowfall while trekking. 

The colorful camps on snow-filled land and the flawless and unscathed views are spectacular. and on a clear day, Mt. Nilkanth and Mt. Chaukhamba will also be visible from Brahmatal. At the summit, trekkers are filled with the joy of accomplishment. We spend a brief time at the top to gaze at the splendid view and descend back to the basecamp. 

Brahmatal Trek provides an unmatched experience of a winter trek in Uttarakhand. One should definitely do this trek this winter. At Trek20, we make sure the trekkers have a beautiful and safe adventure. We have experienced and trained trek leaders and guides, and we pour our hearts into providing the ultimate treks and hikes in Uttarakhand. 

    Bekaltal

    On day 2, we shall head to Bekaltal. It is a quaint place located 8 km away from Lohajung. It will be a 4 to 5 hour trek to the Bekaltal campsite. We set up our tents at the site for an overnight stay. Similar to Brahmatal, there are stories related to Bekaltal as well. It is said by the locals that a Serpent or Snake God is the protector of that area. He had a frog as a fervent servant. He created the lake as a gift to the frog. 

    The campsite at Bekaltal is pristine, full of thick oaks and other tropical alpine trees commonly found in the Himalayan region. The lake at Bekaltal is frozen during the winter. Trekkers visit the lake for a brief time, sit around it, and immerse themselves in the lap of the snow. Bekaltal is definitely not to be missed on the Brahmatal Trek.

    Quick Itinerary

    DAY 1 : Rishikesh/Kathgodam to Lohajung

    There will be an early morning pickup at 6 a.m. from Rishikesh (near the railway station). The group shall proceed toward Lohajung, which is the base camp for the Brahmatal trek. It will be a 9 to 10 hour drive, and the total distance covered is 260 km.

    On the way, from Rishikesh to Lohajung, you will cross the holy places of Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Karnaprayag and watch the sacred confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers into the Holy Ganga.

    By evening, reach Lohajung (7600 ft) and overnight stay at the guest house. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served.

    DAY 2  : Lohajung to Bekaltal Campsite (9,855 ft)

    After breakfast, the trekkers will leave Lohajung for the Bekaltal campsite. It will be a 4 to 5 hour trek, and the distance is 8 km. It will be a scenic trail through the dense oak and rhododendron trees covered in layers of snow. The trail has a gradual ascent. Lunch will be served after reaching the campsite. Trekkers can rest, meet fellow trekkers, enjoy the views, play around the spot, and soak in the joys of nature. The team shall have a short visit to Bekaltal Lake amidst alpine trees. Tents will be set up at the Bekaltal campsite for an overnight stay. A homestyle dinner will be served.

    DAY 3  :  Bekaltal Campsite to Brahmatal campsite (10,800 ft)

    Wake to chilling views of nature, surrounded by mountain peaks, and snow. The team will depart for the Brahmatal campsite after breakfast. It is a 7-km trek and will take around 4 to 5 hours. Tents will be set up at the campsite for an overnight stay. Trekkers can rest in tents, visit Brahmatal Lake, play in the snow, and acclimatize to the weather. Lunch will be served.

    The Brahmatal Trek awards us with views of Mt. Nanda Ghunti (20,700 ft) and Mt. Trishul (23300 ft). Apart from that, you will see the trail of the Roopkund trek. Another highlight is Brahatal Lake, which is a frozen lake. It gets its name from Lord Brahma. An alpine lake visit in winter is fascinating and enchanting. At night, dinner will be served.

    DAY 4  : Brahmatal to Brahmatal top and Daldam (12,250 ft)

    Early morning wake-up call at sunrise Post breakfast, trekkers will leave for the Brahmatal summit. It will be a 2 to 3 hour trek. The trek is not tough. It has a gradual ascent. The trek may be difficult due to the extreme temperatures, but trekkers successfully complete the summit.

    On the summit, you will see captivating and unending views of Mt. Nanda Ghunti and Mt. Trishul. The vast meadows, oaks, and rhododendrons are covered in a white layer of snow, and the gusty winds touching your face and overlapping mountain peaks are bound to create an unforgettable memory. Soak and capture the moments forever. After the summit, we shall leave for Daldam. Overnight stay and camping at Daldam, along with dinner. It will be a 4 to 5 hour trek.

    DAY 5 : Daldam to Lohajung

    Next day leave after breakfast from Daldam for Lohajung. The trek distance is approx. 4 km and will take 3 to 3.5 hours to reach. 

    Reach Lohajung by evening, overnight stay at guest house. Trekkers can explore nearby local places (cost not included). Meals will be served.

    DAY 6 :  Lohajung to Rishikesh 

    The final day of the trek will be a 9 to 10 hour drive from Lohajung. Post tea or breakfast, the team shall leave for Rishikesh. The journey concludes when you arrive in Rishikesh.

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    FAQs

    There are three ways to reach Lohajung: via Kathgodam, Rishikesh, and Dehradun. Buses, private vehicles, and shared vehicles are easily available to come toward Lohajung. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam. 

    Kathgodam to Lohajung is 226 km.

    Rishikesh to Lohajung is 272 km.

    Haridwar to Lohajung is 293 km.

    Yes, it is a beginner-friendly trek. A basic level of fitness is required for any trek, including the Brahmatal Trek.

    The weather changes depending on when you visit the trek. From December to February, there is snow. So, you will get a snowy landscape during the winter months. In spring (March–April), the snow starts melting and brown patches will be seen.

    Brahmatal Trek is classified as easy to moderately difficult. The climb is gradual, and the maximum altitude is 12,250 feet, that is, the summit. The harsh weather, temperature drop, and fresh snowfall make it difficult to trek on this trail.

    The basecamp of the trek is Lohajung. It is a tiny village with a few essential shops. You can also get trekking gear on a rental basis from the local shops. Lohajung is also the starting point of the Roopkund Trek. The mobile network is available in Lohajung.

    The winter months (December to February) are the best time to do the trek. In December, the region receives fresh snowfall. It is a perfect setting to undertake this trek. In January and February, there is quite a lot of snow, which gives it the tag of a popular winter trek in India.

    Both are beautiful winter treks. They are located in two different regions and provide a completely different experience to trekkers. But Brahmatal is best done during the winter.

    No, both are different lakes in the Brahmatal Trek. The distance between them is approximately 8 km. Both lakes are glacial lakes.

    The trek offers amazing views. You will see Mt. Nanda Ghunti and Mt. Trishul prominently. Other views will be Roopkund Trek, Maiktoli, Bethartoli, and a few glimpses of Ali Bugayal from the summit.

    Home cooked fresh, and nutritious food will be provided. 

    It is absolutely safe. We have experienced trek leaders, and your safety is our highest priority.