Overview
Overview

A trek that has captured the hearts of beginner trekkers & winter trekking enthusiasts is the supremely beautiful Brahmatal Trek in Uttarakhand. Set amidst the Trishul range in Uttarakhand, the Brahmatal trek is a winter wonderland with magnificent close-up views of giant mountains surrounding the trail.

The breathtaking Brahmatal Lake!

Nestled in the deep heart of Uttarakhand is the gorgeous and extremely picturesque Brahmatal lake that can only be accessed through the Brahmatal trek. While the lake isn’t huge, it sits in the midst of a snow-carpeted meadow open on all sides with just one lone tree keeping it company. The lake is frozen through most seasons and is crystal clear when not iced up. While the lake is not directly on the trail, one would need to hike a little to come across this beauty. This is also close to one of the campsites on the trek. The lake remains unfrozen in spring and all through autumn and is good months to see the icy blue waters of the lake. Brahmatal is a name that is derived from Lord Brahma. The mythology mentions that Lord Brahma used to meditate on the Brahmatal lake. The lake is situated at an altitude of 3,400 m above sea level.

The Views from Brahmatal!

One of the many reasons we love the Brahmatal trek is because of the views of the giant mountains you find along the trail. While treks like Kedarkantha, Gorson Bugyal, Pangarchulla etc. give you great views of the Garhwal mountains, nothing comes close to what you see on the Brahmatal trail. While the Brahmatal trek starts from the Rhododendron forests, once you finish this climb, it opens up to a gigantic view of the wall of Mt. Trishul Massif (7,120 m/23,359 ft) that resembles a trident. Trust us when we say, you will be awestruck at the first glimpse. The views will get even bigger as you climb further up and you will also get a chance to see Mt. Nanda Ghunti (6309 m/20,698 ft). As you reach Brahmatal Top, you’ll also get up close to Mt. Neelkanth (6596 m/21,640 ft), and Mt. Hathi Ghoda (6729 m/22,070 ft). These views will definitely leave you wondering how minuscule we are amidst these giants.

The perfect winter trek!

Brahmatal trek best time to visit is the winter season. If you have an everlasting love for snow and winters, then this is one trek you must do. Considered to be one of the most popular winter treks in India, Brahmatal is a great trail for Nomads who are new to Himalayan trekking. This trek takes you through two Rhododendron and Oak forests, introduces you to two lakes – Brahmatal and Bekaltal Lakes shows off a gorgeous snow-carpeted meadow, and has campsites that look like a scene right out of Frozen! In peak winters the entire trail gets drenched in snow and you get to spend and camp for five days in a snowy wonderland. Brahmatal trek temperature in winter may range from -8°C to 5°C.

Great beginner trek with a Summit!

The Brahmatal trek covers the highest altitude of 3,733 m (12,250 ft) which is Brahmatal top. The overall brahmatal trek distance is of 30 Km which takes five days to complete. Brahmatal trek difficulty level is moderate. As the trek takes you through forests for most of the trail, the chances of getting Altitude Mountain Sickness is lesser here. The gradient of this trek is moderate which means that the climb is less steep as compared to Kedarkantha, however, the trek distance on each day will be longer. In the winters, you can expect to trek in knee-deep snow and experience snowfall every now and then. While you may require microspikes during the trek, there is no technical climb in this trek. While this is a beginner Himalayan trek, it is always recommended that you be physically fit when it comes to high-altitude treks.

7 Nights 8 Days Available on request Rishikesh
Highlights
Highlights of the Trek
  • 2 nights stay at a 3-star hotel in Rishikesh 
  • 2 nights stay at a hotel/resort in Lohajung
  • 3 night camping stay along the trail of BrahmaTal
  • Trek to Brahmatal & Bekaltal lakes
  • Do the Brahmatal Top climb during the day
  • Camp in snow
  • Get to see the majestic view of Mt. Trishul, Mt. Nanda Ghunti, Mt. Neelkanth and Mt. Hathi Ghoda of the Trishul range.
Itinerary
Short Itinerary
  • Day 1: Arrive at Rishikesh 
  • Day 2: Travel to Lohajung from Rishikesh
  • Day 3: Trek to Bekaltal from Lohajung
  • Day 4: Trek to Brahmatal from Bekaltal
  • Day 5: Trek to Brahmatal Top from Bhrahmtal then to Daldum
  • Day 6: Trek to Lohajung from Daldum
  • Day 7: Travel from Lohajung to Rishikesh
  • Day 8: Travel back home.

Detailed Brahmatal Trek Itinerary:

Day 1: Rishikesh

  • Altitude: 1,030 ft (312 m)

The total Brahmatal trek distance is of around 30km. On day 1, arrive in Rishikesh and check in to the hotel. Meet your fellow trekkers in a meet and greet session where you will also be prepped for the upcoming Brahmatal lake trek. In the evening, head out to witness the magnificent Ganga Arati and explore the authentic local cultures of India. Stay the night at Rishikesh. 

Day 2: Lohajung

  • Altitude: 7,600 ft (2,316 m)
  • Travel Duration: 8-9 hours

On Day 2, you start traveling towards Lohajung from Rishikesh. This is an extremely scenic drive and will also see picturesque pine trees on the route today. When you arrive in Lohajung you will be greeted by the majestic Mt. Nanda Ghunti Peak. Lohajung is basically a small town located in Chamoli District of Uttarakhand. It is also the base for various popular treks like Roopkund, Brahmatal, and Bedni Bugyal. A good evening stroll around the village is perfect to fill up your Instagram feed & to get yourself warmed up for the trek the next morning. Stay the night at the hotel in Lohajung.

Day 3: Bekaltal

  • Altitude: 7,600 ft (2,316 m) to 9,689 ft (2,953 m)
  • Trek Duration & Distance Covered: 5 hours, 5.8 km
  • Gradient: Moderate; Mostly ascending through forests

On day 3 you start trekking from Lohajung to the Bekaltal campsite. The trek distance is approx 5.8 Km. The winding trail takes you through beautiful Oak and Rhododendron forests. You will come across the Mandoli village as you cover a short distance post starting the trek. The trail is well laid out and as you go higher up, you will start seeing the Kali Valley where the rivers Kali and Pindari meet. You need to keep trekking from here and after a certain point, when you reach approx 2,590 m (8,500 ft), you will come across a beautiful wooden bridge of about 10 meters right above a stream. You can stop to fill up your bottles at this stream. When you cross the bridge and trek a little further, you will reach Begum a resting point with views of the magical meadows seen in the distance. As you start trekking again you come across two more streams, the last one being Gujrani Stream. It takes about an hour from Gujrani Stream to reach the beautiful Bekaltal campsite. This last distance takes you through an Oak forest which is a moderate climb. As you reach Bekaltal you will start seeing views of the giant Mt. Trishul on the horizon. 

Bekaltal is your campsite for the day and a 10-minute hike from Bekaltal will take you to the Bekaltal lake while lies amidst Oak trees. The water of this lake is brown unlike that of Brahmatal lake. In winters you will notice a thin sheet of ice formed over the lake. You will notice how quickly time flies when you sit by the Bekaltal lake and just reminisce your journey through the day.

Dinner will be served in the main tent post which you can go to sleep in your allotted tents. 

Day 4: Brahmatal

  • Altitude: 9,689 ft (2,953 m) to 10,440 ft (3,182 m)
  • Trek Duration & Distance Covered: 5-6 hours, 7 km
  • Gradient: Moderate with a steep climb + gradual ascent and descent towards Brahmatal

On day 4 you start your day early with a scrumptious breakfast at the Bekaltal campsite. Post this, you start packing the essentials for the day. Once everyone is ready you start trekking towards the next stop which is the Brahmatal Campsite. The climb will take you through Oak and Rhododendron trees and then a winding ascending trail as you make your way to the next campsite. If you start early enough you can get good sights of the mountains around before the clouds set in. If the skies are clear, you'll have breathtaking views of the mountains all through the trail with views of Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti specifically. You will constantly gain and drop height as you traverse through the trail today. You will sometimes walk right beside the treeline and sometimes right above it. The treeline will mostly have Rhododendron or Oak trees. You start ascending steep when you climb towards Jhandi Top which becomes the highest point of the ridge.  You can see the mountains in a panorama here and the Roopkund trail is visible from here as well. 

The view at Jhandi Top will leave you awestruck. You spend some time here before you start your descent towards Brahmatal which is about 1.5 km from Jhandi Top. 

You can unwind at the campsite and relax for the day. 

Day 5: Brahmatal Top 

  • Altitude: 10,440 ft (3,182 m) to 12,250 ft (3,734 m) and on to 9,640 ft (2,938 m)
  • Trek Duration & Distance Covered:  8 hours, 7.5 km
  • Trek gradient: Moderate

Day 5 is your summit day so you start trekking early post your breakfast. The brahmatal trek height is of 12,250 ft (3,734 m). From the campsite, it takes about 15 minutes to reach the Brahmatal Lake which is the first stop along the trail to the summit. The lake sits right in the midst of a meadow and the trail leading up to the lake is a gradual ascent. The lake in winters remain frozen and when visited in spring and autumn shows off it's crystal clear beautiful blue waters. The break at the lake also presents a good photo opportunity while we discourage and do not allow nomads to walk on the lake at any given point in time. The lake is accompanied by a lone tree that has snow all over during winters.  

The next step to keep trekking until you find a ridge and from here you get a good view of the entire lake. Again, a great photo opportunity. The first ridge climb is a gentle ascent leading up to the final ridge to the summit. The ridge then opens up to the marvelous views of the mountains you saw at Jhandi Top. This is where you will be resting for lunch. After a 20 minute break you start trekking again but this time it's a descent with mountains to your right and the entire valley to your left. You will now come across closer views of Mt. Trishul, Mt. Nanda Ghunti, and 180 degree views of the entire mountain range with Chaukambha, Mt. Neelkanth, Mt. Mandi, Mt. Nilgiri and many more peaks. This is Brahmatal Top. This is the highest brahmatal trek altitude of 12,250 ft (3,734 m).

Your campsite for the night Daldum is about 3 hours from the Brahmatal Top and you start descending into a forest after spending some time at Brahmatal Top. 

Your tents will be ready to welcome you upon reaching Daldum. You will stay the night here and relax after the long trek.  

Day 6: Lohajung

  • Altitude: 7,600 ft (2,316 m)
  • Trek Duration & Distance: 4 hours, 2-3 Km 
  • Gradient: Easy 

Day 6 begins with a good hearty breakfast post which you pack your things up and get ready to trek back to Lohajung. This descend is again through a forest and the trees will define leave you energized for the climb down. Once you cross the forest you will reach Malling. This is where the forest ends and it takes about 30-40 minutes to reach Malling from your Daldum campsite.  

From here getting back to Lohajung is easy. You'll find houses on the slopes and then trail made of stones which is frequented by visitors. This trail will lead you to Lohajung directly. Upon reaching Lohajung you will check into your hotel and rest there for the day.

Day 7: Rishikesh

  • Altitude: 6,170 ft (1880 m)
  • Travel Duration: 7-8 hours

On day 7 you start travelling from Lohajung to Rishikesh. You can expect to arrive Rishikesh late in the afternoon. Check in to your hotel and rest for the day. 

Day 8: Your City

Travel back to your city.

Trek Insurance

Trekking in the Himalayas comes with its own set of risks. While adventure is fun and can be extremely thrilling, nature can be unpredictable, and to help secure you during your trek, it is of utmost importance that you are covered with insurance.

We've gone a step ahead and made sure that you don't have to worry about scouting for the best insurance option out there. When you trek with us, your insurance comes as a part of your inclusions. To know more about the benefits covered and sum insured, click here.

Risk and Liability 

We will endeavor to make your program smooth and as pleasant as possible. However, the entire course of trekking depends on the ranges of the mighty mountains, physical health, and environmental conditions. Therefore, TrekNomads shall not be responsible for any changes in the itineraries due to unavoidable circumstances and natural disasters such as landslide, road blockage, flood, snowing, cancellation of flight and delay, any type of sickness including altitude sickness.

Fitness Criteria 

This trek requires a good level of fitness.

If you're not already following a fitness regime, you would need to follow the regime that will be shared with you. The training routine is spread over four months and you would be expected to work out at least 4 times a day. The regime is designed to help you climb smarter even in higher altitudes. The regime consists of a good combination of exercises that works on all parts of your body including - Upper Body, Core, Endurance, Lower Body, Shoulder strength, and streamlining your breathing pattern. When followed religiously, you can rest assured that you will be ready for the trek. Not only does this regime help you with the trek, but it will also help you inculcate a sense of fitness in your day-to-day life. 

Do’s and Don’ts:

  • We believe in leaving the mountains in better condition, which is why we follow a no-litter policy on our treks. Each trekker will have to bring back the waste that is created during the trek.
  • Trekking is best enjoyed when you’ve worn comfortable clothes. Try and avoid wearing Jeans, bright colors and heavy apparel as much as possible.
  • A lighter backpack always helps you have a better trek, try and carry just as much as needed.
  • Always be in sight of your trek lead, if you feel the need to stop for any reason at all, please keep the trek lead informed.
  • If you do come across any reptiles, animals or even insects during the trek, please keep your calm and let it patiently pass by. Any kind of noise and panic will scare them as well.
  • Do not venture out into the forest/waterfalls on your own as it may be dangerous.
  • Trekking is a good adventure, having said that, it is our primary responsibility to take good care of ourselves and be compassionate towards fellow trekkers
  • If, at any point, during the trek, you feel uneasy or unwell, please inform the trek lead immediately
  • Tune in to the sounds of nature while on a trek and avoid carrying speakers or playing music during the course of the trek
  • To help you enjoy the trek to the fullest, we avoid smoking and consumption of alcohol, and other intoxicants during the course of the trek

Brahmatal trek package details are mentioned below.

Inclusions
Inclusions & Exclusions

What is included in the tour

  • Transportation to & fro from Rishikesh to Lohajung
  • 2 nights 3-star hotel stay at Rishikesh
  • 2 nights hotel/resort stay at Lohajung
  • 3 nights tented accommodation during the trek
  • Trek equipment: Sleeping bags, Mattresses, Utensils, Ropes
  • Tents: Trekkers tent (twin/triple sharing), Kitchen & Dining tent, Toilet tent
  • Entry Permit Fee, Guide Fee & Driver Bata
  • Standard vegetarian food for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner during trek days
  • 1 Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader
  • Local Guide (Number of guides depending on the group size)
  • 1 High Altitude chef & support staff
  • Porters for carrying common equipments (like rations/tents/utensils/groceries)
  • The facility of keeping extra luggage at Rishikesh when leaving for the trek
  • Personal accident insurance
  • Insurance, meals, transportations daily salary of guide & porter
  • Nomads are allowed to carry only 10 kg personal luggage on trek
  • Basic First aid Kit 
  • Personal accident insurance
  • All government, local taxes and service charges
  • TrekNomads Fee, Trek Captain support and expertise
  • 10% discount on Fast&Up products
  • Personalized Dri-Fit T-Shirt 
  • TrekNomads goodies

What is NOT included in the tour

  • The cost to reach Rishikesh and back
  • Airport Pick up and Drop Off
  • Personal trekking gear
  • Tips for guide, chef, porter, etc (calculated per person)
  • Excess baggage charges, if it exceeds 10 kg
  • Local sightseeing and entrance fee, camera fee, etc
  • Mineral water or any type of soft drinks
  • Hot water for shower, etc, during the trek 
  • Extra meals apart from inclusions
  • Food during travel days
  • Lunch and dinner at Rishikesh 3-star hotel stay
  • Any other expenses incurred apart from inclusions
  • Any other tickets like cable chair, cable car, etc.
  • All personal, medical, evacuation and emergency expenses like extra day stay or vehicle charges due to delays, landslides, evacuation
Type of Trek
Himalayan Treks
Trek Gradient
Moderate
Treknical Details
Treknical Details

Other Details:

  • Trek Gradient: Easy-Moderate
  • Trek Distance: 30+ Km
  • Assembling Point: Rishikesh
  • Highest Altitude: 12,250 ft (3,734 m)
  • Travel Distance: 250+ Km  
  • Best Months to trek: January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December
FAQ's

Brahmatal Trek FAQs

 

How difficult is Brahmatal Trek?

Brahmatal trek is relatively simple. But during winters, it becomes moderate because a lot of snow slows us down on the trail. The temperature goes to around -10 to -12 degrees Celsius during December and January. So the cold makes it a moderate experience for first-timers.

 

Which is better, the Kedarkantha trek or the Brahmatal trek?

Both Kedarkantha trek and Brahmatal trek are equally beautiful treks. Brahmatal Trek can be enjoyed best during winters, whereas Kedarkantha is an all-season trek (except monsoon).

 

How safe is Brahmatal Trek?

Brahmatal trek is graded as a simple trek with close access to Lohajung (the base camp of the Brahmatal expedition) and intermittent network coverage, making it a safe trek. We strongly advise trekking with a reputed trekking company or guide skilled in dealing with emergencies.

 

What is the best time to do the Brahmatal Trek?

October to March is considered the best time to do Brahmatal Trek.

 

Is Brahmatal Trek fit for beginners?

Yes, Brahmatal Trek is very well suited for beginners. However, we recommend carrying appropriate gear for the trek and doing basic fitness exercises at least 4-8 weeks before the trek.

 

How should I prepare for Brahmatal Trek?

For the Brahmatal Trek, start with a brisk walk for 1 hour per day and gradually increase it. Simple running and cardio exercises will help to improve your physique. Add light weights and bodyweight exercises to your regimen. Follow this regimen for 1 to 2 months, and you'll be able to cover more considerable distances with ease when on a trek.

 

What peaks are visible from Brahmatal Trek?

The outer wall of Nanda Devi Sanctuary is continuously visible from Brahmatal Trek. The peaks you'll be close to are Nanda Ghunti (6,390m), Bethartoli Himal (6,352m), Bethartoli South (6,318m) as well as Trishul (7,120m).

 

How is Brahmatal in Summer?

The meadows are lush green, and occasional glimpses of Nanda Ghunti and Trishul playing hide and seek as clouds come and go. April and May are the best to go on the Brahmatal Trek.

 

When does it snow at Brahmatal?

Brahmatal receives the season's first snowfall in December, and the snow lasts on the slopes of Brahmatal until March's end.

 

Where is Brahmatal located?

This trek is in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The base camp is at Lohajung. The assembly point for this trek is in Rishikesh. You may take a flight or train to Dehradun. Rishikesh is 44 km away from Dehradun and can easily reach by road.

 

How many days are needed to complete the Brahmatal trek?

It takes eight days to complete the Brahmatal trek.

 

Can I opt for single-sharing accommodation?

Yes, you can opt for single-sharing accommodation at an additional cost. You can customize your trek at your convenience. If you are a solo trekker looking for single accommodation, the same can be conveyed to us at the time of booking, and the revised cost as per your new accommodation will be shared with you.

 

I want to extend/decrease the number of days of the trek. Can I do that?

Customization shall be done only if the group is five people or more. We create customized trekcation experiences which means that while we have set departures, we keep your time in mind too. If you wish to reduce/increase the number of days in your departure, the same can be discussed and done upon request and at an additional cost.

 

What should I carry on the trek?

We will share a detailed checklist of all equipment and essential items that you would need to carry on this trek once you register for the trek. If you need assistance in buying/understanding what to buy for the trek, our team will be happy to help you.

 

What is the Nearest railway/train station for Brahmatal Trek?

Kathgodam and Dehradun are the Nearest railway stations for Brahmatal Trek.

 

What is the Nearest airport for Brahmatal Trek?

Jolly Grant airport is the nearest airport for Brahmatal Trek.

 

What types of stays/accommodations will be available on Brahmatal Trek?

Hotel stays at Rishikesh and Lohajung. Camp stay available at Bekaltal and Brahmatal campsites.

 

Is a proper cellular network available on Brahmatal Trek?

Till Lohajung, the good network connectivity of Vodafone, Idea, B.S.N.L., and Airtel is available. Post that, the cellular network will be fragile or no network at all.

 

What type of toilets/restrooms will be available on Brahmatal Trek?

Hotel rooms in Rishikesh and Lohajung will have proper washrooms available. On the other days, bio-toilets will be set up along each campsite. A bio-toilet has a pit where one can answer nature's call.

 

Will there be A.T.M.s available on the Brahmatal Trek?

The last available A.T.M. will be available at Rishikesh. After that, no A.T.M.s will be available. Not even in Lohajung.

 

Pickup
Location
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India View on Map