Duration: 6 Days/ 5 Nights
Altitude: 3846M
Pickup: Rishikesh
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 6 Days/ 5 Nights
Pickup: Rishikesh
Altitude: 2331M -3846M
Difficulty: Moderate
Brahmatal Trek is the only snow trek in India that has an accessible alpine lake. The trek features breathtaking jungle trails which are an adobe to many animal species. The jungle has had oak trees for centuries. The trek is known for its panoramic views, a vast span of meadow walk, fantastic ridgelines, and the view of massive mountain peaks.
This trek is in Uttarakhand. It is the best highlight of the Garhwal Himalayas. One gets to see fascinating peaks like Mt. Trishul, Mt Nanda Ghunti, and Mt. Khamet. It reaches an altitude of 3800m and is open all along the winter months. This feature of being operational in all winters is a rarity in Indian treks.
Its accessibility, ease, gradual altitude gain, and distance make it the best winter trek for beginners. It will not be an exaggeration to call it the Winterland of Indian trekking.
Once the winter fades, in spring this trek offers colorful rhododendrons.
This trek is around 28km in length and begins from the base camp at Lohajung village. However, the trek has a drive from Rishikesh to Lohajung. It is a long drive of around 10 hours and through some fantastic views and landscape. The Lohajung rest at an altitude of 2331m.
The first trek day of Brahmatal trek is a 6km walk from Lohajung. The trail goes through the thick jungle made of oak, fir, cedar, and conifer. The campsite is surreal with a panoramic view surrounded by oaks and rhododendrons.
The next trek day takes one to the famous Brahmatal. However, on this, we will not be reaching the Brahmatal Lake or Pass. The trail goes through beautiful patches and sees the diving temple on its way. The peaks like Mt Trishul, Nanda, Ghunti, and others are visible from here.
On your next day, you are starting early. This is the most tiring day and takes you to the famous Brahmatal lake and then climbs up to the Brahmatal pass. The pass is at an altitude of 3846m. Enjoy the best view of the trek both at the lake and then at the pass. The pass has some of the fantastic panoramas of this trek. Shortly, you will descend back to the Brahmatal valley.
This day is the short trek of 4km that will take you back to Lohajung. This day is mostly trek, however, for one hour there will be a drive involved to the Lohajung village. The trek gradient is easy and gives you pleasure as you walk through the thickets meadows and valley.
Highlights of Brahmatal Trek
The Forest of Rhododendron
One of the fantastic features of this trek is the forest walk. The walk is all refreshing and gives you the serenity of life. There are patches of beautifully colored rhododendrons. The trees are mostly short and make a canopy of shade as you walk through them. When you look up you see a roof of these tree branches. In March and April, you will also see the roof of their flowers. In winters this all is white in snow.
The Brahmatal Lake
The lake is quite an impressive treat to the trekkers. After tiring themselves with walks and ascends, you get to see the beautiful lake and the best attraction of the trek. The lake sits gorgeously in the middle of the meadow. This is quite a unique feature. Most of the lakes in the treks are in the middle of the mountains. But this lake is in the middle of a meadow. A couple of trees form it the best picture spot.
Fixed Departure Dates
February : 6th, 12th, 12th, 19th, 20th, 25th, 26th, 27th
March : 4th, 5th, 6th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 25th, 26th, 27th
April : 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th, 30th
Short Itinerary of Brahmatal Trek
Day 1:- Rishikesh to Lohajung
- Drive Time:10 hours
- Drive Distance: 250km
- Altitude: 2331 Lohajung.
Day 2:- Lohajung to Bekaltal
- Trek Duration:5 hours
- Trek Distance: 6km
- Altitude: 2331m to 2750m
Day 3:- Bekaltal to Brahmatal
- Trek Duration:7 hours
- Trek Distance: 7km
- Altitude: 2750m to 3400m
Day 4: Brahmatal to Tilbudi via Brahmatal Pass
- Trek Duration:7 hours
- Trek Distance: 7km
- Altitude: 3400m to 3400m via 3846m (Brahmatal Pass)
Day 5: Tilbudi to Lohajung via Wan
- Trek Duration:5 hours
- Trek Distance: 4km
- Altitude: 3400m to 2331m
- Drive Time: 1 hour
Day 6:- Lohajung to Rishikesh
- Drive Time:10 hours
- Drive Distance: 250km
Detailed Itinerary of Brahmatal Trek
Day 1: Rishikesh to Lohajung
- Drive Time:10 hours
- Drive Distance: 250km
- Altitude: 2331 Lohajung.
The trek journey for Brahmatal Trek starts from Rishikesh. The first day is all a drive from Rishikesh to the base camp at Lohajung. The pickup place is the Rishikesh railway station.
The drive is long but rewarding. You will be covering a total distance of 250km and that will take around 10 hours. However, the drive exposes you to the fantastic landscape and scenic views of this Himalayan heaven. The drive itself starts alongside the divine river Ganga and Alaknanda flowing eternally. Further up, we will see another river called Pinder.
The drive takes you through Devprayag and Karanprayan the ancient places of India. These places are here since the beginning of the world. Immerse yourself in ancient places. As you will be nearing Lohajung, you will get a view of the famous Nanda Ghunti.
Since the drive is long, there will be lunch spots. You will take a break around noon for refreshments and lunch. Once you reach Lohajung by evening, roam around the market. You can get your trekking gear on rent here.
Day 2: Lohajung to Bekaltal
- Trek Duration:5 hours
- Trek Distance: 6km
- Altitude: 2331m to 2750m
This is the first trek day. The trail starts with a forest walk. This fantastic forest is house to many ancient oak trees. The forest then opens and blends into a village called Mandoli. Just take a water break and look around this beautiful village. The trail then has ascends but they are mild. In a short time then you will reach a river confluence. This is the merging of two water streams – Kali and Pindari. This valley has been named Kali after this river.
The trail has shepherd mud huts and in spring there is a huge plantation of rhododendron. This colorful view is a treat to eyes between February and March. Once you have crossed this patch of land, you will reach the viewpoint of Begum and get the view of expansive Bugyals. Thereafter you will reach the gorgeous Bekaltal campsite.
Day 3: Bekaltal to Brahmatal
- Trek Duration:7 hours
- Trek Distance: 7km
- Altitude: 2750m to 3400m
This day’s trek starts with an ascend and through the thick patches of oaks and rhododendrons. The trail then opens up to a vast meadow. This place is locally called Telandi. In winters this entire area is covered in snow.
The meadow is vast and continues till it reaches the maximum altitude of 11,500 ft. Afterward, you will start descending towards Brahmatal. There you will face a beautiful temple here. The lake of Brahmatal is just 500m away from this temple. The place gives us a view of some of the prominent peaks of this region. The peaks like Mt Trishul, Nanda, Ghunti, and others are visible from here.
On this day, you will not find water readily available. Make sure you carry enough water during your trek.
Day 4: Brahmatal to Tilbudi via Brahmatal Pass
- Trek Duration:7 hours
- Trek Distance: 7km
- Altitude: 3400m to 3400m via 3846m (Brahmatal Pass)
This is the day we will be ascending to the lake. The lake is not far away. We will leave early in the morning after a delicious breakfast. The trail has a zigzag climb towards Brahmatal Lake. Behold this eternally beautiful lake. In winters, this lake is covered in snow and looks like a complete winter wonderland. This is a fairyland of winters.
On a sunny day, the sunlight bounces back from the water and gives it a gorgeous hue.
Once you have seen the lake, the trail gets towards the famous Brahmatal Pass. The walk is tiring but equally rewarding. It has a fantastic view of the surrounding mountains and valley. This is where most of the trekkers spend more time. Capture these moments on your camera or phone. You will cherish these moments once you reach your home place.
There is a distinct feature of this day. As you will descend from the pass, you will see a different trail. You will get a 180-degree view of the entire area. It will take around an hour to descend completely and reach a clearing that forms our Tilbudi campsite.
Day 5: Tilbudi to Lohajung via Wan
- Trek Duration:5 hours
- Trek Distance: 4km
- Altitude: 3400m to 2331m
- Drive Time: 1 hour
Today you will be also walking through the patches of rhododendrons and oaks. The trail is all along beautiful and delightful. The trail will take you to the water source which is at Chota Tilbundi. Less than an hour walk you will see the Wan village. This village means you are about to hit the road. From here you will get into the cab and reach Lohajung.
Day 6: Lohajung to Rishikesh
- Drive Time:10 hours
- Drive Distance: 250km
This is the last day of your trek journey. This is the repeat of your first day. You will take a ride from Lohajung to Rishikesh through the same route and same landscape. By evening you will be at Rishikesh.
What is the best time to do Brahmatal Trek?
Brahmatal trek is quite not popular and not done in summer and monsoon. However in Spring, Autumn and Winter this is accessible and quite beautiful.
Brahmatal Trek in March and April
March and April is springtime. You will get a beautiful patch of rhododendrons. The valley is colorful in pink and crimson. If you do the trek in early march, you will see both spring and winter at the same time. You will see flowers bloom and snow patches here and there. This is the best time to do the trek if you want to see the blend of spring and winter. Towards the end of April, snow has receded. The Brahmatal Lake is covered in snow in this season, however not frozen.
Brahmatal Trek in September, October, and November
The flower bloom that is the highlight of spring, will be desolated in autumn. The leaves are turned into beautiful autumn colors. You will get a beautiful experience of walking on fallen leaves and twigs. Another feature of this season is that you get a clear blu sky which gives you the best mountain view possible. Sunrise and sunset views are what most people look for in this season.
Brahmatal Trek in December, Januray and Feberuary
These are the months of winter. In December snow starts falling and continues till the end of February. If you want to experience snow trekking then this is the best season for you. In early December, sometimes it doesn’t snow. However, it’s all over snow by the end of December and till February. Experience the walk while the snow falls on your face.
This is a unique feature of this trek in that it remains open in the core winter months of January and February. Most of the other treks remain closed due to heavy snowfall. In winters, you also get to see the frozen lake and frozen ponds. The Bekaltal Lake is frozen in winters.
Brahmatal Trek height?
The highest altitude that you will reach on this trek is 3846m. This is when you will be at Brahmatal Pass. However, this will be the fourth day. This makes sure you are well acclimatized as you reach the highest point.
Brahmatal Trek distance?
The total distance of the trek is around 25km. This is a moderate distance for a winter trek. The distance is covered in the full itinerary and gives a good time to acclimatize with the altitude.
How difficult is Brahmatal Trek?
Brahmatal trek is a moderate trek. It has only a few steep climbs with long hours of walking. It is a bit more difficult than treks like Dayar Bugyal. The trek has no threatening trail and does not need the technical learnings of the trekker. In winters the trek becomes slightly challenging as the snow is accumulated and you have to trek through it.
It tests your trekking stamina. Particularly as you are nearing the summit peak, this snow walk is going to be tough. Also if you leave early, the snow is slippery and hard. You need to be careful with your steps. Ensure you wear microspikes. Any fall on frozen snow can get you an injury
Regarding altitude sickness, one good feature of this trek is it has a gradual climb. The itinerary is such that it allows your body to acclimatize.
1
Day 1: Rishikesh to Lohajung
- Drive Time:10 hours
- Drive Distance: 250km
- Altitude: 2331 Lohajung.
The trek journey for Brahmatal Trek starts from Rishikesh. The first day is all a drive from Rishikesh to the base camp at Lohajung. The pickup place is the Rishikesh railway station.
The drive is long but rewarding. You will be covering a total distance of 250km and that will take around 10 hours. However, the drive exposes you to the fantastic landscape and scenic views of this Himalayan heaven. The drive itself starts alongside the divine river Ganga and Alaknanda flowing eternally. Further up, we will see another river called Pinder.
The drive takes you through Devprayag and Karanprayan the ancient places of India. These places are here since the beginning of the world. Immerse yourself in ancient places. As you will be nearing Lohajung, you will get a view of the famous Nanda Ghunti.
Since the drive is long, there will be lunch spots. You will take a break around noon for refreshments and lunch. Once you reach Lohajung by evening, roam around the market. You can get your trekking gear on rent here.
2
Day 2: Lohajung to Bekaltal
- Trek Duration:5 hours
- Trek Distance: 6km
- Altitude: 2331m to 2750m
This is the first trek day. The trail starts with a forest walk. This fantastic forest is house to many ancient oak trees. The forest then opens and blends into a village called Mandoli. Just take a water break and look around this beautiful village. The trail then has ascends but they are mild. In a short time then you will reach a river confluence. This is the merging of two water streams – Kali and Pindari. This valley has been named Kali after this river.
The trail has shepherd mud huts and in spring there is a huge plantation of rhododendron. This colorful view is a treat to eyes between February and March. Once you have crossed this patch of land, you will reach the viewpoint of Begum and get the view of expansive Bugyals. Thereafter you will reach the gorgeous Bekaltal campsite.
3
Day 3: Bekaltal to Brahmatal
- Trek Duration:7 hours
- Trek Distance: 7km
- Altitude: 2750m to 3400m
This day’s trek starts with an ascend and through the thick patches of oaks and rhododendrons. The trail then opens up to a vast meadow. This place is locally called Telandi. In winters this entire area is covered in snow.
The meadow is vast and continues till it reaches the maximum altitude of 11,500 ft. Afterward, you will start descending towards Brahmatal. There you will face a beautiful temple here. The lake of Brahmatal is just 500m away from this temple. The place gives us a view of some of the prominent peaks of this region. The peaks like Mt Trishul, Nanda, Ghunti, and others are visible from here.
On this day, you will not find water readily available. Make sure you carry enough water during your trek.
4
Day 4:Brahmatal to Tilbudi via Brahmatal Pass
- Trek Duration:7 hours
- Trek Distance: 7km
- Altitude: 3400m to 3400m via 3846m (Brahmatal Pass)
This is the day we will be ascending to the lake. The lake is not far away. We will leave early in the morning after a delicious breakfast. The trail has a zigzag climb towards Brahmatal Lake. Behold this eternally beautiful lake. In winters, this lake is covered in snow and looks like a complete winter wonderland. This is a fairyland of winters.
On a sunny day, the sunlight bounces back from the water and gives it a gorgeous hue.
Once you have seen the lake, the trail gets towards the famous Brahmatal Pass. The walk is tiring but equally rewarding. It has a fantastic view of the surrounding mountains and valley. This is where most of the trekkers spend more time. Capture these moments on your camera or phone. You will cherish these moments once you reach your home place.
There is a distinct feature of this day. As you will descend from the pass, you will see a different trail. You will get a 180-degree view of the entire area. It will take around an hour to descend completely and reach a clearing that forms our Tilbudi campsite.
5
Day 5: Tilbudi to Lohajung via Wan
- Trek Duration:5 hours
- Trek Distance: 4km
- Altitude: 3400m to 2331m
- Drive Time: 1 hour
Today you will be also walking through the patches of rhododendrons and oaks. The trail is all along beautiful and delightful. The trail will take you to the water source which is at Chota Tilbundi. Less than an hour walk you will see the Wan village. This village means you are about to hit the road. From here you will get into the cab and reach Lohajung.
6
Day 6: Lohajung to Rishikesh
- Drive Time:10 hours
- Drive Distance: 250km
This is the last day of your trek journey. This is the repeat of your first day. You will take a ride from Lohajung to Rishikesh through the same route and same landscape. By evening you will be at Rishikesh.
Brahmatal Trek height?
The highest altitude that you will reach on this trek is 3846m. This is when you will be at Brahmatal Pass. However, this will be the fourth day. This makes sure you are well acclimatized as you reach the highest point.
Brahmatal Trek distance?
The total distance of the trek is around 25km. This is a moderate distance for a winter trek. The distance is covered in the full itinerary and gives a good time to acclimatize with the altitude.
How difficult is Brahmatal Trek?
Brahmatal trek is a moderate trek. It has only a few steep climbs with long hours of walking. It is a bit more difficult than treks like Dayar Bugyal. The trek has no threatening trail and does not need the technical learnings of the trekker. In winters the trek becomes slightly challenging as the snow is accumulated and you have to trek through it. It tests your trekking stamina. Particularly as you are nearing the summit peak, this snow walk is going to be tough. Also if you leave early, the snow is slippery and hard. You need to be careful with your steps. Ensure you wear microspikes. Any fall on frozen snow can get you an injury
Regarding altitude sickness, one good feature of this trek is it has a gradual climb. The itinerary is such that it allows your body to acclimatize.
What is the best time to do Brahmatal Trek?
Brahmatal trek is quite not popular and not done in summer and monsoon. However in Spring, Autumn and Winter this is accessible and quite beautiful.
Brahmatal Trek in March and April
March and April is springtime. You will get a beautiful patch of rhododendrons. The valley is colorful in pink and crimson. If you do the trek in early march, you will see both spring and winter at the same time. You will see flowers bloom and snow patches here and there. This is the best time to do the trek if you want to see the blend of spring and winter. Towards the end of April, snow has receded. The Brahmatal Lake is covered in snow in this season, however not frozen.
Brahmatal Trek in September, October, and November
The flower bloom that is the highlight of spring, will be desolated in autumn. The leaves are turned into beautiful autumn colors. You will get a beautiful experience of walking on fallen leaves and twigs. Another feature of this season is that you get a clear blu sky which gives you the best mountain view possible. Sunrise and sunset views are what most people look for in this season.
Brahmatal Trek in December, Januray and Feberuary
These are the months of winter. In December snow starts falling and continues till the end of February. If you want to experience snow trekking then this is the best season for you. In early December, sometimes it doesn’t snow. However, it’s all over snow by the end of December and till February. Experience the walk while the snow falls on your face.
This is a unique feature of this trek in that it remains open in the core winter months of January and February. Most of the other treks remain closed due to heavy snowfall. In winters, you also get to see the frozen lake and frozen ponds. The Bekaltal Lake is frozen in winters.
The forest of rhododendron
One of the fantastic features of this trek is the forest walk. The walk is all refreshing and gives you the serenity of life. There are patches of beautifully colored rhododendrons. The trees are mostly short and make a canopy of shade as you walk through them. When you look up you see a roof of these tree branches. In March and April, you will also see the roof of their flowers. In winters this all is white in snow.
The Brahmatal Lake
The lake is quite an impressive treat to the trekkers. After tiring themselves with walks and ascends, you get to see the beautiful lake and the best attraction of the trek. The lake sits gorgeously in the middle of the meadow. This is quite a unique feature. Most of the lakes in the treks are in the middle of the mountains. But this lake is in the middle of a meadow. A couple of trees form it the best picture spot.
