According to Hindu mythology, Brahmatal Lake is the place where Lord Brahma meditated many years ago. It is nestling in the depths of Uttarakhand Himalayas. The trek to the Brahamatal Lake takes you on an epic journey through never-ending ridge lines, high altitude lakes, all dense bugyal, snow-covered peaks, and awe-inspiring views. There are many treks which can’t be done in January and February. Brahmatal Trek that way is a classic winter trek for that period. The trek is known for offering a huge amount of snow that makes a trek exciting. The views from the summit are even more captivating with majestic views of the mighty Himalayan ranges which provide many such excited as well as adventurous trekking trails, but this is probably the only trekking trail in the country where you could get a front-seat view of Himalayan peaks with Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti, bird’s eye view of the majestic Roopkund Lake and ample opportunities to capture the majestic snow-covered peak with their camera which rises above 7,000 meters. Brahmatal Trek is one of the best winter treks in the Himalayas.
Best Time to Visit: Brahmatal Trek is best for all the year to visit. Best seasons include December to March, Expect hiking on the snow in the mid of December. During winters, Brahmatal covered in the thick blanket of snow ideal for skiers. Best time to experience Brahmatal Trek in summer includes April to June.
Drive to Lohajung which takes about 9-10 hours from Kathgodam with stunning views of high altitude peaks like Trishul, Maiktoli, Nanda Devi, Ghori Parvat, Nanda Khat, Hathi Parvat, and Ghori Parvat. Take a small halt at Kausani for refreshments and make some memories with your camera as the views here are seriously unforgettable. Lohajung serves as the beginning point and the base camp for the Brahmatal trek. After reaching Lohajung, the stay will be in Guest House/Camp/Homestay on sharing basis. There are many local shops where you can buy jackets, hand gloves, caps, shoes, etc. if need be. However, it is advised that you carry all the required things for trek beforehand and not rely on any shop. Transport will be arranged at an additional cost from Kathgodam Railway Station at 06:30 AM. Cost of the cab – Rs. 5,500 per vehicle.
The first day of the trek starts from Lohajung to Bekaltal which takes about 4-5 hours. Get up early in the morning, have breakfast and get ready to begin. Just beside Lohajung follow the ascending human-made stone trek. Along the way, you would encounter some startling views of the Nanda Ghunti Peak. The walk is mostly inside the jungle of the conifer, Cedar, Oak and Fir. Spot the Kali valley as you climb higher and it is marked by the union of Kali and Pindari rivers. Amidst thick oak forests, the lake gleams peacefully in summer, while in winter, it is frozen and the trail would be pretty matte. Stay at Bekaltal will be organized in tents.
Today is the day to trek to Brahmatal Lake where Lord Brahma meditated many years ago. It takes about 5-6 hours to reach Brahmatal from Bekaltal Campsite. The trail starts steeply into the Oak and Rhododendron forest which leads to the meadow of Telandi top. In the winter, you will see the meadow of Telandi turns into a vast snowfield and crossing the area, a gala of thrill. From here, it is a very gradual descent to Brahmatal. Enjoy some scintillating views of the mighty Himalayas from here and then proceed further to Brahmatal or Khabekhal Lake to be precise. After a great day, spend the night in camp.
Today is the most visually mesmerizing day of the entire Brahmatal trek. Get up comfortably by 07:00 AM, have breakfast and get ready to climb to the top of Brahmatal. The trek to the top of Brahmatal requires around 2½ hours of steep climb. Along the way, it would be all ascents. We would pass through some treacherous trails at Chota Jhandidar and Bada Jhandidar. The trail goes through a mountain ridge with valleys on both sides and provides majestic views of Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. At the top, you would see a 180° view of exclusive snow covered Himalayan Ranges. Mountains such as Chaukhambha, Mandi, Mana, Nilgiri, Neelkanth, Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Maiktoli become visible. This part of the trail is completely different from the entire trek. Return to Brahmatal campsite.
Today you would be leaving this pristine lap of Mother Nature. After having breakfast, start walking to Lohajung from Brahmatal followed by some steep descending trail. It takes 6-7 hours to trek down to Lohajung through thick oak and rhododendron forests once again. You will reach Lohajung in the afternoon. This day could be used to rest as well as playing cricket, Volleyball or any other outdoor games at our Camps and at the end of the day, you can explore the small town and hear the mythological stories by the locals and immerse in their culture. Stay in the Camps.
Depart from Lohajung to Kathgodam Railway Station early in the morning, preferably before 06:30 AM since the journey takes 10-11 hours. Expected to reach Kathgodam by 07:00 PM. Transport will be arranged at an additional cost from Lohajung at 06:30 AM. Cost of the cab – Rs. 5,500 per vehicle.
