What is the Trek about?

In India, the mighty Himalayas have always been known as a mysterious place and it’s beauty still remains unexplored or less explored in many regions. The mighty Himalayas have been known for adventurous treks that experienced and skilled trekkers of the entire world go on. In the middle of the pristine range lies a lake which offers panoramic views of the Kumaon and Garhwal peaks. This is the Brahmatal lake. 

We welcome all the trekkers to go on this high-altitude trek to see frozen lake which is situated in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas, which is nearer to the borders of Nepal and Tibet. It is a superb trek for thrill-seekers and nature-lovers. The terrain is uneven, the forests are sprawling having oak trees, hamlets which are in silence almost, streams where the water is clear like crystal and the attention-grabbing view of the Himalayas makes one forget that the Brahmatal trek height is 12,200 feet above sea level and the Brahmatal trek distance is a total of about 22 kms. Added bonus on the trek is the frozen Bekaltal lake with the Himalayan peaks, covered in snow, forming a majestic background.

According to Hindu mythology, sage Brahma used to meditate by this lake. Located at a height of 12250 feet in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, it is a high-altitude lake. It is perfectly suited to people who have very less to no trekking experience. A major part of the trekking route is through forests. This helps in cutting down chances of being sick due to high altitude. If you still want to prepare for the trek, you can walk briskly and then do some jogging daily for a month. You can also go for swims, cycle or climb stairs to build up your fitness and endurance. Breathing exercises like Pranayam help in increasing lung capacity.

The Brahmatal winter trek is one of the easier treks which can be done in the Himalayas. Because the entire trail falls on a comparatively lower height, there is just the right quantity of snow to pose a slight challenge to all the trekkers. You will be transported to an incredibly beautiful white world having an enviable panorama. If you are thinking of experiencing snow trekking for the first time, there is no better place for it than Brahmatal. If you have a basic fitness level, you will be able to do this trek successfully.

The Brahmatal lake trek is not only about camping and snowy summits. It is also about seeing high-altitude lakes in a completely frozen state and being on a trek where the trail goes through both green forests and forests where the trees are covered with snow. Out of the various reasons why one must go on this trek, an important one is the opportunity to see Himalayan ranges including the Ghoda and Hatthi peaks and also Kamet, Chowkhanbha, Nilkanth, Nandaghuti and Chowkhamba. Some of the mountains which can be seen are at a height of 7000 meters. 

What also makes this Himalayan trek unparalleled is trekking through sleepy villages, splendid valleys, streams, and forests having oak and coniferous trees. During winter, snow covers the entire region like a blanket. Tourists will see the lake in a serene and frozen state.

The Brahmatal trek distance is 24 kilometers and the Brahmatal trek height is approximately 4000m or 12,100-12,250 feet.

Beautiful Brahmatal

A lake which is situated deep in the mighty Himalayas, in the Chamoli district – yes, it’s the Brahmatal lake.On this trek, you will be passing through tiny villages, crossing streams and marvellous valleys and walking through oak forests. You must be wondering about the difficulty level of the trek. Well, if you want to do this trek in the summer seasons, it is going to be easy. The lake has a different charm during the months of summer. Lush green meadows surrounding the lake filled with blue water with snow-clad peaks located at higher altitudes making the perfect backdrop creates a jaw-dropping visual. 

But if you are willing to do the Brahmatal winter trek, it is going to be moderately difficult. That is because of the heavy snowfall that this place receives during winter months. In winter, when snow falls gently on the slopes, Brahmatal looks like heaven. And if you have any confusion, then no, it’s not the monsoon but still the winter season only which we recommend for you. Seeing the snow-clad peaks is an experience which you should not miss out on if you can.

There are many standout features of the Brahmatal trek which makes it really special for all the travellers. You will have the opportunity to have panoramic views of Nanada Ghuti, Trishul and other Himalayan peaks. The images that you will view with your eyes like the frozen lake and the lofty Himalayan peaks will be forever etched in your heart. You will also be able to see the royal Roopkund Lake from a distance which looks very attractive. As mentioned earlier, Hindu mythology says that Lord Brahma, who is revered as the creator, used to meditate and serve his penance at this lake. This is the reason why the place has been named Brahmatal. 

Even if you are not into trekking, but are someone who is interested in photography, the views of the valleys and the mountains will keep you feeling enthusiastic and energetic throughout your trek. It will be difficult for you to keep clicking nature photographs.

Lohajung – The starting point of the Brahmatal Trek

Lohajung is a tiny village which is located in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. This village is from where the Brahmatal trek starts. The village is situated at a height of approximately 8000 feet above sea-level. Lohajung also serves as the base camp for the Bedni Bugyal trek and the Roopkund trek –  both of which are really popular.

There is a mythological story based on Lohajung too. It is believed at this spot, Goddess Parvati had fought with Lohasur, a demon and defeated him. After this battle with Loha, the asur or demon, a village was built here which is called Lohajung. There is another legend too as to why this village has been named so. There are some locals who have the belief that the place has been named because of the torrential rains the village faces. Metallic objects like loha starts to rust or jung as a result of the continuous heavy rainfall. 

Need help with planning?

It is okay if you do not want to book a package trip but want to go with your friends on your own. We still don’t mind helping you. If you are thinking of chalking a travel plan. Read on to get an idea.

On day 1 after arriving at Dehradun, hire a car and go to Lohajung. Though the drive is beautiful, it can also be a little tiring for you. As you ride for hours, you will be able to see rivers flowing freely, mountains capped with snow and greenery. As you ride up, the long drive will help you and other trekkers with you getting acclimated to higher altitudes. 

Lohajung is a small village where you can set up your tents. On day 2, you will trek through lush meadows and trails partially hidden under snow to reach Bekaltal from Lohajung. On the 3rd day, you can climb up to Brahmatal peak. You will be surrounded by snow-capped mountains which will be a thoroughly fascinating sight. On the 4th Day, you can climb down to Lohagunj through Tilbudi. You can also visit the Brahmatal pass on the same day. You can make the 5th day as your final day when you can head back to Lohajung. The trek path, as you might have understood, is a round trail, almost like a circuit. 

You will have the opportunity to see a lot of things which other treks offer like lofty mountain ranges, clear blue sky and also snowfall. Brahmatal is no less than other difficult treks.

How can you go from Dehradun to Lohajung?

To go to Lohagunj from Dehradun, you can use a jeep or bus. You can go to Karnaprayag through Rishikesh.There are vehicles which go to Lohajung from Karnaprayag via Tharali and Debal. Lohajung is at a distance of 298 kms from Dehradun. You will reach Lohajung in 12 hours by road, including all the halts.

How can you go from Kathgodam to Lohajung?

The way from Kathgodam to Lohajung is through some hill stations which are well-known in the Kumaon area like the Ranikhet, Dewal, Gwaldam and Kausani. The distance between Lohajung and Kathgodam is 217 kms. By road, you will be able to reach Lohajung in 9 hours, inclusive of all the breaks that you will have to take for things like meals and snacks. 

Once you reach the Lohajung village, you can opt to stay at a lodge for the night. Another more exciting option is to put up your tent on a field in the village. 

The kind of weather that you should expect on the Brahmatal trek:

The best time to go on this trek is during the months of December to February. The winter is cold and the temperature during the daytime remains between five degree celsius to fifteen degrees. During the night, expect the temperature to fall sub-zero. It can go as low as minus five degree celsius. 

The months between May and October are the summer and spring season. The weather remains pleasant and warm during the day in these months. During the trek, you will find changes in the weather which is a result of the altitude climbed. The weather at both Lohajung and Bekaltal will be between fifteen to twenty degrees. The temperature will be around ten degrees at higher campsites.

January and February are the best times to go for the Brahmatal lake trek. The second best time to go would be in late March or April. This is because at this time, you will be able to see the rhododendron plants in full bloom. There will be rhododendron flowers in white, red and pink colours. . 

Key Features of the Brahmatal trek:

• Camp stay or tent stay at places which faces snowfall
• Trekking on snow on Brahmatal
• Seeing the Bekaltal lake in a frozen state
• Viewing Mt. Nanda Ghunti and Mt. Trishul wj=ile trekking

How can you reach Brahmatal?

For going on the Brahmatal trek, you can first reach Kathgodam and then go to Lohajung if you are coming from Delhi. The Lohajung altitude is 2,320 m.

By rail – Kathgodam is one of the nearest railheads. Many big cities are connected to Kathgodam via trains. Dehradun or Haridwar are the closest railway stations. Our representatives will pick you up from the Dehradun railway station. There is a connecting train from Haridwar to Dehradun.

By road – From Delhi, there are many bus services for going to Kathgodam. Both normal and AC-Deluxe buses ply regularly which leaves from Anand Vihar ISBT in Delhi. There are also all kinds of buses, semi-sleeper, AC and Non-AC buses which go to Dehradun or Rishikesh from Delhi. 

By air – The Pant Nagar airport which is about 34 kms from Kathgodam is one of the nearest airports. There are regular flights from New Delhi. The Dehradun airport is the closest airport. Many metro cities of the country are connected to Dehradun through flights. Our representatives will pick you up from the Dehradun airport.