About Brahmatal Trek
Being a relatively new trek route, the Brahmatal trek remains quite underrated but filled with unexplored areas that are not yet popular. The Brahmatal Trek stands out as a hidden gem in the Indian Himalayas, offering a pristine adventure through untouched snow-covered landscapes. What this means is that if you are looking for a calming trip away from people, Brahmatal trek is perfect for you.
Located in the Chamoli district of the Garhwal Himalayan region in Uttarakhand, the Brahmatal summit offers an excellent panoramic 360˚ view of several mountain ranges lined up perfectly quite close to it. The list of peaks that one can see from Brahmatal is endless – from peaks of Kumaon division to Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Hathi-Ghoda peaks and so on. The sight of the sun shining on the ice-capped peaks is breathtaking.
This enchanting trek takes you to a staggering altitude of 12,250 feet through a trekking distance of 24 km. The trek commences at Lohajung, which is at a distance of 253 km from Rishikesh. In addition, this trek also treats you to a beautiful vista of the Roopkund trek trail(along the Brahmatal ridge) including views of Ali Bugyal, Bedni Bugyal, and Junargali.
At such a height, like in any other Himalayan trek, you get snow-covered trails and experience snow during the trek. What makes the Brahmatal trek so unique is the view that it offers not only at the summit but also during the trek route.
Trek Details
- Start Point- Rishikesh-Lohajung, Kathgodam(optional)
- Departure Time from Rishikesh on Day 1- 6 am
- Pickup point from Rishikesh- Natraj Chowk/ Cafe 360 Tapovan
- End Point- Rishikesh/ Kathgodam
- Arrival time on Day 6 at Rishikesh/Kathgodam- Approximately 6 pm
- Cloakroom: There is no separate cloakroom available. You can hand over your luggage to our team and collect it while returning. We will be keeping it safely at Lohajung in the same Homestay.
- Cab service is optional. Trekkers may choose to travel by bus or local cab to reach Lohajung.
- The forest permits for international clients will be as actual and are to be paid by the trekker at the base camp only.
- Network connectivity– Lohajung is the last spot where you will find a network. With increasing altitude, you might not get a network on your cell phones.
- Last ATM- Lohajung (but prone to unavailability of cash). It’s better to enter Lohajung with cash and not rely on an ATM. You will find working ATMs and banks in Dewal, which is 25 km away and on the way to Lohajung.
Which is the better option to reach Lohajung? Rishikesh or Kathgodam.
- Rishikesh is the better option to reach Lohajung.
- Pickup points at Rishikesh:
- 1st Point: Natraj Chowk
- 2nd Point: Cafe 360, TapovanCafe 360, Tapovan is 5.4 Km ahead of Natraj Chowk
How to reach Brahmatal
For the Brahmatal trek, Lohajung serves as a base camp. Since Rishikesh is better connected with other cities like Delhi (320km) and Dehradun (277km), Rishikesh serves as the starting and ending point of the trek. Contact our team at Moxtain to get details about the transport we have arranged to and from Lohajung.
By Flight
The Nearest Airport would be– Jolly Grant Airport (JGH). Several popular airlines offer direct and indirect flights between Delhi and Jolly Grant Airport, which will cost a minimum of around Rs. 2899.
It’s better to book round-trip flights since it's more economical. There are buses, shared cabs, and private cars available from Rishikesh.
On reaching Rishikesh, you can take a bus or a private car ride to Lohajung which is an 8 to 10-hour ride of 253 km through the serene towns of Ranikhet, Kausani, Gwaldam, and Dewal.
By Train
Several trains are connecting Dehradun and kathgodam railway station (Brahmatal’s nearest railhead) with all the major cities of India.
On reaching Dehradun which is 251.8 km or a 5 hour 's drive from Delhi, you can take a bus or a private car ride to Lohajung.
By Road
The best way to reach Lohajung is via Rishikesh. Daily buses ply from Rishikesh to Lohajung leaving at 5-5:30 am and share cabs which leave at 6 am but you need to book a seat in advance as the seats are subject to availability.
There's also an alternate way to reach Lohajung via Kathgodam. On reaching Kathgodam which is a 320 km or 5-8 hour's drive from Delhi, you can take a bus or a private car ride to Lohajung which is an 8 to 10 hours ride through the serene towns of Ranikhet, Kausani, Gwaldam, and Dewal.
Best Time to Visit and What to expect in Brahmatal Trek
The best time to visit Brahmatal is from December to March. On the other hand, it can be done in the other months as well(except the rainy season). Having a forest trail en route gives you an entirely different experience depending on the season you visit thus making it a trek which multiple trekkers come back to.
Winter in Brahmatal starts in November and lasts till February. Being a winter trek, it’s obvious for you to expect snow and it’s something you will get in abundance. During the day expect the temperature to be around 3˚C to 6˚C and at night expect the freezing temperatures of around 3˚C to -10˚C.
With rhododendron flowers blooming along the jungle trail and the valleys being filled with bright flowers, the trek trail itself is a treat to the eyes. Along with the melting glaciers, small waterfalls and streams, this scenic beauty is a marvel in itself.
Mythical Legends of Brahmatal: Unveiling the Divine Connection
Rooted deep in mythology, Brahmatal trek allures you with a mystic charm which is hard to resist.
The name Brahmatal owes its origin to Lord Brahma, the Creator who meditated here.
You get astonishing views of the sacred Nanda Devi peak, the abode of Goddess Nanda Devi, Mount Trishul resembling a sacred trident (Trishul) and Mount Kamet, the sacred mountain of the Hindus.
Lohajung, the base camp for the Brahmatal trek, prides itself on the fact that Goddess Parvati had a fight with Lohasur and killed him at this place. The name Lohajung translates to fight (Jung) with the demon Lohasur.
Why Brahmatal trek should be on your bucket list
The amazing thing about Brahmatal trekking is its forest trails, glacial lakes and a summit – all these in one trek. At an altitude of 12,250ft, Brahmatal trek offers you three distinctive features all combined in one beautiful trek. Sadly, and thankfully for you, Brahmatal remains one of the ‘undiscovered’ treks. What it means for you is that you get to experience the untouched, pure beauty of nature in all its glory.
Having a steady incline and a gradual slope, Brahmatal is a smooth-paced trek with marvelous sights to offer of mountains and ridges like that of Trishul massif, Ronti saddle and so on.
To stand true to its calling of ‘Dev Bhoomi’ or ‘Land of Gods’, the sight of the sun shining on the panorama of peaks Mount Trishul, sacred Mount Nanda Ghunti, Mount Chaukhamba, Mount Neelkanth, Mount Shivling and Mount Hathi Ghoda and so on. To beautify the majestic view and Roopkund trek route being in the near vicinity, you have the magnificent sight of Ali Bugyal, Bedni Bugyal, and Junargali along with various other meadows.
While Brahmatal Lake and Bekaltal Lake take their place in the mesmerizing sight that this trek has to offer, it’s this lakeside campsite that comes as a bonus.
With a vista of colors of the laid out tents on the fresh white snow under the star-studded sky, in a land that’s surrounded by thick forest vegetation is a sight that’s treated to your eyes and warms up your heart as the campsite feels like a dream come true with marvelous mountain ranges in the backdrop.
Quick essential Tips for the Brahmatal trek
- Fitness
- Trek Essentials
Fitness Since this is a trek of easy to moderate difficulty, you will have to walk about 7-8 kms a day. With a gradual and steep climb and a trekking bag on your back, this may not be as easy as it sounds.
This means that you will need your lungs at full capacity and that means you will have to do away with smoking at least a month before the trek.
Not necessary but to have a smoother trekking experience and enjoy it to the fullest, you can do morning jogs every day and build up your stamina.
Being a winter trek, expect snowfall. And snow means getting yourself soaked when it melts. So to protect yourself and your trek essentials, it's important that your shoes and your trekking bag are waterproof or at least have a rain cover.
Wear good trekking shoes to experience maximum comfort during the trek. Expect freezing temperatures, so carry thermals and layer up to fight the cold winds. Carry a raincoat or a poncho to protect yourself from the snow.
Also, you can contact our team at Moxtain if you want shoes, trekking bags, trekking poles and ponchos for rent.
During the trek, keep drinking water to stay hydrated. With changing altitude, it’s important to keep yourself hydrated. Keep snacks and energy bars in hand during the trek to recharge your energy as it tends to get drained. Above all, keep your morals high, stay energised and have a memorable trek.
- Brahmatal Trek
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Day 1: Rishikesh(1,220 feet)/Kathgodam(1,483 feet) to Lohajung (7,600 feet)
- From Rishikesh to Lohajung the distance is around 250 km.
- 8-10 hours long drive from Rishikesh to Lohajung.
- Cab service: Optional/Not included in the package.
- Pick up timing is 6-7 a.m.
- Explore the local market, know the culture at Lohajung.
- Overnight stay at a guesthouse in Lohajung.
The trek route starts from Rishikesh which is a primary pick up point and Kathgodam being the secondary with Lohajung serving as the base camp. The journey from Rishikesh to Lohajung involves 9 to 10 hours of a scenic drive with views of majestic mountains. Cab service is optional and not included in the package. Trekkers can use personal or public transport to reach Lohajung.
A pick up will be arranged at Lohajung, and the pick-up point along with timings will be communicated to you by email before your bookings of the trek. The booking will not include lunch for the day and transportation from Rishikesh/Kathgodam to Lohajung. And from Lohajung, we will take care of your meals and lodging.
Mt. Trishul, Maiktoli, Nanda Devi, Nanda Khat, Hathi Parvat and Ghora Parvat are few of the mountains that you get to see on the way, while hill stations like Almora, Bhimtal, Baijnath and Kausani offers you a picturesque view during the drive.
Day 2: Lohajung to Gujrani Campsite
- Trekking distance of 6 km.
- Trekking time is around 4.5-5 hours.
- Trek through villages and dense forests of oak and rhododendrons.
- Moderate ascent.
- Overnight stay in tents at Gujrani campsite.
The trek begins! Expect an early start to the day with a heavy breakfast. After a warm-up session, we will give you a basic idea of what your plan for the day will be. Today’s trek route will be 6 kms which will take about 4 to 5 hours.
Allow your body to adjust and prepare for the changing altitude and the trekking. As if to build-up to the summit day, Brahmatal trek starts with its magnificence from the first day itself.
As you go the jungle trail through the dense vegetation of silver oak and the vibrant rhododendron foliage and you come out of the forest to stand in front of an arresting view with the white wall of Trishul mastiff!
After several water breaks in between and 4 to 5 hours of trekking, you will reach your destination, Gujrani campsite.
With a beautiful lakeside campsite, marvel at the beauty of nature and its masterstroke in the ambience. During the Spring, when the rhododendrons are fully bloomed, expect a day under the pink flowery roof and a similar sight surrounding the lake and the campsite.
Day 3: Gujrani Campsite to Tilandi via Bekaltal Lake
- Trekking distance of 8 km.
- Trekking time is around 6 hours.
- Steep ascent and gradual descent through oak forests, rhododendron groves and expansive meadows leading to Brahmatal Lake.
- Indulge in bird watching, star-gazing or simply soak in the surreal ambiance of the scenic lake.
- Overnight stay in tents at the campsite.
A brand new day with another lake in mind through another forest trail, yet so very different. Today we will be trekking 8 km for 6 hours. The trek route will be through the dense forests of oak trees and rhododendron.
Expect to catch sight of flocks of pretty colourful birds, especially Monal. The dense forest has trees that aren’t quite tall enough, but their canopy does form a roof over your head, with snow-covered forest floors giving you a feeling of adventure in this jungle trail.
Once you come out of the forest you are dropped right in front of vast meadows like Tilandi top.
The sight of the frozen shores of Brahmatal Lake with a solitary oak tree on one corner is a sight that’s worth the climb.
With a white snow cover all around the lake, frozen shores and the peaceful ambience of the lake makes you realize why the myths say that Lord Brahma chose this place to meditate.
By now you are in the perfect height to be experiencing the majestic beauty of the Himalayas.
You see the vast stretches of white snow-covered fields and valleys of the Garhwal region with the horizon filled with undulating slopes of the Himalayan mountains.
This also helps you anticipate the view you will experience the next day once you reach the top of the summit.
Day 4: Tilandi to Brahmatal Lake and Brahmatal Peak and back to Tilandi
- Total trekking distance (to and fro) of 9 km.
- Trekking time is around 7-8 hours.
- Moderate ascent and easy descent through rhododendron groves and oak forests.
- 360-degree view of colossal Himalayan peaks from the top; magical and alluring.
- Overnight stay in tents at the campsite.
This is the day that holds the moment of the trek. With a day that has 9 km of the trek ahead of you for about 8 hours, there are a lot of experiences planned throughout the day.
Today you climb to the Brahmatal top. After a bit of steep climb, experience a bird's-eye view of the Himalayas. It’s something like you are being dropped in the middle of the ranges and all around you are covered with white snow-covered huge mountain ranges, that’s reflecting the golden glow of the sun and giving off a hue of colors.
Take a moment for yourself as you experience it all. The breathtaking close-up views of mountains Mount Trishul and Mount Nanda Ghunti that have been your companion throughout this trek is worth all the climb.
Along with that, you have the view of Mount Chaukhamba, Mount Neelkanth, Mount Shivling, and Mount Hathi Ghoda and so on. From the top, you can see the Roopkund trek route being in the near vicinity along with various other meadows.
After a breathtaking experience, you will have an easy descent back to your campsite at Tilandi. Expect some stretches being a little slippery and steep. It’s always wise to be a little more careful while descending.
Day 5: Tilandi to Lohajung via Daldum
- Total trekking distance of 3 km.
- Trekking time is around 3-4 hours.
- Gradual descent to Lohajung.
- Build rapport with locals and learn about their simple life, explore Lohajung, and try the local cuisine.
- Overnight stay in the guesthouse/Daldum campsite.
As if to proclaim that the trek isn’t over yet, the trek route from Tilandi to Lohajung transverses through vast stretches of alpine and oak forest and meadows.
Watch out for the snow-covered edges of the mountain ranges as they change color from crimson red to golden shades of yellow as the day passes.
Also, the sight of some small streamlets and streams make this day even more beautiful.
On reaching Lohajung, enjoy the local food and do not forget to interact with the locals as it’s an experience that gives the final brush strokes to a perfect story.
Day 6: Lohajung to Rishikesh/Kathgodam
- Head back to Rishikesh/Kathgodam, 250 km.
- Around 8-10 hours long drive.
- You can buy herbal tea at Kausani.
- Explore Rishikesh/Kathgodam, indulge in local shopping, and buy some souvenirs.
After soaking in the lap of grandeur views for 5 days you head back to Rishikesh on day 6. Driving back along the same breathtaking locales gives a feeling of deja vu. The trip officially ends here but you can still make the most of the day by indulging in some shopping, eating and exploring Rishikesh. Enroute you can take a short halt at Kausani to pack a few bags of herbal tea.
