Brahmatal Trek

Brahmatal Trek Itinerary: Your Ultimate Adventure Guide

If you are looking for a place which not only offers a sense of thrill but also renews you spiritually, Brahmatal Trek is the answer for you.When other treks are discontinued during the winter, the Brahmatal trek becomes more scenic and charming during the snowy season. Located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, this place has mythical significance. If legends are to be believed, Lord Brahma used to meditate here, and therefore this place holds a significance of both natural beauty and spirituality.

Trails and lakes covered in snow make this trek a snowy wonderland. On top of that, the scenic view of snow-capped mountains like Mt Trishul and Nanda Ghunti is worth seeing. The trail takes you through dense forest and sections of Rhododendron trees.

Very few Himalayan treks offer you a winter trek, and Brahmatal is one of them, offering a rewarding experience for both entry-level and seasoned trekkers.

Key highlights of the Brahmatal trek:

Summit and ridgelines give a spectacular panoramic view of Mt Trishul and Nanda Ghunti; if you are lucky peak of Chaukhamba can also be seen.Brahmatal Lake is frozen during the winter season, which makes it more charming, and many have said that they have felt a mystical and serene atmosphere near the lake. The reason behind it is Brahma once meditated here.The trail passing through the lush green forest of oak and Rhododendron trees never disappoints the trekkers.The best part of the Brahmatal trek is that you get to camp in the snow, making your morning views unforgettable.Pictures with ridges, sunsets and alpine lakes make a permanent place in your photo album.Often beginners are refrained from doing treks in winter, but the good part of the Brahmatal Trek is that even beginners can enjoy snow trekking.Many high-altitude treks are logistically unworkable, but this trek is well-connected and easily accessible.

How to get a permit for the Brahmatal Trek?

Any trek that has to cross a forest area needs an entry permit from the local forest officials. If you are booking your trek through a reliable trekking agency, then the cost of permit processing is included in the package.

If you go for the processing individually, then here is what you need to do: contact the Lohajung forest department or district headquarters in Chamoli, ask for the permit application procedure, and keep your valid ID cards handy and their soft copy in your gadget.

Thin Air Expedition’s Brahmatal Trek package includes a permit processing fee to lessen the load of their trekkers.

Complete Day-wise Brahmatal Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Rishikesh to Lohajung

Drive distance: drive 250 km, around 10 hours

Altitude covered: 7800 ft

Meals included: breakfast

Accommodation: guesthouse in Lohajung

How does your day 1 look?

Drive to Lohajung from Rishikesh in a vehicle arranged by us. If the weather is clear, take a scenic experience of viewing the Garhwal Himalayas from a distance. That’s where you are heading today.The tranquil Ganga River accompanies you along. Three major flowing rivers considered holy meet you during the drive: Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Karanprayag.

As you move towards Lohajung, you will get closer to the Nanda Ghunti peak. Enjoy the beautiful sunset from this mountain peak if reached on time. If legends are to be believed, Maa Parvati fought a battle (jung) with a demon named Lohasur here; hence, the place is called Lohajung.Check into the guesthouse and freshen up. Take a short walk, enjoy a hot dinner, and get to know your fellow trekkers. Call it a day and get ready for the upcoming trek.

Last-minute essential checking is also important. Lohajung has a small market where you can do last-minute shopping.

Day 2: Lohajung to Gujreni

Trek distance: 4 to 5 km, around 5 hours

Altitude covered: 9200 ft

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner

Accommodation: camping at Gujreni

How does your day 2 look?

Have a hearty and warm breakfast and start the trek towards Gujreni – the first destination reached by trekking.Walk on the well-laid manmade trail till Gujreni. The first day is easy on your legs, as you are yet to experience the actual trail.Keep ascending by following the trail and enter a beautiful forest with very few dispersed houses. After a short walk you will see Mundoli village ahead and water pipes. Follow the pipes until you encounter a set of homes.If you have chosen this trek during the months of February or March, then exquisite Rhododendron trees will turn your journey into a vibrant spectacle. The same trees are covered in snow in winter.Trek for a couple of hours more and stop for the rest at Begum, a point of stunning view of the Himalayan meadows.After a small break, walk for more 10 minutes, where you will come across a stream crossing.Keep trekking for an hour to arrive at Gujreni stream. This is where your campsite will be covered with silver and golden oak, maple and Rhododendron trees.If you are lucky, you will spot some Himalayan bird species like the solitary snipe, Asian barred owlet, Himalayan woodpecker, and blue-fronted redstart.Rest, take a stroll near the stream, enjoy a hot lunch, and get acclimatized. Discuss the day and get to know your new friends more, and call it a day after dinner.

Day 3: Gujreni to Tilandi

Trek distance: 4 to 5 km, around 4 hours

Altitude covered: 10,500 ft

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner

Accommodation: camping at Tilandi

How does your day 3 look?

The third day marks the day of a 4-hour short trek from Gujreni to Tilandi.After a scrumptious breakfast, ascend towards Tilandi. As you move ahead, the forest of Oak and Rhododendron welcomes you.In spring, the meadow is in full colourful bloom, whereas, in winter, they are covered in snow, making it a stunning sight. As you keep walking, oak trees covered in snow embrace you, adding stillness to the journey.Walk for one more hour, and you will notice the tree line is slowly disappearing, opening your path to vast meadows.

The magnificent view of peaks like Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti standing tall, complemented by other mountain ranges, adds a charm with their jaw-dropping existence.Our next campsite at Tilandi offers a cool and gentle breeze far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Experience stargazing while enjoying our dinner and resting in your tents.

Day 4: Tilandi to Brahmatal via Jhandi Top and Brahmatal Summit

Trek distance: 6 km, around 7 to 8 hours

Altitude covered: 12,250 ft

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner

Accommodation: camping at Brahmatal

How does your day 4 look?

Do a little stretching, as today is the day we will trek for about 7 to 8 hours till Brahmatal summit via Jhandi top and Brahmatal top. This 6-hour trek will test your patience and fitness.Have your breakfast sooner and begin early to get the best of mountains.We start today’s trek by walking on the ridge, enjoying the panoramic view of majestic mountains (Mt Nanda Ghunti and Mt Trishul) on the way. The more you move forward more the view gets beautiful.This is the trail where you can also see the Roopkund trail.Once you reach Jhandi top, rest for a while and move ahead towards Brahmatal Lake. To reach Brahmatal, take the right trail to ascend another ridge leading you to Brahmatal top, the highest point of this trek situated at 12,250 ft altitude.Pause, click pictures and soak up the beauty of the Himalayas. Descend towards Brahmatal Lake and meet the sacred alpine lake close to the small temple.Rest here for some time before we resume the trek towards the Brahmatal campsite – the last stop of the day. The sunset is magical from this site, as it does not happen always when you get to see the sun setting in the ranges of the Himalayas.Enjoy dinner and reminisce about the day by sharing stories with your fellow trekkers and rest in your tents.

Day 5: Brahmatal to Lohajung

Trek distance: 10 km in around 8 hours

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner

Accommodation: guesthouse

How does your day 5 look?

Today we are going to trek for approximately 8 hours while taking small stops in between to reach Lohajung.As you descend towards Jhandi top, the thin section of vegetation makes way for breathtaking mountain views.Get the best view of the mountains for the last time during your descent because as you move ahead towards Lohajung, the mountains regress gradually.At Jhandi Top, take some rest before you trek for another 1.3 kilometres to reach the main trail.On your way back to Lohajung, indulge in the beauty of the enchanting Rhododendron forest once again and for the last time. This path will take you to the man-made trail, which means we are closer to our destination.After one hour's walk, arrive at the shepherd’s hut; this locality is called Chhanni. Keep walking on the trail, and soon you will reach Lohanjung.Rest, freshen up and settle down. Enjoy the snacks, then dinner later, and rest in your rooms.

Day 6: Lohajung to Rishikesh

Drive distance: 250 km, around 10 hours

Meals included: breakfast at Lohajung guesthouse

How does your last day look?

Pack your bags, check your belongings, and have breakfast, as you will be leaving for Rishikesh in the vehicle arranged by Thin Air Expedition.Drive back with the same scenic route you saw on day 1, cherishing the memories you made with new people. You are just leaving the place; memories are going to stay forever with you.Reach Rishikesh around 7:30 in the evening. From here you can book your journey ahead.

Risk and Precautions

The altitude you are going for is at 12,250 ft, which might give you symptoms like headache, nausea, and breathlessness. Choosing to do a trek in the season of monsoon or winter turns the trail into slippery and snowy, making it challenging and risky. Mountain areas are famous for sudden weather changes; snowstorms, heavy rainfall and freezing temperatures may arise without any prior warning. Unpredictable weather can bring whiteouts, snowstorms, or freezing temperatures without warning. Frostbites are common if not dressed according to the weather. Due to remote location, emergency access such as evacuation gets limited. Carry your prescribed medicines and update the trekking agency about your health condition if required.

Get properly acclimatized by following the steady pace, keep drinking water in between (not too much), and take little breaks. Rushing to gain altitude will make you feel dizzy and fatigued. Carry the right winter gear, like waterproof hiking shoes with a good grip and winter wear like fleece, thermals, gloves, and thick woolen socks. To prevent snow blindness and sunburn, carry sunglasses and sunscreen. Avoid sweating by rushing because wet clothes increase the risk of hypothermia. Carry a pair of socks and innerwear. Trekking in the Himalayas is as relaxing as it is dangerous. Even if you are coming solo, trek with either a guide or a group. Guides are well-versed with the trails and know what needs to be done during emergencies. Before embarking on a trek, check about weather conditions with your trekking agency. Carry a basic first aid kit in case the trek guide is not nearby. Includes basic medications in your kit, like AMS, paracetamol, cough and cold syrup, diarrhoea medicine, and bandages. Stay on the marked trail and do not venture into areas that say 'restricted or avalanche-prone zones’. Start working out 3 to 4 weeks prior; go for cardio like climbing stairs, brisk walking, or a few hours of trekking, strength training, and body flexibility work.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where is Brahmatal Trek located?

It is located in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal region. The trek starts from a small village called Lohajung.

What is the highest point of Brahmatal?

The Brahmatal trek is located at an altitude of around 3,735 metres (12,250 feet).

What is the length of the Brahmatal Tal Trek?

The trek is approximately 24 to 28 km long and takes around 6 days for the completion.

What is the best time to do the Brahmatal Trek?

December to March is the time when you can do a snow trek. A frozen lake and snow on the trail make this trek worth it.

However, for pleasant clear skies and fewer crowds do the trek in the autumn season, which is from July to August.

Can I do the trek in monsoon season?

No, the trek is closed during monsoon season due to the slippery path and risk of landslide.

What is the difficulty level of the Brahmatal Trek?

This moderate trek is appropriate for beginner-level trekkers; however, physical fitness is a must to do this trek.

Is prior trekking experience required for the Brahmatal trek?

No, this trek is beginner friendly, but a decent level of fitness is required for the same.

Do I need a permit for this trek?

Yes, this trek passes through a forest section and requires an entry permit from the forest department of Lohajung.

Is a guide or trek leader mandatory for Brahmatal Trek?

Officially you don’t need but a trek leader is highly recommended, as Himalayan treks are risky; steep ascent and descent test your patience. A certified guide ensures your safety and successful completion, including navigation and emergencies.

What gear is essential?

Essential gear includes good hiking shoes, thermal wear, a waterproof jacket, gloves, a warm cap, a headlamp, woolen socks, medicines, a water bottle, sunscreen and UV sunglasses.

Where will I get the last mobile network during the trek?

Jio and BSNL are the networks that come in Lohajung. Beyond that, there is digital detox. Congratulations, you are connecting to reality.

What about stay and food?

On day 1 you get dinner, and on day 6 you get breakfast before leaving for Rishikesh. On other days meals usually include breakfast, lunch, an evening snack, and dinner. In Lohajung there is a good guesthouse; on other days you stay in alpine tents.

Can kids or elderly people do brahmatal trek?

The suitable age for doing this trek is from 11 to 60 years old.

If you are looking for a perfect blend of nature, tranquility, spirituality, and winter thrill, then Brahmatal Trek is what your soul is looking for. Get the magical experience while enjoying a frozen alpine lake, panoramic views of Himalayan peaks, and snow-covered trails. The best part is that this trek can be embarked upon by both beginners and seasoned trekkers. The Brahmatal trek is definitely safe, soulful and scenic in every sense, making it a must-do winter trek in the Himalayas.

Thin Air Expedition offers diverse trekking experiences, right from beginner-level to expedition-level. Our experienced and certified team focuses on safety first, dedicating itself to providing a lifetime memorable experience.