Location:
Uttarakhand
Duration:
6
Days
Difficulty:
Easy to Moderate
Highest Altitude:
12200
ft.
Distance:
24
kms.
Steeped in mythos, Brahmatal is a lake nestling in the depths of Uttarakhand Himalayas. Winter sweeps alluringly on the slopes here, making Brahmatal one of the rare Himalayan destinations available for trekking in December, January, February, and March.
Pull factors are many on this trek—changing vistas, from deep and shadowy forests of oaks and rhododendrons to snow-covered meadows, lakeside camping at Bekaltal, the alpine Brahmatal lake vicinity, and a climactic vision of fabulous high peaks glittering across a brilliant sky! The Garhwal snowline view is all the more special from here because rarely are colossal ice-capped peaks like Mt. Nanda Ghunti and Mt. Trishul are accessible to view on a low-lying trek like this one.
Owing to gradually ascending rolling slopes, the Brahmatal Trek route is deemed fit for beginners and less experienced trekkers. A major part of the trek continues under forest cover, diminishing the chances of altitude sickness. All the same, the trek will not deprive one of an out and out thrilling winter experience with the sweet mellow of falling snow, a fascinating trail caught in an absolute white out, the depthless silence inside the grove of rhododendrons and oaks, and iced over lake water faces.
A special shout out for this trek goes to the shutterbugs—diverse frames, from snow-laden forests to white-gold high peaks in alpenglow, and a desolate alpine mountain-scape of a lone tree standing on icy shores of the Brahmatal lake make up the composition of this trek.
Day 1 : Rishikesh to Lohajung
We will see you the first day at Rishikesh railway station. The pickup place is Rishikesh bus station early in the morning. An overnight train travel from Delhi could be sufficiently convenient. The journey uphill from Rishikesh to Lohajung will take you cruising through mountain alleyways connecting the lower Himalayan belt of Kumaom hills to that of Garhwal. This is going to be a hectic 10 hour drive, despite the marvellous changing vistas of the mountains. For the first few hours, the course of our journey will be running parallel to river Ganga and Alaknanda flowing blustery. Soon, a softy Pindar river will meet our path. Look out for a few of the best known tourist hubs nestling in Uttarakhand’s sublime hills. We will pass through Devprayag, Srinagar, and Karanprayag—all celebrated hill stations. Upon entering the last stretch of the drive, near Lohajung, the mesmerizing Nanda Ghunti peak will come to sight. We will reach Lohajung guest house, our halt for the night around 5:00 pm, close to dusk and just in time for tea! Note: If you are not carrying something of winter clothing or basic gear, the Lohajung market can come in pretty handy.
Day 2 : Lohajung to Bekaltal
The first day’s trek spanning 5 hours will kick off from Lohajung up a snaky trail going into the forest. After a short while the forest will give way to a small village named Mandoli to your left. Here you can fill your bottles and take a first major hiatus. The trail continues in mostly gradual ascent curves. A little way higher, you will come across the valley where two mountain rivers Kali and Pindari confluence. This is the Kali valley, lying in a splendid green scrap even in the midst of wintry heights. We will trek on further to stumble upon a huddle of mud huts. You are going to find a grove of rhododendron here that sure grows red and heavy from February to March, but at the peak of winter, the trail will be pretty matte. Crossing this point, trek on to find the next identifiable landmark—a wooden bridge over a stream. This steam is a viable water point which you can access going down the slope. Crossing over on to the other side, you will reach Begum—a nestling rest point on the slopes overlooking a vast expanse of bugyals at distance. From here, the path bends on to two more chattering streams, the last being Gujrani stream. Take approximately an hour’s hike after crossing the last stream to reach the beautiful Bekaltal gleaming peacefully in the summer while partially frozen over in the winters. We will be camping in the vicinity by the lake Khopdaliya. Enjoy the stillness and the quiet of this place with the thick oak forests closing in from around.
Day 3 : Bekaltal to Brahmatal
Today’s trek will take you through thickets of oaks and rhododendrons over steep slopes for quite some time before finally coming out to a meadow. This is the meadow of Telandi. In the winter, you will find the green expanse of Telandi transform into a vast snowfield and crossing the area, a gala of thrill. The meadow rolls till 11,500 ft.- the highest point, from where begins a slow descent to Brahmatal. To your left from here, you will find a small temple, bright yellow flags flying in the air. Walk down the slope to the temple and find the trail winding towards the Brahmatal Lake, about 500 meters away from the temple now. We will find the valleys of Almora and Nainital rise and fall around us as we go. The soaring peaks of Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, and others of the Greater Himalayas can be spotted far across the sky. We will be camping at the mark 500 meter away from the lake, nestling in the beautiful aura of the place. Note: Make sure to carry 2-3 litres of water on today’s trek since there are no water points on this trail.
Day 4 : Brahmatal to Tilbudi via Brahmatal Pass
Start your day early in the morning as you will be heading towards the Brahmatal lake which is an uphill climb. You will be greeted with Oak and Rhododendron trees on the way which has a charm of their own. After a while, the zigzag ascent trail will take you Brahmatal Lake. On a bright day, the lake looks charismatic and the sunlight makes it look even more artistic. As you walk ahead you will come across a small stream which is formed by the melting of snow. You might get fooled by every passing top which will feel like the last ascent. After walking for a while and crossing the meadow, the final climb towards the pass begins. It will be a tiring walk towards but as soon as you reach the top you will be greeted with a magnificent view of Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti. Take your time and click some jaw-dropping pictures that will last a lifetime. As soon as you start descending, you discover that the trail is different from that which got you up. You will be able to witness a 180 degree of the entire Himalayan range and peaks such as Haukhambha, Mandi, Mana, Nilgiri, Neelkanth, Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Maitoli become visible. As you continue to descent, after an hour you will reach a clearing surrounded by trees on all the sides which is the Tilbudi campsite. You will be camping here for the night.
Day 5 : Tilbudi to Lohajung via Wan
After having your breakfast you will start your descent to Wan which is a trail filled with Oak and Rhododendron trees. This is a very beautiful trail which allows you to click end number of scenic pictures. After walking some distance you will come across a water source at Chota Tilbundi. Half an hour later you will be able to spot Wan village which is visible below. From here onwards it will take you half an hour more to reach the road from where TTH will arrange vehicles to take you to Lohajung.
Day 6 : Lohajung to Rishikesh
After a good night’s sleep at our Lohajung guest house, we will go back to Rishikesh today. Destination will be reached by 6:00 pm.
How to reach?
By Air :-
Jolly Grant Airport is the airport serving Dehradun, located about 48 km from the Rishikesh. There is a daily flight from Delhi for Dehradun, reach Rishikesh one day early if coming by flight.
By Train:-
An excellent rail network connects Haridwar/Dehradun to other important cities like Delhi, Mussoorie, Mumbai, Varanasi, Lucknow, and Kolkata.
From Delhi -DDN NZM AC EXPRESS (2205)
From Kolkata- Doon Express (13009)
From Mumbai- Dehradun Express (19019)
From Chennai- Dehradun express (12687)
By Bus:-
There is regular bus service from Delhi to Rishikesh, from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate.
We would suggest you to take only government buses from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Private buses ply from outside ISBT and they are not trust worthiness.
Usually buses drop you at Rishikesh bus station.
TTH’s Tata Sumo or similar vehicles will pick-up you from Rishikesh Railway Station at 6:30am.
Pick-up is included in the cost of the trek
You will reach Lohajung by 6:00 pm
Food from Rishikesh to Lohajung is not included in the trek cost
What is included?
Inclusions :-
1.Accommodation. (Guest house, Home stay, Camping)
2.Meals while on trek (Veg.+ Egg)
3.Trek equipments (Sleeping bag, mattress, Kitchen & dinning tent, crampon, utensils, tent)
4.All necessary permits and entry fees.
5.First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder.
6.Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide and Support staff.
7.Transport from Rishikesh to Loharjung and return.
8.TTH Staff insurance.
What is excluded?
1.Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Food during the transit.
3. Insurance.
4. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
5. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head
Note : Normally TTH expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can give it to Mule.
Charges of offloading backpack:-
INR 1200/- if you make an online payment, 10 days in advance
INR 1500/- if you inform us after reaching Lohajung
The backpack cannot weigh more than 11 kgs. Backpack should have waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys/ bags will not be allowed.
Booking and cancellation policy
Paying the Trek/ Adventure activity fee: The fee can be paid by online transfer/check deposit/ demand draft. Instruction for payment will be forwarded along with your confirmation email. When your transfer is done, please e-mail us a confirmation mail with your transfer details, so that we can follow up your reservation efficiently.
When to book: It is wise to make your booking at least two months in advance. However, if you want a good deal on your domestic/international flight, we recommend organising your trip at least five months in advance. (Please contact us if you require a late booking)
In the event of cancellation of trek/adventure activity services due to any avoidable / unavoidable reasons we must be notified of the same in writing. Cancellation charges will be effective from the date we receive advice in writing, and cancellation charges would be as follows: -
Cancellations prior to 24 days from the start of the trek
Book any other trek till one year or get 95% refund
(Note: If the trek charges are more, the balance needs to be paid by the trekker)
Cancellation between 24 days and 14 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go for the same trek, with any other batch, till year or get 70% refund
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go on the same trek, in the same season, with any other batch or get 50% refund.
Cancellation less than 10 days to the start of the trek
Transfer your trek (same trek, same batch) to your friend. No cash refund.
Note:-
1)- Change of trek batch is dependent on the availability of seats in the batch.
2)- In case of transferring a trek to a friend, he/she should satisfy all the mandatory requirements put forward by TTH.
3)- holds the right to change/cancel the policies, without prior notice.
Essentials for the trek
Fitness requirements
Fitness regime recommendation
Maps
FAQs
The best time of Brahmatal trek is from mid November to March but if you want to see snow over there then you can plan for mid December as during that time, you will get good amount of snow.
Brahmatal is easy to moderate level trek and normally, we suggest this trek to the beginners who has good fitness level and walking stamina (5 Km in 30 mins)
Average walking distance is 7- 8 km an each day and trekkers complete in 5-7 hrs. As trek is easy so walking will not be a problem for anyone.
No, but incase you are having so please consult your doctor because there are lots of myths about Diamox.
First two days temperature is normal as you don't find snow. Afterwards you can see the snow but in day time sunlight is good and weather is clear but you have to dress yourself in layers in night. The temperature will be between 10 to -7degrees.
Always trek leads by professional Trek leader who complete Basic and Advance mountaineering course and certified in first-aid course and along with one local guide, cook, helper, porter and other staff.
Minimum age is 10 years for this trek and after that totally depends on your fitness level.
