Brahmatal Trek

Brahmatal Trek:

• Upcoming group fixed departure to Brahmatal trek starting on  28th april’ 9th may, 17th may, and every saturdat & sunday in may or june , feb  2024 – 25 from Kathgodam/Rishikesh.
• Private/customised treks for your own group as per your preferred dates. If you are a group of 8 to 10 persons, then your TREK FEE will be the same as that of our Fixed group departures and as mentioned on the website.

About the Brahmatal trek:

There are indeed similar routes like the Brahmatal trek (pronounced as “Brahma Tal“) in the Himalayas when comparing beauty but definitely found at much higher altitudes. Brahma Tal trek is easy to go winter trek offering almost all you can think of as a winter trek destination. Due to its very scenic trail, the Brahmatal trek is getting popular rapidly.

Never-ending ridgelines, sprawling and delightful alpine meadows/Bugyal, high altitude lakes and majestic peak views are compelling propositions for choosing this trek. In addition to scenic beauty, fresh snow on the trail will surely keep the Brahmatal winter trek on your bucket list.

Brahmatal is medium size lake (Geo-coordinates: 30.176878°E, 79.589449°N) beneath the ridge and you can only locate this while getting down from the ridge. As per legend, Lord Brahma meditated beside this lake. The other lake on this trail named Bekhal Tal is also hidden inside a thick forest. . Your guide will probably point it to you, as many of you may just miss it. Both the lake are medium size considering high altitude lakes.

The peak view from the route is captivating, from east to west you can see the High Himalayan ranges. On the right towards the eastward direction, you can see Mrigthuni, Devtoli and Maikoti peak of Kumaon. Straight to your north Trisul massif and gigantic Nanda Ghunti are breathtaking. Bethartoli Himal and Nandaghunti. On the left westward side we can see the massive Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Kamet, Hathi and Ghoda peaks. This is just the opposite ridge of the famous Roopkund trek and offers a Birds-eye view of the route including Ali Bugyal, Bedni Bugyal, Roopkund and Junargali including far poised famous Monty saddle.

The best season to explore this trail is either winter or in the springs. During winter weather normally remains clear and the panoramic beauty of the surrounding is unmatched. An adequate amount of snow is another reason that this is getting popular in recent years. In Spring the trail is bountiful with Rhododendron blossoms while the last patches of snow start melting.

Finally, it would be unjust, if we don’t mention our trek base Lohajung here. This small business town at an altitude of  ~ 2320 m/7600 ft, comprises a one strip bazaar, few basic restaurants to eat and a handful of lodges. However, the views of Nanda Ghunti mountain and sunset on the southern valley side are just enough to start the beginning.

Brief itinerary for Brahmatal trek:

Day 1: Drive from Kathgodam to Lohajung – 220 Km by car 10 hours. Lodge
Day 2: Trek to Bekhal Tal – 6 Km – 4/5 hours. Camp
Day 3: Trek to Brahma Tal – 6 Km – 4/5 hours. Camp
Day 4: Brahma Tal to Khamila Top/Jatropani and back to Brahma Tal camping ground– 8 Km – 6/7 hours. Camp
Day 5: Trek down to Lohajung – 12 Km – 6/7 hours. Lodge
Day 6: Drive from Lohajung to Haridwar – By car – 280 Km – 12 hours

Important note:

• You need to reach Kathgodam on Day 1 latest by 7 am and will return to Haridwar on Day 6 evening by 8 pm. Arrange your tickets accordingly. We can arrange a car pick up from Kathgodam and drop at Haridwar. You will share with fellow trekkers.
• Last ATM at Dewal, 25 Km before Lohajung, though often without cash. Withdraw well in advance in Kathgodam, Almora or Kausani.
• All major mobile networks including BSNL, Airtel, Vodafone. Idea work at Lohajung. You will not get any network ahead of Lohajung.

Why Brahma Tal is most scenic winter trek?

Yes, the trail does take you through dense Rhododendron forest, a stretch of alpine meadow and two lakes. Though, we think only the peak views from this trail is the very reason that you will not think twice to choose. If you don’t believe it, here is the aerial satellite views of the Brahma Tal region and the top referred to as Khamila Top/Jatropani. In winter weather remains clearer and you get a good amount of snow on the trail to enjoy 

Also, it will be unjust to the Brahma Tal trek route If we don’t mention the mesmerising sunrise and sunset colours here. You will witness surely stunning dawn and dusk colour, from Lohajung as well as Brahma Tal camp. Check on your own 

Clothing and expected temperature during Brahma Tal trek:

It is important to carry proper clothing in winter as the campsite temperatures are sub-zero in winter.

Winter:  From December to February during winter the daytime temp remains cool and nights are cold.  Late night/early morning temperatures at Lohajung, Bekhal Tal and Brahma Tal can be around 0° to 2°C, 0°C to -2°C and -5°C to -10° C. Though inside the tent the temperature will be 10°C warmer but still can be freezing.

Three layers of clothing are mandatory in the campsite while outside the tent.

a) A thermal base layer (warm woolly-cot material).
b) A warm jacket (double layer or Fleece jacket ) as a middle layer.
c) A windproof cum waterproof with hood as the outer layer.

Summer & Fall: Daytime weather remains warm and pleasant. Night/early morning temperatures at campsites  can be from 10°C (lower camps) to 2°C (higher camps)

You will not require the thermal base layer from May to October.

Access to trek base Lohajung:

We will arrange a pickup from Kathgodam railway station to Lohajung and drop from Lohajung to Haridwar. This will be shared equally by the trekkers. You pay directly to the driver. The fare is following:

Kathgodam to Lohajung: ₹ 5500 for a Tata Sumo/Mahindra Bolero (5 to 8 may share)  and ₹ 9000 (12-13 seat) for Tempo Traveller.

Lohajung to Haridwar/Rishikesh: ₹ 6000 for a Tata Sumo/Mahindra Bolero (5 to 8 may share)  and ₹ 10000 (12-13 seat) for Tempo Traveller.

Here is a road map with major points en route from Kathgodam to Lohajung and return to Haridwar/Rishikesh.

To reach the trek base Lohajung independently or by public transportation check the details in GETTING THERE TAB

Updates from 2021-22 season:

As we update this on 5th March 2022 Lohajung has leftover snow here and there, especially under shades. The trek base Lohajung received at least 3 major snowfalls of 1 foot or more deposition on three occasions. The first one during 22nd Jan, then one followed in mid-February and the last one at the end of Feb, 26th & 27th Feb.

The usual winter season started by mid of Dec 2021, with little snow, as expected. Groups received patches of snow towards the top. Around mid-January weather was conducive for heavy snowfall. 3 major snowstorms hit the area, one in Jan and two in Feb. Intermittently it snowed frequently throughout February ranging from 2/3 inches to 5/6 inches, depending on the altitude covered during the Brahma Tal trek.

The following picture is just to assure you all that the Brahma Tal trail will remain snow-covered till the end of March for sure. Also, it is not uncommon to snow around 3000 m/10000 ft, even in March, which possibly will remain as late as mid of April 2022.

Snowfall update on January/February 2022

This winter, snowfall deposition was pretty low in Uttarakhand and Himachal stretching a large region as late as mid of January. Brahma Tal trail suffered this as late as January third week. with just one initial winter snowfall in the first half of December. On 23rd January we had two groups (10 person’s in each) camping at Brahma Tal – one after the summit to Khamila top and another coming up from Bekhal Tal to Brahma Tal. Around 6 p.m it started to snow and in four hours it snowed around one and a half feet. Below collage is taken by our staff while coming down from Brahma Tal on 24th Jan. This should remain around 15 days and another snowfall may occur in February.

On 12th February it snowed again on the trail for around 6 inches and now again it covered with snow. As this year’s snowfall is rather late, we expect another one probably in February or the beginning of March.

Why treks with GVH?

EXPERTISE:	10 years on-ground experience
SUPPORT STAFF:	Qualified local & office staff
GROUP SIZE:	Small groups up to 15
INSURANCE:	Travel insured trek and tour itinerary
EASY BOOKINGS:	35% Booking Deposit

CHECK AVAILABLE DATES:

NOV 2023 -: 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26,

DEC 2023 -: 1, 2, 5, 9, 10, 12, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31,

JAN 2024 -:  4, 7, 9, 13, 14, 17, 20, 21, 26, 28

FEV 2024-: 5, 11, 16, 22, 26, 28,