About Trek to Brahmatal Lake
The Brahmatal trek is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 12,254 feet above sea level. It is a popular winter trekking destination renowned for its captivating landscapes and panoramic views of snow-covered peaks, such as Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghanti. It is also recognised as a beginner-friendly trek, offering moderate to difficult trails. Bekal Tal and Brahmatal are the stop points of the trek. The level of the trek is easier on the 1st day, ascents become steep from Bekaltal, which makes the route moderate till Brahmatal lake, from here to the summit peak, snow on the trails makes it even more challenging. It is also considered one of the must-visit Himalayan gems and sacred and spiritual trails connected to mythology related to lord brahma. Since the trek is suitable for beginners, it is recommended to book with a company to ensure a safe and smooth journey. In this guide, you will learn about the Brahmatal trek, including an overview and highlights of the trek, weather and seasons, essential preparation, and the way to reach and trekking logistics.
Also Read:- Best Company for Brahmatal Trek
Brahmatal Trek Overview
| Location | Uttarakhand, India |
|---|---|
| Altitude/Height | 12,254 feet (3700 m) |
| Duration | 6 Days |
| Base Camp | Lohajung |
| Distance | 26 km |
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Starting and Ending Point | Rishikesh |
| Nearest Railway | Kathgodam |
| Nearest Airport | Jolly Grant, Dehradun |
| Best Time | September to April |
Brahmatal Trek Distance
The total distance of the Brahmatal trek is 26-28 km (round trip ). Firstly, reach Lohajung, located at an altitude of 7,700 feet, which is about a 6-7-hour journey by bus or taxi from Rishikesh/Kathgodam. This place offers a first glimpse of Mt. Nanda Ghunti, Trishul and Chaukhamba. It's also known as "Gateway to treks in Uttarakhand “ because the most famous treks, Brahmatal, Roopkund trek and Ali and Bedni Bugyal trek start from here.
- Lohjung to Bekal Tal Distance - 6 km: The actual starting of your trekking journey is from Lohajung to the Bekaltal campsite (day 1 of your trek). The trails are easier and pass through the dense forest and frozen lakes. Bekal tal is located at an altitude of 9,875 feet. And the total distance that you need to cover is 6 km, and it takes 4-5 hours. It offers stunning views of Bekal Tal Lake and the valleys.
- Bekal tal to Brahmatal Distance - 8km: The Brahmatal Lake is located at an altitude of 10,450 feet. And the distance is about 8 km from Bekal Tal, and it takes 6-7 hours to complete. The trek continually passes through the dense forest, and beautiful frozen lakes like Brahmatal Lake and deep valleys, and the trails become challenging from here with the steep ascents and rocky terrain.
- Brahmatal to Summit peak Distance - 6km: On the summit day of your trek, we will trek from Brahmatal to the summit, which is located at an altitude of 12,254 feet. This is the most challenging but rewarding part of your journey, as from here you can experience the full glimpse of snow-capped views of the Himalayas, such as Mt. Trishul, Neelkantha, and Mt. Nanda Ghunti. Total trekking distance is 6 km, and it takes 6-7 hours to complete. The frozen lake, landscapes, deep valley, and stunning flora and fauna are the major highlights of the trek.
Brahmatal Trek Height/ Altitude
Brahmatal offers a maximum height of 12254 ft ( 3700m) at its summit point. Let's also check other stop heights-
| Location | Altitude (Feet) | Altitude (Meters) |
|---|---|---|
| Basecamp (Lohajung) | ~7,600 ft | 2,316 m |
| Bekaltal Campsite | ~9,875 ft | 2,987 m |
| Brahmatal Lake | ~10,450 ft | 3,182 m |
| Brahmatal Top (Highest Point) | ~12,254 ft | 3,700 m |
Brahmatal Trek Location
The brahmatal is located in the Chamoli district of uttarakhand in the heart of the Garhwal Himalayas. Take a look at the map
Scenic Highlights of the trek:
The Brahamatal trek is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. The major highlights of the trek are frozen lakes, open meadows, dense forests, deep valleys, snow-covered landscapes, sunrise and sunset views, Himalayan peaks such as Nada Ghunti and Trishul, and blooming flowers, attracting the travellers the most. Panoramic views of the summit peak and clear night skies at the campsites are another attraction of the trek.
Best time to trek Brahmatal
Most of the time, this place experiences cold weather, as it is situated at a very high altitude and surrounded by snow-capped peaks. However, different seasons offer different experiences of trekking. Let's check season-wise weather and temperature conditions —
December to February (peak winter season) : The temperature is in the range of 5°C to -10°C. It is the best time to visit here at this time; the Brahmatal transforms into a winter wonderland, and it offers panoramic views of frozen lakes. This is an ideal time for snow-lovers and less ideal for those who are very sensitive to cold weather. Winter months offer an opportunity to explore the panoramic views of frozen lakes and snowy landscapes.
March-April (spring season) : In the spring season, the snow starts retreating, and the temperature is in the range of 10°c to 15°c during the day, but nights remain cold. At this time, the trek has become easier, and it experiences less crowding. Best time for those who want to experience the milder and pleasant weather and blooming flowers, such as red and pink rhododendrons. Spring also allows exploring the melting landscapes and lush greenery of the surroundings. Another thing to enjoy is clear skies day and night.
May-June (summer season) : In the summer season, the temperature becomes 20° C to 25 °C in the daytime, but nights remain cold. Generally, Manchala Mushafir don't recommend Brahmatal as a summer trek; there are so many summer treks that offer breathtaking views like Hampta Pass, Buran Ghati, Har Ki Dun trek, Ali and Bedni Bugyal, etc. Still, if you plan a trek to Brahmatal Lake at this time, it is important to stay hydrated. In Summer, the weather is pleasant, and the meadows become yellow and lush green in June, so it is ideal for those who want to explore the 180-degree views of the Himalayan peaks without snow.
July-August (monsoon season) : The Rainy season is not considered a good time to visit the trek, as at this time the trails become inaccessible due to heavy rainfall, which causes problems such as landslides and thunderstorms, and the temperature in daytime is 18° C to 22 °C. This time, you can do the Alley of Flowers trek. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its vibrant alpine meadows, rare Himalayan flowers, and the highest gurudwara " Hemkund Sahib ".
October-November (Autumn season) : Post-monsoon time is another best time to visit this trek, as at this time the weather becomes more pleasant and the temperature is in the range of 20°C to 22°C, and the trek is surrounded by the lush green meadows, and flowers are blooming. Autumn offers an opportunity to explore the glow of lush alpine meadows and blooming flowers. Enjoy the night sky views at the campsite in the autumn season.
Note :- For more details, you can refer to our blog on Brahmatal temperature .
Things to pack for Brahmatal trek
- Carry sturdy backpacks with a capacity of 50-60 litres and with features such as multiple compartments and shoulder straps for carrying the essential things.
- Warm layers with innerwear and essential accessories, including socks, gloves, and a raincoat, and sturdy trekking shoes to protect your feet from rocky terrain.
- Carry all the necessary documents, such as permits, registration, and personal ID proofs.
- Also carry a small medical kit with prescribed medicines and other essential items such as band-aids and pain removal sprays.
- Carry the trek equipment for taking a rest at campsites. Equipment such as sleeping bags, tents, and folding chairs. You can purchase these trek items on rent from the local shops at Lohajung.
- Also, pack some dry snacks, including energy bars and dry fruits, for light eating, and packets of Glucose or ORS for maintaining hydration during the trek.
- Other essential things, such as a flashlight, a power bank (10,000 mAh), toiletries, hot water bags, etc.
How To Prepare For Brahmatal Trek?
Since the trek to Brahmatal is considered an average difficulty level trek with extensive walking for 3-4 days during the trek, it demands good physical health, stamina, and willpower. Maybe you need to prepare a month before your trek. Here is the week-wise detail on how to prepare:
| Week | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Start your prep by walking at least 3 km. | Practice strength exercises such as sit-ups and leg raises to build stamina for muscles. | Walking and jogging, plus breathing exercises such as anulom and vilom. | Again, strength training and breathing exercises with small breaks. | Rest and practice of meditation & mindfulness. | Increase the distance and period of your training, like a 5 km run. | Repeat your training and practice yoga also. |
| Week 2 | Walk at least 3 km and run 1 km. | Same as the first week. | Again, repeat the day 1 schedule: walk 3 km and run 1 km. | Gradually increase the period of strength exercise and yoga sessions. | Rest and practice the mindfulness exercises. | Increase the distance and duration of walking and running to at least 5 km. | Repeat the training of your second week and practice the yoga exercises. |
| Week 3 | Walk at least 3 km + 1 km hard run. | Same as the first/second week. | Do at least 3 km of jogging and 2 km of running. | Same as week 2, gradually increase the time period. | Rest | Same as day 3, complete 3 km of jogging and 2 km of fast running. | Repeat your training from the third week. |
| Week 4 | Running for at least 5 km with a small break. | Strengthen exercises. | Same as day 1 of the fourth week. | Repeat day 2 and increase the duration. | Rest and meditation session. | Running and jogging. | Repeat the schedule of week 4. |
| Week 5 | Same as week 4. | Practice hikes with loaded backpacks. | Cycling and swimming for a change. | Practice push-ups and squats. | Rest and only Rest. | Same as week 4. | Repeat the whole schedule of week 4. |
Important tip : Follow this chart, and you can also hire a professional fitness trainer for training.
- Don’t smoke or consume alcohol during the training and trek.
Points to remember while preparing for the Brahmatal trek:
- Be prepared mentally and physically before the trek.
- Pack light and avoid packing unnecessary things.
- Start your trek early, and do not trek after sunset.
- Remember to stay hydrated during your whole journey and listen to your body; don’t ignore the symptoms of altitude sickness.
How to Reach the Lohajung (base camp of Brahmatal Trek):
If you are not opting for the transport service for the Brahmatal trek with us, then here are the ways by which you can reach Lohajung village , which is the starting point of the Brahmatal trek:
- By Road : The way to reach Lohajung by road includes hiring a Volvo bus from your city to Rishikesh(if available), then a shared taxi from there to Karnprayag and then changing from Karnaprayag to Lohajung. The other option is bike and car, so there is no need to change vehicles en route.
Important tips
- By car - It's a convenient option, but be prepared for the mountain road after Rishikesh.
-
By bike
-
- Always travel in a group of 3–4 bikers for safety and support.
- We generally do not recommend biking all the way since it is a very long and tiring route.
- If you still wish to, make sure Rishikesh is within 200 km of your city. Stay overnight in Rishikesh , and then continue to Lohajung the next morning. You can also enjoy yoga and River rafting at Rishikesh before proceeding to Lohajung village.
- By Train : The nearest railway station to Lohajung is the Kathgodam railway station. To reach there, you can go by train from Delhi to Haridwar/Rishikesh and then from Rishikesh to Kathgodam railway station, and from here, you can hire a taxi to Lohajung village.
- By Air : The nearby Airport is Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun , and from here you can hire a shared bus to Rishikesh and then from Rishikesh to Lohajung; you can also go by rail and by road.
Note : There is no direct bus from Rishikesh to Lohajung; you need to change at Karnprayag. You can avoid reaching Dehradun airport, reach the IGI Airport of Delhi , and then continue your journey from Delhi by rail or road.
These are the details on ways to reach the Lohjung, which is the actual starting point of the trek. If you are a first timer or travelling to this region alone, then we will recommend that you plan your package with a good trekking company. They will not only arrange food, accommodation or transportation for you but also ensure your safety during the trek and will evacuate you in case of emergency. You can check our Brahmatal Trek Package as we provide an experienced guide with proper training in mountaineering.
Mythology and Culture related to the Brahmatal trek
Unlike other trekking destinations in the Himalayan range, this trek is not just an adventure spot but also holds great cultural importance. As per the holy scriptures and mythological stories, it is believed that this is the same place where lord Brahma had meditated during his time on earth, and he had used the water of this pond for his daily use. Due to this reason, this lake got its name as Brahamtal.
As per another mythology, it is also believed that Maa Parvati had killed the demon Lohasur in the village, Lohajung, which is the starting point of this trek, and hence this village got its name as Lohajung.
In addition to this, many local stories are famous among the locals about the deities. For that, you need to plan your trek to Brahmatal Lake and experience the stories, directly from the natives of this region.
Trekking Logistics for Brahmatal trek
The logistical planning for the Brahmatal trek involves planning all the logistical things, including permits, food, accommodation, transport, packing, and preparation, that are essential. Firstly, you need to decide whether you should plan independently or book with a trekking company. If you plan by yourself, it creates complexities and increases the risk of security and safety. Planning your trekking journey with a trekking company is a convenient option, as they manage all the logistical things, including necessary permits, food, transportation to reach Lohajung (starting point), accommodation in tents, and emergency support in the situation of any mishap, and they also guide you about things to pack and how to prepare for the trek. Things to consider for the trek include prevention of altitude sickness, necessary trek equipment, always listening to your body, following the same pace, and being prepared for changing weather conditions in the Himalayas. There are some forest entry charges, so bring cash due to the unavailability of the networks and ATMs.
Conclusion
FAQs
-
How difficult is the Brahmatal Trek?
The Brahmatal trek is not difficult, considered an easy-to-moderate level trek, suitable for both beginners and intermediate trekkers, but the challenge arises during the winter season, heavy snowfall, and extreme cold weather make the trek challenging. Preparation and fitness would help you to complete this trek.
-
How many days are there in the Brahmatal trek?
Pilgrims generally begin their journey from Rishikesh, which takes 6 days, but the actual trek starts from the Lohjung village, which takes 4 days to complete.
The 4-day trek series goes like:
-
Day 1: Start from Lohjung Village
-
Day 2: Lohjung Village to Bekaltal
-
Day 3: Bekaltal to Brahmatal
-
Day 4: Brahmatal to Lohjung Village
-
How far is the trek from Rishikesh to Brahmatal?
The Brahmatal trek from Rishikesh is about 281 km, which takes 5 t o 6 days to complete. Ma ny pilgrims start the journey to Brahmatal Lake from Rishikesh. First, they reach Lohjung village from Rishikesh, which is the base camp of the trek, then head to the final destination.
-
Which is better, Kedarkantha or Brahmatal?
Both treks are good in their own right and offer a unique experience. Choose the Kedarkantha trek for an easier, smoother, and first winter trek. For slightly tougher, quieter, and more scenic views, prefer the Brahmatal trek.
Both are perfect for an amazing trekking experience and offer the most stunning views of the Himalayan peaks and surroundings.
-
Is there snowfall in Brahmatal?
Yes, Brahmatal offers snowfall in winters due to the extreme cold weather, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to 7°C. It is popular for its abundant snow, frozen alpine lakes, and stunning Himalayan views. Travellers who want to experience snowfall should visit during the winter in late December and early January.
Popular Packages
|
|
|
Uttarakhand Popular Blog
