Brahmtal a popular winter trekking destination in Himalayas, is one of the rare destinations which are available for trekking in December to March During this period the entire region takes on a surreal look with the pristine white snow having formed a layer over the ground and even the trees.
Brahmatal is a lake nestling in the depths of Uttarakhand Himalayas It is believed to be the meditation site of Lord Brahma The trekking trail takes the participants up to a height of 12 200 ft above sea level.
Trek has many attractions which allure trekkers 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 snowline view of ice capped peaks like Mt Nanda Ghunti and Mt Trishul.
The trek to Brahmatal begin and ends at the Lohajung Village, located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand It is a 24 km trek hiked over a period of 4 days 6 days including drive to and from the trek). Considering the terrain, gradually ascending slopes, and the altitude gain, the Brahmatal Trek route is deemed fit for beginners and less experienced trekkers.
The best time to undertake the Brahmatal trek is during the winter months from December to March. A treat for nature lovers, the trek also presents ample challenges to keep the participants mentally and physically engaged at all times.
Altitude: 2300m/ 7600ft
Distance: 260kms
Duration : 10-11 hrs
We begin our jouney to Lohajung from Rishkesh by 7am.
The journey begins with a drive uphill that will take you through the Kumaon region into the Himalayan Belt of Garhwal. The roads here are extensive and the Shivalik ranges can be spotted at the horizon. The setting is tranquil and the Ganga river accompanies you swiftly throughout this stretch.
Alone the way, you will come across three major holy confluence of the country; Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag. Devprayag sees the confluence of the Alakananda and Bhagirathi Rivers. Passing Srinagar, you will come across Rudraprayag, the confluence of Mandakini and Alakananda River. Karnaprayag- the confluence of Mandakini and Pindar River.
You will reach Lohajung by 5pm-6pm. From Lohajung you will face to face with the majestic Nanda Ghunti. Take your dinner and enjoy the scenic beauty of a high altitude village.
Altitude: 2750m
Distance: 6 kms
Duration : 4-5 hrs
We begin from Lohajung at 9 AM. Packed lunches will be provided for the day. The trek starts on a well-paved stone trail that heads into the forest. The Nanda Ghunti Peak can be spotted right from the beginning of the trek.
A short trek will bring Mandoli village into view. Keep climbing higher and you will reach the confluence of the Kali and Pindari Rivers, you are now in the beautiful Kali Valley.
Beyond this point, the trail mostly runs through dense forests of conifer, Cedar, Oak and Fir allowing little sunlight in. There are also Rhododendrons in this region. They bloom during late winter and early spring season and cover the trail in pretty colors of orange and red. During the winter months, these paths are covered with pristine white snow and no flower blossoms.
After a couple of hours of trekking, a well deserved rest awaits at Begum, a vantage point offering splendid views of Himalayan meadows. About 10 minutes into your walk from Begum, you will arrive at a stream crossing and after about one hour of trekking, you will arrive at the Gujreni stream. From Gujreni the Brown Lake Bekaltal is just an hour and a half away, where our campsite is located. The brown colour of the lake is due to a phenomenon that indicates a high concentration of dissolved organic matter, often observed in the lakes surrounded by forests or wetlands.
Altitude: 3400m
Distance: 3.5 kms
Duration : 3-4 hrs
After taking breakfast you will leave Bekaltal campsite. The trail dives straight into dense Oak and Rhododendron forests with a steep incline for the next hour. As you walk higher, you will see an idyllic view of the Bekaltal Lake retreating slowly below. The canopy of the forests is almost impenetrable, keeping most of the sunlight out. This allows patches of snow to sustain on the trails even in early spring season.
After an hour or so, the forest opens up to a spectacular meadow, called Talindi Top which offers some phenomenal views of Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti. 1 km from here is the Jhandi top that sets a stunning vantage point surpassing the views offered earlier at Talindi Top.Jhandi Top marks the highest point on the ridge. The trail begins to descend beyond this point. The Brahmatal campsite is only 1.5 km of a downhill trek on the ridge from here.
After reaching Brahmatal Campsite take your lunch and enjoy the surrounding beauty. In the afternoon you can visit Brahmatal Lake, which is 500 m away from the campsite. This lake is completely frozen during winter season.
Take your dinner and be prepared for subzero temperatures that could fall even below -7 degree Celsius during peak winter nights.
Altitude: 3846m
Distance: 6 kms
Duration : 4 hrs
The trek starts early around 7AM after having a light breakfast at the campsite. Just take your day pack and leave campsite as you will return at this campsite by evening.
During the winter season, you will be provided microspikes and gaiters depending upon the snow conditions.
20 minutes into the trek, you will come across the Brahmatal lake tucked into the middle of a lush clearing. The trail till the Brahmatal lake is a steep incline climbing steadily through open grasslands. In the winter season, this area is usually covered in a sheath of white snow making it no less than a Winter Wonderland while the lake glistens under the morning sunshine.
Beyond the lake, the trail ascends moderately and envelopes into a ridge. You will notice the Brahmatal lake retiring in the valley below as you steadily gain altitude. The first ridge is a stretch of gentle ascent that leads you to the final ridge climb.
The final ridge eventually opens up tp a breath-taking spectacle of snow-capped mountain ranges standing close to you. You can spot Mt. Trishul, Mt. Nanda Ghunti, Mt. Chaukhamba, Mt. Neelkanth, Mt. Kamet and Mt. Hathi Ghoda amongst the ranges.
Although Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti accompany you throughout the trek, the close-up view from the summit is still thrilling to behold. Spend some time at the top immersing in the experience before heading back to the campsite.
Altitude: 2300m
Distance: 11 kms
Duration : 7-8 hrs
After having breakfast, we begin the descent back to Lohajung at 8 AM following the same route as the ascent. Today will be a long day of trekking.
The trail runs through thick Oak and Rhododendron forests. After approximately an hour from your starting point, you will reach the Shepherd huts, known locally as chawni, where villagers and Shepherds tend to their livestock. Continue on the well laid man-made trail, following the path that connects these mountain villages to the picturesque destination of Lohajung.
Distance- 260kms
Duration- 10-11 hrs
After breakfast, you will start for Rishikesh at 9AM. You will reach Rishikesh by 7pm to 8pm.
Plan your return journey accordingly.