Brahmatal trek is a moderate level trek in Uttarakhand that takes you to an altitude of 12,250 feet. The trek is named after Brahma, the creator of the universe, who is believed to have meditated at the Brahmatal lake. The lake is one of the main attractions of the trek, along with another lake called Bekaltal. Both lakes are frozen in winter and offer a mesmerizing sight.
But the real beauty of this trek lies in the entrancing view it offers of snow clad Himalayan ranges. From the summit of Khamila top, you can see the peaks of Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Hathi Ghoda, and Chaukhamba. You can also see the route of the famous Roopkund trek from Brahmatal. The trek passes through dense forests of oak, rhododendron, and fir, which are home to various birds and animals. The trek also offers a variety of landscapes, such as meadows, ridges, valleys, and slopes.
If you are interested in exploring this winter wonderland, then read on to find out everything you need to know about Brahmatal trek and how to plan your trip.
Why Choose Brahmatal Trek?
Brahmatal trek is a great choice for trekkers of all levels and interests, especially in winter. Here are some reasons why you should choose Brahmatal trek for your next adventure:
Diverse Landscapes:
The trek offers a diverse range of landscapes, from lush green forests to barren snowfields. You will encounter different terrains, such as flat meadows, steep ridges, gentle slopes, and rocky patches. You will also cross two beautiful lakes, Brahmatal and Bekaltal, which are frozen in winter and reflect the surrounding peaks.
Panoramic Views:
The trek offers panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges, especially from the summit of Khamila top. You can see some of the most prominent peaks of Uttarakhand, such as Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Hathi Ghoda, and Chaukhamba. You can also see the route of the Roopkund trek from Brahmatal, which is another popular trek in the region.
Moderate Difficulty:
The trek is suitable for beginners as well as experienced trekkers, as it has a moderate difficulty level. The total distance of the trek is about 22 km, which can be covered in 4 days. The highest altitude of the trek is 12,250 feet, which is not very high compared to other treks in Uttarakhand. The trek does not require any technical skills or equipment, except for crampons or microspikes in case of heavy snow.
Low Footfall:
The trek is not very crowded compared to other treks in Uttarakhand, such as Roopkund or Kedarkantha. This means you can enjoy the tranquility and solitude of nature without any disturbance. You can also get a chance to interact with the local villagers and shepherds who live in the area.
Mythological Connection:
The trek has a mythological connection with Brahma, the creator of the universe. According to legend, Brahma meditated at Brahmatal lake after creating the world. The lake is considered sacred by the locals and pilgrims who visit it. The lake also has a temple dedicated to Brahma on its shore.
How to Plan Your Brahmatal Trek
If you are planning to do the Brahmatal trek, then you need to consider some important factors such as how to reach, when to visit, what to carry, how much to spend, etc. Here are some tips on how to plan your Brahmatal trek:
How to Reach:
The base camp of the Brahmatal trek is Lohajung, which is a small village in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Lohajung is about 210 km from Kathgodam, which is the nearest railway station. You can take a train from Delhi or other major cities to Kathgodam and then hire a cab or take a bus to Lohajung. The road journey from Kathgodam to Lohajung takes about 10 hours and passes through scenic places such as Bhimtal, Almora, Kausani, and Gwaldam. You can also reach Lohajung by air, by taking a flight to Pantnagar, which is the nearest airport. Pantnagar is about 250 km from Lohajung and the road journey takes about 12 hours.
When to Visit:
The best time to visit Brahmatal trek is from December to March, when the region is covered in snow and offers a stunning view of the mountains. The temperature ranges from -5°C to 15°C during this time and the snow depth can vary from 2 feet to 6 feet.
The trek is also open from September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the forests are colorful. The temperature ranges from 5°C to 20°C during this time and there is no snow on the trail. The trek is closed from April to August, due to monsoon and landslide risks.
Permits and Cost:
The Brahmatal trek does not require any special permits or fees from the forest department or the local authorities. However, you need to pay a nominal amount of Rs. 100 per person per day as an entry fee to the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN), which is a government agency that manages tourism in Uttarakhand.
On an average, you can expect to spend around Rs. 10,000 per person for a 4-day trek from Kathgodam to Lohajung and back.
Fitness and Experience:
The Brahmatal trek is a moderate level trek that requires a basic level of fitness and experience. You should be able to walk for 4-6 hours per day on uneven terrain with some ascents and descents. You should also be able to cope with the high altitude and low temperature conditions. You should have some prior experience of trekking in the Himalayas or similar regions. You should also consult your doctor before undertaking the trek if you have any medical issues or allergies.
Brahmatal Trek Itinerary
The Brahmatal trek itinerary can vary depending on your preference and availability. However, a typical itinerary for a 4-day trek from Kathgodam to Lohajung and back is as follows:
Day 1: Kathgodam to Lohajung:
You will start your journey from Kathgodam railway station in the morning and drive to Lohajung via Bhimtal, Almora, Kausani, and Gwaldam. The road journey will take about 10 hours and you will reach Lohajung by evening. Lohajung is a small village that serves as the base camp for the Brahmatal trek. You will stay overnight at a guest house or a homestay in Lohajung. You will also meet your guide and team members and get a briefing about the trek.
Day 2: Lohajung to Bekaltal:
You will start your trek from Lohajung after breakfast and follow a well-marked trail that ascends gradually through the forest. You will pass by some villages, fields, and streams on the way. You will also get glimpses of the Nanda Ghunti peak in the distance. After about 4 hours of trekking, you will reach Bekaltal, a small lake surrounded by oak and fir trees. You will camp near the lake for the night.
Day 3: Bekaltal to Brahmatal to Khamila top:
You will resume your trek from Bekaltal and head towards Brahmatal, another lake that is about 2 km away. You will cross a ridge that offers a splendid view of the Himalayan ranges. You will reach Brahmatal lake, which is frozen in winter and has a temple of Brahma on its shore. You will then climb up to Khamila top, the highest point of the trek at 12,250 feet. From here, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the snow-capped peaks, such as Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Hathi Ghoda, and Chaukhamba. You can also see the Roopkund trek route from here. You will then descend to a meadow where you will camp for the night.
Day 4: Khamila top to Lohajung:
You will start your descent from Khamila top and follow a different trail that goes through the forest. You will pass by some streams and waterfalls on the way. You will also see some villages and farms where you can interact with the locals and learn about their culture and lifestyle. You will reach Lohajung by afternoon and drive back to Kathgodam by evening. Your Brahmatal trek ends here with some unforgettable memories and experiences.
Brahmatal Trek Highlights
The Brahmatal trek has many highlights that make it a memorable and rewarding trek. Some of them are Brahmatal Lake, Bekaltal Lake, Khamila Top, Roopkund Trek Route and Forest Trail.
The Brahmatal trek is a winter trek that offers a unique and exhilarating experience in the Himalayas. The trek takes you to two frozen lakes, Brahmatal and Bekaltal, where you can feel the divine presence of Brahma. The trek also takes you to Khamila top, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Himalayan peaks, such as Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Hathi Ghoda, and Chaukhamba. The trek also gives you a glimpse of the Roopkund trek route, which is another famous trek in Uttarakhand.
If you are looking for a winter trek that will challenge you and reward you with amazing views and memories, then Brahmatal trek is the one for you.