Brahmatal Trek

The perfect Winter trek for 2022

Trek starts from Lohajung which serves as a basecamp for Roopkund trek
Duration
6 Days
Trek Altitude
12,240 feet
Destination
Uttarakhand
Trek Distance
24 KM
Group Size
18
Best Time
Winters

Brahmatal Trek  Overview

Out of many mesmerizing experiences of the Himalayas, the  Brahmatal Trek is sure amongst the few on the list of favorites for all trekkers. “Tal” means lake and “Brahma “means the god of creation, this lake has been named after Brahma the supreme in the triad of great Hindu gods which includes Shiva and Vishnu. The trek to Brahmatal is particularly popular during the winter season from December to March. The Summit of Brahmatal trek offers some breathtaking views of Silvery snow-dressed mountains and clear blue skies to enjoy the 360 views surrounding you. The lake gets frozen during this season and its beauty multiplies multifold. Most of the trek during this season is in snow and the white snowy meadows and terrain are exciting to explore. The Starting point of the trek is Lohajung which can be accessed via Kathgodam. This is the base camp for the Brahmatal trek. To reach Lohajung we cross Nainital and the winding mountain roads passing through forest-laden areas are particularly interesting. As per the Legend Goddess Parvati and a demon named Lohasur had a war and hence this place is named Lohajung. “ Jung” means “war”. Another interesting destination of this trek is Bekaltal, another beautiful lake en route to Brahmatal summit. The trail crossed through some snow-covered forest during the winter season and since this trail is comparatively unexplored it adds to the thrill of the entire experience. Some breathtaking views of gorgeous meadows offering views of Majestic Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti are a part of this expedition.

Rhododendron arboreum

The Rhododenron Tree (Rhododenron Arboreum), with its outstanding beauty, is a rich adornment to contribute to the biodiversity of nature found during the Brahmatal trek. The journey of the trekkers into wilderness gets a beautiful, unreal touch in vibrant colors delivered by Rhododendron arboreum. These trees known as Burans or Laligurans are a treat to the eyes, particularly in spring when they explode with reds and pink petals. In the months of spring season, from March to May typically , Brahmatal trek blooms like a canvas colored with these rhododendron flower. The trail is flanked along these way with such magnificent trees, perfect scenery truly connotating the image of wilderness in this part.

Itinerary

Early in the morning, we will depart for Lohajung. Travelling through the Himalayan roads will be a mesmerizing experience for you. In the evening, we will arrive in Lohajung and check into the guesthouse. Lohajung serves as the base for the Brahmatal Trek. We will have plenty of time to rest and prepare ourselves for the trek.

Drive: 290 km, 10- 11 hrs

Post Breakfast, we will begin our trek from Lohajung. Hiking through rhododendron and oak forests we will reach to the Gujreni where will set our camp. Gujreni is a picturesque campsite surrounded by oak trees, rhododendrons, and wildlife. The trail enters thick oak forests with glimpses of Mt. Trishul. Khopdalia, a small dried lake, is reached after an hour and a half through the forest.

Bekaltal, just above Khopdalia, is a ten-minute trek away. It’s encircled by dense oak trees, and its brown waters indicate high dissolved organic matter. Brown lakes like this are often light-limited and may be acidic with limited aquatic life.

Trek: 4-5km, 5 hrs

 

Today’s trek is a relatively short one, commencing at the campsite and heading southwest. Shortly after starting, you’ll cross a stream, and then the trail begins a steep ascent through the captivating Oak and Rhododendron forest. On your left, a ridge reveals the valley below, while Bekaltal is on your immediate right. As you continue the climb, Rhododendron trees dominate the scenery in the first half of the trail, gradually giving way to Oak trees. After about an hour of trekking through this stunning forested section, you’ll reach the tree line and enter the meadows. Here, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti, along with their surrounding ranges. At the edge of the meadows, you’ll find a ridge that serves as your Tilandi campsite

Trek: 3 km, 4-5 hrs

The day’s trek leads you along a ridge, with the treeline shifting as you ascend and descend. Rhododendron and Oak trees dominate the landscape. As you continue along the ridge, you’ll be greeted by majestic mountains and sweeping valleys, with layers of mountain ranges unfolding before you, creating an unmatched sense of openness. Following the right trail from Jhandi Top, you’ll ascend another mountain ridge to reach the trek’s highest point, Brahmatal Top at 12,250 ft, where you can relish the awe-inspiring vistas. Descending gradually, you’ll reach the stunning Brahmatal Lake, often with a captivating reflection of the night sky if it’s not frozen. The Brahmatal campsite, situated at 12,250 ft, is just 500 meters to the left of the lake on the slope, offering a perfect vantage point for witnessing a mesmerizing sunset.

Trek: 6km, 7-8 hrs

After breakfast, start descending from Brahmatal Lake towards Lohajung. The trail is relatively open with sparse vegetation until you reach Jhandi Top, where you’ll have occasional mountain views during your ascent. From Jhandi Top, take the left trail for your descent to Lohajung. Initially, you’ll pass through an open area, losing sight of the mountains. After about a kilometre, you’ll re-enter the treeline, now surrounded by Oak trees. Khorurai, a clearing named after oaks, makes for a good rest spot and a potential campsite if you want to extend your trek. After another 1.3 kilometres, you’ll rejoin the main trail, descending through a Rhododendron forest. Follow the well-maintained path connecting mountain villages to Lohajung, crossing two streams along the way. About an hour from the start, you’ll reach Shepherd huts, locally known as ‘chawni,’ used by villagers and shepherds to shelter their livestock. Continue following the man-made trail, connecting these mountain villages to Lohajung. At Lohajung we will stay in a guest house.

Trek: 9km, 7-8 hrs

Today, we will greet the rising Sun and have an early breakfast. Going back home is always a bittersweet moment, but the journey is made easier by taking the same picturesque road back to Dehradun. As we leave behind the dense pine forests and descend towards the city, the landscape slowly changes and opens up into wider roads. Finally, we will arrive in Dehradun in the evening.

Drive: 290km, 10-11 hrs

Upcoming Treks

  • October 15, 2022 open
  • October 22, 2022 open
  • October 29, 2022 open

  • November 5, 2022 open
  • November 12, 2022 open
  • November 19, 2022 open
  • November 26, 2022 open

  • December 3, 2022 open
  • December 10, 2022 open
  • December 17, 2022 open
  • December 24, 2022 open
  • December 31, 2022 open

FAQS

  • Children above 11 years of age can trek depending on their fitness level. Children should be prepared for the high altitude trek in advance.
  • The trek is moderate and climbs to 12,000 feet
  • Although it has longer trekking days, the steeps are less.
  • We cover 24 kms in thee days. On average we trek for 7kms in a day which includes ascents and descents.

  • Hard snow is prone to slips. A small slip can result in injuries like a ligament tear, a sprained ankle or even a fracture. Thus you should wear your microspikes while climbing the steep sections in snow.
  • At high altitudes, there’s a high chance of getting acute mountain sickness. You should watch out for symptoms like headache, dizziness, fatigue and weakness, nausea, loss of appetite, etc.

The trek can be done in all seasons but spring, autumn and winter are highly recommended as each season brings out the different taste of the trek.

The trek is open throughout winters when most of the trek routes are closed, making it a perfect winter trek.

  • From Lohanjung village as we start our trek to Bekaltal, Mount Nandaghunti is visible.
  • Mt. Trishul Massif is visible. The Trishul massif is considered to be one of the most difficult himlayan climbs.
  • A panorama of Himalayan peaks such as Mt. Shivling, Mt. Neelkantha , etc . can be seen.

  • “Tal” meaning lake and “Brahma “meaning the god of creation, this lake has been named after Brahma- ‘the supreme in the triad of great Hindu gods’ which includes Shiva and Vishnu.
  • As per the Legend, Goddess Parvati and a demon named Lohasur had a war and hence this place is named as Lohajung . “Jung” means “war”

Lohajung, Tharali is where you’ll find the last ATM. A small town Deval has 1 ATM but it’s not reliable since it often runs out of cash.

VI, BSNL & Airtel are available at basecamp.

There is no electricity at any other point in the trek except at basecamp. Be prepared with powerbanks and extra batteries for electrical appliances.

The closest hospital is at Tharalil which is 45 km from Lohajung.

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