Brahmatal Trek

 Brahmatal trek

People seek a change of pace from their boring schedule as the daily bustle of life takes a heavy toll on mental calm. What better place to get away from the concrete jungle than the Himalayas? The Himalayas have always been a popular location for visitors looking to recharge their energy by treating their eyes to the gift of nature and enjoying the serenity and tranquillity it provides. However, with so many others choosing the same area as a change of pace, you may not find the peace and alone that you were seeking for on your vacation.

Buran Ghati Pass Trek the most beautiful trek to explore click here

Brahmatal trip delivers a wonderful experience to both seasoned trekkers and beginners in trekking, offering stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere at an incredible altitude of 12,250 feet. Because it is a relatively new trip route, the Brahmatal trek is still somewhat undervalued, although it is rich in uncharted locations that are not yet famous. This means that if you want to take a relaxing trip away from people, this is the trip for you because you will encounter a lot of people along the road.

Winter sweeps alluringly across the slopes here, making Brahmatal one of the few Himalayan trekking destinations open in December, January, February, and March. There are numerous pull factors on this walk, including changing vistas of deep and shady oak and rhododendron forests to snow-covered meadows, lakeside camping at Bekaltal, the alpine Brahmatal lake region, and a climactic vision of fantastic high peaks gleaming across a dazzling sky.

Brahmatal, a lake steeped in myth, lies nestled in the deep of the Uttarakhand Himalayas. Winter sweeps alluringly across the slopes here, making Brahmatal one of the few Himalayan trekking destinations open in December, January, February, and March.

To Know ABout The Roopkund Trek CLICK HERE

About Brahmatal trek

The Brahmatal trek is distinctive in terms of the variety of colours seen during the walk due to the flowers blooming on each side of the trail, calming the eyes of a trekker with nature's beauty. The uniqueness of the Brahmatal trip lies in its walk path, where you will encounter not one, but two separate mountain glacial lakes at such a great height - Brahmatal Lake and Bekaltal Lake, both with their own unique traits in terms of beauty and ambience.

This walk has several pull factors, including changing vistas of deep and shady oak and rhododendron forests to snow-covered meadows, lakeside camping at Bekaltal, the alpine Brahmatal lake region, and a climactic vision of fantastic high peaks gleaming across a dazzling sky! The view of the Garhwal snowline from here is all the more stunning because massive ice-capped peaks like Mt. Nanda Ghunti and Mt. Trishul are rarely visible from a low-lying journey like this one.

The Most Beautiful Treks of Uttarakhand

Brahmatal Lake is a frozen alpine glacial lake located 3,400 metres above sea level. According to Hindu mythology, the lake was named after Lord Brahma, who is claimed to have pondered here. As a result, Brahma-Tal, or Brahma's Lake, was born. The plethora of mountain glacier-fed lakes along this path adds to the attractiveness of the Brahmatal trip. On your way to Brahmatal Lake, you will pass through Bekaltal. Bekaltal has a unique charm, surrounded by regularly spaced lovely oak trees.

The Brahmatal Trek route is suitable for novices and less experienced hikers because of its gradually ascending undulating slopes. A large portion of the trek is spent in the woods, which reduces the likelihood of altitude sickness. Nonetheless, the walk will provide a thrilling winter experience with the beautiful mellow of falling snow, a fascinating trail caught in a complete white-out, the depthless silence inside the grove of rhododendrons and oaks, and iced over lake water faces.

Locals believe that Lord Brahma hides in Bekaltal. After witnessing the beauty and tranquillity of the lakes, the myths and stories that the locals have to tell you to seem even more credible since these spectacular marvels of nature appear to be suitable for a God's residence.

The Brahmatal trip lasts about 6 days and covers a distance of about 24 kilometres. What makes the Brahmatal trek so unique is that it is perhaps the best trek route one can encounter that includes forest, meadows, lakes, and a mountain. The journey route takes you through the dense canopy of silver oak and rhododendron forests, gorgeous colourful meadows with bright blooms, lakeside camping and stargazing at Bekaltal, and the tranquil environment of Brahmatal lake.

To know about the BEAS KUND TREK CLICK HERE

The humbling sight of massive mountain peaks against the backdrop of a broad spectrum of evening sky colours. The hike begins in Kathgodam. After a car ride, it is then a 6-day trek from Lohajung, which serves as the base camp for the trek to Bekaltal, Brahmatal to Brahmatal Top via Tilbudi, and back through Khorurai.

Brahmatal trek is an easy to moderate walk in terms of difficulty, with the trek route being conveniently divided over 6 days and the trek route having a modest gradual ascent. Furthermore, because the trip path is so adventurous throughout, the Brahmatal trek is ideal for a first-timer because the varied variations in view and experience keep a mind occupied from any form of exhaustion of the walk, finally working as an energy replenisher.

A quick look at some interesting facts about the Brahmatal Trek

• Region- Chamoli district of the Garhwal Himalayan region

• Trek Altitude- 12,600 ft

• Trek Difficulty Level- Easy to Moderate

• Trek Duration- 6 Days

• Trek Distance- 24 km

• Base Camp- Lohajung

• Temperature- Average day temperatures vary from plus 10 degrees Celsius to plus 3 degrees Celsius and average night temperatures vary from plus 3 degrees Celsius to minus 10 degrees Celsius.

• Network connectivity– Lohajung is the last spot where you will find a network. With increasing altitude, you might not get a network on your cell phones.

• Last ATM- Lohajung (but prone to unavailability of cash). It’s better to enter Lohajung with cash and not rely on an ATM. You will find working ATMs and banks in Dewal, which is 25kms away and on the way to Lohajung.

• Nearest Railway Station- Kathgodam Railway Station & Dehradun Railway Station

• Nearest Airport- Pantnagar Airport(for Kathgodam) and Jolly Grant Airport(for Rishikesh)

• 
  
  

Itinerary in brief

Day 1: Kathgodam (1,483 ft)/ Rishikesh (1,220 ft) to Lohajung (7,600 feet)

The hike begins in Kathgodam and ends at Lohajung, which serves as the base camp. The trek from Kathgodam to Lohajung takes 8 to 10 hours and includes breathtaking vistas of majestic mountains. Mt. Trishul, Maiktoli, Nanda Devi, Nanda Khat, HathiParvat, and GhoraParvat are just a few of the mountains you'll see along the road, while hill stations like Almora, Bhimtal, Baijnath, and Kausani provide a gorgeous backdrop.

CLICK HERE TO KNOW ABOUT THE HARKI DUN TREK

Day 2: Lohajung to Bekaltal (7,600 ft) (9,885 feet)

Today's walk will be 6 kilometres long and will take approximately 4 to 5 hours. Allow your body to acclimate and prepare for the altitude changes and trekking.

Brahmatal journey begins with its magnificence today as if to build up to the peak day. As you walk through the lush vegetation of silver oak and colourful rhododendron foliage, you emerge from the forest to stand in front of a view of the Trishul mastiff itself. Keep your eyes open as you go towards Bekaltal to be mesmerised by the sensation of mountain peaks filling the horizon.

After a few water breaks and 4 to 5 hours of trekking, you will arrive at your objective, Bekaltal Lake. With a magnificent lakeside campsite, you may marvel at nature's beauty and its masterstroke in the ambience. Expect a day beneath the pink-flowered dome and a similar scene encircling the lake and the campsite during the Spring, when the rhododendrons are completely bloomed.

THE BHRIGU LAKE TREK TO KNOW MORE CLICK HERE

Day 3: Bekaltal (9,885 feet) to Brahmatal (10,440 feet)

A fresh day, another lake in mind, another forest walk, yet so very different. We'll be trekking for 7 kilometres in 6 hours today. The walk route will take you through lush forests of oak and rhododendron. Expect to see flocks of brightly coloured birds, particularly Monal. The deep forest contains trees that aren't quite tall enough to form a canopy over your head, but their canopy does form a roof over your head, with snow-covered forest floors giving you a sense of adventure on this jungle walk. When you emerge from the forest, you are immediately confronted with wide fields such as Telindi top.

The sight of Brahmatal Lake's ice shoreline with a solitary oak tree on one corner is worth the climb. With a white snow cover all around the lake, a frozen shoreline, and a serene atmosphere, it's easy to see why Lord Brahma picked this location to meditate.

You are now at the ideal height to appreciate the breathtaking majesty of the Himalayas. The Garhwal region's huge lengths of white snow-covered farms and valleys are visible, with the horizon filled with undulating slopes of the Himalayan mountains.

This also helps you anticipate the vista you'll see the next day when you reach the summit.

Day 4: Brahmatal (10,440 feet) to Brahmatal Top (12,250 feet) and on to Khorurai (9,160 feet)

The day that holds the trek's moment. With an 8-kilometre trip ahead of you for around 8 hours, there are a lot of adventures scheduled throughout the day. You will hike to the top of the Brahmatal today. After a short but steep ascent, get a birds-eye perspective of the Himalayas. It's as if you've been dropped in the middle of the ranges, surrounded by white snow-covered massive mountain ranges that reflect the golden glory of the sun and give off a rainbow of colours. Take a minute for yourself as you take in everything.

The spectacular close-up views of Mount Trishul and Mount Nanda Ghunti, which you have been your companion during your walk, are well worth the effort. You can also see Mount Chaukhamba, Mount Neelkanth, Mount Shivling, and Mount Hathi Ghoda, among other things. The Roopkund trek path, as well as numerous other meadows, may be seen from the top.

After this breathtaking trip, you will have a simple descent back to your Khorurai campground. Expect some portions to be slick and steep. It's always a good idea to be cautious when descending.

Day 5: Khorurai(9,160 feet) to Lohajung (7,600 feet)

The trip route from Khoruai to Lohajung traverses wide tracts of alpine and oak forest and meadows as if to scream that the journey is not yet complete. Keep an eye out for the snow-covered margins of the mountain ranges, which change colour during the day from crimson red to golden tones of yellow. The sight of various little streamlets and streams adds to the beauty of the day. When you arrive in Lohajung, eat the local cuisine and don't forget to connect with the locals; it's an experience that adds the finishing touches to a beautiful storey.

Day 6: Lohajung (7,600 feet) to Kathgodam (1,483 feet)

After 5 days of soaking in the lap of magnificent views, you return to Kathgodam on day 6. Driving back across the same gorgeous scenery gives you a sense of déjà vu. The journey officially concludes here, but you may still make the most of the day by shopping, eating, and touring Kathgodam. You can stop in Kausani en way to pick up a few bags of herbal tea.

Best Time to Visit

While most winter treks are closed due to severe snowfall, the Brahmatal trek route is unique in that it can be completed during the peak winter months of January and February. From December to March is the best time to visit Brahmatal. However, it is possible to complete it in other months as well (except the rainy season). Having a woodland track en route provides a completely varied experience depending on the season you visit, making it a journey that many trekkers return to.

Brahmatal's winter season begins in November and lasts until February. Because this is a winter excursion, you should expect snow, and you will get plenty of it. In the winter, your walk route will be covered in new soft snow, and the sight of the trees on your track coated in the snow with sunlight falling on it creates an atmosphere worth experiencing. Expect temperatures ranging from 3 C to 6 C during the day and frigid temperatures ranging from 3 C to -10 C at night.

Expect Brahmatal to have a completely different personality during the non-winter seasons, i.e. spring, summer, and fall (all hike routes are blocked during the monsoon season). The walking trail itself is a visual treat, with rhododendron blooms blossoming along the forest trail and valleys filled with brilliant flowers. This visual grandeur, along with the melting glaciers, little waterfalls, and streams, is a marvel in and of itself. Temperatures during these seasons should be in the 10°C to -4°C range.

Highlights of the trek

All of this in one trek: forest pathways, glacial lakes, and a mountaintop. At an elevation of 12,600 feet, the Brahmatal trip combines three distinct characteristics into one spectacular walk. Unfortunately, and fortunately for you, Brahmatal is still one of the "undiscovered" hikes. What this means for you is that you will be able to appreciate nature's unadulterated, pure beauty in all of its grandeur.

Brahmatal is a smooth-paced trip with spectacular views of mountains and ridges such as the Trishul massif, Ronti saddle, and others. Because of the gentle incline of the walk route, when you reach the top of the Brahmatal summit, a completely new gorgeous scene opens up in front of you, with beautiful snow-capped mountains all around you.

To live up to its name of ‘Dev Bhoomi,' or ‘Land of Gods,' the sight of the sun shining over the vista of peaks is breathtaking. Mount Trishul, the sacred Mount Nanda Ghunti, Mount Chaukhamba, Mount Neelkanth, Mount Shivling, and Mount Hathi Ghoda are just a few examples. You get the spectacular sight of Ali Bugyal, Bedni Bugyal, and Junargali, as well as numerous other meadows, to beautify the majestic vista and Roopkund trek route is nearby.

The Brahmatal trek route is notable for being not only a mountain trip but also for the woodland trails that it traverses through. The trek route offers the experience of a jungle trek as well, as it meanders through the high and deep snow-covered canopy of silver oak, rhododendron, and other mountain trees. Expect a beautiful range of colours to be displayed on your trip to the peak during the non-winter seasons when the rhododendron blooms bloom with the wildflowers, as the meadows and forest get lit up with fresh blooming flowers.

While Brahmatal Lake and Bekaltal Lake each have their own place in the breathtaking scenery that this walk has to offer, it's the lakefront campsites that are an added treat. A vision of colours of the putout tents on the fresh white snow beneath the star-studded sky in a place surrounded by lush forest foliage is a sight that treats your eyes and warms your heart as the campsite feels like a dream come true with wonderful mountain ranges in the background.

Lohajung, the base camp for Brahmatal, is associated with fabled stories of Goddess Parvati fighting Lohasur in this location. As a result, the name Loha-Jung was derived from the name Lohasur. The location, a secret village in mythic legends, has its own peaceful vibe. This settlement is worth investigating, and the stories of the residents are the cherry on top of the lovely walk.

How to Get to Brahmatal

Lohajung serves as a base camp for the Brahmatal trek. Because Kathgodam is better connected to other towns such as Delhi (320km) and Dehradun (277km), it acts as the trek's starting and conclusion point. 

 By Flight

• Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport by flight (PGH). Several popular airlines offer direct and indirect flights between Delhi and Pantnagar for as little as Rs. 2600. It is more cost-effective to purchase round-trip flights. Pantnagar is 31 kilometres away from Kathgodam and can be reached in one hour by car. From Pantnagar, there are buses, shared cabs, and private automobiles available. When you arrive in Kathgodam, you can take a bus or a private car to Lohajung, which is a 250-kilometre ride through the peaceful towns of Ranikhet, Kausani, Gwaldam, and Dewal.

 By Train

Several trains connect Kathgodam railway station (Brahmatal's nearest railhead) to all major Indian towns. When you get to Kathgodam, which is 320 kilometres or 6 hours and 20 minutes drive from Delhi, you can take a bus or a private vehicle ride to Lohajung, which is a 250-kilometre ride through peaceful towns.

By Road

Lohajung is connected by road to all of India's major cities, and most of the major cities have bus service to Lohajung via Kathgodam. When you get in Kathgodam, which is 320 kilometres or 6 hours and 20 minutes from Delhi, you can take a bus or a private vehicle journey to Lohajung, which is an 8 to 10-hour ride through the calm towns of 250 kilometres Ranikhet, Kausani, Gwaldam, and Dewal.

There is also an alternative route to Lohajung via Rishikesh. Daily buses run from Rishikesh to Lohajung, starting at 5-5:30 a.m., and share cabs leave at 6 a.m., but you must book a seat in advance because seats are limited.

Mythology

The Brahmatal trip, which is steeped in mythology, entices you with a magical attraction that is difficult to resist.

Lord Brahma, the Creator who pondered here, inspired the name Brahmatal.

You get breathtaking views of the sacred Nanda Devi peak, the residence of Goddess Nanda Devi, Mount Trishul, which resembles a sacred trident (Trishul), and Mount Kamet, the Hindus' sacred mountain.

Lohajung, the base camp for the Brahmatal climb, takes pride in the fact that Goddess Parvati fought and killed Lohasur here. The name Lohajung means "battle (Jung) with the monster Lohasur."

Suggested Reads :

Kedarkantha Trek

Hampta Pass Trek

Triund Trek

Satopanth Glacier Trek