Overview
Region :- Uttarakhand
Duration :- 5 Days
Grade :- Easy To Moderate
Max Altitude :- 12,100 Ft.
Approx Trekking Km :- 24 Kms.
Resting in the depths of the Uttarakhand Himalayas, the Brahmatal trek treats you to soaring views of some lofty mountain peaks such as Mt. Trishul, Mt Nanda Ghunti and Mt. Khamet. At an altitude of 3800 m, the Brahmatal trek is open throughout the winters when most of the other trekking routes are closed making it a perfect winter trek for beginners.
Brahmatal hosts one of the loveliest forest walks that are home to diverse bird species and century old oak trees. During spring, the trails of these forests are carpeted in the red and pink blooms of rhododendrons. In winters, the landscape transforms dramatically sheathing the region in pristine white snow, making it nothing short of a Winter wonderland.
Long, never-ending ridgelines, expansive meadows, and 360-degree views of colossal peaks from the summit are some of the other attractions of the Brahmatal Trek.
Spanning over 28 km, the Brahmatal trek begins from the base village of Lohajung located in the Chamoli district in Garhwal Himalayas. The 6 km trek from Lohajung to the Bekaltal campsite runs through dense forests of Conifer, Cedar, Oak and Fir. The Bekaltal campsite is at the heart of a beautiful clearing surrounded by Oak and Rhododendrons with panoramic views of snow-capped ranges.
Another 2-hour trek will lead you to the Bekaltal lake, frozen during the winter months, making up for a tranquil view.
The trail heading out of the lake continues to remain dominated by Oak and Rhododendron forests. You start catching glimpses of Mt Trishul through the woods from here on. The forest soon opens up to an expansive meadow, Talindi Top, that rewards you with spectacular views of Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti amongst others. The ascent continues beyond this point until you reach Jhandi Top which surpasses the views offered by Talindi Top. It is a 1.5 km descent from here onwards to the Brahmatal campsite. The campsite is delightfully set at one end of a ridge, opening up to a stunning view of the blue silhouette of mountain ranges stacked layer after layer at the horizon. The Brahmatal lake is only 500 M from the campsite. According to legend, the lake is believed to be the place where Lord Brahma meditated ages ago.
The trek to the summit begins the next day and is nothing short of thrilling. The trail climbs through moderately inclined dense forests eventually translating into a ridge stretch that opens up to gaping views of the tremendous valley behind. The summit offers awe-inspiring vistas of some well-known Himalayan ranges like Mount Trishul, sacred Mount Nanda Ghunti, Mount Chaukhamba, Mount Neelkanth, Mount Kamet and Mount Hathi Ghoda.
While the trail is relatively easy to navigate, the ascent to Brahmatal Top can be challenging during heavy snowfall season. The snow, during these times can run knee deep requiring some effort during ascent and descent.
COST OF THE TREK
Lohajung to Lohajung: Rs. 8800/-
Rishikesh to Rishikesh: Rs. 11,300/-
Itinerary
Day 1:- Rishikesh to Lohajung
Altitude 7,662 ft.
Stay in guest house
Drive 290 km (10 hrs drive)
Local market and network is available
Pick up time 06:00 am at the parking of ISBT Rishikesh
Route:- Rishikesh - Devprayag- Srinagar- Rudraprayag - Karanprayag- Dewal - Lohajung.
Day 2:- Lohajung to Bekaltal
9,690 ft, 4-5 hrs trek, 6 km
One third of the trek through village and rest through frost
Stay in tent
Moderate level ascent through forest
Hot lunch at camp
Spring and manmade water points are available
Go to Bekaltal lake for evening walk
Bekaltal lake is 15 minutes walk from camp site
Day 3:- Bekaltal to Brahmatal
10,450 ft, 6 – 7 hrs trek, 7 km
First 1.3 hours is steep ascent via Bekaltal Lake, then gradual ascent for few hours and at last steep descent and then gradual descent till camp site
Hot lunch/packed lunch, depend on weather and snow condition
No water points, it’s advisable to carry at least 2 liters of water
Very scenic day, can see Shivalik and greater Himalayas both
Go to Brahmatal lake for evening walk, 500 meter far from camp site
Stay in tent
Day 4: Brahmatal to Tilbudi via Brahmatal Pass
Altitude :- 10,450 ft. to 11,250 ft. via 12,200 ft.
Trek :- 7 km, 7-8 hrs
Moderate level of ascent till Brahmaltal pass (few slops have steep ascent)
After Pass, all descent till Tilbudi camp site
No water points, it’s advisable to carry at least 2 liters of water
Rhododendron and oak Forest
Lunch on the summit (packed lunch)
360 degree of view from summit
First 180 degree angle covers Chaukhambha, Mandir, Mana, Nilgiri, Neelkanth, Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Maitoli all the way to the Panchachuli ranges, rest is Shivalik himalayas
Day 5: Tilbudi to Lohajung via Wan
Altitude: 11,250 ft. to 7,650 ft. via 8,000 ft.
Time : 5-6 hours, 4 km trek + 1 hour drive to Lohajung
Gradual and steep mixed descent
You will find one spot to refill your water bottles
Lunch on the way (packed lunch)
Walking stick and knee cap will help a lot
Start Return Journey to Rishikesh
Reach Rushikesh By 11 PM
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:- Arrive at Lohajung (2331 m) (294 Kms)
Distance covered: 294 km from Rishikesh to Lohajung
Duration: 11-12 hours to reach Lohajung
We will see you the first day at Rishikesh railway station. The pickup place is Rishikesh bus station early in the morning. An overnight train travel from Delhi could be sufficiently convenient.
The journey uphill from Rishikesh to Lohajung will take you cruising through mountain alleyways connecting the lower Himalayan belt of Kumaom hills to that of Garhwal. This is going to be a hectic 10 hour drive, despite the marvellous changing vistas of the mountains. For the first few hours, the course of our journey will be running parallel to river Ganga and Alaknanda flowing blustery. Soon, a softy Pindar river will meet our path.
Look out for a few of the best known tourist hubs nestling in Uttarakhand’s sublime hills. We will pass through Devprayag, Srinagar, and Karanprayag—all celebrated hill stations. Upon entering the last stretch of the drive, near Lohajung, the mesmerizing Nanda Ghunti peak will come to sight. We will reach Lohajung guest house, our halt for the night around 5:00 pm, close to dusk and just in time for tea!
Note: If you are not carrying something of winter clothing or basic gear, the Lohajung market can come in pretty handy.
Day 2:- Lohajung to Bekaltal (06 Kms)
The first day’s trek spanning 5 hours will kick off from Lohajung up a snaky trail going into the forest. After a short while the forest will give way to a small village named Mandoli to your left. Here you can fill your bottles and take a first major hiatus. The trail continues in mostly gradual ascent curves. A little way higher, you will come across the valley where two mountain rivers Kali and Pindari confluence. This is the Kali valley, lying in a splendid green scrap even in the midst of wintry heights. We will trek on further to stumble upon a huddle of mud huts. You are going to find a grove of rhododendron here that sure grows red and heavy from February to March, but at the peak of winter, the trail will be pretty matte.
Crossing this point, trek on to find the next identifiable landmark—a wooden bridge over a stream. This steam is a viable water point which you can access going down the slope. Crossing over on to the other side, you will reach Begum — a nestling rest point on the slopes overlooking a vast expanse of bugyals at distance. From here, the path bends on to two more chattering streams, the last being Gujrani stream. Take approximately an hour’s hike after crossing the last stream to reach the beautiful Bekaltal gleaming peacefully in the summer while partially frozen over in the winters.
We will be camping in the vicinity by the lake Khopdaliya. Enjoy the stillness and the quiet of this place with the thick oak forests closing in from around.
Day 3:- Bekaltal to Brahmatal (08 Kms)
Today’s trek will take you through thickets of oaks and rhododendrons over steep slopes for quite some time before finally coming out to a meadow. This is the meadow of Telandi. In the winter, you will find the green expanse of Telandi transform into a vast snowfield and crossing the area, a gala of thrill.
The meadow rolls till 11,500 ft.- the highest point, from where begins a slow descent to Brahmatal. To your left from here, you will find a small temple, bright yellow flags flying in the air. Walk down the slope to the temple and find the trail winding towards the Brahmatal Lake, about 500 meters away from the temple now. We will find the valleys of Almora and Nainital rise and fall around us as we go. The soaring peaks of Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, and others of the Greater Himalayas can be spotted far across the sky. We will be camping at the mark 500 meter away from the lake, nestling in the beautiful aura of the place.
Note: Make sure to carry 2-3 litres of water on today’s trek since there are no water points on this trail.
Day 4: Brahmatal to Daldum via Brahmatal Peak / Pass (05 Kms)
Start your day early in the morning as you will be heading towards the Brahmatal lake which is an uphill climb. You will be greeted with Oak and Rhododendron trees on the way which has a charm of their own. After a while, the zigzag ascent trail will take you Brahmatal Lake. On a bright day, the lake looks charismatic and the sunlight makes it look even more artistic. As you walk ahead you will come across a small stream which is formed by the melting of snow. You might get fooled by every passing top which will feel like the last ascent. After walking for a while and crossing the meadow, the final climb towards the pass begins.
It will be a tiring walk towards but as soon as you reach the top you will be greeted with a magnificent view of Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti. Take your time and click some jaw-dropping pictures that will last a lifetime. As soon as you start descending, you discover that the trail is different from that which got you up. You will be able to witness a 180 degree of the entire Himalayan range and peaks such as Haukhambha, Mandi, Mana, Nilgiri, Neelkanth, Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Maitoli become visible. As you continue to descent, after an hour you will reach a clearing surrounded by trees on all the sides which is the Tilbudi campsite. You will be camping here for the night.
Day 5: Tilbudi to Lohajung and Drive Rishikrsh (04 Kms)
After having your breakfast you will start your descent to Wan which is a trail filled with Oak and Rhododendron trees. This is a very beautiful trail which allows you to click end number of scenic pictures. After walking some distance you will come across a water source at Chota Tilbundi.
Half an hour later you will be able to spot Wan village which is visible below. From here onwards it will take you half an hour more to reach the road from where SR will arrange vehicles to take you to Lohajung.
Then Move toward Rishikesh.
Reach Rishikesh By 11 PM.
How to Reach
By Air :-
Jolly Grant Airport is the airport serving Dehradun, located about 48 km from the Rishikesh. There is a daily flight from Delhi for Dehradun, reach Rishikesh one day early if coming by flight.
By Train:-
An excellent rail network connects Haridwar/Dehradun to other important cities like Delhi, Mussoorie, Mumbai, Varanasi, Lucknow, and Kolkata.
From Delhi -DDN NZM AC EXPRESS (2205)
From Kolkata- Doon Express (13009)
From Mumbai- Dehradun Express (19019)
From Chennai- Dehradun express (12687)
By Bus:-
There is regular bus service from Delhi to Rishikesh, from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate.
We would suggest you to take only government buses from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Private buses ply from outside ISBT and they are not trust worthiness.
Usually buses drop you at Rishikesh bus station.
SR's Tata Sumo or similar vehicles will pick-up you from Rishikesh Railway Station at 6:00 am.
Pick-up is included in the cost of the trek
You will reach Lohajung by 6:00 pm
Food from Rishikesh to Lohajung is not included in the trek cost
Trek Essential
Basics Gear
Back pack & rain cover (50 - 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps
Day pack + rain cover 20 - 30 ltr (If hire a mule or porter)
Walking stick Advisable (At least one)
Head torch 1 Nos.
Water bottle/Hydration pack 2 bottles of one litre each
People who use hydration pack
1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter
Carry at least one thermos flask
Snacks Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors
Personal Medical Kit Consult your doctor
Be comfy at the trek
T-shirts 2 Full sleeves (Non-cotton)
Fleece T-shirts 1 Nos.
Fleece jacket 1 Nos. (Alternative: a woollen sweater)
Down feather / Hollofil jacket 1 Nos.
Wind & waterproof (jacket & pant) 1 Pair
Thermal inners (upper and lower) 1 Pair
Trek pants 2 Synthetic (avoid shorts, fitting denims, capris)
Poncho 1 Nos.
Personal Utilities
Sunscreen cream Hand sanitizer
Moisturiser Antibacterial powder
Toilet Paper & wipes Toothbrush and toothpaste
Lip balm Quick dry towel
Think about your head
Sun cap 1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well)
Woolen cap 1 Nos.
Balaclava 1 Nos.
Neck-gaiters 1 Nos.
Sunglasses Dark with side cover, it should be U/V protected.
People who wear spectacles-
(A)- Use contact lenses. (Not for Chadar trek)
(B)- Photo chromatic glasses.
Mind your step
Trekking shoes 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip)
Floaters/flip-flops 1 Pair (Optional)
Cotton socks 5 pairs
Woollen socks 3 pairs
Gaiters 1 Pair (TTH team will notify you if required)
Keep these handy
Waterproof gloves 1 Pair
Fleece/woollen gloves 1 Pair
Payment:-
Bank Account Details.
A/C Name: Amit Rathod
A/C Number: 008100100019300
IFSC: BACB0000008
BRANCH: Nirmal(Vasai West)
