The Complete Guide To Brahmatal Trek
Some of our top treks are favourites because of the mountain views they offer. Think of Chaukhambha from Deoriatal Chandrashila or Bandarpoonch from Dayara Bugyal. It is difficult to find such magnified views of big mountains like these. However, Brahmatal is a trek that takes the cake. It has a view that beats all of these!
Here is why. Right on your second day, you climb out of beautiful rhododendron and oak forest to see a white wall of the Trishul massif. And these views only come closer as you traverse the ridge towards Jhandi Top.
At Jhandi top, you are almost at the center of the mountain views. To your right rises the massive Mt Trishul and to your left stands Mt Nanda Ghunti. You even see the Ronti Saddle, the ridge that connects Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti!
That is not all. At the highest point of Brahmatal trek, Brahmatal Top, a new set of mountains open themselves up before you. You see Mt Chaukhamba, Mt Neelkanth, Mt Hathi Ghoda… while Trishul and Nanda Ghunti are to your right. Always there.
These two 7,000 metre peaks, Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti, are your companions throughout the trek. Even the highest point of this trek is approached from the side that is exposed to Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti. This trek deserves to be talked about among treks with the best mountain views.
To top it all, Brahmatal has lovely forests, two lakes to look forward to and a meadow to traverse through. The entire trail is under snow in peak winter. All of these experiences are to be earned though. The trek is a moderate one. We would advise you to prepare well.
Use these pointers to navigate through this extensive trek guide:
- What I Like And Don’t Like About Brahmatal
- Best Time To Do Brahmatal Trek
- How To Stay Safe On Brahmatal Trek
- Weather And Temperature On Brahmatal
- How To Reach Brahmatal
- What To Pack For Brahmatal Trek
What I Like And Don’t Like About The Brahmatal Trek
I give here some evergreen highlights of Brahmatal which made me fall in love with the trek. These sections on the Brahmatal trek are smashing in every season and you don’t have to wait for winter to see them at their best.
What I love about Brahmatal
➤ The Rhododendron forest from Bekaltal to Tilandi
Brahmatal has mesmerising forest walks. You get to walk through centuries old forests of Oaks and Rhododendrons. What particularly stays with me is the dedicated section of Rhododendrons! Just out of Bekaltal, you get a clearly demarcated section of Rhododendron forests.
The Rhodo forests are a treat to the eyes. The trunks twist and turn in shapes and forms. The trunks are usually bare and smooth wooded. The trees are not too tall and form a nice canopy at the top. They are close enough to form a perfect green roof over your head.
This is what you see throughout the year. If you come here during March and April, you get a pink flowery roof. If you come here during winters, you get a white snowy carpet!
➤ The ridge meadow walk from Tilandi to Jhandi Top
On the second day, you climb out of Bekaltal trekking up through some of the most beautiful rhododendron and oak forests. As you near the top, you are curious and impatient to see what lies outside the tree line.
You enter the meadow on the mountain top and in front of you is a wall of white mountains. Having climbed all the way up to the ridge (which runs parallel to Ali Bugyal of the Roopkund trek), you see grand views of the Trishul range.
You know you are climbing to the top but the enormity of the mountain ranges so up close is something very special to Brahmatal.
Starting there, all the way to Jhandi top is one of the best ridge walks you will do in our mountains. On one side you have the mighty Trishul range fanning out and on the other side opens up to layers and layers of mountain ranges arranging themselves in height order going down all the way to Deval and Tharali.
These are the villages that you drove through to reach the base camp. To your right below the Trishul range spreads out the entire Roopkund trek. Every landmark, every campsite, every climb on the Roopkund trek is seen from the Brahmatal ridge. I have never stood on one trek and gone through another trek, that too perhaps the most iconic trek in its entirety like this.
➤ Brahmatal
The Brahmatal campsite and the lake are both special to me. The campsite sits exposed at one end of the ridge opening up to layers of mountains falling down to meet the lower towns below. You get uninterrupted views of almost 25 kms from here.
Facing the western horizon, the colors of the sun just light up the sky at dusk. Watching the sky change colors from yellow to orange to pink to blue over more than half an hour was a surprise treat for me.
Brahmatal around which the trek revolves is not very big as a lake. It is not on the trail either. You need to go to the lake that lies bang in the middle of an undulating meadow. A lone tree or two is the only other element in the picture. The lake is like a crystal clear blue oasis in the middle of a vast meadow.
Standing beside the lake I felt totally away from everything else in the world. The reflecting clear lake with nothing else in sight is the perfect place to take you into a reflective zone yourself. At Brahmatal, the experience is more of looking inwards than looking out at anything else.
Best Time To Do The Brahmatal Trek
Brahmatal is a great trek to do in all seasons, except the summer and monsoons. Each season – spring, autumn and winter – brings out a different flavour of the trek.
Say, spring is a great time to witness the Himalayan rhododendrons, autumn is known for crisp mountain views and in winters, when the landscape is draped in white, you trek in snow and witness frozen lakes on the trek.
• Brahmatal Trek In Spring
While Deoriatal-Chandrashila pops up in discussions when we talk about rhododendrons, not many know that Brahmatal too is a charming trek to do in spring. In fact, its slopes are lined with rhododendrons (Buransh). And in spring, the slopes look fiery with rhodos blooming dark pink and crimson. Imagine this in the backdrop of receding snow!
But you won’t see these flowers throughout the trek. Although, you may start spotting lonesome trees in bloom from Lohajung itself!
After that, as you begin your trek, watch out for the section between Bekaltal and Tilandi. Here, just as you step out of Bekaltal, you enter a rhodo forest and the blooming flowers form a canopy over your head as you trek.
Finally, watch out for rhodos towards the end of the trek, around Khorurai.
For a magical experience, trek to Brahmatal in early spring (March). So that you get to trek on snow even as you see the flowers in bloom. During this time, you will find snow in sections upwards from Tilandi. As the season goes by, snow recedes to the higher altitude, around the Brahmatal lake which lies at 10,440 ft.
By mid April, most of the snow on the trail and around it has melted.
| Note: Although you can access Brahmatal in summers, it’s not a great season to experience the trek. During monsoons the trek becomes inaccessible due to the rains. That brings us to the next season – autumn.
• Brahmatal Trek In Autumn
The flowers you witnessed in spring would have wilted and vanished in autumn, leaving a dark canopy of the rhododendron and oak trees. In this season, the trees start shedding leaves, offering a distinct crunch to your step as you walk over them.
With that setting in place, look up at the mountain views. They’re the highlight in autumn, at their clearest post monsoon when the air is free from haze.
In this season, watch out for the ridge that Sandhya mentioned earlier in the trek guide. This ridge runs parallel to Ali Bugyal of the famed Roopkund trail. From here you can see the grand Trishul range rise over Asia’s largest meadow. It is a breathtaking experience.
Further up the trek, as you reach Jhandi top, brilliant mountain views of Mt Chaukhamba, Mt Neelkanth and Mt Hathi Ghoda open up under the blue autumn sky.
There’s one more aspect of autumn that not many talk about, sunrises and sunsets. They are the most vibrant during autumn. Especially at the Tilandi campsite, simply because it is situated on the ridge.
Words fall horribly short, but watch out for the sunset when you reach Tilandi. It is a dramatic affair. The sun splashes vibrant crimson hues across the sky. And the next morning, wake up early to watch the golden sun rise on the other side.
Lastly, autumn is also a great season if you like empty trails. But it’s not empty for the whole of autumn. For a quiet experience, aim for dates after Dusshera/Diwali vacation and before winter sets in. During this time the Brahmatal trail is at its emptiest.
• Brahmatal Trek In Winter
When most treks in the Himalayas shut during peak winters – January and February, Brahmatal stays accessible. It remains open from December to February and then into spring.
And that’s a treat because winter snow is heavenly on Brahmatal trek. Although it makes the trek a notch more difficult. But the experience is still worth it.
In winters, oak and rhododendron trees stoop under the weight of the snow lending a Narnia-like vibe to the trek. And this happens as soon as you set off from Lohajung.
Apart from the snow, the sight of the frozen Bekaltal lake is mesmerising. Standing by it gives the impression of being frozen in time. But be careful about stepping on this frozen lake. Depending on the month, the ice may or may not be hard enough to support your weight.
Another highlight of winters is camping on the snow at Tilandi with spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Unlike autumn, now the vibrant colours are reflected on the white, snowy landscape.
And last year, trekkers filled their Instagram feeds with images of this campsite covered in snow. (View Tilandi pics on Instagram)
On the flip side, Brahmatal lake or top may not be accessible in the peak winters due to snow. But regardless of that fact, you will be able to witness the beauty of this trek from the ridge and the Tilandi campsite. And that’s fulfilling in itself.
At a glance
March-April Sept-Nov Dec-Feb Fiery rhododendrons between Bekaltal to Tilandi, receding snow above Tilandi campsite. Brilliant mountain views and vibrant sunrises and sunsets (especially at Tilandi) Narnia-like setting where you trek and camp in snow, witness the frozen Bekaltal lake.
Weather And Temperature On The Brahmatal Trek
There are three clear seasons – spring, autumn and winter – to do this trek. And the weather in each season differs.
So what kind of weather can you expect in these seasons?
• Spring (Mid March — Mid April): The winter is receding but hasn’t totally left yet. The snow is still in patches on the ground. On the upper slopes, especially above 10,000 feet it is still snow bound.
Expect cold nights at your higher camp (like Tilandi and Brahmatal). Temperature during the night can drop to around zero but generally will hover around 1-5 °C.
The day temperatures are usually very pleasant on the trek at an average of 15 – 20 °C. If the sun goes behind the clouds and there is a bout of rain, then the temperature can fall to around 10 degrees.
• Autumn (Mid Sep — Mid October). Autumn is generally like Spring, but a few degrees colder. Nights can be nippy at slightly below zero at the highest camp. As you move towards late November, it is perceptibly colder. Higher camps are 2-3 degrees below zero. Though, at the lower camps the temperature will hang slightly above zero.
While trekking in autumn, day temperatures are pleasant at around 13 – 18 °C, but any rain or slight drizzle brings down temperature rapidly to around 8 – 12 °C. You need to keep a pullover handy with you always.
Watch out for strong winds at the Tilandi campsite which is situated on a ridge that’s exposed. The wind-chill factor will be high here.
• Winter (December — January). December brings in the snow. Along with it comes the winter chill. Even in lower camps, the air is frosty with a sharp bite.
Expect sub zero temperatures even at your base camps in the evening in winter.
During the day when the sun is out, it is quite comfortable to trek. The temperature is a balmy 8 — 12 °C. If you are on snow, then the snow reflects, which makes it quite warm sometimes!
At the higher camp, temperatures could fall below minus 7 or 8 °C in the night. As long as you are inside your tent and in your layers, it is absolutely fine.
On your early morning summit climb, expect to start in temperatures well below zero. The day will get progressively warmer as the sun touches the ground, even though you may be on snow. Be prepared to shed off your layers as you climb.
How To Stay Safe On The Brahmatal Trek
To stay safe on any high-altitude trek, you must have a fair knowledge of the terrain, altitude, exit points and AMS. And the same goes for Brahmatal. So, we will touch upon each of these sections:
- How difficult is Brahmatal trek?
- What you must know about AMS
- Exit points from Brahmatal trek
- Closest hospital to Brahmatal trek.
• How difficult is Brahmatal trek?
Brahmatal trek climbs to 12,250 feet and we rate it as moderate. A moderate rating refers to marginally longer trekking days with a few steep climbs in between. So, Brahmatal trek is a notch more difficult than the easy-moderate treks like Kedarkantha and Dayara Bugyal. But it has easy exits and there are no technical sections.
Coming to the details, you will cover a total of 24 km in three days during which you will gain approximately 4,650 feet. On an average, you will trek 7 kms every day, which will include ascents and descents.
| Note: Like any other Himalayan trek, the difficulty level on Brahmatal too increases when you are doing the trek in snow.
In winters, you will climb this trail buried in knee-deep snow. Although it does not require support of a technical staff, you will need proper safety equipment to negotiate it.
So, when talking about safety, there are two things you need to keep in mind – endurance and trekking in snow. Like other high-altitude treks, being physically fit is a must for otherwise you will miss out on the beauty of this trek due to fatigue. Click here to know how to get fit for the Brahmatal trek.
When it comes to safety, there is one section you need to be careful about, especially if you are trekking to Brahmatal in winters.
It is the Steep snow section near the peak (in winter season): Your final high altitude camp before you attempt the Brahmatal top is Brahmatal or Tilandi. As you step out of the campsite early in the morning, the snow is going to be hard, having frozen overnight. This snow section continues until you get to Brahmatal top, getting steeper as you approach the summit.
| Trekking with Indiahikes? Read how Indiahikes keeps you safe on high-altitude treks
Here are the important safety tips for Brahmatal trek:
• While climbing to the peak through the thick snow, ensure you wear your microspikes. Hard snow is extremely prone to slips. A small slip can result in injuries like a ligament tear, a sprained ankle or even a fracture. Always put your foot on footholds made by earlier trekkers. Look out for deep footholds. Do not try to make new paths of your own.
| Note: If you are trekking with Indiahikes, your Trek Leader will tell you when to wear the microspikes. Indiahikes technical team will lead in this section to make the footholds required for trekkers to step on.
• AMS: At altitudes above 10,000 ft, the chances of being hit by Acute Mountain Sickness are real. Altitude sickness does not distinguish between a first timer and an experienced trekker. Even experienced trekkers can get affected. Fitness helps in making your trek easier. But do not forget that even a fit person climbing too high too soon runs equal risk of developing AMS.
Some symptoms to watch out for: (a) Persistent headache (b) Feeling fatigue or weak (c) Feel nauseous or vomit (d) Feeling dizzy or lightheaded, often while sitting up or standing suddenly (e) You don’t feel like eating, you have a loss of appetite (f) You don’t sleep very well at night.
The itinerary of Brahmatal trek allows you to acclimatize well. And yet, you must stay alert for any signs of AMS.
Watch the video below to gain clear understanding of Acute Mountain Sickness:
• Exit Points: Wherever you are on the trek, you are just one day away from Lohajung. In case of an AMS emergency, you will need to return to Lohajung. To be prepared for that window of a day, you must have knowledge about AMS if an evacuation comes up.
• Closest Hospital: In case of a medical emergency, your closest hospital is at Tharalil. It is 45 km from Lohajung. If the trekker needs more serious medical attention, Rishikesh or Dehradun would be the best places with better hospital facilities. This is a 9-10 hour drive from the base camp.
How To Reach The Basecamp Of Brahmatal
The Basecamp of Brahmatal is Lohajung, which is a tight town situated on a mountain pass situated in the south of Uttarakhand in the Kumaon side of Himalayas.
Two routes lead to Lohajung. One is a longer route from Rishikesh (259.2 km) and another is around 40 km shorter and goes from Kathgodam Railway station (222 km).
Reaching Lohajung From Rishikesh
Although this is the longer route (259.2 km), certain scenic sections – like the expansive sight of Alaknanda after the dam in Srinagar or the section between Karnaprayag and Tharali where you move along the Pindar river – make the journey worthwhile.
| Travelling with Indiahikes? | Click here for more information
• By Bus: Take the early morning 5 am bus from Rishikesh. The ticket costs between Rs.300-350. (Tip: Reach 10-15 mins earlier to secure a seat for yourself.)
The route: Rishikesh-Devprayag-Rudraprayag-Karnaprayag-Tharali-Deval-Lohajung
Time taken: Approx. 12 hours
After leaving from Rishikesh, the route climbs to Teen Dhara where the bus will stop at a dhaba for breakfast.
Right after breakfast the route descends into the valley to Devprayag. This is a beautiful section and on a clear day, the views are brilliant. But even if it is cloudy, watching the clouds hang low in the valley is mesmerizing.
Then the bus moves to Srinagar where after crossing the dam you witness the brilliant view of the still waters of Alaknanda. And there is one spot, a photo-point that captures the expanse of this frame.
After that you cross Rudraprayag and reach Karnaprayag around 1 pm. Stop here for lunch.
Till here you will be on the Badrinath Highway, sharing the route with other treks like Valley Of Flowers, Kuari Pass/Pangarchulla.
From Karnaprayag, your bus will leave the highway and take the route to Tharali. Due to this, the traffic reduces by 60-70% and you enter another scenic section of the route.
Along with Karnaprayag, you also leave the Alaknanda behind and start moving with the gurgling Pindar river which has quaint settlements on its side. This section continues for 1-1.5 hours till you reach Tharali. Now you are only 12 kms from Deval.
The route starts climbing up from Deval. The route from Kathgodam merges with the Rishikesh route at this point.
From here, narrow, winding roads take you up to the basecamp. The temperature begins to drop, so keep a jacket handy. By 5-6 pm you will reach Lohajung.
• By Car: If you are traveling by car or shared cab then you will have the flexibility of getting off at certain scenic points discussed in the above section.
Also, if you wish to have breakfast early on the route, you may stop at Kodiyali. But if you can wait and would like to halt at a proper restaurant stop at Dewli near Kirtinagar. This comes before you reach Srinagar and you will get a variety of options to choose from. Please note that food is a bit expensive here.
PROTIP If you are not in a group, and do not want to travel by bus, you may get in touch with Mr. Raju Shah (+91 89793 21600) to enquire if a local vehicle is leaving from Dehradun/Rishikesh early that morning. There is a chance you can get accommodated in that for a nominal price.
Which route is better for you?
If you are traveling on your own, it’s easier to find public transport from Rishikesh to Lohajung. But, if you are travelling in a group of 5-6 and are planning the trip well in advance, it makes sense to book a train journey till Kathgodam and then take a shared cab from there till Lohajung.
Reaching Lohajung From Kathgodam
There are three trains from Delhi that will take you to Kathgodam.
- The Ranikhet Express that leaves at night from Delhi (8 pm) and reaches Kathgodam (5.05 am) early in the morning.
- The Uttarakhand Sampark Kranti Express which leaves from Delhi early in the evening (4 pm) and reaches Kathgodam at night (10.45 pm).
- The NDLS-Kathgodam Shatabdi which leaves Delhi early in the morning (6.20 am) and reaches Kathgodam almost by noon (11.40 am).
Instead of doing an overnight journey and continuing to Lohajung without a break, it’s advisable to break the journey at Kathgodam for a night’s halt.
So, aim to reach Kathgodam on the same day, stay there for the night and continue to Lohajung next morning. This will ensure that you are well-rested before the trek.
Get down and take a Sumo to Lohajung. The route to Lohajung is via Almora — Gwaldam — Tharali — Dewal — Mundoli — Lohajung (many Tata Sumo drivers may not know this).
The Almora route is any day better with its green cover, rivers flowing by and Deodar forests. The journey is in itself a nice prelude to the trek and worth every moment of it. The Rishikesh route is crowded and barren. The road is in bad condition and prone to traffic pile-up.
There is no direct transport to Lohajung from Kathgodam. You will have to change buses or shared cabs.
• Bus: Take the 4:30-5 am bus from Kathgodam bus stop to Gwaldam, you reach at 3 pm. The bus stop is just opposite the railway station, about 50 m away. There are no buses from Gwaldam to Lohajung so you need to change to a shared cab to Lohajung.
The bus to Gwaldam costs Rs.500 and shared cab to Lohajung is about Rs.50. The last shared cab is at 3:30 pm to Lohajung. Make sure you don’t miss it.
• Shared Taxi: These are other options in case you miss the bus, but again you will have to change cabs many times.
Take the shared taxi from the bus stop to Gwaldam, then change to Tharali/Dewal and then again change to Lohajung. This will cost you around Rs.650.
The last shared taxi from Dewal is at 3:30 pm. In case you reach after 3:30pm, a vehicle for Rs.800-1000 is only available.
Once you reach Dewal, a local transporter can help you with the onward transport to Lohajung (24 km).
What To Pack For Brahmatal Trek
Before you start shopping and packing for the high-altitude Brahmatal trek, watch this video to get a clear idea about what you need to take along.
Complete Video Playlist: How To Pack For Brahmatal Trek
Mandatory Documents to carry on Brahmatal Trek
Carry an Original and photocopy of government photo identity card. Anything such as a driver’s license, Aadhar card, a passport will do.
You will need to submit your identification to the forest department. Without these, you will not be allowed to trek.
| Tip: Keep important documents in a clear plastic cover and slide them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack to prevent them from getting wet.
If you have registered with Indiahikes, you also need to carry the Disclaimer Certificate and the Medical Certificate.
For an exhaustive list of things to carry, click here.
Network And Connectivity On Brahmatal Trek
Last ATM Electricity Mobile Service Providers Network Hotspots Lohajung, Tharali (1 hour drive from Lohajung) SBI, Punjab National Bank and Bank of India. Deval a small town has 1 ATM but it’s not reliable But do not bank upon the last ATM, they too run out of cash. Withdraw cash before you begin your road journey to Lohajung. Basecamp has reliable electricity. Though there is no backup and if it goes it can take some hours to come back. There is no electricity at any other point on trek. Idea, Vodafone, BSNL & Airtel at Basecamp. You may get 4G at basecamp and Jio, Idea, Vodafone at Jhandi top.
Brahmatal short Itinerary
Day 1: Reach Lohajung; 8 hours drive from Kathgodam. Transport will be arranged from Kathgodam at 6 am. Cost of cab – Rs. 5,500/- per vehicle and the cost of a Tempo Traveller is Rs. 9,000. This amount is shared by trekkers.
Day 2: Lohajung (7,600 ft) to Bekaltal (9,885 ft); 5 hours, 6.3 km
Day 3: Bekaltal (9,885 ft) to Brahmatal (10,440 ft); 5-6 hours, 7.2 km
Day 4: Brahmatal (10,440 ft) to Brahmatal Top (12,250 ft) and on to Khorurai (9,160 ft); 8 hours, 7.5 km
Day 5: Khorurai (9,160 ft) to Lohajung (7,600 ft); 3-4 hours, 3km
Day 6: Drive from Lohajung to Kathgodam. You will reach Kathgodam between 7 pm and 8 pm.
Important note:
Please note that you will be staying at a guest house in Lohajung. The stay on all other days is in tents (3 per tent).It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo id for entry at forest check posts on the trek.
The Trek
Day 1: Reach Lohajung
Lohajung is the base camp for the Brahmatal trek. The best way to reach here is from Kathgodam. You drive along mountain roads, through forests. You also get glimpses of the Garhwal mountains in the distance on a clear day.
- Altitude: 7,600 ft (2,316 m)
- Drive time: 8 hours drive from Kathgodam
Once you reach Lohajung, you find yourself face to face with the beautiful Nanda Ghunti peak. If you reach before sunset, the colours of the peak will enthral you.
Lohajung is at the centre of 12-15 nearby villages. There are a couple of local stores where you can buy jackets, hand gloves, caps, shoes etc. if need be. However, it is advised that you carry all the required things for trek beforehand and not rely on these shops. You will have a mobile network in most parts of Lohajung.
Lohajung, as the locals say, is the place where Goddess Parvati had a war (jung) with the demon, Lohasur. Hence, the name, which translates to ‘War with Lohasur.’
Day 2: Lohajung to Bekaltal
- Altitude: 7,600 ft (2,316 m) to 9,689 ft (2,953 m)
- Time taken: 5 hours, 5.8 km
- Trek gradient: Moderate; gradually ascending through forests on well-defined trails
- Water sources: The first point where you can refill your water bottles will be around 3 hours into the trek, followed by another at the place where you stop for lunch
The trek begins from Lohajung central market (chowk). Move upwards from Bisht General Stores (compass direction 3000 NW) on the well-marked, human-made trail. Walk through the upper region of Lohajung and then through the forest trail with a few more houses. After a short trek, spot Mandoli village on your left.
As you climb higher, on your left, you will be able to see the Kali Valley, where Kali and Pindari Rivers join. Follow the water pipes that supply water to Lohajung, as they lie along the trek trail. After some time, cross a small cluster of homes called Budla, on the left. Here, you will find rhododendron trees, which make this part of the trail very beautiful from February to March.
At approx 8,500 ft, you will find a 10-metre bridge (known as Link-gaad), which will help you cross the stream. After around two hours, you will reach Begum, where you can rest for some time. This place provides splendid views of Navali Bugyal (145o SSE) and Bagdi Bugyal (125o SE). After 10-15 minutes of walking from Begum, you will find another stream. From here, an hour’s walk will bring you to Gujrani stream.
From here, the trail enters thick Oak forests and keeps climbing moderately. At sections where the mountain side is to your left and valley to your right, catch the first views of Mt Trishul imposing itself in the horizon. An hour and a half through the forest climb you land at a flat with a small crater in the centre. At one end of the crater, the plateau is the valley of Deval. This place is called Khopdalia. It is actually a small dried lake. This is the campsite for Bekaltal which lies just above the campsite.
Bekaltal is a ten-minute trek up from Khopdalia. It lies surrounded by a thick cluster of Oak trees. The waters of Bekaltal is always brown. The brown water indicates a high amount of dissolved organic matter.
Typically, brown lakes are surrounded by forests or wetlands. Dense forests provide dark organic material that dissolves in lake water like a teabag. This dissolved organic material stains the water brown and shades the underwater world.
Overall, brown water lakes tend to be light-limited. The algae in these lakes survive through certain adaptations that allow them to adjust to low light levels. These lakes can also sometimes be acidic and contain few fish or other organisms.
Day 3: Bekaltal to Brahmatal
- Altitude: 9,689 ft (2,953 m) to 10,440 ft (3,182 m)
- Time taken: 5-6 hours, 7 km
- Trek gradient: Moderate. Initial steep climb for an hour brings you to a meadow where you ascend gently, followed by a gradual descent to Brahmatal.
- Water sources: None. Make sure that you fill 2 litres of water before starting the trek since this will be a long day
The trail starts out of the campsite and climbs steeply into the Oak and Rhododendron forest. Notice that to your left is the ridge which opens up to the valley below. Immediately to your right below is Bekaltal. As you climb on, half the trail is dominated by Rhododendron trees and somewhere midway the Oak trees take over. After about an hour, the tree line ends and you enter the meadows. Right in front of you is the spectacular panorama of Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti with their associated ranges.
You are usually drawn to the edge of the meadows which is a ridge right on top of Lohajung your base camp. Below you is the valley from Lohajung to Wan. Right opposite where you are on the opposite mountain ridge is the famous meadows of the Roopkund trail – Aali and Bedni Bugyals.
The trail weaves along the ridge. You see the tree line sometimes below you sometimes beside you as you gain and drop height. The trees are largely Rhododendron or Oak again. Overall you gain height when you head to Jhandi Top, the highest point on the ridge. Its another vantage point for clear views of the mountain panorama. You can map the entire Roopkund trail here right from Wan to Roopkund. Spend at least twenty minutes at Jhandi Top to soak in the place. It usually gives you goosebumps to just comprehend what you are seeing in front.
As you walk along the ridge, the majestic mountains and sweeping valleys greet you. You see at least 7 to 8 layers of mountain ranges one behind another. The sense of openness is unmatchable to most trekking days anywhere.
From the Jhandi top, the trail gradually descends to Brahmatal over a kilometre and half.
Once off Jhandi top, you descend below the actual ridge which takes away the mountain views. The Brahmatal campsite at 10,351 ft is 500 meters away from the lake to the left on the edge of the slope.
Day 4: Brahmatal to Khorurai via Brahmatal Top
- Altitude: 10,440 ft (3,182 m) to 12,250 ft (3,734 m) and on to 9,640 ft (2,938 m)
- Time taken: 8 hours, 7.5 km
- Trek gradient: Moderate; Moderate ascent to the ridge followed by a flat walk and then a steep descent.
- Water sources: None. Make sure you carry 2 litres of water from the camp before setting off.
The day’s trek sees you climbing back to the ridgeline you left the day before, later traversing it further before descending down the steep into the treeline. All along you will be treated to great mountain views if you have a clear sky. Anyone who treks this day will not hesitate to say that the day is the most visually fascinating day of the entire trek.
Start early by 8 A.M to give you time to catch the mountain views before the clouds come in. It takes about 10-15 minutes to trek to the Brahmatal lake your first stop on the trail. The trail till Brahmatal is a gradually ascending one through the grasslands. The Brahamatal lake sits pretty bang in the middle of the grassland in a crater. The lake glistens in deep blue colour as the morning sun rays hit its surface. The lone tree by the side of the lake reflects perfectly off its waters. Go around the lake to get a view from all angles. You will be surprised to see how different the lake looks at each angle.
From Brahmatal, take the trail to the left that climbs up to the ridge. As you move up, you see the lake set in the middle of the vast meadow. Behind you appears a wide-open valley. You can see Tharali and Gwaldam. The first ridge climb brings you to a gently ascending stretch which then leads you to the final ridge climb.
At the ridge opens up majestic views of Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti. The view is a magnified or closer version of what you saw from Jhandi Top.
Take a moment at the pass. Have your packed lunch here. Don’t stop for long as the winds will be strong. Descent with mountains on your left and valley on your right. This part of the trail is completely new.
After the initial descent from the pass, the trail will ascend again through Alpine grass. Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti accompany you on the right. As the ascent ends, you reach a platform like an area from here you get a 180-degree view of the Himalayan range. Mountains such as Chaukhambha, Mandi, Mana, Nilgiri, Neelkanth, Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Maitoli become visible.
As you continue further, a sharp narrow descent awaits you. This marks the tree line and beginning of Rhododendron and oak Forest. A descent of 1 hour will bring you to a clearing surrounded by trees on all the sides. You’ve now reached Khorurai – your campsite. Khoru in Garhwali means Brown Oak and Rai means the flat grassy area inside a forest. Take some time to rest and appreciate your surroundings.
Day 5: Khorurai to Lohajung
- Altitude: 9,640 ft (2,938 m) to 7,600 ft (2,316 m)
- Time taken: 3-4 hours, 3 km trek
- Trek gradient: Moderate.
- Water sources: Yes.
Begin the descent to Lohajung right after breakfast. The trail goes through thick oak and rhododendron forests once again. It is well made all the way and crosses 2 streams in between.
After about an hour from starting, you will reach Shepherd huts. This place in the local language is also called ‘chawni’ and is used by villagers and shepherds to keep their livestock.
Continue on the man-made trail from here. This trail connects these mountain villages down to Lohajung.
Day 6: Lohajung to Kathgodam
Check out the reaching the basecamp section for more details about getting back after your trek.
If you have an additional day in Lohajung before or after your trek, visit Ajan Top, an easy trek that you can do on your own.
Banner image by Gajendra Kumar
Plan Your Travel for the Brahmatal trek
It is great to see you going on the Brahmatal Trek, a grand buffet of our greatest treks. While it is a great trek to do, you need to get your travel plan worked out perfectly.
Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do next. Use this guide and nothing else to plan your travel.
- A quick view of your travel plan (Skip to section)
- Planning your onward air/train booking (Skip to section)
- Planning your return air/train booking (Skip to section)
- Planning your hotel booking (Skip to section)
- How to reach Lohajung on your own (Skip to section)
1. Here’s a quick view on how to plan your travel
Day 0: Book your air ticket to Delhi or Dehradun. If Dehradun, proceed to Kathgodam. If Delhi, book night train/bus to Dehradun/Kathgodam.
Day 1: Kathgodam to Lohajung drive. It is an 11-12 hour drive from Dehradun/Kathgodam. Lohajung is the basecamp for your trek.
We organise transport to Lohajung from Kathgodam. Our vehicles leave at 6:30 am sharp from Kathgodam. The cab costs Rs.5,500 per vehicle for an SUV and Rs 9,000 for a Tempo Traveler.
Day 2 to Day 5: Trek days
Day 6: Depart from Lohajung. You will reach Kathgodam between 6.00 pm and 7.00 pm. The cab costs Rs.5,500 for an SUV and Rs.9,000 for a Tempo Traveler.
| Important points to note:
While getting to Lohajung, we recommend you arrive a day earlier and stay at Kathgodam (Day Zero). Staying at Kathgodam gives you a well deserved rest for the night. Plus some bonus sightseeing.
Buffer Day: Keep a buffer day for emergencies. Your trek is 6 days long, but keep an extra 7th day as your buffer day. This is outside the itinerary. You cannot predict bad rain, landslides or a political situation on a trek. If you don’t use the buffer day on the trek, you can always use it for sightseeing in Kathgodam, Haridwar or Mussoorie.
Always book your return flight/train tickets after including the buffer day in your itinerary.
Tip: Jim Corbett National park is worth visiting, you can include it in your plans after the trek. The closest point is Kathgodam.
Your travel route to the Lohajung basecamp passes through Kathgodam, Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Karanprayag and Gwaldam. See map.
2. Planning your onward flight/train booking
If you are travelling from Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Mumbai or any other city, book your air tickets for Day Zero, which is the day before Day 1 on the itinerary. If your trek start day is 25 August, book your air tickets for 24 August to either Delhi/Dehradun.
There are two options for your flight booking.
Option 1: Fly directly to Dehradun
We recommend this. It gives you an added rest day at Kathgodam. Most metros are directly connected to Dehradun. However, if the cost of the flight ticket to Dehradun is too high, book to Delhi and connect to Kathgodam by bus.
Option 2: Flying to Delhi followed by train / bus to Kathgodam
Make sure to book a flight that reaches Delhi by 8.00 pm, in time to catch the Ranikhet Express at 10:30pm. You must arrive in Delhi on Day Zero and not on Day 1.
| Note: Avoid taking a flight from Delhi to Pantnagar airport.The flights are not reliable and prone to cancellations. Only few airlines like Alliance air operate limitedly.
Next, book yourself in the Ranikhet Express (Train No. 15013) from Old Delhi. It leaves at 10.05 pm from Old Delhi Railway Station and reaches Kathgodam at 5.05 am. The train starts from Jaisalmer.
Important info: Ranikhet Express train gets booked quickly, another option is to board the Sampark Kranti (Train No 15035) from Old Delhi earlier in the day. It departs Old Delhi at 4.00 pm and arrives at 10:45pm at Kathgodam station. To catch this train reach Delhi by 1 pm to catch the train.
TRH Hotel, Kathgodam, is a good place to halt for the night. KMVN is Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam, a government tourist guest house right next to the railway station
Bus to Kathgodam:
Take an overnight bus from Delhi’s Anand Vihar ISBT to Kathgodam.
Regular Volvo buses (A/C and sleeper) leave Anand Vihar, Delhi for Kathgodam around 9.00 pm. Frequent buses are available till midnight. This is an 8 hour journey. There is no online booking, so arrive a couple of hours early at Anand Vihar to book your tickets. No advanced reservation is required.
Tip: Avoid private buses from Anand Vihar as the timings are irregular.
Pro Tip: Take the metro to Anand Vihar ISBT from the airport. Anand Vihar is a bit chaotic so plan to reach early.
At Kathgodam, wait for Indiahikes pickup at 6.30 am. Contact your driver by 6.00 am. The number of your transport coordinator will be shared with you a week prior to your departure.
3. Planning your return flight/train booking
Booking your return tickets require some thought. If your trek ends on day 6, do not book your flight/train tickets for day 6. Instead book for day 7.
Sometimes trekkers worry if they can book an early morning flight out of Delhi on Day 7. Yes, you can. But book flights that depart only after 8 am. Do not book any flight between 6.00 and 8 am. You may not reach Delhi in time.
How to get to Delhi on time for an early morning flight
If your flight is early, say between 8.00 and 9.00 am, then there are two options.
If your flight is early, say between 8.00 and 9.00 am, then there are two options.
Train: Take the Ranikhet Express (Train No. 15014) from Kathgodam at 8:35pm to Old Delhi, it arrives at 4:40am. Take the metro to the airport.
Bus: The other option is to take a bus from Kathgodam to Anand Vihar ISBT. Buses start from Haldwani which is about 7 kms from Kathgodam. It is about 8 hrs journey to Delhi. Then take the Metro to the airport.
Note: Metro trains in Delhi do not start before 5.00 am.
For Metro train walk down to the Hazrat Nizamuddin metro station, take a metro to Durgabai Deshmukh South Campus, get off and connect to Dhaula Kuan Airport line metro station (there are convenient travelater belts over a skywalk). From Dhaula Kuan you get metro train to the airport.
Pro Tip: In case Ranikhet Express train tickets are not available, stay over at Kathgodam and take the Sampark Kranthi (Train No 15036) the next day morning at 8:45am to Old Delhi, it reaches at 15:25pm. This will give you enough rest after the trek. You can book any flight after 7pm from Delhi.
If you are taking a flight out of Dehradun:
If you are taking a flight out of Dehradun then book yourself on Day 8. Most metro cities are now well connected by Dehradun by flight.
4. Planning your hotel/stay
In most hotels, rooms on the spot, but its a good practice to call earlier or make online bookings. In Rishikesh, Haridwar or Dehradun, it is not difficult to find last minute hotel booking.
Hotel options in Kathgodam
TRH Hotel, Kathgodam, it is a good place to halt for the night. KMVN is Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam, a government tourist guest house right next to the railway station. The place is decent and clean and mostly preferred
Address: KMVN Tourist Rest House , Kathgodam
Contact person: Ramesh Pandey, 8650002525
Fiesta Hotel is 2 kms from the Kathgodam railway station and provides comfortable and affordable stay.
Address: 2 KM from Kathgodam railway station – Uttarakhand (263126)
Contact nos: 91 9012669592, 91 9411323525
Location :https://goo.gl/maps/goWRx3u4CwsmpHpf9
Relax Inn is about 300m to the station and on the National Highway to Nainital. It is opposite the city bypass.
Address : NH 87, Near Kathgodam Railway station,Nainital, Uttarakhand – 263126 India
Contact Nos : +91-9997177158 +91- 9412034971
Location: https://g.page/relaxinhotels?share
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/goWRx3u4CwsmpHpf9+91-9012669592
- +91-9411323+91-9012669592
Hotel options in Dehradun
➤ Hotel Drona
Hotel Drona, which is a government property owned by the GMVN is decent. It is an old, but a large and spacious property. It is about 1.5 kms from Dehradun railway station. Rooms start at Rs 750.
Contact number: +91-135-2746847
Book online: http://gmvnl.in/newgmvn/online_reservation/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/9H8Xakmt8p2TpYFS6
➤ Nomads House
Nomads House is another new backpackers hostel in Dehradun. The atmosphere is good. The place neat and clean. Indiahikes trek leaders love Nomads House. It is about 10 mins from the Dehradun railway station. Bunk beds start at Rs 400, rooms start at Rs 800. Shared autos are easily available to get to Nomads House.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/MCfW3oNG7DdPFAtP6
Contact Number: 9760596464
➤ MyRoom252
MyRoom252 is a new backpackers facility in Dehradun. Modern, colourful and clean. Bunk beds start at Rs 300. Rooms are available too. It is not too far from the Dehradun Railway station. Shared autos (which are called Vikrams) can get you there.
Contact number: 086308 81083
Website: http://www.myroom252.com/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/nm8ikNY8EUWJ7Udw6.
5. What if you miss the Indiahikes pickup? Getting to Lohajung on your own
If you miss the Indiahikes pick up from Kathgodam. Here is how you can get to Lohajung base camp on your own.
There is no direct transport to Lohajung, you will have to change buses or shared cabs.
Bus
Take the 4:30-5 am bus from Kathgodam bus stop to Gwaldam, you reach at 3 pm. The bus stop is just opposite the railway station, about 50 m away. There are no buses from Gwaldam to Lohajung so you need to change to a shared cab to Lohajung.The bus to Gwaldam costs Rs 500 and shared cab to Lohajung is about Rs 50/-. The last shared cab is at 3:30pm to Lohajung. Make sure you don’t miss it.
Shared taxi
These are other options in case you miss the bus, but again you will have to change cabs many times. Take the shared taxi from the bus stop to Gwaldam, then change to Tharali/Dewal and then again change to Lohajung. This will cost you around Rs 650. The last shared taxi from Dewal is at 3:30pm. Incase you reach after 3:30pm a vehicle for Rs 800-1000 is only available.
Once you reach Dewal, a local transporter can help you with the onward transport to Lohajung (24 km).
Reaching Lohajung from Delhi on your own
Option 1: Delhi → Lohajung (24 hours)
There is a direct bus from Delhi to Mundoli/Lohajung. It leaves Delhi Anand Vihar terminal at 9.15 pm. You will reach Kathgodam at 4.00 am and Lohajung at 5.30 pm.
Note: This is an extremely long and tiring journey and the buses are not too comfortable. We recommend Options 2 and 3.
Option 2: Delhi → Rishikesh → Lohajung (cab)
From Delhi, get to Rishikesh/Haridwar and hire a Sumo to Lohajung. The route: Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Karanprayag – turn right to Tharali – Debal – Mundoli – Lohajung
Note: Most taxi operators may not have heard of Lohajung. So, you’ll have to show them the direction as given above.
Option 3: Delhi → Rishikesh → Karanprayag → Lohajung (bus)
From Rishikesh Bus Stand., take any bus on the Joshimath/Badrinath route and buy a ticket to Karanprayag. It is a 6-7 hour journey from Rishikesh to Karanprayag. Take a bus that leaves as early in the morning as possible, preferably around 6.00 am. From Karanprayag Bus Stand, take a shared Jeep to Tharali (47 km). The road to Tharali runs along the Pindar river.
From Tharali, take a shared taxi to Debal (14 km). Once you reach Debal, you can arrange onward transport to Lohajung (24 km).
Network Connectivity
At the base camp Lohajung, all network signal is available.
How to get fit for the Brahmatal trek
The Brahmatal trek is classified as a trek of moderate difficulty. You start from an altitude of 7,600 ft at Lohajung and reach a highest point of 12,250 ft at Brahmatal top. You gain around 4,650 ft over two days of trekking. While this isn’t much altitude gain, there is a lot of snow on the trail in the months of January and February, which makes it a trek of moderate difficulty.
Cardiovascular endurance
This trek requires a good amount of cardiovascular endurance. You can begin by jogging everyday. Start jogging at a slow pace and then keep increasing your pace day by day. In order to be prepared for high altitude trek, you should have a combination of distance and speed targets.
Here’s a fitness routine that works:
- –>Target completing 5 km in 45 minutes when you begin.
- –>Gradually increase your pace by running 4 times a week and bring it down to 5 km in less than 40 mins.
- –>If you are 45 years old and above and are comfortable with long distance walking than jogging, then before you go on the trek, you should be able to walk at least 10 km at a stretch. Target completing this in 90 minutes.
If jogging is fine for you, your target should be completing 5 km in 50 minutes initially, and 5 km in less than 45 minutes before you go on the trek.- –>If you are somebody who prefers cycling over running, your target must be to cover 22 km in 60 minutes.
Strength – Target 3 sets of squats with 15 in each set
This is another area you should work on. Carrying your backpack and ascending will require core body strength and also strong legs. For this, add squats to your routine. Start with 3 sets of squats, with 8 squats in each set and work towards reaching your target in 3 weeks.
Flexibility
Another aspect that will help you trek comfortably is flexibility. For this, you can do some stretching exercises – stretch your hamstrings, quadriceps, hip flexors, lower back muscles and shoulders regularly. These exercises will help you to be in good shape before the trek.Here’s a guide to help you get fit for the trek.
Working out indoors
If you can’t go out and jog because of time and space constraints, here’s a video you can use to work out indoors.
Things to get for the Brahmatal Trek
Brahmatal is a high altitude trek with snow. In winter, the temperatures drop to negative temperatures. You’ll need enough warm layers and accessories to keep you warm and help you trek comfortably. So pay careful attention to this entire section.
- A list of everything you need for the trek (Skip to section)
- Useful videos to help you with your gear (Skip to section)
- A list of medicines for your trek (Skip to section)
- A list of mandatory documents (Skip to section)
First, The Essentials. You cannot do the trek without these.
1. Trekking Shoes
The Brahmatal trek requires trekking shoes that are sturdy, have good grip, have ankle support and can handle snow. Here is a quick video on how to choose your trekking shoes.
| Buying Tip: The Trek series and MH series are good options by Decathlon. They are tried and tested. There really isn’t any necessity to buy the higher priced models. Here is a list of other budget shoes that trekkers are using.
| Rental: We have the Trek series and the MH series by Decathlon available on rent from the Indiahikes store. They are already broken into and in good condition. Rental shoes are not dirty or unhygienic. This is how they are kept clean. Rent here.
2. Backpack
For a trek like Brahmatal, you need a 50-60 litre backpack. Make sure your backpack has good hip support, shoulder support and quick access pockets. Here is a guide on how to choose a backpack.
| Buying Tip: Wildcraft, Decathlon and Adventure Worx usually make good backpacks. While Wildcraft has more expensive ones, the other two brands have budget-friendly backpacks to choose from.
| Rental: The 48 litre backpack by Adventure Worx is available on rent from the Indiahikes store. They are custom-made for our Himalayan treks. Rent them if you don’t have a backpack. Rent here.
3. Clothes
Wearing layers is the mantra in the mountains. Layers give you maximum protection from all elements. And when the weather changes in the mountains (as it happens every few hours), you take take off or put on layers as required.
Base layer: 3 T-shirts
Wear one T-shirt and carry two. Carry full sleeve dry-fit T-shirts (preferably collared). These prevent your arms and neck from getting sunburnt. In the rarified air on the trek, especially at high altitudes, UV rays can burn you in no time.
Dry-fit T-shirts quickly dry your sweat, they are easy to wash and in case of a rainy day, they dry quicker. Round neck T-shirts are ok, but collared ones are better.
| Cotton or Synthetic? As Indians, we love cotton. Down in the plains when the heat is a blistering 40°C it makes sense to wear cotton. But it takes a long time to dry when it gets wet. In the mountains, where it is cooler, synthetic is what you wear. They wick sweat rapidly and keep you dry. (But they do tend to smell quickly, so carry a roll-on deodorant with you.)
| Buying tip: You can get dry-fit T-shirts from Decathlon. Also, stores like Reliance Trends, Max have dry-fit T-shirts. They don’t usually cost much.
| Pro Tip: If you are extra susceptible to cold, you could get a set of thermal inners. In our experience, wearing two T-shirts over another works as a better thermal. And they save you weight and space, since you’re already carrying them.
5 insulation layers in winter
The Brahmatal trek is primarily a winter trek. If you’re going any time between December and March, you will need at least 5 warm layers.
You will need 1 pair of inner thermals, 2 light fleece layers, 1 light sweater and 1 padded jacket. Do not get your grandma stitched sweaters, which can be very heavy. You need sweaters and fleece jackets that can fold into compact rolls.
For your outer later, a padded jacket serves the purpose here. You don’t really need a water resistant material. But you need an outer padded jacket that keeps the wind and cold out. Ensure your padded jacket has a hood as well.
| Do you need a down/feather jacket? Not really. A regular padded/shell jacket will do. This video here will help you to learn more about the difference.
| Note: Down/feather jackets are really not available these days. Many jackets masquerade as down/feather jackets. They are essentially fine polyester-filled jackets. They mimic the function of a down jacket but are usually expensive.
| Rental: Padded jackets made by Fort Collins are available on rent at the Indiahikes store. They are custom made for Indiahikes and trekkers find them terrific, even in winter. Rent here.
Trek pants
A minimum of one pair and maximum of two pairs of trek pants should suffice for this trek. Wear one pair and carry one just in case it rains/snows. Trek pants with zippered cut offs at the thighs are very suitable for treks. Also, choose quick-dry pants over cotton. They dry up soon even in the cold climate.
| Buying tip: Go for pants with zippered pockets. They come in handy to keep your phone, handkerchief or pocket snacks.
| Track pants or trek pants? Stretchable track pants make a good backup and can double up as your thermal bottoms. But track pants are not trek pants — so don’t use them as your main outerwear. Keep them only as a backup.
Mandatory Accessories, without these too you won’t be able to do the trek.
These accessories are mandatory. Don’t go to the Brahmatal trek without them. Trekkers generally put off purchasing / borrowing the accessories for the last minute. We suggest the opposite. Start gathering these accessories first.
1. Sunglasses
Sunglasses are to prevent snow blindness. On a snow trek like Brahmatal, expect to walk on long stretches of snow. A small overexposure to direct sunlight on snow can lead to snow blindness (about a half hour’s exposure). That’s because fallen snow is like thousands of mirrors that reflect direct UV rays. So you need sunglasses with UV protection.
| Wearing tip: Wear sunglasses if the trekking day is bright and sunny (on open sections, meadows). On a snowy section you must absolutely never take off your sunglasses until the section has been fully crossed.
| Buying Tip: Try getting sunglasses that wrap around instead of those that have openings on the side. Even peripheral UV ray exposure is not a good idea.
| If you wear spectacles: If you wear spectacles, you can get oversized sunglasses that you wear over your regular glasses (available at Decathlon). If that is cumbersome, photochromic lenses work equally well. Here’s a quick guide on managing sunglasses with spectacles.
| Contact lens users: If you use contact lenses, you can use them on the trek too. The lens solution will not freeze. You will also not face any problems in changing your lens in your tent. Just carry enough cleaning solution with you to clean your fingers well. Wear your sunglasses over your contact lens. Read this article for more guidance on managing contact lenses on treks.
2. Suncap
A sun cap is mandatory. Trekking without a sun cap can lead to headaches, sun strokes, quick dehydration and a sharp drop in trekking performance.
| Tip: In the mountains, the general rule is to keep your head covered at all times. During the day a sun cap protects you from the harsh rays of the sun (it is doubly stronger with naked UV rays). A sun cap keeps your body temperature in balance. In the evening/early morning, the reverse is true. Your head loses your body heat quickly. A woolen cap prevents heat from dissipating from your head.
| Pro Tip: Sun caps with flaps are a blessing for trekkers. They cut out almost all UV leaks. They prevent sun burns in every possible way. They are a lot more effective than sunscreen lotion. A wide-brimmed sports hat also helps to prevent sunburn in a big way.
3. Synthetic hand gloves
On a trek like Brahmatal you are going to be handling snow quite a bit. You’ll need gloves to grip something or to steady yourself in snow. You also want the gloves to keep you warm. Get synthetic hand gloves that have waterproofing on the outside and a padded lining on the inside. If you find the combination difficult to get (not likely), wear a tight fitting fleece hand glove inside a synthetic hand glove. Hand gloves are mandatory on this trek.
4. Woollen cap or Balaclava
Ensure these cover your head. In the cold mountains, you lose maximum heat from your head, not from your hands, feet or the rest of your body. Which is why you need to keep your head protected, especially when the sun is down. Early mornings, late evenings, a cold trekking day are when you must use your woollen cap.
Your ears are sensitive too, so a woollen head cap that covers your ears is absolutely essential. A balaclava is a modern version of the woolen cap. It covers your ears, neck and parts of your face as well. If you get woollen cap that only covers your head, you will need a neck warmer or a woolen scarf.
5. Socks (4 pairs)
Apart from three to four pairs of sports socks, take a pair of woollen socks. Sports socks give you cushioning plus warmth. Again the mantra is to wear synthetic socks or at least a synthetic blend. Cotton socks soak in water and sweat. They are very hard to dry.
As for woollen socks, they help you to keep warm and snug in the night. If you cannot get woolen socks, wearing two sports socks serves the purpose as well.
6. Headlamp
Trekkers are often confused about whether they need to get a headlamp or a handheld torch. You need to get a headlamp because it leaves your hands free to do other activities. On the Brahmatal trek you’ll need your hands free to wash dishes, pitch tents and hold your trek poles.
| Buying tip: Ensure your headlamp covers a wider area and is not too focused as a single beam. On a trek, your headlamp must help you see around you as much as ahead of you.
| Rental: Headlamps are available on rent on the Indiahikes store. Rent here.
7. Trekking pole (a pair)
Trekking poles give you stability and balance. They reduce your energy consumption by almost 40%. On the Brahmatal trek there are steep ascents and descents. A pair of trekking poles will make the difference between a comfortable and a strenuous trek. In India we tend to use a single trekking pole. However, two trekking poles give you greater stability and balance. They also increase your walking pace.
| Rental: Imported side-locking trekking poles are available on rent on the Indiahikes store. Rent here.
8. Rainwear
On a trek, the weather can change quickly. A bright sunny day can turn into a downpour in a matter of minutes. Carry a poncho or a rain jacket to tackle this. A poncho is a big rain cover with openings for your arms and your head. It is extremely effective because it covers both you and (partially) your backpack. It is extremely light and weighs next to nothing.
| Pro tip: Rain jackets are more streamlined and less cumbersome but weigh more. Rain pants are really not required. Dry fit trek pants dry quickly even if soaking wet.
| Rental: High grade ponchos are available on rent on the Indiahikes store. Rent here.
9. Rain cover for your backpack
Backpacks are your life. You carry all your dry clothes, your warm gear in your backpack. It is important that your backpack stays dry at all times. Modern backpacks usually come with built in rain-covers. If your back pack does not have a rain-cover, ensure you get a rain cover by either (a) buying a rain cover (b) or cutting a large plastic sheet to the size of your backpack. You can roll the plastic sheet around your backpack and keep it in place with a string or elastic.
| Pro tip: It’s good practice to compartmentalise your clothes, accessories and other things in plastic covers inside your backpack. That way, even if it rains and your backpack gets wet, your things are water-proof inside the backpack.
10. Daypack (20-30 ltrs, optional)
Some trekkers opt to offload their bags to a mule on the Brahmatal trek. While we do not encourage this practice, in case you opt for offloading, then carrying a daypack is mandatory. In your daypack you carry essentials like water bottles, rainwear, emergency medicines, headlamp, some snacks and a warm layer. Your main backpack that carries most of your equipment is accessible only at the campsites.
A daypack is a smaller backpack that is usually of 20-30 ltr capacity. Laptop bags are not daypacks. Do not get them.
Other mandatory requirements
1. A toilet kit
Keep your toilet kit light. Carry just the basics — toothbrush, toothpaste, small soap, toilet tissue roll, a small moisturiser, lip balm, and a roll-on deodorant. You will not be able to have a bath on the trek, so don’t overload on soaps and shampoos.
| Pro tip: Carry miniature-sized items. You will not need more than that. If you’re travelling in a group, share one toothpaste for all.
| Pro tip: Avoid getting large toilet rolls. The smallest size roll is more than enough for a trek like Brahmatal.
| For women: If you are likely to have your periods on your trek date, don’t worry about it. You can use your pads, tampons or menstrual cups on the trek. There will be toilet tents where you can get changed. Make sure you carry ziplock bags to bring back your menstrual waste. Don’t leave behind any waste in the mountains. Watch this video to learn how to dispose your sanitary waste.
2. Cutlery
Carry a lunch box, a mug and a spoon. Your lunch box must be leak proof. You are expected to wash your own cutlery. Trekkers often expect Indiahikes to wash their cutlery. When you allow Indiahikes to wash your cutlery, your cutlery becomes part of a mass washing system. You immediately invite germs, bacteria to settle on your cutlery. Incidence of stomach disorders rises exponentially.
| Pro tip: Carry stainless steel cutlery. Avoid fancy high grade plastic cutlery. Stainless steel cutlery is infinitely easier to wash in cold water. Grease is easier to remove and hygiene is at the highest.
| Two 1 litre bottles or a 2 litre hydration pack: Brahmatal has many hours of trekking everyday (approximately 6 hours). You need to carry two one litre water bottles to keep yourself hydrated over the distance. If you are used to a hydration pack, then that is ok too. If one among the two bottles is a lightweight thermos, then that helps you to store warm water on a really cold day or for late evenings and early mornings.
| Rental: You could rent lightweight thermos flasks from the Indiahikes store. Rent here.
3. Plastic covers
Carry 3-4 old plastic covers to keep your used clothes. You could use them even for wet clothes. Re-use old plastic bags for this and do not buy new ones.
Useful videos to help you with your gear:
- What to take on your trek
- How to pack your backpack
- How to choose your trekking shoes
- Trekking shoes vs sports shoes. How are they different?
- How to layer up on a Himalayan trek
- Why you need a trekking pole
- How to manage sanitary waste on a trek
Personal medical kit
Carry these medicines with you, easily accessible at all times. Do not take any medicine unless you have consulted your trek leader.
- Dolo 650 (5 tablets): This is a paracetamol. It helps to tackle fever, mild pain
- Avomine (4 tablets): Carry this especially if you are prone to motion sickness. Pop one half hour before the start of your road journey.
- Combiflam (5 tablets): Take a combiflam if you get a sudden twist of the leg or a muscle strain. It is a pain reliever. It also contains paracetamol.
- Digene (4 tablets): Take it if you feel the food that you’ve taken is undigested. Alert your trek leader immediately. It could be a sign of AMS.
- ORS (6 packs): Consume a pack of ORS water at least once a day, usually mid day when you are in the middle of your trek. It replenishes essential salts lost while trekking. Tip: It also makes cold water easier to drink.
- Knee Brace (optional): Carry this if you are prone to knee injury or have known issues of knee pain.
Our trek leaders carry a high altitude medical kit with them which also consist of Life Saving Drugs. If there is an emergency our trek leaders know how to tackle it. Meanwhile, contact your trek leader before consuming any of these medicines listed here.
| Pro tip: We find that these medicines by trekkers are rarely used. But you cannot do away with them. At the end of the trek please donate unused medicines to your trek leader. Some of these medicines get distributed to villages on the trek and some are added to the Indiahikes medical kit.
Mandatory Documents to carry
These are documents required for legal purposes by Indiahikes and the forest department. Without any of these, you will not be allowed to trek.
- Original and photocopy of government photo identity card. Anything such as a driver’s license, Aadhar card, passport will do. This is required by the forest department for your identification.
- Disclaimer certificate. This is a legal requirement. Download the PDF, read carefully and sign it. This must be handed over to your Trek Leader during registration at the base camp – Download PDF
- Medical certificate. There are two sections in this. The first part must be filled by a practising doctor. The second part must be filled by you. Without the medical certificate the forest department will not issue permissions for your trek. It is also a requirement by Indiahikes – Download PDF
| Pro tip: Keep important documents in a clear plastic cover and slide them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack. This keeps them from getting wet.
How safe is the Brahmatal trek?
The Brahmatal trek is a moderate one. The trails are well laid out. The altitude isn’t too high – the highest point is 12,250 ft and you gain this slowly over 3-4 days. At 12,250 feet, the risk of being hit by Acute Mountain Sickness is relatively low. However, you still need to be mindful of the fact that you are in the mountains in extreme weather conditions, and take necessary precautions to ensure that you have a safe trek.
What Indiahikes does to ensure your safety
Our philosophy is simple. We ingrain safety aspects in the people we work with, in the processes that we follow, and in the equipment we carry. All our trek leaders are trained repeatedly on safety issues and protocols. Most issues are resolved with their intervention.
Right from the time you decide to register for the trek till the last day of the trek, these safety procedures will be running in the background. We have listed a few of them below:
1. Fitness criteria before registration
Over the years, we have come to notice that safety issues are widespread among unfit, unaware and ill-prepared trekkers. Therefore we have brought in an eligibility criteria for the Brahmatal trek.
Before registration, you need to meet the fitness requirements. The primary measure for fitness is BMI or Body Mass Index. An ideal BMI is a minimum requirement to register for this trek. You can take a look here.
2. Monitoring health on a trek
Every trekker will be given a Health Card at the beginning of the trek. The Health Card is issued to monitor the trekker’s daily health. It contains details of symptoms he should look out for and what action he should take during emergencies as well. These Health Cards will be taken back at the end of the trek.
On the Brahmatal trek, your Trek Leader will be monitoring your Oxygen levels and Pulse rate twice a day. Your blood pressure is measured once every day. Any abnormal reading will be paid special attention to and immediate action will be taken.
3. High Altitude Medical Kit
Your trek leader will also be carrying a full-fledged high altitude medical kit. This will include basic medicines and specific medicines catering to altitude sickness – Diamox, Dexamethasone (tablets and injections) and Nifedipine.
Your Trek Leader will also be carrying a portable oxygen cylinder throughout the trek. In addition to that, there are oxygen cylinders installed at all high campsites for any emergency situations.
4. High Altitude Trek Equipment
Brahmatal is popular for its snowy terrain. If you go on this trek in the months from December to mid-April, you will be trekking on snow. To ensure safe trekking on snowy terrain, Indiahikes will provide you with micro-spikes.
These are attached to your shoes and will give you good traction on hard snow. To avoid snow from entering your shoes, Indiahikes will provide you with gaiters that you can wear over your shoes. You will have qualified technical guides with you. They lead the way on difficult terrain, where there might be too much snow.
All our sleeping bags and tents are custom-made for high altitude. If it is cold outside, it will be around 10 degrees warmer inside the tent. Our sleeping bags can withstand temperatures as low as -10 degree Celcius.
5. Being hydrated and well nourished on the trek
You need to drink a minimum of 4 litres of water every day during the trek to ensure that you’re well hydrated. De-hydration on a trek can make you lose energy very quickly and intensify the effects of AMS. Your trek leader will brief you about the amount of water that you need to carry with you at the start of each day as well as water sources on the trail.
We provide trekkers with nutritious meals to ensure that they are energized to complete the trail each day. Apart from this, snacks or packed lunch is provided wherever the trail before a meal break is likely to be long. Make sure that you do not skip any meal as this can lead to serious health emergencies on high altitudes.
With all these processes and equipment in place, you can be rest assured that you will have a safe trek with Indiahikes.
Nevertheless, you will need to be cautious and report the slightest of symptoms of uneasiness to your trek leader as soon as you feel them.
What you need to know if you’re going on the Brahmatal trek
If you have registered for this trek, then here is some information that you must know in order to have a safe trek. At Indiahikes, we believe that as long as you are well-informed and well-prepared, you can survive easily at high altitude.
Like in every winter trek, a common risk factor on the Brahmatal trek is slippery snow. You will be provided with micro spikes to help you walk better. But if you fall, no need to panic.
Even the smallest wound takes longer to heal at higher altitude. Reasons for this are increasing stress hormones and lower overall oxygen delivery to the tissues. Keeping your wounds clean and covered will prevent infection. To prevent the bruise from festering, apply a triple antibiotic ointment regularly.
Where on the Brahmatal trek is Acute Mountain Sickness likely to affect you:
Any campsite above 11,000 ft poses a risk of AMS. From here and while going up to the summit is when you should watch out for symptoms.
AMS occurs when your body isn’t acclimatising to its surroundings. It can accelerate very rapidly, so it is important to identify the symptoms as soon as you see them. Before you read further, watch this video to understand the symptoms of AMS.
We cannot stress enough on how important it is for you to communicate any symptom to your Trek Leader.Only then will he be able to take steps at the right time.
What to do if you feel symptoms of AMS at Brahmatal Base Camp
Very few cases of AMS have been recorded on the Brahmatal trek. Nevertheless, don’t let your guard down. If you feel any symptoms of AMS on the trek, report to the Trek Leader immediately. Do not wait till the end of the day’s trek. Do not try to handle it yourself either. Our Trek Leaders are well-trained and experienced to handle any cases and they will be the decision makers in any such cases.
Watch the video below to understand how to treat and prevent AMS. The information in this video is rare to find. With this knowledge, you can probably save your own life or another’s trekkers life.
As a first step, your trek leader will run you through the Triple One Test – One Disprin, One litre of water and One hour of rest. If you’re suffering from dehydration, this will solve the problem and you will be fine in one hour.
If the symptoms don’t go away, then he’ll begin to treat you for AMS, perhaps with a course of Diamox. If you’re already on a course of Diamox, your trek leader is likely to increase the dosage. The increased dosage of Diamox usually takes care of the Acute Mountain Sickness. Evacuation will be done if no improvement is shown. You will be taken down to Lohajung as descent is the sure cure for AMS.
Exit points on the Brahmatal trek:
There are only a few exit points on the Brahmatal trek – the easiest one being the base camp. It takes around 5 hours to descend from the highest campsite of the trek. Both these base camps are well below high altitude. So any symptoms of AMS will stop showing there.
Why you should personally know about the risks and precautions of high altitude treks
If you cannot find your fellow trekkers or anyone else while trekking independently or with another organisation, there are some life-saving steps you can take.
Firstly, you should be able to recognise symptoms of altitude sickness. So acquaint yourself with the symptoms.
Secondly, there might be instances when you have to administer medicines to yourself or to a fellow trekker.
There are three life-saving medicines that you should always carry on you – Diamox, Dexamethasone and Nifedipine.
If you are trekking independently, you need to know when exactly to administer these medicines and in what dosage.
Here, Sandhya UC, partner at Indiahikes, explains in detail about HAPE and HACE. Here, you can learn about the advanced symptoms are and how to tackle them.
It is a myth that fit and experienced people are not affected by Acute Mountain Sickness
If you’re of the opinion that fit people don’t get AMS, please get rid of that notion right away. AMS can affect anyone without paying heed to their fitness and prior experience at high altitude! Altitude sickness does not distinguish between a first timer and an experienced trekker.
For more detailed information about Acute Mountain Sickness, you can download and study the manual below.
The Indiahikes Cancellation Policy
We understand the pain of cancelling a trek. As trekkers, we always look forward to treks, and after months of training and planning, if we have to cancel our trek, there’s no greater disappointment than that.
Given that, we have one of the most trekker-friendly cancellation policies.
Take a look at the Indiahikes cancellation policy below. This policy is effective starting January 29th, 2020.
In the event that you cancel your trek, this is the cancellation policy we follow:
– Cancellation 30 days before the starting date of the trek — Get your full trek fee back in an Indiahikes Trek Voucher OR get a monetary refund with 15% cancellation charges.
– Cancellation between 30 days and 20 days before the starting date of the trek — Get 80% of the trek fee in an Indiahikes Trek Voucher OR get a monetary refund with 50% cancellation charges.
– Cancellation less than 20 days before the starting date of the trek — No monetary refund, get 50% of your fees in an Indiahikes Trek Voucher
In the rare event that we cancel your trek, this is the cancellation policy we follow:
We almost never cancel our treks. But in case we cancel a trek because of natural calamities (snowstorms, thunderstorms, floods, landslides, earthquakes) or unexpected political unrest, curfews, local riots, government orders, unexpected global health issues, Indiahikes will issue a voucher for the full amount of your trek fee (minus the trek insurance). You can redeem the Trek Voucher on any of our treks over the next one year.
Important note: The Trek Insurance amount is not refundable once it has been paid for.
If you cancel any rental gear from our store:
- Cancellation of rental gear 7 days before the starting date of the trek — Get a monetary refund with 4% cancellation charges.
- Cancellation of rental gear less than 7 days before the starting date of the trek — Get a voucher of the whole amount you have paid for the rental gear. This voucher is applicable on your future treks.
If you cancel the offloading of your backpack:
The offloading fee will be refunded to your account with a 4% transaction charge.
If you choose to cancel your backpack offloading AFTER reaching the base camp, you will get a voucher of the offloading fee.
Special Cases That Could Occur:
There are some special cases that could occur when you’re on a trek.
1. You may not be able to complete the trek because of bad weather, high snow conditions, or any natural calamity.
2. You may have to leave your trek abruptly (could be due to altitude sickness, abnormal BP, unpreparedness for the trek, any emergencies at home)
In the above two cases, you’re welcome to come back and repeat the same trek any time in future. You do not have to pay us for this. If you’d like to repeat your trek, get in touch with your Trek Coordinator and they’ll help you.
Important note: Your offloading and rental fee will not be refunded in the above two cases.
3. You may not be able to report at the base camp at all (could be due to blocked roads / cancelled flights/curfews), we will try to accommodate you in the next day’s team (if we have one).
In the third case, if we cannot accommodate you in the next day’s trek, we will give you a Trek Voucher of the entire trek fee (including your offloading and rental fee), which you can use on any Indiahikes trek within the next one year.
How to cancel your trek:
In case, you wish to cancel your trek, follow these steps.
- Login to your Indiahikes Trek Dashboard using this link.
- Find your upcoming trek on your home page.
- Click on “Cancel Trek”
- Mention why you’re cancelling your trek on the form that appears.
- Choose either a voucher or a refund (where applicable).
- Click on “Cancel Booking”
How long does the refund process take?
After you have cancelled your trek, if you have opted for a refund, the refund amount will land in the same account that you have made the payment from. It will take 4-5 working days.
If you have chosen a trek voucher, it will land in your inbox within an hour. You will also be able to see it on your Trek Dashboard.
What is a Trek Voucher?
Trek Vouchers are credit amounts added to your Indiahikes account. You can redeem these on any of your future treks with Indiahikes. Every Trek Voucher has a validity of one year.
Important note: Indiahikes Trek Vouchers are non-refundable, not transferable to others or extendable.
How to use an Indiahikes Trek Voucher?
If you have received an Indiahikes Trek Voucher, you will automatically see it when you are making a payment for your next trek.
Once you click on the voucher and apply it, the system will deduct the voucher amount from your payable amount.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your Trek Coordinator.
The Indiahikes “Repeat My Trek” Policy (trekkers love this!)
At Indiahikes, we can’t help but fall in love with a few trekking trails. And we love revisiting them, perhaps in other seasons, when treks take on a totally different hue. In such cases, we do not like the thought of having to pay for it. Our trekkers shouldn’t have to pay either.
So if you have loved a trek that you did with us and want to repeat it, you’re welcome to sign up for the trek. We will not charge you for this. (Many people think this is a rumour, but it’s true.)
To repeat your trek for free, just get in touch with your Trek Coordinator. We’ll help you sign up with no charges.
Note: The Indiahikes “Repeat My Trek” policy does not apply for our international treks.
Your trek includes –
- Accommodation – Stay is included from Day 1 to Day 5 (Lohajung to Lohajung). You will be staying in a guest house at Lohajung and camping on the trek (3 per tent).
- Meals – All meals from dinner at Lohajung on Day 1 to breakfast at Lohajung on Day 6 . Meals are simple, nutritious and vegetarian.
- Camping charges – All trekking permits and forest camping charges are included.
- Trekking equipment – We provide high quality tents, sleeping bags, ice axes, roped, micro spikes, gaiters etc. as required.
- Safety equipment – First aid, medical kit, oxygen cylinders, stretchers etc.
Your trek does not include –
- Transport to and from the base camp – We will arrange shared taxis for trekkers to pick you up from Kathgodam and drop you back from Lohajung. This will cost approx. Rs. 5,500 per 5-6 seater vehicle. You will have to share this cost with the other trekkers.
- Food during transit to and from the base camp – The trek fee does not include meals purchased during the journey to and from Lohajung.
- Backpack offloading charges – Rs. 1,000 + 5% GST for the full trek. The backpack cannot weigh more than 9 kgs. Suitcases/strollers/duffel bags will not be allowed. Please note that charges will vary for last minute offloading in case you decide to offload your bag after reaching Lohajung (Rs.335 per day + 5% GST).
- Stay at Kathgodam on the last day
- Anything apart from inclusions
Cancellation Policy
In the event that you cancel your trek, this is the cancellation policy we follow:
– Cancellation 30 days before the starting date of the trek — Get your full trek fee back in an Indiahikes Trek Voucher OR get a monetary refund with 15% cancellation charges.
– Cancellation between 30 days and 20 days before the starting date of the trek — Get 80% of the trek fee in an Indiahikes Trek Voucher OR get a monetary refund with 50% cancellation charges.
– Cancellation less than 20 days before the starting date of the trek — No monetary refund, get 50% of your fees in an Indiahikes Trek Voucher
Fitness
A high altitude trek in the Himalayas requires considerable fitness. Your body needs to train itself to process more work with lower levels of oxygen. Therefore, on treks, cardiovascular training is critically important. The trek has gradual climbs and steep descents on the summit day. As a measure of your fitness, we require you to be able to run at least 5 km in 40 minutes by the time your trek starts. If you are 45 years or above, try to cover 5 km in 45 minutes. This is a minimum requirement.
If you prefer cycling over running, then try to cover 22 km in 60 minutes.
Unable to do so can make your trek difficult.
In addition, preparation of trek needs to include strength and flexibility training. Registering for the trek is an understanding that you will undertake the mandated fitness training and upload the fitness screenshots on your dashboard. Trekkers who have not adequately prepared may be asked to discontinue the trek at any point.
Indiahikes has the right to reject trekkers who do not meet our eligibility requirement at the base camp.
Backpack Offloading
Indiahikes expects all trekkers to carry their own backpacks. All common gear will be carried by the support team. If for some reason are trekker is unable to carry his or her backpack, he/she can offload the same by paying an additional charge.
Backpack offloading charges – Rs 1,000 plus GST of 5%. Charges for last minute offloading during the trek will be Rs. 350 per day inclusive of tax. You can opt for offloading directly your dashboard after your payment is done for the trek.
Partial offloading is not allowed. The backpack cannot weigh more than 9 kg. No suitcases/strolleys/duffel bags will be allowed.
Online offloading in advance is possible up to three days prior to the trek start date.
transport
We will arrange shared taxis for trekkers to pick you up from Kathgodam and drop you back from Lohajung. This will cost approx. Rs. 6,000 per 5-6 seater vehicle, and Rs.9,000 for a Tempo Traveller. You will have to share this cost with the other trekkers
Discount Policy
If there is a group size of 10 trekkers and above, then we will waive off the trek fee charges for one person.
Note - There is no discount available if the group size is 9 or less than that.
You can register the entire group and send us an email. If the group is registering individually, then the primary participant needs to send an email to the Trek Coordinator with the list of trekkers from the same group.
If you want to make the payment individually, then individual registrations have to be done.
This will be the case for a group of 10 trekkers. So if you have a group of 20 trekkers, then we will waive off the charges for 2 trekkers.
Can we leave on Day 5?
No, although the trek ends on Day 5, it is not wise to leave that day. Night driving is very risky in the mountains. We have a debriefing session on Day 5, you won't want to miss that
Is there a bus from Kathgodam to Lohajung?
There are no direct buses to Lohajung, there are only shared cabs, you will have to change cabs once or twice. The experience is unique, be ready for a bumpy crowded ride!
Is there electricity and phone signal on the trek?
There is electricity and phone signal at Lohajung. But after that it is not available as you stay in tents you are out of network range.
Here is what trekkers have to say about their experience at Brahmatal Trek
A spectacular Himalayan Winter Trek- Brahmatal Trek
The Brahmatal Trek is full of beautiful surprises. From the frozen Bekaltal Lake to the beautiful view of Mt. Nanda Ghunti. Check this blog out. There are beautiful pictures as well.
Read full blog
Brahmatal, A snow wonder in the Himalayas
A blog with great detail and nuance. Do not miss reading this blog - this will definitely push you to go on your next trek.
Read full blog
Available dates
No cancellation charges for trek bookings until August 31st
(choose a trek any time in future)
In light of COVID-19, since travel and treks are uncertain, Indiahikes has waived off all cancellation charges if you register for a trek before August 31. Which means, for all registrations before August 31, even if the trek is in December or later, apart from the basic 4% transaction charges, there are no cancellation charges from Indiahikes.
This helps you to register for a trek with peace of mind, knowing you can cancel your trek even until the last moment. Trekkers have started registering for treks, and we'd like you to do so with full confidence. We don't want you to worry about losing out through cancellations.
- What the colours mean
-
Available:Registration is on.
-
Waitlist:The group is full, but cancellations are likely to happen. We have 5 waitlist slots for every group. You may register for the group. Waitlist slots confirmation chances are high if booked more than 30 days in advance.
-
Last 'x' slots:Indicates the number of slots available in a batch.
-
Full:Indicates the group is full. No further slots are likely. A full group has 18 members.
Dates not suiting you? Click here to see other similar treks.
Upto 11,950 ft
12,450
7 days
Moderate
I have registered for the Brahmatal Trek, 22-27 Dec 2019 batch. I had booked the slot 4 months before the trek date but still I got a slot in waitlist.
Please let me know the chances of confirmation as I have booked the slot on 18th of August 2019 and also let me know my position in the waitlist.
Really eager to join this batch and do this trek with India Hikes.
Hi I need to know if I can do this in Feb 2020 last week. Will there be snow?
Hi Sheela, January and February are peak winter months. So you’ll definitely see snow in February, all the way till around mid-April.
Hi, is the pick up point changed from Kathgodam to Rishikesh?
Hi Siddharth, that’s right. We have changed the pick-up point because it’s easier for trekkers to reach Rishikesh compared to Kathgodam. If you have signed up for the trek in Oct / Nov / Dec, then look for an email from your Trek Coordinator in your inbox. If you haven’t yet signed up or booked tickets, then book travel from and to Rishikesh. 🙂
Hi Swathi,
We are 3 people registered for 23rd December to 28th December batch. During booking, because the pickup point was mentioned as Kathgodam, we have booked our travel accordingly. Now that it is changed, I’m worried about reaching the basecamp. Can you please put some light in this?
Thank you,
Sindhu
Hi Sindhu, we are organising transport from Kathgodam as well until January. So you don’t have to make any changes in your travel plan. We’ll pick you up from Kathgodam as per your plan. 🙂
Just wanted to know if we get to see snow in the mid of December and will it be okay for first time trekkers. Also please comment if this trek will be too crowded ?
Hi Ramu, there will be snow in DEcember, especially from mid-December onwards. Brahmatal is a good trek for first timers. But you will have to get fit before going on the trek. You’ll need to do some basic cardiovascular endurance training for at least 45 days to 2 months before the trek. If you do that, you can do the trek comfortably.
Also, we do notice that the Brahmatal trek is getting a bit crowded of late. But that is most likely in the peak holiday season — Christmas and New Year. You won’t see too much crowd before or after that.
Thanks Swathi..If we are planning to trek on 16th dec batch what is the probability of seeing snow meadows ?
Will there be snow during December?
Yes, especially from mid-December onwards. 🙂
Hi,
I would like to know if I join this trek for mid-December of 2019, will there be snow? I am unable to get any dates after that. 🙁
Hi Tanveer, there could be snow in mid-December. That’s when it usually starts snowing. If the dates that you’re looking for a full to Brahmatal, you can take a look at few of our other winter treks — Deoriatal, Dayara Bugyal and Mukta Top. They’ll all have as much snow as Brahmatal and are as beautiful. You’ll find all of them here – https://www.indiahikes.com/seasons/winter/
I’m thinking of going in November end will there be snow ??
There won’t be snow in November. It’s still pre-winter. You’ll have very clear skies and great weather in November. It’s a good time to go to Brahmatal for the stunning views. 🙂
Hello Swati,
I have registered for the Brahmatal Trek for 18th Dec 2019 batch. Will I get good views and clear skies during that period of time?
Hi
there is no communication regarding change of pickup point from trek co-ordinator. what should we do with the bookings already done?? this is not acceptable to change pick up points without prior info.
Hi Chaitanya, please look for an email from Prathima in your inbox. For trekkers going between Oct to January, we are organising transport from both Kathgodam and Rishikesh since several trekkers have booked tickets already. We don’t want anyone losing money or having to travel too much. So if you’ve already booked your travel, don’t worry about it. Just make sure you choose your pick-up location correctly on your dashboard.
Hello Swati,
I have registered for the Brahmatal Trek for 18th Dec 2019 batch. Will I get good views and clear skies during that period of time? Will there too much snow not allowing us to make it to the summit?
Can it be done without a guide ? We are a group of three
If you have your own tents, sleeping bags and cooking gear, you can do the trek on your own. You can write to us on [email protected] and we’ll be happy to share a downloadable KML file with you, using which you can navigate your way.
Hi,
In saw photos and videos from mid Jan 2018 and there seems to be very less snow. What level of snow can we expect this Jan mid during the trek
Hi Janani, this changes from year to year. In 2017 winter (Dec 2017 – March 2018), there was hardly any snow. But in 2018 winter (Dec 2018 – March 2019) there was excessive snow, so much so that several trails (not only Brahmatal) were blocked. This year, going by the weather patterns of excessive rain and snow, we expect there to be a good long winter with a lot of snow. So it’s a chance you’ll have to take.
Hi we are planning for brahmatal trek. The cost mentioned is Rs 8450. Is the cost of cab(6500) from rishikesh to lohajung during first day of the trek included in the total amount or should be paid separately.
Hi Mohit, the cost of the transport to the base camp should be paid to the driver directly. It is Rs 6,500 per cab, in which around 5-6 people can sit. This fare is shared by all the trekkers and paid in cash to the driver.
What about the cost of return travel from lohajung to rishikesh ? should this also be borne by the trekkers ?
Hi Sonam, that’s correct. We manage the costs from base camp to base camp. The travel to and from the base camp is shared amongst trekkers.
Actually i need proper information about what time we have to reach to the base station, at what time the trip is going to start, on which date the trip is getting over and at what time we will be at the base station and what all expenses is there excluding the 8450+5%tax. We are going to book the slot of 15 dec we need to book the tickets for transportation ASAP. So can you please share the complete information about all that is mentioned above.
Hi Yug, to reach the base camp, you have to reach Rishikesh/Kathgodam and we’ll organise transport for you from there. The transport will cost you Rs 5,500 from Kathgodam and Rs 6,500 from Rishikesh. This is the cost per cab. Around 5-6 trekkers usually share this fare and pay the driver directly. It is not included in the fee. That’s the only additional expense you will incur on the trek.
On the trek, there are only optional expenses — that is if you offload your backpack, or if you want to rent gear. Otherwise, there are no other expenses. You won’t have to take your wallet out anywhere.
Hi, is there any possibility to finish this trek faster maybe 1-1.5 day earlier. I am looking to this trek customized for my group of 4-5. I am interested in this or kedarnatha trek to be finished in 3 night & 4 days
Pls let me know
Hi Bharat, Brahmatal is a fairly long trek, it’s very difficult to do it in 3 days, especially in winter when there’s a lot of snow. Can you please let us know when you’re planning to do the trek? If it isn’t winter, then perhaps we could help you organise it.
Hi Swati,
I am planning a trek in mid-Jan. Which trek would you suggest between Brahmatal & Mukta top for an overall experience and which one will push you a bit?
Thanks
Hi Karan, I’d definitely recommend Mukta Top over Brahmatal. Out of the two, it’s definitely the one to push you. Also, it’s got a wide variety of experiences in terms of forests, meadows, Mukta Tal and of course, the views. Also, it’s the more secluded trek of the two. 🙂
please provide your email id to communicate
planning for 6 dec brahmtal
Hi Vaishali, please write to [email protected] with any questions that you may have. We’ll get back to you!
Hi Swati,
Are children of 10-11 yrs allowed in this trek?
Hi Sandipan, yes a 10-11 year old should be able to manage this trek comfortably, provided they are fit. I would also advise you to time it in non-winter months. So that would mean avoid January and February with a 10-11 year old. It gets too cold. March-April would be a really good time!
Hi., I wish to join this one. But I am coming from Dubai so can I take a flight to Srinagar and join the pick up from there ? Or I have to go to Dehradun and travel to Rishikesh. The second option is a bit difficult because flights are not in order. Thanks in advance
Hi Mayur, Srinagar is very far away from Rishikesh, and reaching here from there will take you a lot of time and energy. What you could instead do is fly to Delhi and take an overnight (6-7 hours) bus to Rishikesh. You can book these on any website. That would be the most convenient way for you to reach Rishikesh.
Hi Swati,
I would like to do the Brahmatal trek to experience trekking in snow. Please can you suggest which of the two weeks there would be more snow : 2nd week of Jan or 1st week of Feb.
Hi Abhaya, while it’s a treat to trek in snow, certain sections of the trail might be inaccessible due to too much snow. This happens in February and March, especially at the higher altitudes.
If you want to experience snow on Brahmatal, my suggestion would be to aim to do it in January 🙂
I am planning to trek this in mid of April, 2020. Is it the right time to get the best out of Brahmatal trek?
Hi Pramit, unfortunately we couldn’t run the trek this year. But I would like to answer for the future 🙂
April is a brilliant time to be on the Brahmatal for one reason – rhododendrons. Here, you trek through a thick Rhodo forest which is in bloom only in spring. This means, you see the slopes come alive with pink and scarlet flowers. It is a sight to behold.
You will also find receding snow in certain patches in early April. All this, apart from the spectacular mountain views. That makes April a grand time to trek to Brahmatal 🙂
Hi ,i want to join Brahmatal trek on 23 dec, does route 2 will get a equally beautiful places as route 1 and also while staying in tent we need to bring woolen sleeping bag. i will be coming from ahmedabad so which route should i take to come rishikesh by 23 dec by morning.
Hi Dimple, Route 2 is as picturesque as Route 1. It’s the same route you’re going to be trekking on, but from the opposite direction. So you have nothing to lose. As for the stay in a tent, we will be providing you with tents and expedition level sleeping bags. They are warm and comfortable. You just have to bring warm layers to wear while trekking and after your day’s trek.
Also, if you’re coming from Ahmedabad, flying to Dehradun and taking a bus to Rishikesh would be your best, fastest option.
Will I get mobile network during the trek?
Hi Junaid, the last point where you’ll get network is Lohajung (your base camp). After that, you don’t have network throughout the trek. You might get some signal at Brahmatal Top, but don’t bank on it. It’s very intermittent.
20th April 2020 trek of Brahamtal is through Route 1 or Route 2?
Hi Alok, any time after January, it will be route 1. 🙂
what is the difference between the route 1 and route 2, are we going to brahmatal top in route 2 as well?
Hi Shubham, yes, both Route 1 and Route 2 go to Brahmatal Top. Indiahikes opened a new route for this trek to avoid the crowds. Both Routes have beautiful forest sections, and in winter you can expect lots of snow on both routes. You will not be missing out by taking one route over the other.
Hi,
Can I book for 3 persons?
Hi Bijin,
Yes, you can book the trek for 3 people. It’s an online process. You just have to select the date that suits you and follow the process. You will need a unique email ID for each person. If you’re trekking in Dec-Jan I suggest you book your trek soon. They get full quickly. Check this page out for trek dates – https://www.indiahikes.com/brahmatal-trek/#available-dates-calendar
You’ll also find a helpful video with the registration process here – https://youtu.be/ZQCe30_VECg
Hi I have registered for February 3rd to 8th brahmatal trek , seats are available , but what if there are only a few people or only we two for the trek ??
And in rishekesh the day before we start for lohajung , and the day when we come back from lohajung will you provide us stay that night ?
And please would you let me know , that we are coming with some amount of luggage as we need to travel to a few more places , could you please let me know if we can keep our luggages in lohajung while going for the trek and can we we pick it up while coming back ??
Hi Niharika, it’s rarely the case that only 2 people sign up for the trek. If that happens, we may request you to shift to another trek on the same dates, which won’t involve you making any changes in your travel. But this almost never happens, so you don’t have to worry about it. Also, Brahmatal is one of the few treks accessible in February. It tends to run full in Jan and Feb.
Coming to your other questions. We do not organise stay in Rishikesh. You have to come directly to the pick-up point. We organise stay only from Lohajung onwards till the last day at Lohajung.
Finally, if you have extra luggage, you can leave it behind in Lohajung. It will not cost you anything. Just make sure you don’t leave behind any valuables like laptops or cameras.
Hi
I am planning to book for Brahmatal trek for 23rd December 2019.. I would like to know the necessary things to carry and other details for fitness… considering that this is going to be our first trek for all three of us
Hi Pranay, please take a look at this page. It lists all the things you must carry on your trek https://www.indiahikes.com/brahmatal-trek/#what-to-take. For fitness, you should run atleast 3 times a week, starting about 2 months before your trek. You should be able to run 5km in under 40 minutes just before the trek. Have a look at this link for more fitness help https://www.indiahikes.com/brahmatal-trek/#fitness-required.
Hi swathi
Are there any age restrictions. Actually I m planning for trek along with my daughter who is 14yrs old.
Hi Sandya, Brahmatal is a great trek for a 14-year-old. Other children have done this trek before, and have had a great experience.
Hey! I’m really looking forward to trek with IndiaHikes!
I’m traveling solo!
And I’m extremely confused between Kedarkantha and Brahmatal. Both seem to be extremely amazing and exciting! Which one would you suggest to be the better?
Hi Sushil, they’re both fantastic treks in winter. But because we take a separate route away from the crowds, perhaps Kedarkantha might be a better choice. 🙂
Is it possible to trek in December end?
Hi Rishabh,
Yes, it’s possible to trek to Brahmatal in December. In fact, winter (December-February) is one of the best seasons to trek to Brahmatal.
You can read more about a new route to Brahmatal here:
https://www.indiahikes.com/new-routes-kedarkantha-brahmatal-winter-trek-2019/
Is route 2 for brahmtal trek as good as route 1
Are the views good
Pls tell genuinely
Hi Mukul, the route 2 is the same as route 1. It’s just approaching the summit from the opposite direction. So the views are literally the same. You can take our word on that.
I want to go on this trek in april so will there be snow at that time?
Hi Akash, there’s usually snow cover till the end of April. If you can go early in April, you’ll see a lot of snow, especially as you climb the summit. The quantity of snow reduces towards the end of April. So try and time your trek early in April if you want to see a lot of snow.
Hey,
I am a first time trekker, 22 years old, would love to do a winter trek around 20th of January.
What kind of temperature should I expect ?
How difficult is the trek in terms of endurance?
Hi Kushal,
Carry 5 layers for your trek. This is peak winter in the mountains.
On the trek, you cover an average of 7km per day. Before the trek, you should be able to run 5 km in under 40 minutes. Work on your flexibility and body strength as well. For this I suggest, squats, push-ups, and climbing stairs with your backpack.
I’m so confused between Kedarkantha and Brahmatal. I did 2 treks previously (Bhrigu Lake and Sar Pass). So which trek would you suggest?
Hi Shivam, this is a tough one! Both of them are great treks. But if we have to choose, then here’s a suggestion. If you’re going in winter (between December and February), I’d suggest Kedarkantha. We are taking a different route from the crowded one and you’ll have a good experience, since Kedarkantha is traditionally a winter trek. If you’re planning any time later, in March or April, choose Brahmatal. The trails bursts to life with rhododendron flowers in March April and is a treat to the eyes! You could go by this choice. 🙂
Hi, need few details about Kedarkantha trek.
My location : Chennai
Free dates : 25th Dec to Jan 2nd
Need transport details from Chennai too..
Hi Mahesh, if you’re travelling from Chennai, your best option is to fly directly to Dehradun. If the flights are too expensive, you could take a flight to Delhi and then an overnight bus to Dehradun. That would be your best way to reach Dehradun.
We organise transport from Dehradun to the base camp on the first day at 7 am. So it’s best to reach Dehradun the previous evening and stay there, or take a bus that reaches early in the morning.
Hi,
I would like to go on the Brahmatal Trek with my 11 year old daughter. Is there any relaxation in the fitness category for children, especially the ability to complete 5 kilometres under 40 minutes?
Hi Kohinoor,
Lovely that you want to trek to Brahmatal with your daughter :)I suggest you and your daughter start your fitness preparation atleast 2 months before the trek. Here’s an article that will help you prepare – https://www.indiahikes.com/tips-to-prepare-children-for-trek/
Further, once you book your trek, our Trek Experience manager will help you prepare for the trek as well.
Hello,
The eligibility criterias for any trek in your list says, that we should run at least 5km in 40 mins which is manageable butit even says we should have a BMI of 28, and this is the thing to worry, I have BMI of 36, isn’t there any trek that overlooks this criteria?
Hi Alok, we usually have a cap for a BMI of 28, and maximum 30. This is based on the fitness, and in case someone needs to be evacuated, the BMI plays a role here. Do you have a fitness routine you currently follow? If you do, before signing up, you’ll have to send us screenshots of a couple of runs with the required fitness criteria. We could then consider taking this further.
Hey,
I would like to do a trek on February 3rd to 8th. But I’m confused between Brahmatal and Kedarkantha.
Which one of these will have more snow?
Hi Jeevraj, both of these treks climb to similar altitudes. And they usually have similar amounts of snow. But Brahmatal usually has slightly more snow, and the camping experience in snow is great as well! So if you’re going in February, Brahmatal would be a good choice! 🙂
Hi, I am planning to join a winter trek on 15/16th December but am a little confused between brahmatal, mukta top and kedarkantha. My priority is a moderate-difficult trek with snow. What would you recommend?
Hi Gaurav, I would definitely recommend the Mukta Top trek at that time of the year. It is the toughest of the three and if it is a challenge you’re looking for, Mukta Top will give you that. You’ll also see snow on the trek. (There’s usually snow on all these treks at that time of the year). Mukta Top is also more secluded and you’ll have the trail to yourself. It will definitely give you a better experience than the other two treks.
Hi, do you guys serve pure Jain food for Brahmatal trek?
Also, how many participants are there in one batch?
Hi Viraj,
Yes, we serve pure Jain food on request. You’d have to mention it in a mail to your Trek Experience Manager after booking your slot.
A full Indiahikes trek batch is comprised of 21 trekkers 🙂
What is the amount of mobile connectivity I can expect on this trek?
Hi Team,
Can you share some knowledge on the level of ice I can see in the month of Dec for this trek. Would it be similar to Kedarkantha Trek or we see snow in the month of Jan or feb like mentioned in the video.
Quick reply would be appreciated as I am planning to book.
Hi Madhur, most of the Uttarakhand treks will have similar amounts of snow. So if there’s snow at Kedarkantha, it will be there at Brahmatal as well. Both of them are nice snowy treks. So you can go ahead and sign up for the trek. You’ll definitely see snow towards the end of December.
what is the best time to visit in winter so that we can trek upto last point??
Hi Ravi, let me begin with a gentle disclaimer that it won’t be possible to predict the exact snow conditions. But based on your question, I suggest you go for the trek in mid-December, or when it just starts snowing. During this time, the Brahmatal lake and Brahmatal top are accessible. After that, once you are in the thick of winters, say in mid-Jan and Feb, some sections (around 10%) of the trek might not be accessible due to the snow. But that’s just a small percentage.
So if you want 100% accessibility to the entire trail in snow, go for it when winters begin and when it just starts snowing 🙂
As mentioned in the Short Itinerary, we will reach Kathgodam by 8pm on Day 6. So What was the best time(morning or afternoon or evening) that I can book my flight from Delhi on Day 7 ?
Hi Ashok, once you reach Kathgodam on Day 6, you can immediately take the train from Kathgodam to Delhi, the Ranikhet Express. It is an overnight train, it leave by 8.40 pm it reaches Delhi early in the morning by 5 am (you could expect an hour’s delay). If you’re booking an onward flight from Delhi after that, I would suggest booking your flight in the afternoon, something around 12 noon will suit you fine.
Thank you so much Swathi.
Is the end of November good to trek Brahmatal Lake trek ??
Hi Sandeep, November end is a great time to experience autumn on the Brahmatal trek. You see crisp views of the Kumaon and Garhwal side of the Himalayas with the Roopkund trek laid out in the foreground. It’s a brilliant time for photography.
Another thing is, most likely you won’t find snow at this time. Yet, temperature dips to sub-zero levels (layer-up well) and you will feel the chill under a clear star-lit sky. I would say, it’s a great time to be on Brahmatal trek before winters set in.