Brahmatal Trek

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. Walkthrough 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 the Gujreni stream.

During winters, you camp at Gujreni.

“This campsite is surrounded by Green oak, brown oak, and rhododendrons. It’s inside a clearing and comparatively warmer as the sun rises around 8 and stays till 5 am. I liked this campsite because of the birds I saw. Namely Himalayan Woodpecker, Asian barred owlet, blue-fronted redstart, solitary snipe. I heard the barking dear too. I liked this campsite for its silence and seclusion, in between the forest, sun, and sound of the water stream next to the campsite,” says Ravi Ranjan Choudhary, Slope Manager at Indiahikes.

From here, the trail enters thick Oak forests and keeps climbing moderately. At sections where the mountainside is to your left and the valley to your right, catch the first views of Mt Trishul imposing itself on 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 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 are 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.

Today is a short day. The trail starts off the campsite in the south-west direction. Just a few metres into the climb, you come across a stream crossing. From here, the trail 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 further, half the trail is dominated by Rhododendron trees and somewhere midway the Oak trees take over. After about an hour of a trek in this lovely forest section, 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. This is your Tilandi campsite. Below you is the valley from Lohajung to Wan. Right opposite is the famous meadows of the Roopkund trail – Ali and Bedni Bugyals.

This day’s trail weaves along the ridge. You see the treeline 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. It’s another vantage point for clear views of the mountain panorama. You get spectacular views of Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti ranges from here. 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 comprehend what you see 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, take the right trail, which is again a mountain ridge that gradually ascends to the Brahmatal Top at 12,250 ft, the highest point on this trek. The mountain views stay along with you as you walk on the ridge and reach the top. Spend some time and soak in the stunning views from the top.

The trail now gradually descends to Brahmatal.It’s a beautiful lake, the first view of which takes your breath away. There is a small Nag Devta Mandir next to it. If the lake is not frozen, you get a clear reflection of the night sky which is a stunning sight to witness. 

The Brahmatal campsite at 12,250 ft is 500 meters away from the lake to the left on the edge of the slope. Do not miss to witness the sunset from the campsite.

Begin the descent to Lohajung right after breakfast. Take a trail that goes straight from the Brahmatal lake. Till Jhandi Top,the vegetation is sparse. The mountains play hide and seek with you as you gradually ascend to the Jhandi Top.

From the Jhandi top, take the trail that goes left. From here, you descend all the way to Lohajung. Initially you descend through an open space, with the mountain views now behind you. 

About a kilometre of a descent, you enter the treeline again. This is all Oak trees now. Soon, you come across a clearing. This is called Khorurai as “Khoru” translates to oak. Take some rest here. It could also be a possible campsite if you wish to extend your trek for one more day.

About another 1.3 km of a descent, you join the main trail. Descend further through Rhodo forest. Later, continue on the man-made trail. This trail connects the mountain villages down to Lohajung.Begin the descent to Lohajung right after breakfast. Till Tilandi the vegetation is sparse.

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 is 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.

Drive back to Rishikesh. Check out "How to reach the basecamp" section for more details about planning your return journey.