Brahmatal Trek

Brahmatal Trek

Himalayas lets you venture into a few treks in winter that are as adventurous and stunning like Brahmatal. The amount of snow at the trek teases every trekker to take up the challenge. Forests coupled with impressive views of the Himalayas is a treat to the shutterbugs. Brahmatal reveals a heavenly facet in winter when the snow gently falls on it slopes. The frozen lake with the mighty Himalayan peaks overlooking it, creates a mesmerising ambience. There are indeed similar routes in the Himalayas with comparing beauty but definitely found at much higher altitude. Never ending ridge lines, sprawling Bugiyals, High altitude lakes, majestic peak views and snow on the trail make it an compelling proposition for a winter trek. Brahma Tal is a hidden and secluded lake amidst the ridge, where Lord Brahma meditated according to the mythology. The peak view from the route is captivating, from east to west one can see the High Himalayan ranges.

This is just the opposite ridge of the famous Roopkund trek and offers a Birds-eye view of the route including Ali Bugiyal, Bedni Bugiyal, Roopkund and Junargali inlcuding far poised the famous Ronty saddle. The best season to explore this trail is either winter or in the springs. During winter weather normally remains clear and panoramic beauty of the surrounding is unmatched. In Spring the trail is bountiful with Rhododendron blossoms while the last patches of snow start melting. The fringes of the forest is residing place for Himalayan Monal during winter. From here onward the right hand view, the north-east side opens up and we get the magnificent panorama of the peaks of Mrigthuni, Trishul, Bethartoli Himal and Nandaghunti. We walk along the ridge and witness one of the most enticing panorama of Garhwal. After about an hours walk we decent to the hidden lake Brahma Tal surrounded by the slopes of mountain. This is a medium sized

Day 1: From Kathgodam to Lohajung

Distance: 215 kms

The base camp for this beautiful trek is Lohajung. Kathgodam, the nearest railway station connects it to India’s wide rail network. The station is just 25kms away from Nainital. Another popular city, Haldwani is 9 kms away from Kathgodam.

Once you’re at kathgodam, it will take around 8-10 hours to reach Lohajung. So, we suggest you reach Kathgodam by 7am so that the drive to Kathgodam is not hassled.

The journey from Kathgodam to Lohajung takes you through some beautiful locations like Bhimtal which is popular for its serene lake. You will also pass by some famous regions of Uttarakhand including Almora, Kausani and Baijnath. You may wish to take a break at Kausani to soak in the beauty of the Himalayan ranges. Shutterbugs, keep your cameras ready! The peaks you can spot from Kausani start with Kamet with Ghori Parvat, Hathi Parvat, Nandaghunti, Trishul, Mrigthuni, Maiktoli, Nanda Devi, Nanda Khat till Panchachuli group. The tea factory and a shawl woven by local artisans are renowned.

For money matters, you may take the risk of trusting the last ATM at Deval or be a little cautious and choose ATMs at Gwaldam. We also recommend buying necessary medicines from Gwaldam and Deval. (in case, you’ve missed out any while packing. From Deval, you’ll just take an hour to reach Lohajung, where scenery of splendid views like Nandaghunti is waiting for you, if you reach before it darkens.

Just like medicines, we highly recommend you carrying all the apparels, warm clothes that you may need at the trek. But just in case, you can pick jackets, hand gloves, caps, shoes etc. from a local store at Lohajung. Also note that mobile coverage cannot be relied upon in these regions of Himalayas.

Delving deeper in the mythology, Lohajung is the place where goddess parvati had a jung (fight) with the demon Lohasur. Literally translated, Lohajung means ‘fight with Lohasur’.

Day 2: From Lohajung to Bekaltal.

Altitude: 2,320 m to 3,010 m (6 km)

Time : 4-5 hours

At lohajung, we move upwards from Bisht General Stores on a well-marked stone trail. We move on to the upper region of Lohajung, through the beautiful trail of forests lined by a few houses.

Mandoli Village, will reveal itself after a short trek. While you’ll spot the Kail valley as you climb higher. Kail valley is marked by the union of Kail and Pindari rivers. Moving on, your visual guides would be the water pipes that supply water to Lohajung. Next comes Budla, a cluster of a few homes, which are usually lined with Rhododendron trees. If you choose to trek in Feb or March, you’ll spot these trees in full bloom.

As you reach approx 2590 metres, you’ll cross link-gaad, a 10 metre bridge that helps trekkers cross the stream. Its best to take a breather at Begum, a beautiful location that offers splendid views of Navali Bugyal. The views will definitely relieve you off the tiredness.

Once you leave Begum, it should take you just 10-15 minutes before you reach another stream and another hours walk will bring you to Gujrani stream. Just walk for 70 minute more and you’ll reach Bekaltal. The beauty of this trek can’t be described in words. Amidst thick oak forests, the lake gleams peacefully in summer, while in winter, it is frozen. Our Day 2 ends at camping near a beautiful lake, Khopdaliya.

Day 3: Bekaltal to Khabekhal (or Brahmatal).

Altitude: 3,010 m to 3,273 m (2.5km)

Time : 3-4 hours

In the Himalayas, weather decides your trail and campsites. Today, you may decide to trek till the serence Brahmtal lake or camp at Khabekhal. In case of snow showers, you might take 3-4 hours to reach Khabekhal.

When you begin at Bekaltal for Khabekhal, you will pass by a forest of oak trees for a prolonged one hour. The walk will take you to Telandi. If Khabekhal is your destination, continue walking and take a trail that descends towards right. Landmark: a house without any roof.

Day 4: Khabekhal to Daldum via Brahmatal Peak (3,846 m).

Altitude: 3,270 to 2,850 m

Time : 7 hours, 5 km

This day, choose to climb to Brahmtal. You may choose to carry your daypack or your back pack and return to the campsite at Daldum. A trek of almost an hour will take you to Chota Jhandidar. Pass through Choda and Bada Jhandidar to reach Brahmtal. It’s a curvy trail sandwiched between valleys on either side. 2.5 to 3 hours is all you need to reach Brahmtal top. En route, don’t miss out on the splendour of the mighty Himalayas, esp. Mt. Trishul and Nandaghunti. Clear skies will let you indulge in a fascinating view of the Himalayas. Daldum, the campsite for the day is just 3 hours away from the peak, with a trail passing through forests.

Day 5: From Daldum to Lohajung.

Altitude: 2,850 m to 2,325 m

Time : 2.5 hours, 3.7 km

Nighful rest at the Daldum campsite, laden with trees will energise you for the descend of the day. Lohajung is just 3.7kms and approx 2.5hours away. You’ll reach Malling in half an hour, after you exit the forests. You’ll spot a few houses of the villages on the slopes. Just follow the stone trail made by the frequent visits of villagers and you’ll reach Lohajung.

Day 6: From Lohajung to Kathgodam

Depart from Lohajung to Kathgodam.