The short answer
Brahmatal Trek: what visitors should know first
A good first Himalayan trek for fit adults, especially in winter for snow. Allow four trekking days from Lohajung, topping out at about 3,800 m. Not suitable for anyone with heart, lung or serious knee problems.
History and context
The story behind Brahmatal Trek
Brahmatal is a small high lake on a forested ridge above Lohajung, reached via Bekaltal. It became widely used as a winter trek in the years after camping on the Roopkund meadows was restricted.
Useful facts
Brahmatal Trek facts at a glance
- Location
- Lohajung, Chamoli district
- Altitude
- Brahmatal Top about 3,750 to 3,850 m (12,300 to 12,600 ft)
- Experience type
- Lake and ridge trek
- Known for
- Winter snow, Bekaltal and Brahmatal lakes, Trishul views
- Time or schedule
- About 4 trekking days; December to March for snow
Why it matters
Why Brahmatal Trek is worth your time
Brahmatal gives first-time trekkers a real Himalayan ridge, two lakes and close views of Trishul without the very high altitude or exposure of Roopkund. Because it stays below about 3,850 m and has forest for much of the way, it is one of the few treks in this part of Uttarakhand that runs through the winter.
It also brings steady work to Lohajung and the nearby villages, from homestays and porters to the mule men who carry kit. The trail passes through forest and meadow that are used by local herders, so a small, quiet group that carries out its waste helps both the land and the village economy.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Bekaltal
A quiet forest lake on the first part of the trail, often frozen in winter.
- 02
Brahmatal lake
A small lake below the summit ridge that freezes over in midwinter.
- 03
Trishul and Nanda Ghunti
From the top the two peaks fill the view to the north-east.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
The trek begins at Lohajung, at about 2,300 m. The first day climbs through oak and rhododendron forest to a camp near Gujreni or lower Bekaltal, at roughly 2,750 m. Day two passes Bekaltal, a small lake in the forest, then climbs over the open slopes of Tilandi and Jhandi Top to the camp near Brahmatal lake, at about 3,400 m.
The summit day is a climb from the lake camp to Brahmatal Top, which operators give as about 3,750 to 3,850 m (roughly 12,300 to 12,600 ft). On a clear morning the ridge looks straight across to Trishul and Nanda Ghunti, with Chaukhamba and other Garhwal peaks further away. The last day is a long descent back to Lohajung.
In winter, from late December to early March, snow usually lies from the lower camp upwards and nights at the lake can fall below minus 7 degrees Celsius. Good sleeping bags, gaiters and microspikes matter more than anything else. Book a registered operator and confirm snow conditions before you commit.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Book a registered operator; permits are usually included
- Carry a winter sleeping bag rated well below freezing
- Use microspikes and gaiters in snow
- Start summit day early for clear views
- Carry all litter back to Lohajung
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Starts at Lohajung, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand
- Time needed
- About 4 trekking days; 6 days including the drive from Dehradun or Kathgodam
- Best time
- December to March for snow; October and November for clear views; April to May for rhododendrons
- Walking level
- Demanding
- Senior comfort
- Graded easy to moderate by operators, but the days are long, the ridge is cold and winter camps drop well below freezing. Older parents who are not trekkers can stay in Lohajung and enjoy the village views of Nanda Ghunti while others go up.
- Tickets and access
- Forest permits and camping charges apply and are usually arranged by the operator. Treks should be run through a registered operator with a local guide. Confirm current fees locally.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Brahmatal Trek
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Graded easy to moderate by operators, but the days are long, the ridge is cold and winter camps drop well below freezing. Older parents who are not trekkers can stay in Lohajung and enjoy the village views of Nanda Ghunti while others go up.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How hard is the Brahmatal trek?
Operators grade it easy to moderate. The days are not very long, but the ridge is cold and snowy in winter, so fitness and warm gear matter.
When is the best time for snow?
Late December to early March usually has snow from the lower camp upwards.
Where does the trek start?
At Lohajung, a long day's drive from Kathgodam or Dehradun.
Sources and further reading
- Bikat Adventures: Brahmatal trek itinerary
- Himalaya Shelter: Unfolding the trails to Brahmatal
- Wikipedia: Roopkund
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
