Quick answer: December is when Brahmatal turns into a snow trek. Expect -2°C to 8°C at Lohajung (2,316 m), -15°C to -5°C at base camp (3,106 m), frozen Bekaltal and Brahmatal lakes, and snow that builds through the month. Trekkaro runs a batch starting every day of December: 6 days from Rishikesh, ₹9,000 + 5% GST.
Brahmatal sits above Lohajung in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, and its season runs from October to March. December opens the snow window that lasts to March, and it is the month most people book for a first winter trek. This guide covers what the trail looks like in December, how cold each camp gets, which part of the month to pick, and what the trek costs, using the figures on our Brahmatal trek page.
What is Brahmatal like in December?
December is the month the forest changes colour. Early in the month, snow sits on the upper edges of the forest above Lohajung; by January the hillsides are fully white. From Bekaltal upwards you can expect snow on the trail through the December to February window, and in a good winter the trail carries 2 to 4 feet of it.
Be clear about one thing: snow depends on the year. Some Decembers bring heavy early snowfall, others stay dry until late in the month. If deep snow is the whole point for you, a batch in the second half of December or in January gives better odds. If you want a quieter trail, clear skies and a first taste of snow, early December works well. Before you leave home, check the Uttarakhand district forecasts from the IMD Meteorological Centre Dehradun for Chamoli, the district Brahmatal is in.
What does not change is the view. From Jhandi Top on Day 3 and from Brahmatal Top on Day 4 you see Trishul (7,120 m) and Nanda Ghunti (6,309 m) up close, with Mt Kamet (7,756 m) on clear days and the Hathi Ghoda Parvat ridge. Both lakes, Bekaltal and Brahmatal, are frozen from December.
How cold is Brahmatal in December?
December is a real step colder than November. These are the ranges on our trek page (day high to night low):
| Place | Altitude | November | December to February |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lohajung (start village) | 2,316 m / 7,600 ft | 2°C to 12°C | -2°C to 8°C |
| Bekaltal camp | 2,798 m / 9,180 ft | -5°C to 0°C | -10°C to -3°C |
| Brahmatal base camp | 3,106 m / 10,190 ft | -8°C to -2°C | -15°C to -5°C |
| Brahmatal Top | 3,734 m / 12,250 ft | Colder than base camp at dawn | Colder than base camp at dawn, and windy |
The coldest hours are the summit start at 5:30 AM on Day 4 and the time after sunset at camp. We provide -20°C sleeping bags and sleeping pads in double-wall tents, and the -10°C jacket comes with Free Trekking Gear, so what you add is layers: two sets of thermals, two fleece or woollen layers, warm trousers, a waterproof shell, a balaclava and two pairs of gloves.
Early, mid or late December: which batch should you pick?
There is a Brahmatal batch starting on each day from 1 to 31 December 2026, so the choice is about conditions and crowds rather than availability.
| Batch start | Snow | Trail | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 10 December | Patchy on the lower forest, more above Bekaltal | Quieter | Clear views, fewer people, a gentler first winter trek |
| 11 to 20 December | Building, depends on the year's snowfall | Moderate | A balance of snow and space at camp |
| 21 to 31 December | Best chance in December | Busiest (Christmas and New Year holidays) | Families and working trekkers using holiday leave |
Batches over Christmas and New Year fill first because school holidays and year-end leave fall together. If you want those dates, book early. Each batch takes a maximum of 20 trekkers, with one leader or guide for every 8, so the group never turns into a crowd.
Your 6 days on Brahmatal in December
- Day 1: Rishikesh to Lohajung (2,316 m). About 260 km, 9 to 10 hours by road. Pickup at Jumping Heights, Tapovan, Rishikesh at 6:30 AM. Night in a guesthouse.
- Day 2: Lohajung to Bekaltal camp (2,798 m). About 6 km, 4 to 5 hours through forest; a gain of about 480 m. The lake just above camp is frozen.
- Day 3: Bekaltal to Brahmatal base camp (3,106 m) via Jhandi Top. About 7 km, 6 to 7 hours. Jhandi Top is the first big Trishul view.
- Day 4: Base camp to Brahmatal Top (3,734 m) and back. About 6 km round trip, 5 to 6 hours, starting at 5:30 AM. A climb of about 630 m, often on snow.
- Day 5: Base camp to Lohajung. About 10 km, 7 to 8 hours, a descent of about 790 m. Microspikes help most on this day.
- Day 6: Lohajung to Rishikesh. Leave at 6:30 AM and reach Tapovan by about 6 PM.
December days are the shortest of the year, so the day starts early and you reach camp in daylight. Expect to be in your tent soon after dinner.
Practical tips for December
- Keep your power bank and phone inside your jacket. Batteries drain fast in the cold, and there is no charging on the trail.
- Carry one insulated bottle. A normal bottle can freeze overnight at base camp; take two 1-litre bottles, at least one insulated.
- Get cash before Dewal. Dewal has the last reliable ATM before Lohajung, and Lohajung is the last place with a stable mobile signal.
- Wear category 3 or 4 sunglasses on snow. Snow glare on a clear December day is strong even when the air is freezing.
Trek leader Guddu Panwar's tip: "Most first-timers dress for the cold morning and are sweating soon after they start climbing. Start the walk slightly cold, take a layer off before you sweat, and put your warm jacket on the moment you stop. Wet base layers are what make people miserable at camp, not the temperature."
For the full list, see our winter trek packing list. If you are flying in, Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport is about 45 minutes from Rishikesh, so arrive the evening before Day 1.
What it costs
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Trek fee (Lohajung to Lohajung) | ₹9,000 + 5% GST = ₹9,450 |
| EMI (24 months) | From ₹463 a month |
| Free Trekking Gear (Decathlon shoes, -10°C jacket, poles, gaiters, microspikes) | Free; ₹3,000 refundable deposit + ₹200 washing charge |
| Shared cab Rishikesh to Lohajung | About ₹6,500 one way per 5 to 6 seat vehicle, split among trekkers and paid to the driver |
| Backpack offloading (optional, max 9 kg) | ₹1,500 + 5% GST |
| Single tent (optional) | ₹2,000 + 5% GST |
Transport is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers. Meals from Day 1 dinner to Day 5 dinner, stays, permits, tents, sleeping bags and the trek team are included. Travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking is mandatory and not included. If plans change, you get a 70% refund when you cancel 30 or more days before departure and 50% at 15 to 29 days, or a free reschedule or 100% TrekCash voucher (valid one year) up to 7 days before. See the Brahmatal trek page for live dates and the full Brahmatal cost breakdown.
See Brahmatal December dates and book | Brahmatal in January | Brahmatal vs Kuari Pass | How to reach Lohajung
Frequently asked questions
Will there be snow on the Brahmatal trek in December?
Yes, in most years there is snow from Bekaltal upwards in December, and both lakes are frozen. The depth changes from year to year; the second half of December has better odds of deep snow than the first.
How cold does Brahmatal get at night in December?
Nights at Brahmatal base camp (3,106 m) fall to about -15°C to -5°C, and Bekaltal to about -10°C to -3°C. We provide -20°C sleeping bags and sleeping pads, so warm layers and a balaclava are what you need to bring.
Is the Brahmatal trek in December safe for beginners?
Yes. Brahmatal is graded Easy to Moderate and the minimum age is 7, so a fit first-timer can do it in December. Train for about six weeks so you are comfortable walking 6 to 10 km a day on snow.
Are there Brahmatal batches over Christmas and New Year?
Yes, a batch starts on every date in December 2026, including 24 to 31 December. These holiday batches fill first, so book early if you need them.
Do I need to rent shoes and microspikes for Brahmatal in December?
No. Free Trekking Gear on Brahmatal gives you Decathlon trekking shoes, a -10°C jacket, poles, gaiters and microspikes. You pay only a ₹3,000 refundable deposit and a ₹200 washing charge.
