Quick answer: January is the best month for the Brahmatal trek if you want it at its most wintry: the forest is deep in snow, Bekaltal and Brahmatal lakes are frozen, and Trishul and Nanda Ghunti stand out against clear winter skies. Expect daytime temperatures of about -2°C to 5°C and nights of about -12°C to -5°C. It is a 6-day trek from Rishikesh, graded Easy–Moderate, and very doable for prepared beginners.
Brahmatal is a true winter trek. In summer it is a pleasant forest walk; in January it becomes something else entirely, a snow-buried oak forest leading up to two frozen lakes and a summit ridge facing some of the biggest peaks in Garhwal. Here is what January on Brahmatal is really like, day by day.
What January brings
- Deep snow: by January the trail from Lohajung upwards is usually under snow, and the oak and rhododendron forest looks like a postcard.
- Frozen lakes: Bekaltal and Brahmatal lake freeze over, which is the image most people come for.
- Clear views: cold, dry air gives the sharpest views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti from Jhandi Top and Brahmatal Top.
- Quieter trails: Brahmatal sees far fewer trekkers than the most famous winter treks, even in January.
Snowfall changes from year to year, so nobody can promise exact snow depth on your dates. But January gives you the best odds of the whole season.
How cold is Brahmatal in January?
| Where and when | Typical temperature |
|---|---|
| On the trail, during the day | About -2°C to 5°C (warmer in the sun) |
| At camp, at night | About -12°C to -5°C |
| Summit morning on Brahmatal Top | The coldest part of the trek, with wind chill |
With proper layers it is very manageable. On Trekkaro batches you sleep in -20°C sleeping bags, and you get a free -10°C Decathlon jacket as part of Free Trekking Gear. See our winter trek packing list for everything else to bring.
Your 6 days on Brahmatal in January
- Rishikesh to Lohajung: a long drive of about 260 km (9–10 hours) through Devprayag, Rudraprayag and Karnaprayag. Night in a guesthouse at Lohajung.
- Lohajung to Bekaltal: about 6 km, 4–5 hours, climbing gradually through snow-covered oak and rhododendron forest to the frozen Bekaltal lake.
- Bekaltal to Brahmatal lake: about 7 km, 6–7 hours. A steep snow climb to Jhandi Top, where Trishul and Nanda Ghunti suddenly fill the view, then down to the Brahmatal lake basin.
- Summit day, Brahmatal Top (about 12,250 ft) and back: about 6 km round trip, 5–6 hours, on a steep snow ridge. Microspikes are essential today.
- Brahmatal to Lohajung: about 10 km, 7–8 hours, the longest walking day, back over Jhandi Top and down through the forest.
- Lohajung to Rishikesh: the drive back, about 8–9 hours.
Is January too hard for a first-time trekker?
No, but January rewards preparation. Walking in snow takes more effort than a dry trail, and Day 5 is long. If you train for about six weeks (running, cycling or stair climbing four to five days a week), can jog 3–5 km comfortably and bring proper layers, January Brahmatal is a superb first snow trek. If you are unsure about the cold, late February is a little milder with snow still on the higher sections.
On every Trekkaro batch, leaders check each trekker's oxygen level and pulse twice a day and carry oxygen and a stretcher. After heavy fresh snowfall, the leader may adjust the plan or turn back below the top: that call is always made for safety.
Dates and crowds in January
- 1–4 January: the tail of the New Year rush.
- 5–22 January: the quietest stretch of deep-snow season, our favourite window.
- Republic Day long weekend (around 26 January): busier; book early.
January tips for Brahmatal
- Reach Rishikesh the evening before the 9–10 hour drive to Lohajung.
- Carry an insulated bottle and keep it in your sleeping bag at night so water does not freeze.
- Keep phone batteries warm in an inside pocket.
- Wear UV sunglasses on the snow, even on cloudy days.
- Consider backpack offloading for the long Day 5 if you are new to snow.
What it costs
Brahmatal with Trekkaro is ₹9,000 + 5% GST, including stays, meals, permits, the trek leader and Free Trekking Gear, with EMI from about ₹463/month. For the full breakdown, including transport and how Trekkaro compares with other operators, see Brahmatal trek cost.
See Brahmatal January dates and book | Kedarkantha vs Brahmatal | Kedarkantha in January
Frequently asked questions
Is there snow on Brahmatal in January?
Yes. January usually has the deepest snow of the season on Brahmatal, with the forest, both lakes and the summit ridge under snow. Exact depth varies from year to year.
Are the lakes frozen in January?
Yes. Bekaltal and Brahmatal lake are usually frozen in January, which is one of the main reasons to go in mid-winter.
How cold is Brahmatal in January?
Days are about -2°C to 5°C, and nights at camp drop to about -12°C to -5°C. Summit morning is the coldest part of the trek.
Can beginners do Brahmatal in January?
Yes. Brahmatal is graded Easy–Moderate. Train for about six weeks, bring good layers, and expect one long day on the way back.
Kedarkantha or Brahmatal in January?
Both are excellent. Brahmatal is quieter, has two frozen lakes and close views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti; Kedarkantha is a day shorter and has a classic summit sunrise. See Kedarkantha vs Brahmatal.
