This guide is about the Brahmatal Trek — dates, price, day-by-day itinerary and booking are on the trek page.
Quick answer: Brahmatal is in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, in the Garhwal Himalaya. The trek starts and ends at Lohajung (2,316 m), about 250 km and 8 to 10 hours by road from Rishikesh, and climbs to Brahmatal Top at 3,734 m (12,250 ft), with the frozen Brahmatal lake about 500 m from base camp.
Where exactly is Brahmatal?
Brahmatal lies above the village of Lohajung in Chamoli district, in the Garhwal Himalaya of Uttarakhand. The Brahmatal Trek is a loop that starts and ends at Lohajung and reaches its highest point at Brahmatal Top, 3,734 m (12,250 ft). Two lakes sit on the route: Bekaltal at 2,798 m on Day 2, and Brahmatal lake, about 500 m from the base camp at 3,106 m. From December to February both lakes are fully frozen.
The table places each point of the trek in order.
| Point | Height | Where it sits on the trek |
|---|---|---|
| Lohajung | 2,316 m / 7,600 ft | Road head; start and end; nights 1 and 5 |
| Bekaltal | 2,798 m / 9,180 ft | Lake and camp; night 2, 6 km from Lohajung |
| Jhandi Top | About 3,600 m / 11,810 ft | Ridge crossed on Day 3 and again on Day 5 |
| Brahmatal base camp | 3,106 m / 10,190 ft | Camp for nights 3 and 4; Brahmatal lake about 500 m away |
| Brahmatal Top | 3,734 m / 12,250 ft | Highest point, reached on Day 4 and back to base camp |
The walking route covers about 29 km over four days. Section-by-section distances are in our Brahmatal distance and height guide.
Which towns lie on the way to Lohajung?
From Rishikesh the road follows the Alaknanda through Devprayag, Rudraprayag and Karnaprayag, then turns off towards Tharali and Dewal before the last climb to Lohajung. The drive is about 250 km and takes 8 to 10 hours. Dewal, on this road below Lohajung, has the last reliable ATM and a primary health centre, and Tharali has a community health centre.
Transport is not part of the trek fee: Trekkaro helps the group book a shared cab from Rishikesh. The bus, jeep and Kathgodam options are compared in our guide to reaching Lohajung.
Is Brahmatal in Garhwal or Kumaon?
Garhwal. Chamoli is one of the Garhwal districts of Uttarakhand, and the Brahmatal route stays inside it from Lohajung to the top. It is sometimes linked with Kumaon because one of the road routes to Lohajung comes up from Kathgodam, the railhead on the Kumaon side, but the trek itself is in Chamoli.
Which mountains can you see from Brahmatal?
From Brahmatal Top the view takes in Trishul (7,120 m), Trishul East, Nanda Ghunti (6,309 m), Kamet (7,756 m) and Hathi Ghoda Parvat. On clear mornings you can already see Trishul above the forest from Lohajung. Groups stay 30 to 45 minutes at the top before walking back down to base camp, and the rule at the top is to keep your cap and gloves on, even for photos.
How far are the airport and the railway station?
The trek is planned from Rishikesh. Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport is about 20 to 25 km, around 45 minutes, from Rishikesh, and Haridwar Junction, the practical railway station, is about 25 km, around 1 hour, away. Overnight buses from Delhi's Kashmere Gate ISBT reach Rishikesh in about 6 to 7 hours. Day 1 is the drive from Rishikesh to Lohajung, so reach Rishikesh the night before.
When can you go to Brahmatal?
Trekkaro runs Brahmatal from October to March, with no batches from April to September. December to February is the snow season, when snow lies 2 to 4 feet deep on the trail above Lohajung and is deepest at Tilandi, above Bekaltal, in late January. Base camp nights then fall to -15°C to -5°C. Our Brahmatal best-time guide compares the months.
What should you know about Lohajung before you arrive?
Lohajung is the last place with a stable mobile signal, so make your calls there; on the trail the team talks by radio. Cards are not accepted in the mountains, so draw cash at Dewal or carry it from Rishikesh. Bags you do not need on the trail stay free of charge in Trekkaro's store in Lohajung, while valuables stay with you. More on the village is in our Lohajung village guide.
What does the trek cost?
The fee for the Brahmatal Trek is ₹9,000 per person plus 5% GST (₹9,450 with GST). EMI starts at ₹463 a month. It covers stays, pure vegetarian meals, permits and the Free Trekking Gear: Decathlon trekking shoes, a -10°C jacket, trekking poles, gaiters and microspikes, against a ₹3,000 refundable deposit and a ₹200 washing charge plus GST. The shared cab from Rishikesh to Lohajung is ₹6,500 one way per 5 to 6 seat vehicle, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers, which is ₹1,083 each, one way, when six share. The minimum age is 7, and travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation is mandatory and not included.
See Brahmatal Trek dates and book | How to reach Lohajung | Brahmatal complete guide
Frequently asked questions
Which district is Brahmatal in?
Brahmatal is in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. The trek starts and ends at Lohajung, in the same district.
What is the starting point of the Brahmatal trek?
Lohajung, at 2,316 m. The trek starts and ends there, and the drive from Rishikesh is about 250 km in 8 to 10 hours.
How high is Brahmatal?
Brahmatal Top, the highest point of the trek, is 3,734 m (12,250 ft). The base camp near Brahmatal lake is at 3,106 m.
How far is Brahmatal from Rishikesh?
Lohajung, the base of the trek, is about 250 km from Rishikesh, 8 to 10 hours by road through Devprayag, Rudraprayag and Karnaprayag.
Is Brahmatal in Kumaon?
No. Brahmatal is in Chamoli district, which is part of Garhwal. One road route to Lohajung comes up from Kathgodam on the Kumaon side, which is why it is sometimes linked with Kumaon.
