# Brahmatal Trek > Brahmatal Trek is a 6-day easy–moderate trek in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, reaching 3,734 m (12,250 ft). It covers about 29 km on foot and starts and ends at Lohajung. Best time: October to April. Trekkaro price: ₹9,000 per person + 5% GST, with free trekking gear (Decathlon shoes, -10°C jacket and poles). Next batch: 10 Oct 2026 (106 upcoming batches). Source: https://www.trekkaro.com/trek/brahmatal-trek (Trekkaro Adventures Pvt. Ltd.). Prices, dates and seats change often: always confirm on the trek page. ## Key facts - **Duration:** 6 days - **Difficulty:** Easy–Moderate - **Highest point:** 3,734 m / 12,250 ft - **Trekking distance:** 29 km - **Region:** Chamoli, Uttarakhand - **Start / end:** Lohajung - **Best time:** October to April - **Temperature:** Summer (April–June): Daytime: 8°C to 15°C, Night: 0°C to 7°C, Winter (Dec–Jan): Daytime: -2°C to 5°C, Night: -12°C to -5°C - **Price:** ₹9,000 per person + 5% GST (was ₹12,000) - **Free trekking gear:** Included (Decathlon shoes, -10 C jacket, trekking poles; gaiters and microspikes when needed) - **Next batch:** 10 Oct 2026 (106 upcoming) ## Overview There is a version of the Himalayas that most trekkers never see, the winter version. The one where the trails are buried under two feet of snow, the oaks stand bare and frost-covered against a sky of absolute blue, the lakes are frozen solid, and the mountains above stand in a clarity that the summer haze entirely obscures. Brahmatal is the route into that version of the Himalayas. And it is extraordinary. The Brahmatal trek is one of the finest winter treks in India, not because it is the hardest, but because the combination of what it offers at an easy-moderate grade is genuinely unmatched. A frozen lake at 3,439 m. A ridge viewpoint at Jhandi Top on Day 3. A summit at Brahmatal Top (3,734 m / 12,250 ft) on Day 4 with a panorama of the Garhwal Himalayan peaks: Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Mt Kamet, and Hathi Ghoda Parvat filling the horizon simultaneously. Oak and rhododendron forests are buried shoulder-deep in snow. In six days from Rishikesh, Trekkaro takes you into this world and brings you back an experience that redefines what a winter Himalayan trek can be. ### Trek Overview The Brahmatal trek begins and ends at Lohajung (2,316 m), a village in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, approximately 210 km from Rishikesh. The route climbs from Lohajung through dense oak and rhododendron forest, reaching the frozen Bekaltal Lake on Day 2. Day 3 crosses Jhandi Top, a ridge viewpoint that provides the first commanding views of Trishul and the surrounding Garhwal peaks before descending to the Brahmatal Base Camp near Brahmatal Lake. Day 4 is the dedicated summit push: Brahmatal Base Camp to Brahmatal Top (3,734 m / 12,250 ft) and back. Day 5 descends the full route to Lohajung, and Day 6 is the drive back to Rishikesh. The trek is graded easy-moderate and is one of the best winter options in India for first-time snow trekkers and experienced Himalayan trekkers alike. ### Why Winter – The Brahmatal Difference Brahmatal is a winter-only trek in the truest sense: the experience it exists to provide requires snow. The Bekaltal Lake is frozen from December through February. Snow-covered banks and bare winter forests surround the Brahmatal Lake camp. Jhandi Top, the ridge crossing on Day 3, offers a 270-degree view of the Trishul group, Nanda Ghunti, and the Garhwal range, which the summer haze obscures, but the winter air holds a hard-edged clarity. The summit at Brahmatal Top in winter conditions delivers a Himalayan panorama that is among the finest accessible on an easy-moderate route in India. The forest sections of the trail between Lohajung and Bekaltal are under two to four feet of snow in January, producing the specific quality of snowbound forest silence that no summer mountain trail can replicate. This is the Himalayan winter. Brahmatal is the accessible entry point into it. ### The Route – Three Stages, One Summit The Brahmatal route is structured in three clear stages. The first stage, Days 2 and 3, is the approach through the snow forest to the Brahmatal Base Camp, with Bekaltal as the midpoint camp and Jhandi Top as the key ridge crossing that opens the landscape. The second stage, Day 4, is the summit push from Base Camp to Brahmatal Top and back, a round trip that delivers the defining visual experience of the entire trek. The third stage, Day 5, is the return descent from Base Camp to Lohajung, covering the full approach distance in a single long day. This structure gives the route a clarity of purpose that experienced trekkers find satisfying: every day has a defined objective, and the summit day is exactly that, a dedicated, unhurried push to the top and back. ### Who Is This Trek For? Brahmatal is graded Easy–Moderate. Moderate and one of the best winter trek options for first-time snow trekkers. The maximum altitude of 3,734 m is manageable for well-prepared beginners, and the daily distances of 6 to 12 km are achievable with a reasonable fitness base. The primary demands are the cold overnight temperatures at the higher camps, which reach -10°C to -15°C in January and February, and the significantly higher energy cost of walking in deep snow compared to bare trail. Minimum age: 7 years. Above 60: depends on fitness (medical certificate signed by a doctor). Daily trekking hours: 4 to 7 hours. Season: November to March. ### Key Highlights of the Brahmatal Trek - Brahmatal Top (3,734 m / 12,250 ft) – dedicated summit day with 270-degree Himalayan panorama - Trishul (7,120 m) and Nanda Ghunti (6,309 m) – the signature peak views from both Jhandi Top and Brahmatal Top - Jhandi Top ridge viewpoint – the Day 3 crossing that opens the full Garhwal Himalayan landscape for the first time - Bekaltal Lake – frozen in winter, surrounded by the snow-buried oak forest - Brahmatal Lake – the base camp lake beneath the summit approach - Mt Kamet (7,756 m) – the second-highest peak in Uttarakhand, visible from the summit on clear days - Snow-buried oak and rhododendron forest – the defining trail character of the Brahmatal approach from Lohajung - Certified trekkaro trek leader & guides, twice-daily health monitoring, and [FTG gear with no rental fee](https://www.trekkaro.com/free-trekking-gear) ### Best Time for the Brahmatal Trek Brahmatal is a dedicated winter trek. The experience is known for frozen lakes, deep snow forests, clear winter summit views, and the Jhandi Top ridge panorama, which exists only between November and March. Unlike most Himalayan treks that have a monsoon-to-autumn preference, Brahmatal actively improves as winter deepens. #### November - Early Winter (First Snow, Pre-Peak) November marks the beginning of the Brahmatal season. The higher elevations above Bekaltal receive their first significant snowfall, and the forest sections below accumulate snow in the second half of the month. The full frozen lake experience at Bekaltal is less consistent in early November, and Jhandi Top may carry lighter snow than in December or January. Late November, after the first significant snowfall, is when the route comes properly into its own. Overnight temperatures drop sharply, and the Himalayan winter clarity begins. - **Temperatures:** Lohajung: 2°C to 12°C | Bekaltal: -5°C to 0°C | Base Camp: -8°C to -2°C - Snow depth: Moderate at higher elevations, light to moderate on the forest trail. - **Best for:** First winter experience, fewer trekkers, lakes beginning to freeze. #### December to February - Peak Winter (Most Recommended) This is the definitive Brahmatal window. December through February delivers the full winter experience: deep snow on the trail from Lohajung upward, completely frozen lakes at both Bekaltal and Brahmatal, the forest buried to the shoulder, and the crystal-clear winter air that brings Trishul and Nanda Ghunti into the kind of visual proximity that photographs consistently fail to represent. Jhandi Top on Day 3 is at its most spectacular in this window, a snow-covered ridge with an unobstructed 270-degree view of the Garhwal range. January delivers the most extreme cold (-15°C at Base Camp) and the clearest views. February combines full snow depth with slightly less severe temperatures. This is what Brahmatal is for. - **Temperatures:** Lohajung: -2°C to 8°C | Bekaltal: -10°C to -3°C | Base Camp: -15°C to -5°C - Snow depth: 2 to 4 feet on the trail. Both lakes are fully frozen. The forest is completely snowbound. - **Best for:** Full winter experience. Frozen lakes. Jhandi Top panorama. Sharpest summit views. #### March - Late Winter (Snow Softening, Extended Season) March sees the gradual return of warmth to the lower elevations. The snow begins to soften and compact below Bekaltal, but the higher sections of the trail, Jhandi Top, and the Base Camp area remain snow-covered through most of the month. The summit views retain their winter clarity in early March, and daytime temperatures become more comfortable. March is an excellent option for trekkers who want the snow experience with less severe overnight cold. The season typically ends in late March as snow becomes slushy and trail conditions deteriorate below the treeline. - **Temperatures:** Lohajung: 3°C to 14°C | Bekaltal: -5°C to 2°C | Base Camp: -8°C to 0°C - Snow depth: 2 feet-plus above Bekaltal, softening on the lower trail. - **Best for:** Winter snow experience with less extreme overnight cold. #### Trekkaro Recommendation For the complete Brahmatal experience, frozen lakes, deep snow trail, the full Jhandi Top panorama, and the sharpest Brahmatal Top summit views, book a December to February batch. January is the most dramatic winter month. February combines full snow with slightly less severe cold. March is the gentler winter option. All three windows are extraordinary. ## Itinerary ### Day 1: Rishikesh to Lohajung **Route Details:** **Drive: Rishikesh → Lohajung | Distance: ~260 km | Duration: 9–10 hrs | Altitude: 356 m (Rishikesh) → 2,316 m (Lohajung)** Day 1 is an approach day, a long but scenically rewarding drive from the pilgrimage city of Rishikesh into the Garhwal interior, ending at Lohajung (2,316 m), the gateway village for the Brahmatal trek. The route follows NH7 and the state highways through the Alaknanda Valley, passing the Devprayag Sangam, where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers meet to form the Ganga proper, a confluence of sacred geography that is worth the brief roadside stop. Above Rudraprayag, the valley narrows and the river runs faster below the road. Above Karnaprayag, the final hour of the drive climbs through progressively denser forest to Lohajung. Lohajung in winter is a different village from its summer self. The surrounding forest carries the first snow on its upper edges in December, and by January the hillsides above the village are white. On clear mornings, Trishul (7,120 m) is visible above the forest ridgeline to the northeast, a distant white summit that is the first visual confirmation of where the next five days are taking you. The village is small, quiet, and genuinely connected to the mountain life of the Garhwal Chamoli district rather than to the trekking economy in any commodified way. The evening in Lohajung is for rest, gear check, and the trek briefing. Trekkaro's health baseline SpO₂, pulse, and blood pressure for every trekker is recorded here at 2,316 m as the individual reference point for all subsequent daily readings on the route. The trek briefing covers the full six-day itinerary, the specific preparation required for winter snow trekking, the layering protocol for the temperature range ahead, and the AMS awareness relevant to the altitudes of Days 3 and 4. Sleep early and well. What to Expect: - Drive Rishikesh to Lohajung – ~260 km, 9–10 hrs via Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Karnaprayag - Devprayag Sangam: confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda – the birth point of the Ganga proper - Alaknanda Valley: river gorge, terraced farms, and progressively wilder Garhwal interior - Lohajung (2,316 m): winter village with Trishul visible on clear mornings above the forest - FTG gear: Decathlon Quechua shoes, jacket, poles, etc. - Health baseline: SpO₂, pulse, and BP recorded at Lohajung for all trekkers - Trek briefing: route, winter preparation, layering protocol, AMS awareness - Overnight: Lohajung (2,316 m) – the last road town before the trek begins ### Day 2: Lohajung to Bekaltal **Route Details:** **Altitude: 2,316 m (Lohajung) → 2,798 m / 9,180 ft (Bekaltal) | Distance: ~6 km | Duration: 4–5 hrs | Terrain: Snow-covered forest trail, gradual climb through oak and rhododendron** Day 2 is when Brahmatal begins to show you what it is. The trail from Lohajung enters the oak and rhododendron forest almost immediately and climbs steadily through a landscape that is, in winter, completely unlike anything on the summer trekking circuit. The trees are leafless and bare, their black branches coated in white frost, reaching upward against a sky that in the Garhwal winter is often a blue of improbable intensity. The snow on the forest floor deepens progressively with altitude: at Lohajung, a few inches; by the time the trail reaches 2,800 m, knee-deep in places; by 3,000 m, the forest is buried to the waist in compressed snowpack that the oaks are growing through as though reclaiming the landscape from below. The silence in the snow forest is a quality that most trekkers have not previously encountered. The snowpack absorbs sound in a way that the bare summer trail does not. Footsteps are muffled. The wind, which in summer rustles the oak canopy audibly, is reduced to a distant whisper above the snow-laden branches. The occasional crack of a snow-laden branch releasing its load, the distant sound of a bird, and the rhythmic crunch of boots on packed snow are the complete acoustic world of the Brahmatal forest in January. Many trekkers describe this section of the route as the most affecting they have encountered, not because of its visual scale, but because of its quality of deep, absolute quiet. Bekaltal Lake, close to the camp at about 2,798 m (9,180 ft), is the first of the two lakes that give the Brahmatal route its character. In winter, the lake surface is frozen solid, a flat, white plane surrounded by snow-covered banks and the bare winter forest, with the sky and the occasional glimpse of a distant peak reflected in the ice at the margins where the surface catches the low winter sun. The camp at Bekaltal is in a clearing beside the lake, sheltered by the surrounding forest. This is a cold camp; temperatures at the lake will drop to -10°C or below overnight in January, and tonight is the first genuine test of your sleeping bag and layering system. The -20°C rated sleeping bags that Trekkaro provides are not precautionary overkill at Bekaltal in deep winter. They are exactly necessary. What to Expect: - The trail begins at Lohajung – an oak and rhododendron forest in full winter snow from the first steps - Snow depth increases steadily with altitude – from inches at Lohajung to waist-deep at the higher forest - Snow forest silence: the defining acoustic experience of the lower Brahmatal trail - Distance: ~6 km | Duration: 4–5 hrs | Altitude gain: ~480 m - Bekaltal Lake (camp at about 2,798 m / 9,180 ft): frozen solid in winter – flat white ice surrounded by snowbound forest - Critical: sleeping bag – Trekkaro -20°C sleeping bag essential tonight. - Overnight: Bekaltal camp (2,798 m / 9,180 ft) – first high-altitude winter camp of the route ### Day 3: Bekaltal to Brahmatal Lake **Route Details:** **Altitude: 2,798 m / 9,180 ft (Bekaltal) → Jhandi Top (~3,600 m) → Brahmatal Base Camp (3,106 m / 10,190 ft) | Distance: ~7 km | Duration: 6–7 hrs | Terrain: Steep snow ascent to Jhandi Top ridge, open ridge walk, descent to Brahmatal Lake basin** Day 3 is the route's most visually dramatic day before the summit push and the day that earns its place at the centre of the itinerary through a combination of effort, exposure, and reward that the approach days cannot yet provide. The trail from Bekaltal climbs steeply through the upper forest before breaking above the treeline onto the Jhandi Top ridge at approximately 3,600 m. This ascent is the steepest section of the entire Brahmatal route, requiring microspikes from the Bekaltal camp upward and deliberate, measured movement on the compacted snow slope that leads to the ridge. Jhandi Top is a snow ridge at approximately 3,600 m that serves as the viewpoint threshold between the enclosed forest terrain of the approach and the high mountain landscape ahead. When the ridge opens, it opens completely. To the north and northeast: Trishul (7,120 m) and Trishul East in full profile, the triple-peaked massif that dominates the western rim of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, its upper snowfields brilliant white against the winter sky. Nanda Ghunti (6,309 m) sits immediately to its right, a sharper and more compact peak whose south face catches the morning sun in a composition that photographers consistently find impossible to adequately capture. To the north: Mt Kamet (7,756 m) on clear days, the second highest peak in Uttarakhand, as a massive white wall at the back of the range. Hathi Ghoda Parvat and the broader Garhwal Himalayan ridge extend across the entire northern horizon. Most trekkers spend longer on Jhandi Top than the schedule strictly allows. The view from this ridge is the first unobstructed, high-altitude panorama of the trek, and it arrives after two days of forest walking in which the mountains were glimpsed rather than seen. Here, they are fully revealed. The Trekkaro guide will call the group onwards before the cold of the exposed ridge becomes a concern, but the time at Jhandi Top is a time that the route has been building toward and that deserves to be received without hurry. From Jhandi Top, the trail descends through the open snow terrain on the far side of the ridge into the Brahmatal Lake basin. The Brahmatal Lake, about 500 m from the base camp, frozen in winter, slightly larger than Bekaltal, positioned in a more open bowl, comes into view on the descent. The base camp is established beside the lake, with the summit approach to Brahmatal Top visible as a snow slope rising above the camp to the north. This is where Day 4 begins before dawn. Study the approach from camp this evening. Know the terrain before you climb it in the dark. What to Expect: - Steep ascent from Bekaltal to Jhandi Top ridge (~3,600 m) – microspikes mandatory from camp - Jhandi Top ridge view: Trishul (7,120 m), Nanda Ghunti (6,309 m), Kamet (7,756 m), Hathi Ghoda Parvat - First unobstructed high-altitude Garhwal panorama of the trek – the visual reward for two days of forest - Descent to Brahmatal Lake basin – open snow terrain with the base camp and summit approach visible - Brahmatal Lake (near the 3,106 m base camp): frozen, open basin, summit slope visible above camp to the north - Critical evening health check: SpO₂, pulse, and BP before the summit push. Go/no-go for Day 4. - Early sleep: Summit Day departs at 5:30 AM. Be in your sleeping bag by 8:00 PM. - Overnight: Brahmatal Base Camp (3,106 m / 10,190 ft) – base camp for Brahmatal Top ### Day 4: Brahmatal Base Camp to Brahmatal Top & Return **Route Details:** **Altitude: 3,106 m / 10,190 ft (Base Camp) → 3,734 m / 12,250 ft (Brahmatal Top) → return to Base Camp | Distance: ~6 km round trip | Duration: 5–6 hrs | Terrain: Steep snow ascent to the summit ridge, open ridge walk, return by the same route** Day 4 is the summit day, a dedicated, focused push from the Brahmatal Base Camp to the top and back, with no other objective competing for the day's time or energy. Departure is at 5:30 AM, in the dark and in the cold that at this hour in January can be -15°C. Headlamps cut through the pre-dawn air as the group moves upward from the camp. The early departure is not ceremonial: the snow on the summit approach is at its firmest and most stable in the cold morning hours, and the Garhwal winter sky is at its clearest before the day's temperature inversion sometimes introduces a thin haze above the lower valleys. The ascent from Base Camp to Brahmatal Top gains approximately 630 m across the upper snowfield and the final summit ridge. Microspikes are worn from the first step out of camp. The snow slope above the lake is steep but consistent, a sustained uphill push on compacted winter snow that requires deliberate, rhythmic movement and steady breathing. The trek leader sets the pace at a level that keeps every trekker moving continuously, because stopping in -15°C air without the thermal generation of movement means a rapid loss of core warmth that is difficult to reverse without physical activity. The group moves together, at a measured pace, in the pre-dawn quiet of the Garhwal winter. As the summit ridge approaches and the terrain levels, the view begins to open. The forest and the lake are left below. The ridgeline ahead carries nothing but snow and sky. And then Brahmatal Top at 3,734 m (12,250 ft) delivers its complete panorama simultaneously, a 270-degree sweep of the Garhwal Himalayan range in winter clarity that is, for most trekkers, the finest summit view they have encountered at moderate grade anywhere in India. Trishul (7,120 m) to the north, its triple summit in full profile and the upper snowfields carrying a light that shifts from blue-white to gold as the sun rises. Nanda Ghunti (6,309 m) immediately to its right, sharper and more severe. The Hathi Ghoda Parvat ridge extending across the eastern horizon. Mt Kamet (7,756 m) on clear days as a massive white presence above the back of the range. The complete Garhwal winter landscape, at a visual proximity that photographs consistently fail to convey. Summit time at Brahmatal Top is typically 45 to 60 minutes, time for photographs from every angle, for the group ritual that the Trekkaro guide conducts at the top, and for simply being present on a 12,250-foot summit in the Garhwal winter with the Himalayan range on the horizon and the silence of a winter mountain above the treeline. The descent returns by the same route, reaching Base Camp in mid-morning. The rest of Day 4 is genuinely at rest: sleep, eat, hydrate, and let the body recover from the summit push. Tomorrow is a long descent day, and it requires legs that have been looked after today. What to Expect: - 5:30 AM departure – pre-dawn, -15°C. Full winter layering from the first step. Headlamps required. - Summit ascent: ~630 m gain on compacted snow slope to Brahmatal Top (3,734 m / 12,250 ft) - Microspikes worn from Base Camp throughout the ascent and descent - Brahmatal Top panorama: Trishul (7,120 m), Nanda Ghunti (6,309 m), Kamet (7,756 m), Hathi Ghoda Parvat - Summit time: 45–60 minutes – photographs, group summit ritual, panorama absorption - Return to Base Camp: by the same route – mid-morning arrival back at the lake camp - Rest afternoon: sleep, eat, hydrate. Day 5 is a long descent day. The body needs today's recovery. - Overnight: Brahmatal Base Camp (3,106 m / 10,190 ft) – second and final night at the high camp ### Day 5: Brahmatal Base Camp to Lohajung **Route Details:** **Altitude: 3,106 m / 10,190 ft (Base Camp) → Jhandi Top (~3,600 m) → Bekaltal (2,798 m) → Lohajung (2,316 m) | Distance: ~10 km | Duration: 7–8 hrs | Terrain: Ascent to Jhandi Top, descent through Bekaltal and snow forest to Lohajung** Day 5 is the longest trekking day of the route: a full descent from the Brahmatal Base Camp back to Lohajung, covering approximately 10 km across 7 to 8 hours. The route re-crosses Jhandi Top before descending through the Bekaltal basin and the snow forest to Lohajung. It is a demanding day, not in the sense of altitude gain, but in the sustained effort required to descend 790 m of mountain terrain in winter snow conditions while the body is carrying the accumulated fatigue of four consecutive high-altitude days. The morning departure from Base Camp is early, with the Brahmatal Lake visible one final time in the dawn light before the group moves upward toward Jhandi Top for the return crossing. Jhandi Top on the return has a different character from Day 3. Then, the ridge opening was a revelation, the first unobstructed view of the Garhwal range arriving after two days of enclosed forest. Now, the same view is received as a farewell: Trishul and Nanda Ghunti in the morning light, with the knowledge that the summit above them has been reached and that the Brahmatal Base Camp where you slept two nights will not be seen again on this journey. Most trekkers spend a few minutes on the ridge on the return that the forward movement of Day 3 did not allow. The descent from Jhandi Top through Bekaltal and down through the snow forest to Lohajung covers the same terrain as the approach in reverse. The snow forest, which on Day 2 was an arrival into an unfamiliar world, is received on Day 5 as familiar terrain being departed. The lake at Bekaltal, frozen then, is still frozen now. The silence of the forest is the same silence. But the body walking through it carries a summit, a panorama, and two nights at 3,106 m that the body ascending three days ago had not yet earned. Lohajung by the late afternoon is warmth, walls, food, signal, and the particular relief of arrival that only exists after a genuinely demanding descent. What to Expect: - Longest trekking day: ~10 km, 7–8 hrs from Base Camp to Lohajung - Re-crossing Jhandi Top – the summit panorama as a farewell view on the return - Bekaltal Lake on descent: the same frozen lake, seen again from the opposite direction - Full snow forest descent – the same forest as Day 2, carrying four days of summit behind you - Altitude drops ~790 m from Base Camp to Lohajung – warmth increases noticeably with every hour - Lohajung: warmth, walls, signal, device charging, first hot meal in a proper building - Trek concludes at Lohajung. Completion certificates issued. - Overnight: Lohajung (2,316 m) - final night before the Rishikesh return drive ### Day 6: Drive from Lohajung to Rishikesh **Route Details:** **Drive: Lohajung (2,316 m) → Karnaprayag → Rudraprayag → Devprayag → Rishikesh | Distance: ~260 km | Duration: 8–9 hrs** The final morning in Lohajung has a particular quality. The Trishul summit visible above the forest ridgeline on clear mornings, the same peak whose distant white profile was the first visual confirmation of the trek's destination on Day 1, is now a peak you have seen in full, from a high viewpoint, in the winter Himalayan clarity that only exists between December and February. What was a distant aspiration on the approach is now a peak, you know. The drive from Lohajung to Rishikesh retraces the approach road in reverse: back down through the Garhwal interior, through Karnaprayag, past the Rudraprayag confluence, past the Devprayag sangam where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda meet in their most visually dramatic form, and then back to the broader, warmer, louder landscape of the Rishikesh valley. The 8- to 9-hour drive is long but covers scenery that is, in its own way, as significant as the trek itself: the river gorges of the Alaknanda, the terraced Garhwal hillsides, and the progressively widening valley as altitude decreases and the plains begin to reassert themselves at the lower end of the Himalayan range. For trekkers with same-day onwards connections from Haridwar or Dehradun, the early morning Lohajung departure allows evening train or flight connections. For those with more time, a night in Rishikesh at the ghats, in the ashrams, or simply at a restaurant that serves hot food is a transition from the Brahmatal winter world to the normal world that the experience deserves. What to Expect: - Drive Lohajung to Rishikesh – ~260 km, 8–9 hrs via Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag, and Devprayag - Devprayag Sangam: the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda confluence – the birth of the Ganga proper - Alaknanda Valley: the same gorge road in reverse, seen now with five days of winter above it - Same-day connections: evening trains from Haridwar and flights from Dehradun are achievable with early departure - Recommended: one night in Rishikesh if the schedule allows – the transition from winter altitude to warmth ## Inclusions - Decathlon Gear Quechua Trek 100 shoes, SH 100 (-10°C) jackets, and trekking poles with no rental fee (FTG Initiative: ₹3,000 refundable deposit + ₹200 washing charge) - All meals on trek: breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner from Day 1 dinner to Day 5 dinner - Accommodation: 2 night in the guesthouse at Lohajung and 3 nights camping on the trail at all designated campsites, on triple sharing basis. - High-quality tents (double-wall, rain-rated) and -20°C sleeping bags at all campsites - Trekking mattresses / sleeping pads at every campsite - Certified trek leader and guide throughout all 6 days - Mountain kitchen staff, camp helpers, and mule/porter support for equipment transport - Forest entry permits and all checkpost fees for the Brahmatal route – fully arranged by Trekkaro - Daily SpO2, pulse, and blood pressure health monitoring at every campsite (twice daily) - Portable oxygen cylinder and emergency stretcher - standard on every Trekkaro Brahmatal batch - HF radio communication across the full trek team throughout the route - Trek completion certificate on successful completion to Brahmatal Top and return to Lohajung ## Exclusions - Food During Transit Meals during travel to and from the base camp - Transport – Basecamp Transfers Shared taxi transfers from Rishikesh to Lohajung and from Lohajung back to Rishikesh upon trek completion are not included in the package. Trekkaro can arrange these transfers on your behalf; the cost is approximately ₹6,500 (one way) per vehicle (5-6 seater, tentative), shared equally among trekkers in the same vehicle. - Travel to/from Rishikesh: flights, trains, buses – arranged independently by trekker - Accommodation in Rishikesh before or after the trek - Personal trekking gear: clothing, backpack, sunglasses, etc. (shoes, jacket, poles, gaiters and microspikes come with Free Trekking Gear) - Travel insurance: mandatory for this route. Must include high-altitude cover and helicopter evacuation. - Personal expenses: tips, calls, laundry, additional snacks - Backpack Offloading: ₹1,500 +5% GST for the entire trek (Max. 9 kg). No suitcases, trolleys, or duffel bags allowed. Charges may be higher for last-minute offloading requests made at Lohajung - Single Tent Occupancy: ₹2,000 + 5% GST per tent for the entire trek - Costs from early exit, evacuation, or itinerary change due to weather or medical reasons - Anything Not Mentioned Under Inclusions ## ATM and mobile network Important Pre-Trek Information Last ATM – Dewal is your last reliable ATM stop before reaching Lohajung Basecamp. Withdraw sufficient cash here, as ATMs beyond this point are either unavailable or unreliable. Mobile Network – Lohajung is your last point of stable mobile connectivity. Make all important calls here and inform your family about limited reachability during the trek. Beyond Lohajung, mobile signals are patchy to non-existent. ## Frequently asked questions ### Where is the Brahmatal trek? The Brahmatal trek is in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. It starts from Lohajung, a village about 260 km (9–10 hours) by road from Rishikesh via Devprayag, Rudraprayag and Karnaprayag. From Lohajung the trail climbs through oak and rhododendron forest to Bekaltal, crosses the Jhandi Top ridge to the Brahmatal lake basin and goes up to Brahmatal Top at 3,734 m. ### How many days is the Brahmatal trek? The Brahmatal trek takes 6 days from Rishikesh to Rishikesh, with 4 trekking days covering about 29 km. - **Day 1 and Day 6:** drive between Rishikesh and Lohajung (260 km, 8–10 hours) - **Days 2–3:** Lohajung to Bekaltal (6 km), then over Jhandi Top to the base camp (7 km) - **Day 4:** summit day to Brahmatal Top and back, 6 km in 5–6 hours - **Day 5:** the longest day, about 10 km in 7–8 hours back to Lohajung ### What is the altitude of the Brahmatal trek? The highest point of the Brahmatal trek is Brahmatal Top at 3,734 m (12,250 ft). The trek starts at Lohajung (2,316 m / 7,600 ft), so you gain about 1,420 m. - **Bekaltal camp:** 2,798 m / 9,180 ft - **Jhandi Top:** about 3,600 m / 11,810 ft - **Brahmatal Base Camp:** 3,106 m / 10,190 ft ### How difficult is the Brahmatal trek? The Brahmatal trek is graded Easy–Moderate, and how hard it feels depends on the snow. In winter the steep climbs to Jhandi Top and Brahmatal Top are on snow, with microspikes worn throughout. - **Day 2:** 6 km and about 480 m of gradual climb through snow forest - **Day 3:** a steep snow ascent to the Jhandi Top ridge (about 3,600 m) - **Summit day:** a 5:30 AM start on a compacted snow slope - **Day 5:** the longest day, about 10 km in 7–8 hours ### Is the Brahmatal trek good for beginners? Yes, the Brahmatal trek is graded Easy–Moderate, and in normal weather it is a straightforward walk suitable for most trekkers, including fit beginners. In winter, snow on the higher sections and freezing nights make it more demanding, so come well prepared. ### What fitness level do I need for the Brahmatal trek? A moderate level of fitness is recommended for the Brahmatal trek: you should be comfortable walking 6–10 km a day for 4–8 hours, often on snow. - **Longest day:** about 10 km in 7–8 hours on Day 5, including a climb back over Jhandi Top - **Steepest climb:** from Bekaltal to the Jhandi Top ridge on Day 3 - **Health check:** SpO2, pulse and blood pressure are recorded for every trekker at Lohajung ### What is the best time for the Brahmatal trek? The Brahmatal trek is a winter trek, run from October to April. December to April brings abundant snow and the most adventurous conditions. - **December to April:** deep snow in the forest and frozen lakes - **October to November:** the start of the season, with freezing nights ### How much snow is there on the Brahmatal trek? The Brahmatal trek has abundant snow from December to April, and in winter the forest is under snow from the first steps at Lohajung. - **Snow depth:** from inches at Lohajung to waist-deep in the higher forest - **Lakes:** Bekaltal and Brahmatal are frozen in winter - **Gear:** microspikes are worn from Bekaltal onward, and gaiters are provided when needed ### How cold is the Brahmatal trek? On the Brahmatal trek, winter (December–January) days are about -2°C to 5°C and nights drop to -12°C to -5°C; the 5:30 AM summit start can be around -15°C. - **Layers:** 5 warm layers – thermals, 2 fleece or woollen layers and the padded jacket – plus a waterproof shell - **Summit morning:** a balaclava and buff for the pre-dawn climb - **April:** days of about 8°C to 15°C and nights of 0°C to 7°C ### Which mountains can you see on the Brahmatal trek? From Jhandi Top and Brahmatal Top on the Brahmatal trek you see Trishul (7,120 m), Nanda Ghunti (6,309 m), Kamet (7,756 m) and Hathi Ghoda Parvat. - **Lohajung:** Trishul is visible above the forest on clear mornings - **Jhandi Top:** the first open high-altitude Garhwal panorama of the trek - **Drive:** Devprayag Sangam, where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda meet to form the Ganga ### Which lakes do you see on the Brahmatal trek? The Brahmatal trek passes two high lakes, Bekaltal and Brahmatal, both frozen solid in winter. - **Bekaltal:** at the Day 2 camp (about 2,798 m), flat white ice surrounded by snowbound forest - **Brahmatal:** near the base camp (3,106 m), in an open basin with the summit slope visible above - **Return:** you pass Bekaltal again on Day 5, seen from the other direction ### What is the terrain like on the Brahmatal trek? The Brahmatal trek climbs through oak and rhododendron forest, crosses the open Jhandi Top ridge and finishes on snow slopes to Brahmatal Top. - **Day 2:** snow-covered forest trail with a gradual climb - **Day 3:** steep snow ascent to Jhandi Top, an open ridge walk, then a descent to the lake basin - **Day 4:** steep snow ascent to the summit ridge and back by the same route - **Day 5:** back over Jhandi Top and down through the snow forest ### Is there a risk of altitude sickness on the Brahmatal trek? The Brahmatal trek reaches 3,734 m, so some risk of altitude sickness exists, but the highest camp is at 3,106 m and every trekker’s health is checked along the way. - **Baseline:** SpO2, pulse and blood pressure recorded at Lohajung - **Base camp:** an evening health check before summit day - **Before you go:** consult your doctor about altitude medicines and carry your own ### What is the minimum age for the Brahmatal trek? The minimum age for the Brahmatal trek is 7 years. Trekkers under 18 must come with a parent or guardian. There is no upper age limit. Trekkers above 60 are welcome if they are fit and in good cardiovascular health; along with the medical certificate signed by a doctor that every trekker brings, we recommend an ECG or TMT report. ### How do I reach the Brahmatal trek? The Brahmatal trek starts from Lohajung, about 260 km (9–10 hours) by road from Rishikesh. A cab can be arranged from Jumping Heights, Tapovan (Rishikesh) at 6:30 AM on Day 1. - **By air:** Jolly Grant Airport (DED), Dehradun, about 45 minutes from Rishikesh; fly in the day before - **By train:** Haridwar Junction, about 1 hour from Rishikesh; reach Tapovan the evening before - **By bus:** overnight buses from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate to Rishikesh take 6–7 hours ### Is transport included in the Brahmatal trek? No, transport is not included in the Brahmatal trek fee. Trekkaro helps the group book shared cabs between Rishikesh and Lohajung, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers. - **Cost:** about ₹6,500 one way per 5–6 seat vehicle, shared - **Day 1:** leaves Jumping Heights, Tapovan at 6:30 AM - **Day 6:** leaves Lohajung at 6:30 AM and reaches Tapovan by about 6:00 PM ### Where do we stay on the Brahmatal trek? On the Brahmatal trek you camp at Bekaltal and at Brahmatal Base Camp, with Lohajung as the base at the start and end of the trek. - **Tents:** four-person tents shared by only three trekkers - **Women:** female trekkers share tents only with other women - **Sleeping bag:** a Trekkaro -20°C sleeping bag for the cold nights ### What is the group size on the Brahmatal trek and who leads it? Brahmatal trek batches take up to 20 trekkers, men and women, with a minimum of 6 for a fixed departure, led by a professional trek leader. - **Trek leader:** certified in basic and advanced mountaineering and trained in first aid - **Support team:** a local guide, chef, assistant, porters and other staff - **Private treks:** group size can be set to suit you ### Is the Brahmatal trek safe for women trekking alone? Yes, the safety of female trekkers is a top priority on the Brahmatal trek, and the guides and support staff are carefully selected and trustworthy. - **Tents:** women share tents only with other female trekkers - **Belongings:** keep your personal valuables secure ### What food is served on the Brahmatal trek? The Brahmatal trek serves simple, nutritious vegetarian meals, with eggs available on request at the campsite. - **On the trail:** packed lunches, so carry a reusable lunch box - **Snacks:** carry trail mix, energy bars, dates and electrolytes for the walk ### Is drinking water safe on the Brahmatal trek? On the Brahmatal trek, water at camp is boiled or treated with chlorine tablets, and you should refill only at sources approved by the trek leader. - **Bottles:** two 1 L bottles, at least one insulated so the water does not freeze - **Electrolytes:** carry ORS or electrolyte sachets ### Is Free Trekking Gear included in the Brahmatal trek? Yes, the Brahmatal trek includes Trekkaro’s Free Trekking Gear, so you do not need to buy or rent shoes, a jacket or poles. - **Included:** waterproof trekking shoes with ankle support, a -10°C padded jacket and trekking poles - **When needed:** microspikes and gaiters for snow and ice - **Deposit:** one refundable deposit of ₹3,000 + ₹200 washing charge covers the whole kit - **Handover:** at Lohajung on Day 1 ### Is backpack offloading available on the Brahmatal trek? Yes, backpack offloading on the Brahmatal trek costs ₹1,500 + 5% GST, with a porter or mule carrying your backpack. - **Book ahead:** request it at least 15 days in advance - **Day pack:** carry a 20–30 L day pack for water, snacks and personal items ### Is there a doctor on the Brahmatal trek? No doctor joins the Brahmatal trek, but all trek leaders are trained in Wilderness First Aid and carry a full first-aid kit. - **Health checks:** SpO2, pulse and blood pressure at Lohajung and again before summit day - **Your medicines:** carry prescriptions, remedies for common ailments and any altitude medicine your doctor advises - **Fitness:** make sure you are physically and medically fit before joining ### What documents do I need for the Brahmatal trek? For the Brahmatal trek you need a government photo ID, a medical fitness certificate, travel insurance and a disclaimer form. - **Photo ID:** original plus a photocopy (Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID or driving licence) - **International trekkers:** passport, required for forest entry permits and in case of medical evacuation - **Travel insurance:** mandatory, with emergency evacuation cover - **Also carry:** your Trekkaro booking confirmation and the disclaimer form with emergency contact details ### Is there mobile network and an ATM on the Brahmatal trek? Mobile signal on the Brahmatal trek is limited, there is no charging on the trail and cards are not accepted in the mountains, so carry enough cash from Rishikesh. - **Cash:** small notes, for your share of the cab and personal expenses; ATMs are few in the hills - **Lohajung:** signal and device charging are available back at the base - **Power:** carry a power bank and spare camera batteries, and download an offline map ### What should I pack for the Brahmatal trek? For the Brahmatal trek, pack for snow and sub-zero nights; Trekkaro also emails a full checklist after booking. - **Free Trekking Gear:** shoes, padded jacket, poles, microspikes and gaiters are provided - **Clothes:** 2 sets of thermals, 2 fleece or woollen layers, a waterproof shell, warm trousers and 3–4 pairs of socks - **Accessories:** woollen cap, balaclava, buff, two pairs of gloves, UV sunglasses (category 3 or 4) and SPF 50+ sunscreen - **Essentials:** headlamp, power bank, personal medicines and cash in small notes ### How do I book the Brahmatal trek? To book the Brahmatal trek, select your date, fill in the booking form and pay online; your booking is confirmed instantly. - **Confirmation:** booking details, the itinerary and the gear checklist are emailed to you - **Travel:** book your travel as soon as the booking shows as Paid in My Bookings ### Can the Brahmatal trek itinerary be changed? Minor changes to the Brahmatal trek itinerary are possible, but the completion date must stay as scheduled. If something unforeseen happens on the trail, your trek leader suggests a suitable alternative plan. ### Can I book a private Brahmatal trek? Yes, Trekkaro offers fully customisable private Brahmatal treks for a group of any size, at your own pace. The price depends on group size, duration and the type of trek. --- Book or ask questions: https://www.trekkaro.com/trek/brahmatal-trek · WhatsApp +91 80576 54321