Situated at an elevation of 12100 ft., Brahmatal is a glacial lake found in Uttarakhand, where Lord Brahma is believed to have once meditated. This is one of the few winter treks that can be done even from December to February. Enjoy uninterrupted views of the Himalayas, starry skies, and some alone time for self-reflection, as you take in what's inside of you, almost as much as the scenery that unfolds in front of you.
Note: We encourage responsible tourism. Practice these guidelines while on a trip!
Accomdations
Service Level
Transportation
Food
Age
8 to 65 yearsDifficulty
ModerateFitness Guide
A moderate fitness level, good enough to trek 30 km with a few steep stretches over a period 5 days.
Ensure that you spend time training for trek. Work on improving your cardiovascular endurance and leg muscle strength.
Trekking at high altitudes requires that you work on your fitness, so as to ensure that your body gets acclimatised a lot more easily to the high altitude climate.
- Use biking as a way to improve your cardiovascular endurance.
- Go swimming to improve your cardiovascular endurance.
- Run to improve cardiovascular endurance.
- Climb stairs to strengthen your legs muscles and lungs
- Smoking and drinking are prohibited during the trek
- All our trek leaders are trained repeatedly on safety issues and protocols. Most issues are resolved with their intervention.
Trekking is a lot fun and at Ecohunters, we would like you to have as much fun as you possibly can. We give out simple information which is necessary to know. Giving out complex health info and BMI index ratios are more applicable for expeditions like Kang Yatse
Who is this tour for?
Note: This is a group tour. Minimum group size is 6 people
Tour Experience
Trek through some of the most gorgeous landscapes of the Himalayas, with coniferous forests, stretches of rhododendrons and patches of snow that gleam in the sunlight. Located in the state of Uttarakhand, the Brahmatal route promises the adventure of a lifetime, an insight into the local culture through stories and conversation and unmatched sceneries.
Total trek distance - 30 km | Trek Grade- Moderate | Maximum Altitude - 12,100 ft | Best time to travel -Sep- Early March | Pick up Point- Kathgodam Railway Station , Bus Station
- Experience hi himalayan landscapes like never before
- Fantastic views of peaks such as Kamet, Mount Trishul and Nanda Ghunti
- The ridge meadow walk from Tilandi to Jhandi Top
- Trek through villages like the Mundoli village and interact with the locals
- High-altitude camping by a serene lake under the starry night sky
- Trek through oak forests and stretches of Rhododendron and snow, especially the Rhododendron forest from Bekaltal to Tilandi
- Get a bird's eye view of the majestic Himalayas
- Professional and patient trek leaders, native guides and specialists, cooks and support staff will accompany you on your adventure
- Strict safety procedures and rules are in place
- Small groups/private groups are encouraged which translates to a well-rounded, quality experience
*Reach out if you are a private group of friends, family - Ecohunters will be happy to customise ( Dates, Accommodations, Vehicles) on a private basis suitable to the members of the group.
5N/ 6D
Departure: Any dayYou will be doing:
You will be experiencing:
Itinerary
Travel notes of the day
Today is all about a 9 hour journey by road to the village of Lohajung, a small town in Uttarakhand with basic facilities, where we set up base camp.
Get a good night's rest, before we begin our adventure amidst the mighty Himalayas.
We start out from the Kathgodam railway station, from where you will be picked up around 6 am. To ensure that you arrive in time, it is suggested that you take an overnight train or bus from Delhi to Kathgodam, which is the starting point of our trek.
On arrival at the Kathgodam Railway Station, you will be picked up and we begin our journey to Lohajung. We drive through winding roads of hill stations like Bhimtal, Almora and Kausani, with panoramic views of lofty peaks such as Kamet, Nanda Ghunti, Trishul, and Nanda Devi.
We arrive in Lohajung in the evening, where we crash for the night at a guest house.
- Kathgodam
- Lohajung
Travel notes of the day
We begin! Make sure you have a hearty breakfast, as the day has a 5 hour trek in store for us, to our next campsite!
The whole area gets covered in snow in winters, and the lake will be found partially frozen.
We begin our trek from the Lohajung market place and move upwards towards Bekaltal. Navigate through forests of oak and rhododendrons and villages, wade past gushing streams, and cross the occasional bridge, until the Mundoli village is in sight. A short break is in order and we refill our bottles with fresh water, after which we continue our journey to the campsite.
- Lohajung
- Bekaltal
Travel notes of the day
Gear up for a long day! Ensure that you're water bottles are filled and ready for today's adventure. Snowy trails can increase the time taken to get to our camps!
Legend has it that the lake here is where Lord Brahma meditated, cradled against the charming Himalayan landscape. During winters, the frozen lake set against the backdrop of the rising mountains is a sight to behold.
Our trek today starts out tough, with an initial steep stretch of about an hour. The path then opens out into a beautiful meadow, from where we begin our descent to Brahmatal, where we camp for the night, a mere 300 m from the lake.
- Bekaltal
- Brahmatal
Travel notes of the day
Today we summit the Brahmatal peak and return to the campsite by evening. Enjoy a packed lunch amidst the breath-taking setting.
We slowly make our way up, to the peak of Brahmatal, over the course of 3 hours, from where we get sweeping views of the Beautiful Himalayas that spread out in front of you - Chaukhambha, Mandir, Mana, Nilgiri, Neelkanth, Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Maiktoli and mountains extending all the way to the Panchachuli range.
- Brahmatal
- Brahmatal peak
Travel notes of the day
A less exhausting return to Lohajung today is in the offing, where we spend the night bonding over food, as well as exchanging photographs, anecdotes and memories of the trek with the group.
We descend on foot, back to Lohajung, through forests and villages. Click away with your cameras and immortalise your adventure amidst these snow-covered mountains which feel almost like home now for you.
- Brahmatal
- Daldum
- Lohajung
Travel notes of the day
With a heavy but happy heart, bid adieu to what has been a fantastic five-day affair with the charming Himalayas.
After some morning tea, we drive back to Kathgodam, where you will be dropped off at the railway station/ bus stop for your onward journey.
- Lohajung
- Kathgodam
Not quite what you are looking for?
Customize this tour!
Other Details
- All meals
- Tents, Sleeping bags, mats.
- Forest permits and camping fee.
- Professional Trek Leader, Cook, Guide and Support staff.
- Porters/mules to carry trekking equipment
- First aid medical kits and safety equipment
- Transport from Kathgodam to Kathgodam
- Any kind of personal expenses on the trek.
- Meals during road journeys.
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage ( If you don't want to carry your backpack you can give it to porter/mules, but you have to inform us in advance and have to pay Rs. 1200 extra per bag for the whole trek).
- Any kind of travel insurance.
Here's the recommended packing list -
- Base Layer Tops and Bottoms
- Day Pack (21 L 35 L)
- Bag Rain Cover
- Rucksack 50 L
- Fleece Pants
- Fleece/Wool Gloves
- Fleece/Wool Hat
- Fleece/Wool Jacket or Sweater
- Headlamp/Torch with Fresh Batteries
- Trekking Shoes
- Hiking Pants (Convertible, Quick, Dry, Lightweight)
- Hiking Socks (Synthetic or Wool, Keep 4-5 Pairs)
- Insulated Jacket
- Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight)
- Raincoat/Poncho
- Sport Sunglasses
- Sun Block and Lip Balm
- Sun Hat/Cap
- Water Bottle
- Toiletries (Toilet paper, hand sanitizer, brush, face wash etc.)
FAQ's
Q: What's the average walking distance
Average walking distance is 7- 8 km each day , trekkers complete in 5-7 hrs
Q: What's the best time for this trek
As a winter trek, Brahmatal is best done between December and March.
Q: What's the accommodation like?
The stay on Day 1 and Day 5, at Lohajung, will be in a guest house, where you will share rooms with fellow trekkers. Stay on all other days of the trek will be in tents. Each tent will be shared among 2 trekkers. Toilet tents will be set up for the convenience of trekkers.
*For a private group of 6 accommodation will be private.
Q: How do i answer natures call?
The guest house at Lohajung will have concrete toilets. During the trek, toilet tents will be set up along each campsite. A toilet tent will have a deep pit, where one can answer nature's call. There will be a mound of soil and a shovel to cover it up. These are called dry or compost toilets, where you'll have to use toilet paper. This is the most hygienic and convenient way to answer nature's call in the wild.
Note- Please use plain toilet paper and refrain from using wet wipes since these are not biodegradable.
Q: What will sleeping in tents be like?
You will be provided with tents and high-altitude sleeping bags that can withstand temperatures as low as -10 ºC.
Q: Do i need special footwear to walk in the snow?
You don't need special snow shoes. A good waterproof trekking shoe is sufficient for the trek. When there is excessive snow, we provide micro spikes and gaiters.
Q: I am a single parent? Can children come along?
Yes , children can accompany as Brahmatal is a moderate trek , minimum age for eligibility is 8 years.
Q: Can i consume Alcohol on the trek if its too cold?
Alcohol in extreme cold and especially at high altitudes is strictly not advisable. Contrary to the belief, alcohol does not make your body warmer. Instead it opens your pores, making your body colder. Moreover, it dehydrates you very quickly. Hence consumption of alcohol is absolutely prohibited on all Ecohunters Adventure treks.
Q: I'm a first timer, can i go on this trek?
Brahmatal is graded as a moderate trek. Beginners can attempt this trek provided they stick to the fitness schedule and meet the health requirements. Kedarkantha, Panchachuli base camp, Deoriatal-handrashila, Har Ki Dun are also good treks for first timers.
Q: What kind of staff will be on trek?
A team consisting of a qualified Trek leader, trek guides, porters and cooks will be with you throughout the trek.
Q: I am a female and a solo trekker, Do i need to share my tent with a male counterpart?
No, Female Trekkers share Room/Tent with female co-trekkers and same applicable for other.
Q: How do i charge my devices? What's the status with electricity?
The last electricity charging point would be in Lohajung. You'll get have network in Lohajung and intermittent signal around the campsites and Brahmatal summit. However, come prepared for the possibility of power cuts at Lohajung.
Q: What are the sources of drinking water?
Campsites are pitched near water sources. For your day's trek, two litres of water should be enough. On Day 2 and Day 5, you will find one water source to refill your water bottles. Your trek leader will brief you about these before starting the day's trek.
Q: What kind of food is served?
Vegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. Breakfast varies from bread butter, semia, poha , cornflakes etc. Lunch mainly comprises of roti or puri with sabzi. Dinner is complete with Dal, rice, roti and dessert. Dry ration of biscuits and toffees will be provided as well. You may carry nuts and dry fruits if necessary.
Q. What if it starts raining while trekking?
If it starts raining , we will continue on the trail as planned. Your poncho should protect you from the rain. Carry a backpack cover for extra protection from rain for your belongings.
Q. Whats the temperature like?
First two days you will experience normal temperatures. As you ascend you can see snow and the air temperature will be between 10 to -7 degrees.
Q: Are there any places to visit or things to do before / after the trek
You can explore popular tourist spots around Kathgodam, Bhimtal, or Kausani. Please note that these are suggestions and Ecohunters does not make any arrangements for visiting them, unless requested specifically and does not alter the trek's schedule.
Q: Anything for Altitude sickness like Diamox?
No, Ecohunters does not advise consumption of Diamox. However in the event that it has to be consumed, consult your doctor before hand. We generally advise breathing exercises which get you going.
Cancellation terms
Ecohunters must receive notification of cancellation in writing. After we receive your written cancellation, the money shall be refunded to the trekkers on seeking cancellation as follows:
Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the trek
95% refund of total amount
(Note: If the trek charges are more, the balance needs to be paid by the trekker)
Cancellation prior to 25 days from the start of the trek
70% refund of total amount
Cancellation prior to 15 days from the start of the trek
50% refund of total amount.
Cancellation prior to 10 days from the start of the trek
Transfer your trek (same trek, same batch) to your friend. No cash refund.
Note:-
1)- Change of trek batch is dependent on the availability of seats in the batch.
2)- In case of transferring a trek to a friend, he/she should satisfy all the mandatory requirements put forward by Ecohunters.
3)- Ecohunters holds the right to change/cancel the policies, without prior notice.
Cancellation is processed only by email intimation. Please email any cancellation requests to :- contact@ecohunters.in or call us @ 9818082844. Itineraries are based on information available at the time of planning and are subject to change. Ecohunters reserves the right to change expedition dates, people or itineraries as conditions warrant. If a trip must be delayed or the itinerary changed due to bad weather, road conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, airline schedules, sickness, or other contingency for which Ecohunters or its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays and/or other changes are the responsibility of the participant. Ecohunters reserves the right to decline, or accept, any individual as a trip member for any reason whatsoever.
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