BRAHMATAL TREK
Overview
Region: – Uttarakhand
Duration: – 6 Days
Grade: – Easy to Moderate
Max Altitude: – 12,100 Ft.
Approx. Trekking Km: – 24 Kms.
Temperature: In Summer – Daytime Temperature: 8°C To 15°C And Night Time Temperature: 0°C To 7°C. In Winter (December – January) – Daytime Temperature: -2°C To 5°C And Night Time Temperature: -12°C To -5°C
About Brahmatal
According to Hindu mythology, Brahamtal Lake is the place where Lord Brahma meditated many years ago. It is nestling in the depths of Uttarakhand Himalayas. The trek to the Brahmatal Lake takes you on an epic journey through never-ending ridge lines, high altitude lakes, all dense bugyal, snow-covered peaks, and awe-inspiring views. There are many treks which can’t be done in January and February. Brahamtal Trek that way is a classic winter trek for that period. The trek is known for offering a huge amount of snow that makes a trek exciting. The views from the summit are even more captivating with majestic views of the mighty Himalayan ranges which provide many such excited as well as adventurous trekking trails, but this is probably the only trekking trail in the country where you could get a front-seat view of Himalayan peaks with Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti, bird’s eye view of the majestic Roopkund Lake and ample opportunities to capture the majestic snow-covered peak with their camera which rises above 7,000 meters. Brahamtal Trek is one of the best winter treks in the Himalayas.
Best Time to Visit: Brahmatal Trek is best for all the year to visit. Best seasons include December to March, Expect hiking on the snow in the mid of December. During winters, Brahamtal covered in the thick blanket of snow ideal for skiers. Best time to experience Brahamtal Trek in summer includes April to June.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: - Kathgodam to Lohajung
We will see you the first day at Kathgodam railway station. The pickup place is Kathgodam railway station early in the morn. An overnight train travel from Delhi could be sufficiently convenient.
The journey uphill from Kathgodam to Lohajung will take you cruising through mountain alleyways connecting the lower Himalayan belt of Kumaom hills to that of Garhwal. This is going to be a hectic 10-hour drive, despite the marvellous changing vistas of the mountains. For the first few hours, the course of our journey will be running parallel to river Kosi, flowing softly. Soon, a blustery Pindar river will meet our path.
Look out for a few of the best-known tourist hubs nestling in Uttarakhand’s sublime hills. We will pass through Bheemtal, Almora, and Kausani—all celebrated hill stations. Upon entering the last stretch of the drive, near Lohajung, the mesmerizing Nanda Ghunti peak will come to sight. We will reach Lohajung guest house, our halt for the night around 5:00 pm, close to dusk and just in time for tea!
Note: If you are not carrying something of winter clothing or basic gear, the Lohajung market can come in pretty handy.
Day 2: - Lohajung to Bekaltal
The first day’s trek spanning 5 hours will kick off from Lohajung up a snaky trail going into the forest. After a short while the forest will give way to a small village named Mandoli to your left. Here you can fill your bottles and take a first major hiatus. The trail continues in mostly gradual ascent curves. A little way higher, you will come across the valley where two mountain rivers Kali and Pindari confluence. This is the Kali valley, lying in a splendid green scrap even in the midst of wintry heights. We will trek on further to stumble upon a huddle of mud huts. You are going to find a grove of rhododendron here that sure grows red and heavy from February to March, but at the peak of winter, the trail will be pretty matte.
Crossing this point, trek on to find the next identifiable landmark—a wooden bridge over a stream. This steam is a viable water point which you can access going down the slope. Crossing over on to the other side, you will reach Begum—a nestling rest point on the slopes overlooking a vast expanse of bugyals at distance. From here, the path bends on to two more chattering streams, the last being Gujrani stream. Take approximately an hour’s hike after crossing the last stream to reach the beautiful Bekaltal gleaming peacefully in the summer while partially frozen over in the winters.
Day 3:- Bekaltal to Brahmatal
Today’s trek will take you through thickets of oaks and rhododendrons over steep slopes for quite some time before finally coming out to a meadow. This is the meadow of Telandi. In the winter, you will find the green expanse of Telandi transform into a vast snowfield and crossing the area, a gala of thrill.
The meadow rolls till 11,500 ft.- the highest point, from where begins a slow descent to Brahmatal. To your left from here, you will find a small temple, bright yellow flags flying in the air. Walk down the slope to the temple and find the trail winding towards the Brahmatal Lake, about 500 meters away from the temple now. We will find the valleys of Almora and Nainital rise and fall around us as we go. The soaring peaks of Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, and others of the Greater Himalayas can be spotted far across the sky. We will be camping at the mark 500 meter away from the lake, nestling in the beautiful aura of the place.
Note: Make sure to carry 2-3 litres of water on today’s trek since there are no water points on this trail.
Day 4: Brahmatal to Tilbudi via Brahmatal Pass
Start your day early in the morning as you will be heading towards the Brahmatal lake which is an uphill climb. You will be greeted with Oak and Rhododendron trees on the way which has a charm of their own. After a while, the zigzag ascent trail will take you Brahmatal Lake. On a bright day, the lake looks charismatic and the sunlight makes it look even more artistic. As you walk ahead you will come across a
small stream which is formed by the melting of snow. You might get fooled by every passing top which will feel like the last ascent. After walking for a while and crossing the meadow, the final climb towards the pass begins.
It will be a tiring walk towards but as soon as you reach the top you will be greeted with a magnificent view of Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti. Take your time and click some jaw-dropping pictures that will last a lifetime. As soon as you start descending, you discover that the trail is different from that which got you up. You will be able to witness a 180 degree of the entire Himalayan range and peaks such as Haukhambha, Mandi, Mana, Nilgiri, Neelkanth, Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Maitoli become visible. As you continue to descent, after an hour you will reach a clearing surrounded by trees on all the sides which is the Tilbudi campsite. You will be camping here for the night.