Steeped in mythos, Brahmatal is a lake nestling in the depths of Uttarakhand Himalayas. Winter sweeps alluringly on the slopes here, making Brahmatal one of the rare Himalayan destinations during early months of a year. Pull factors are many on this trek—changing vistas, from deep and shadowy forests of oaks and rhododendrons to snow-covered meadows, lakeside camping at Bekaltal, the alpine Brahmatal lake vicinity, and a climactic vision of fabulous high peaks glittering across a brilliant sky!
Kathgodam Railway station
6AM, Mar 2nd 2021
Drive to Lohajung which takes about 9-10 hours from Kathgodam with stunning views of high altitude peaks like Trishul, Maiktoli, Nanda Devi, Ghori Parvat, Nanda Khat, Hathi Parvat, and Ghori Parvat. Take a small halt at Kausani for refreshments and make some memories with your camera as the views here are seriously unforgettable. Lohajung serves as the beginning point and the base camp for the Brahmatal trek. After reaching Lohajung, the stay will be in Guest House/Camp/Homestay on sharing basis. There are many local shops where you can buy jackets, hand gloves, caps, shoes, etc. if need be. However, it is advised that you carry all the required things for trek beforehand and not rely on any shop.
The first day of the trek starts from Lohajung to Bekaltal which takes about 4-5 hours. Get up early in the morning, have breakfast and get ready to begin. Just beside Lohajung follow the ascending human-made stone trek. Along the way, you would encounter some startling views of the Nanda Ghunti Peak. The walk is mostly inside the jungle of the conifer, Cedar, Oak and Fir. Spot the Kali valley as you climb higher and it is marked by the union of Kali and Pindari rivers. Amidst thick oak forests, the lake gleams peacefully in summer, while in winter, it is frozen and the trail would be pretty matte. Stay at Bekaltal will be organized in tents.
Today is the day to trek to Brahmatal Lake where Lord Brahma meditated many years ago. It takes about 5-6 hours to reach Brahmatal from Bekaltal Campsite. The trail starts steeply into the Oak and Rhododendron forest which leads to the meadow of Telandi top. In the winter, you will see the meadow of Telandi turns into a vast snowfield and crossing the area, a gala of thrill. From here, it is a very gradual descent to Brahmatal. Enjoy some scintillating views of the mighty Himalayas from here and then proceed further to Brahmatal or Khabekhal Lake to be precise. After a great day, spend the night in camp.
Today is the most visually mesmerizing day of the entire Brahmatal trek. Get up comfortably by 07:00 AM, have breakfast and get ready to climb to the top of Brahmatal. The trek to the top of Brahmatal requires around 2½ hours of steep climb. Along the way, it would be all ascents. We would pass through some treacherous trails at Chota Jhandidar and Bada Jhandidar. The trail goes through a mountain ridge with valleys on both sides and provides majestic views of Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. At the top, you would see a 180° view of exclusive snow covered Himalayan Ranges. Mountains such as Chaukhambha, Mandi, Mana, Nilgiri, Neelkanth, Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Maiktolibecome visible. This part of the trail is completely different from the entire trek. Return to Brahmatal campsite.
Depart from Lohajung to Kathgodam Railway Station early in the morning, preferably before 06:30 AM since the journey takes 10-11 hours. Expected to reach Kathgodam by 07:00 PM.
