Brahmatal Trek valley view
Moderate 5N / 6D 12,250 ft

Brahmatal Trek

A frozen alpine lake, snow-draped rhododendron forests, and one of the few Himalayan winter treks that stays open all season.

Duration
5N / 6D
Max Altitude
12,250 ft
Grade
Easy–Moderate
Best Season
Dec – Mar
Starting Point
Rishikesh
Group Size
Up to 15
The Trek

Overview

Brahmatal is named after Lord Brahma, said to have meditated beside its high-altitude lake — and it's one of the few Himalayan treks that stays fully open right through peak winter, when most other routes shut down. That makes it a rare chance to camp in genuinely deep snow without a technical climb.

The route runs from Lohajung through oak and rhododendron forest to the Gujreni campsite, past the frozen Bekaltal lake, up to Tilandi Top for a first wide view of the peaks, and on to Jhandi Top and the Brahmatal summit at 12,250 ft — with Mt. Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, and Mrigthuni lined up across the horizon.

Summit views of Mt. Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, and Mrigthuni from 12,250 ft
Two alpine lakes en route — the mythologically significant Brahmatal and the mirror-still Bekaltal
Birdwatching at the Gujreni campsite, tucked into oak and rhododendron forest
One of the few winter treks that stays open through peak snow season
Day By Day

Itinerary

Early pickup from Rishikesh for the long scenic drive along the Ganga, crossing three of the Alaknanda's five sacred confluences — Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Karnaprayag — before climbing into the Chamoli Himalaya. Arrive at Lohajung, the trek's base village, by evening for a briefing and overnight stay. 250 km drive · ~10 hrs · Altitude 7,700 ft
A stone path leads out of Lohajung with early views of Nanda Ghunti, passing through Mandoli village and climbing in long switchbacks with the Kali Valley opening up below. The trail then enters thick fir, oak, and rhododendron forest before reaching Gujreni, a quiet streamside clearing — a good spot to look out for Himalayan birdlife like woodpeckers and redstarts. 4–5 km trek · ~5 hrs · Altitude 9,200 ft
Snow-capped paths climb through rhododendron and oak forest, with Mt. Trishul visible through the trees, down to the frozen, oak-fringed Bekaltal Lake. The trail continues up through dense woods to Tilandi Top, where it opens into meadows with sweeping views of Nanda Ghunti and Trishul, before a short descent to camp near Brahmatal Lake itself. 4–5 km trek · ~4 hrs · Altitude 10,500 ft
The trail climbs a narrow ridge across Bada and Chota Jhandidar, with valleys dropping away on either side, before the final push to Brahmatal summit at 12,250 ft — a full panorama of Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, and Mrigthuni. Descend the same day back to Lohajung. ~12 km round trip · 8–9 hrs · Peak altitude 12,250 ft
A built-in reserve day in case weather pushes the summit attempt back a day. Otherwise, a relaxed day to rest at Lohajung before heading out. Rest day · Altitude 7,700 ft
Depart Lohajung after breakfast for the drive back to Rishikesh. Keep this day as a buffer where possible — if the summit attempt gets delayed by weather, this is the day it gets absorbed. 250 km drive · ~10 hrs
Be Prepared

Things to Carry

  • Trekking shoes (ankle support, broken-in)
  • 4–5 layers incl. thermal + down jacket
  • Waterproof gloves & woolen cap
  • UV-protection sunglasses
  • Headlamp/torch with spare batteries
  • 1–2L water bottle + electrolytes
  • Daypack (40–50L) with rain cover
  • Trekking pole (recommended)
  • Sunscreen & lip balm (SPF 40+)
  • Personal medication + basic first aid
  • Power bank
  • Government-ID for permits
The Fine Print

What's Included

Included

  • All entry permits, forest fees & camping charges
  • All meals during the trek (vegetarian, hygienically prepared)
  • Accommodation per itinerary (tents/camps/guesthouses)
  • Experienced trek leader & local support staff
  • First-aid & basic emergency equipment
  • Shared camping infrastructure
  • All applicable taxes

Not Included

  • Transport to/from Dehradun (unless specified)
  • Personal trekking gear — see checklist above
  • Personal expenses & tips
  • Travel insurance
  • Costs from itinerary changes due to weather/roadblocks
In Pictures

Gallery

Starting from₹12,500 / person
Questions

Brahmatal FAQs

Yes — it's one of the most beginner-friendly winter treks in the Himalaya, with a well-defined trail and gradual ascent. The summit day is the most demanding stretch, but manageable with reasonable fitness.

December to March, for the full snow experience Brahmatal is known for. It's one of the few treks that stays open right through peak winter.

Daytime temperatures sit around 0–8°C, dropping to -8°C or lower at night during peak winter at the higher campsites. Proper layering is essential.

Booking amount is non-refundable once a trek is confirmed. Cancel 30+ days before departure: 50% refund. 15–30 days before: 25% refund. Within 15 days: no refund. If Wildfern cancels a trek, you get a full refund or a free transfer to a future batch.

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