The year 2020 is about to end. It’s the last month of the year. So, I decided why not make it happen! I wanted this year to end on a positive note. So, I packed my bags and went on the Brahmatal Trek. Also, I would like to throw you a piece of advice- to make the best use of this month. What else could be a better plan rather than planning a trip to one of the easiest treks in Uttarakhand? The Brahmatal Trek.
The society we live in has conditioned since our childhood; God destines that ends. But I’d like to add more to your concepts. It’s you who could make your end better. So, in this article, I’m about to cover weeks of my extensive research and my personal experiences all in one place.
Table of Contents :
- Introduction
- Brahmatal Trek Location
- How to reach Brahmatal trek: Getting there
- Brahmatal lake
- Trek itinerary
- Brahmatal trek package
- Things to pack for Brahmatal
- Brahmatal trek best time
- Is Brahmatal trek difficult?
- Brahmatal trek guide
- Brahmatal trek solo
- ATM and Mobile network Connectivity
- How to prepare for Brahmatal Trek?
- Permissions and Licenses
- Book a Package
- Brahmatal trek review
- Conclusion
Introduction to Brahmatal Trek
So, are you of the view that since it’s winter, the treks would be closed? So here is one of the mind-boggling treks to change your perception. Brahmatal is one of the easy treks in Uttarakhand, which is open even in December, January, February, and even March.
Uttarakhand is also called the land of Gods. True to its name, it is one of the most serene states of India. And in particular, if you’d like pink rhododendrons alongside a breathtaking view of snowcapped mountains, alpine lakes, and a peculiar calmness in the air. Then trust me on this, Brahmatal is the place for you!
Brahmatal is at the height of around 1200 ft. It is considered a reasonably moderate trek in terms of altitude because the ascent is comparatively gradual.
Brahmatal is a 22 KM trek ideally stretched to 6 days. Each day of trek shall cover the distance gradually. Taking your own time and walking at your own pace shall make this trek less arduous. Brahmatal winter trek can take a much longer time as snow shall cover the trail, therefore, increasing the time.
Brahmatal lake
Brahamtal lake is a breathtakingly beautiful lake. It is not so large. In the winter months of December- January it is sometimes frozen. You’ll surely enjoy the picturesque landscape of a frozen lake nestled in alpine meadows.
Trek Location
Brahmatal is in the Chamoli district of the northern state of Uttarakhand. This place is the same location where Lord Brahma meditated.
The location of this trek is quite strategic as you’d get the perfect blend of everything beautiful. The place is covered with pink rhododendrons, and the trees of oak, cedar, and conifer add more charm to this place.
You can also catch a glimpse of peaks such as:
How to Reach Brahmatal Trek: Getting There
Reaching Brahmatal by Road:
Suppose you plan to reach there by your vehicle. You’ll be able to drive to Lohajung, which is the base camp. It is around 200 km from the city of Haldwani. It shall be an approximately 13-14 hours drive from Delhi.
Reaching Brahmatal by Railways:
The nearest railway station shall be the Kathgodam Railway station. It shall take around 8 hours further from Kathgodam to Lohajung, which is around 230 km.
Reaching Brahmatal by Air:
The nearest Airport shall be the Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. It shall take around 10 hours to reach Lohajung by road after you land finally.
Brahmatal Trek Best Time
The best months to do Brahmatal Trek is usually in the winter. The months of December, January, February are usually the best time for the Brahmatal Trek.
Brahmatal Trek is open even in Summers and Autumn, but it is highly advisable to skip this trek in monsoons. In the monsoon months usually due to landslides and slippery roads, the trail to this trek can become fatal.
Brahmatal Trek in December
In my personal opinion, Winter months like December is the best time to do Brahmatal Lake. You’d even find scattered snow throughout the trail of the trek. Brahmatal Lake also becomes frozen in the winter months and is undoubtedly a sight to behold.
The thing trekkers like the most about Brahmatal in December are the vibrant, mosaic sunsets and sunrises.
Brahmatal Trek in January
Have you watched the epic movie, The Chronicles of Narnia? Yes, that’s how you can imagine Brahmatal to be in the winter month of January.
Brahmatal Trek Detailed Itinerary
1st Day: Kathgodam to Lohajung
Kathgodam is the nearest railway station, and Lohajung is the base camp for the Brahmatal trek. Lohajung is at an altitude of about 7600 feet. It takes approximately 10 hours to reach Lohajung from Kathgodam.
Lohajung derives its name from the legend that this is the place where Goddess Parvati fought a war(Jung) with a demon named Lohasur.
2nd Day: Lohajung to Bekaltal
This trek would be approximately a 5-6 hour long trek and shall cover a distance of 6kms. Bekaltal is at the height of around 9700 feet. You will also be lucky to witness peaks such as Nanda Ghunti en route to Bekaltal.
3rd Day: Bekaltal to Tilandi
This trek is a beautiful stretch covered with Rhododendron flowers. One can also enjoy walking on green alpine meadows surrounded by oak, cedar, conifer trees.
4th Day: Tilandi to Jhandhi
It is one of the most beautiful stretches passing through plenty of rhododendron flowers, oak trees, small waterfalls. If you’re lucky enough you could witness the sky changing colors during sunset.
5th Day: Jhandhi to Brahmatal
It would take approximately 6-7 hours of trek to reach Brahmatal finally.
6th Day: Brahmatal to Lohajung to Kathgodam
Here starts the return journey from Brahmatal to Lohajung and then finally to Kathgodam. You can head from Lohajung to Kathgodam through a cab after a tiring journey with a bag full of memories.
Brahmatal Trek Cost
Most travel companies like TTH, Indiahikes have an average package of around 10,000 per person for the Brahmatal Trek.
The trek packages generally consist of the following things:
- Traveling cost from a significant city in Uttarakhand to the Base camp which is usually Lohajung
- Accommodation in a guest house for the first days to tents in subsequent days.
- Provision of Food during the entire duration of the trek
- Medical aid like first aid kits, oxygen cylinder, stretchers, etc.
- Trekking pieces of equipment like walking sticks, tents, sleeping bags, etc.
Things to pack for Brahmatal
- Jacket
- Poncho / Raincoat
- Inner layer
- Fleece or T-shirt
- Track Pant
- Socks ( 4 pairs)
- Trekking Shoes
- Wollen Cap
- Rucksack ( 40L )
- Muffler
- Pair of extra clothes
- Undergarment
- Slippers
- Sunscreen (SPF 40)
- Sunglasses
- Torch
- Water Bottle
- Tissue Roll
- Hand sanitizer
- Personal Toiletries
- Medicines
- First aid kit
- Thermal or sweater
Is Brahmatal Trek Difficult?
Most people consider Brahmatal as one of the easy treks. But some people consider it of Moderate difficulty mainly due to its six days. Although the trail to trek is not so harsh, it can become steep at a few places.
Brahmatal Trek Guide
It is advisable to do this trek in travel groups. If your group is a beginner, it is highly recommended that you hire an expert Trek guide who would know sufficiently well about this place.
Also Read: Kedarkantha trek – Best Trek for Beginners
Brahmatal Trek Solo
It is highly unadvisable to do this trek solo. There can be chances of Acute mountain sickness on this trek. Also, there can be places where you might need a helping hand. This trek is undoubtedly not a place where you can tread solo.
It is recommended that you travel in groups. If you do not have a group, you can join strangers on the trek through the different travel companies like Trek the Himalayas, Indiahikes, etc.
ATM and Mobile network Connectivity
The last spots where you’ll be able to withdraw money are Kathgodam and Lohajung. It is always advisable to withdraw sufficient money because spotting an ATM is indeed a luxury.
The mobile connectivity starts dwindling after Dewal. It is highly advisable to inform your family about the absence of a network for six days or more.
How to prepare for Brahmatal Trek?
Even though Brahmatal is a relatively easy trek, but you must not ignore the fact that even if it is easy or you are a seasoned trekker, Acute mountain sickness can still affect you. There are plenty of other problems that can affect you like low oxygen levels, extreme cold, muscle cramps, sore feet, etc.
But you need not worry. It would be best if you toughened up. Acclimatization is the key. It would help if you started preparing your body beforehand by following a strict exercise regime and a good diet months before the trek.
It would help if you focused more on Cardio sessions. Start with focussing on the duration of the exercise first. Gradually start increasing both the duration and intensity of your workouts.
In my personal opinion, exercises such as Goblet squats, Crunches, Stairmaster, etc. can be the most beneficial for this trek. You can also do breathing exercises to increase your respiratory capacity.
Also Read: Hiking and Backpacking Tips
Permissions and Licenses
Permission to enter the restricted areas of forests is a must. This can be acquired at Lohajung from a Forest official.
You also need to have identity proof and permanent address proof. 2-3 Passport size photographs are also required. A fitness certificate is also recommended and can be asked to show.
Book Brahmatal Package
Trek With Me
If you wish to join me for my blogging journey to Brahmatal trek you are most welcome.
TREK HIGHLIGHTS:
Duration: Garhwali Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India Basecamp: Lohajung Duration: 6 Days/5 Nights
Elevation: 12250 ft
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Endurance: Medium
Approx. trekking distance: 24 Kms Suitable for: beginners to professionals.
What’s Included in the Package
- Transport from Kathgodam to Lohajung and return
- Accommodation in Guesthouse/ Hotel in Lohajung on Day 01 and Day 5 and rest camping in tents during the treks according to the itinerary (twin/triple)
- All vegetarian nutritious meals during the trek (only Veg)
– Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks,
– Dinner from Day -2- Dinner on the day – 1
– Breakfast on the day – 6 - Quality trekking equipment, Sleeping bag, Mattress, Kitchen & Dining Tent, Utensils, etc.
- All necessary permits and entry fees
- Well experienced and qualified local trek leader and the support staff
- First aid kit plus oxygen cylinder
Brahmatal Trek Review
It would be an injustice to not rate this beauty a 10 on 10 in terms of easy winter treks. If you’re a beginner, this trek can be the perfect start to your trekking dreams. Even if this trek is six days long, but it is not very tiring. The landscape of alpine meadows and the frozen lake is undoubtedly going to give relief to all your fatigue. It is a perfect place if you’ve been looking for a peaceful break.
A Final Word of Advice for Brahmatal Trek
To make any trek a success, you must research about the place first. After you’ve researched, it comes time to make yourselves prepared both physically as well as mentally. Take good care of your health throughout the trek.
Drink plenty of water and try to keep yourselves as hydrated as possible. Avoid the usage of alcohol as it can even prove to be fatal. The chances of developing Acute Mountain sickness increases as you increase the altitude to 7000-8000. Look for symptoms of AMS and inform your travel guide immediately if you experience them. Wear warm clothes and avoid getting yourselves wet as it can even lead to hypothermia. In case of emergency, don’t hesitate to seek the expert medical help of a doctor.
Conclusion
Brahmatal trek is amongst the very few treks that are doable even in the winter months of January and February. It is a beautiful trek that would give you a bag full of memories. This trek would be like a mini rollercoaster ride for you. It would have its ups and downs, but in the end, it surely would be worth it. The year is about to end, now is the chance to make it happen! Take the plunge, and you won’t regret it.
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