Brahmatal
Chamoli, Uttarakhand, India • 30.28°N, 79.37°E
📖 About Brahmatal
- ✦Summit at 3,734m offers views of Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti
- ✦6-day trek from Lohajung covers 22 km with gradual altitude gain
- ✦December to March brings snow depth of 2-5 feet at high camps
- ✦Trek permits require advance booking through registered operators only
Starting from Lohajung at 2,150m, the Brahmatal trek climbs 1,584m over 22 km to reach the summit ridge at 3,734m. The frozen Brahmatal lake at 3,600m sits below the summit, while Bekaltal at 2,900m marks the midpoint. December through March, when temperatures drop to -15°C (5°F) at camps, the trail stays snow-covered. The trek passes through oak and rhododendron forests before breaking into alpine meadows at Telandi (3,200m), with Mt. Trishul (7,120m) and Mt. Nanda Ghunti (6,309m) visible throughout the upper sections.
Brahmatal takes its name from the lake where Lord Brahma is said to have meditated, though the mythological connection matters less than the trek's winter accessibility. Unlike Roopkund or Kuari Pass, Brahmatal stays open through January and February, when most Garhwal treks close due to heavy snowfall. The route follows a ridge for the final 2 km to the summit, with 360-degree mountain views including Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, and Mana peaks. The same trail works as a descent, with most groups camping at Bekaltal, Telandi, and Lohajung base.
First-time trekkers with basic fitness handle Brahmatal well - the daily altitude gain stays under 600m. The main challenge comes from winter cold, not steepness. Mobile connectivity disappears after Lohajung, and the nearest ATM sits 43 km away in Gwaldam.
🎯 Things to Do in Brahmatal
The summit ridge at 3,734m sits 12 km from Lohajung base camp, typically reached on day 4 of the itinerary. Start at 4:00 AM from Bekaltal camp to reach the top by sunrise, carrying crampons during winter months when ice forms on the final approach. The climb takes 5-6 hours up and 3-4 hours back to camp, with the ridge walk exposed to wind.
Bekaltal at 2,900m, 7 km from Lohajung, serves as the main overnight stop on day 2. The lake stays partially frozen January through March, surrounded by oak forest that provides some wind protection. Campsites here charge Rs 200-300 per tent through trek operators, though you cannot book independently - group bookings only.
Telandi at 3,200m, 10 km from Lohajung, marks the tree line where alpine meadows begin. Day 3 camps here offer the first clear views of Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti, 15 km north. The meadow stretches 1 km across, with frozen streams creating natural ice formations in winter.
Lohajung at 2,150m serves as the trek base, with small shops selling basic supplies and last-minute gear rentals. The village has 4-5 guesthouses charging Rs 500-800 per night (confirm locally — rates vary by season) and a community health center. Most trekkers spend one night here before starting and another after finishing.
The frozen Brahmatal lake at 3,600m sits 500m below the summit ridge, reached by a short detour from the main trail. January through March, the lake stays completely frozen with 3-4 feet of snow cover, creating a white bowl against the mountain backdrop. The detour adds 30 minutes to summit day, starting from the junction at 3,550m.
📅 Best Time to Visit
| Month | Low °C | High °C | Rain (mm) | Humid % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 🌤️ | -12.5 | 9.9 | 37 | 52% |
| Feb | 🌤️ | -12.2 | 11.5 | 42 | 56% |
| Mar | 🌤️ | -9.6 | 15.2 | 50 | 60% |
| Apr | 🌤️ | -3.3 | 17.9 | 42 | 55% |
| May | 🌤️ | 1.2 | 20.7 | 68 | 59% |
| Jun | 🌦️ | 4.6 | 22.1 | 90 | 68% |
| Jul | 🌧️ | 8.8 | 21.0 | 223 | 87% |
| Aug | 🌦️ | 9.0 | 19.2 | 183 | 90% |
| Sep | 🌦️ | 5.8 | 18.9 | 108 | 82% |
| Oct | 🌤️ | -0.8 | 17.0 | 28 | 63% |
| Nov | 🧊 | -5.4 | 14.1 | 6 | 47% |
| Dec | 🧊 | -10.3 | 12.4 | 12 | 40% |
📡 Data Source: NASA POWER
Climate figures are 11-year averages from NASA POWER satellite data. Values represent conditions for the broader Chamoli region, not exclusively Brahmatal. Actual conditions at this specific location may vary due to local elevation and terrain. Always check a local forecast before travel.
🚗 How to Reach Brahmatal
💡 Visitor Tips
Winter temperatures drop to -12.5°C (9.5°F) at Lohajung and -20°C (-4°F) at high camps, so pack a sleeping bag rated to -15°C, down jacket, thermal inners, waterproof gloves, and woolen socks. Layering works better than single heavy pieces.
Trek permits and forest entry require booking through registered operators 15-20 days ahead during December-January peak season. Individual permits are not issued - you must join a group trek. Book directly with Uttarakhand-based operators who handle permits.
The Gwaldam-Lohajung road has rough patches and gets snow-covered in winter. Shared jeeps from Gwaldam cost Rs 300-400 per person (confirm locally — rates vary by season) and take 2-3 hours. Book a seat the previous evening at Gwaldam taxi stand.
The last ATM sits in Gwaldam, 43 km before Lohajung. Carry enough cash for 7-8 days including trek fees, porter tips, and emergency funds. Mobile networks (Airtel, BSNL) work in Lohajung village but disappear completely on the trail. UPI does not work reliably even in Lohajung.
Most trekkers stay in Lohajung village guesthouses the night before starting, with rooms ranging Rs 500-1,200 per night (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Kathgodam has hotels near the railway station from Rs 800-2,500 if you arrive late and want to start fresh the next morning.
📍 More Places in Chamoli
🗺️ Nearby Places
Tourist destinations within ~50km of Brahmatal
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
📚 About This Page
This travel guide for Brahmatal covers key information for visitors including best time to visit, how to reach, things to do, and practical tips. Brahmatal is located in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India at an elevation of 1637 metres above sea level. Climate data on this page is sourced from NASA POWER and represents 11-year regional averages.