Garhwal
Brahmatal Trek
A winter ridge walk to a frozen high-altitude lake
About this trek
Brahmatal is the trek most people in Uttarakhand recommend for a first experience of Himalayan snow. From Lohajung the trail climbs through forest to Bekaltal, then onto a long ridge where the tree line falls away and the walking becomes wide and exposed. In January and February the lake itself freezes over.
Day by day
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Day 1
Rishikesh to Lohajung
Rishikesh → Lohajung
Road day along the Alaknanda and Pindar valleys to the base village.
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Day 2
Lohajung to Gujrani
Lohajung → Gujrani
Oak and rhododendron forest all the way to the first camp.
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Day 3
Gujrani to Tilandi
Gujrani → Tilandi
The tree line thins and the ridge begins to open out.
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Day 4
Tilandi to Bhagwabasa via Jhandi Top and Brahmatal Summit
Tilandi → Jhandi Top → Brahmatal Summit → Bhagwabasa
Summit day along the exposed ridge — the widest views of the trek in clear weather.
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Day 5
Brahmatal to Lohajung
Brahmatal → Lohajung
A steady forest descent back to base.
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Day 6
Lohajung to Rishikesh
Lohajung → Rishikesh
Drive out. Expect to reach Rishikesh in the evening.
What is and is not included
Included
- Qualified trek leader and support staff
- Forest and camping permits
- Twin/triple sharing tents
- All meals on the trek
- Safety equipment and first-aid support
Not included
- Transportation to and from the base camp
- Personal trekking gear and rentals
- Personal expenses and travel insurance
- Anything not listed under inclusions
Things to carry
- Trekking shoes with ankle support
- Backpack (50–60 L) with a rain cover
- Three warm layers and a padded jacket
- Poncho or rain jacket
- Sun cap, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Personal medication and toiletries
- Two one-litre water bottles
Rent what you are missing
Ask about this trek
Dates, difficulty, what to carry, a private group — send us a note and we will call or message you back. No account needed.
Also in the Garhwal
Other treks to consider
Satopanth Lake Trek
Walk past the last village on the Mana route to a triangular glacial lake ringed by Chaukhamba, Neelkanth and Balakun.
Ali Bedani Bugyal Trek
A rolling grassland trek above Lohajung, with Trishul and Nanda Ghunti standing directly over the campsite.
Pangarchula Trek — via Dyalisera
A summit trek to 15,069 ft with a genuine snow-climb finish, approached through the Dyalisera meadows.
