Brahmatal
Winter Snow Trek at 3,600m — Frozen Lake & Views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti
Travel Guide
Everything You Need to Know About Brahmatal
Overview
Brahmatal is a high-altitude lake and meadow at approximately 3,600 metres in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, and one of the finest winter treks in the Indian Himalayas. Named after the Hindu deity Brahma — who is said to have meditated at this spot — the frozen lake and its surrounding snow-draped landscape create one of the most visually stunning trekking experiences available in the Garhwal region.
The trek begins from Lohajung (1,680m), a small village in the Wan valley accessible from Tharali (Chamoli district). The route ascends through terraced fields, dense oak and rhododendron forests, and past the Bekaltal lake before reaching the vast Brahmatal meadow and finally the Brahmatal lake itself. The characteristic feature of this trek is the views it offers of Trishul (7,120m) and Nanda Ghunti (6,309m) — two peaks that dominate the western Himalayan skyline in this region.
Unlike many Indian treks that become dangerous or inaccessible in winter, Brahmatal is specifically designed as a December–March trek. The snowfall consolidates the trail, the frozen lake is a visual marvel, and the clear winter air gives exceptional mountain visibility. This makes Brahmatal the go-to winter snow trek for trekkers in north India.
How to Reach Brahmatal
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (280km to Lohajung, 9 hours). Direct taxis available.
By Rail
Kathgodam Railway Station (160km to Lohajung, 6 hours via Tharali).
By Road
Delhi to Lohajung via Rishikesh → Devprayag → Tharali (520km, 13 hours). Or from Kathgodam via Almora and Tharali. Direct buses from Rishikesh to Tharali, then local jeep to Lohajung.
Local Transport
Trek on foot from Lohajung. Local guides mandatory for winter treks. Mules available in season.
Best Time to Visit
Brahmatal is a dedicated winter trek — best December through March when the lake is frozen. April–May offers snow views with melting conditions. Summer and monsoon (June–October) are off-season; the trail is open but the winter magic is absent.
Best Open Closed
Distance from Major Cities
Why Visit Brahmatal?
- Brahmatal frozen lake — a surreal ice mirror at 3,600m surrounded by snow
- Unobstructed views of Trishul (7,120m) and Nanda Ghunti (6,309m)
- Bekaltal lake at 2,700m — a forested mid-trek rest point
- Snow camping experience — overnight in tents on a snow-covered meadow
- Rhododendron trees laden with snow — otherworldly winter forest scenery
- One of the most accessible and safe winter treks in Uttarakhand
- Clear winter skies — unmatched views of the Chamoli Himalaya
Sample Itinerary
5-Day Brahmatal Plan
A suggested itinerary — customise with AI for your dates and preferences
Delhi/Kathgodam → Lohajung
- Overnight drive from Delhi or early start from Kathgodam
- Arrive Lohajung village (1,680m)
- Rest, gear check with guide, briefing
- Early dinner and sleep (early start next morning)
Lohajung → Bekaltal
- Trek through oak forest and terraced fields (10km, 5 hours)
- Cross snow line around 2,400m
- Bekaltal lake — lunch and rest
- Camp setup by 3pm to avoid afternoon cold
Bekaltal → Brahmatal Meadow
- Ascend through deep snow sections (8km, 5 hours)
- Views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti emerge
- Reach Brahmatal meadow camp (3,450m)
- Short acclimatisation walk
- Stargazing from snow camp
Brahmatal Lake → Brahmatal Pass viewpoint → Descent
- Pre-dawn start: Brahmatal lake (3,600m) in frozen state
- Viewpoint toward Brahmatal Pass (4,246m) — attempt if fit
- Panoramic photo session with Trishul and Nanda Ghunti
- Descend to Lohajung via Bekaltal
Lohajung → Delhi/Kathgodam
- Early morning drive to Kathgodam or Rishikesh
- Depart to home city
Get a Personalised AI Itinerary
Tell us your dates, budget, and group size — our AI creates a custom plan in seconds.
Cost Breakdown
Brahmatal Trip Cost Per Person
Transparent budget guide for every type of traveller — from budget pilgrim to luxury helicopter yatra.
₹7,000–₹12,000
per person (5-day trip)
- Bus from Delhi/Kathgodam
- Guesthouse in Lohajung
- Camping with rented winter gear
- Meals at camps
₹15,000–₹25,000
per person (5-day trip)
- Private vehicle
- Experienced guide with winter expertise
- Professional camping gear (-15°C sleeping bags provided)
- All meals including hot breakfast at camp
₹35,000–₹55,000
per person (5-day trip)
- Luxury private travel
- High-altitude camping with full camp crew
- Satellite communication device
- Photography guide
- Post-trek hotel recovery stay
Winter camping gear is essential and non-negotiable — rental packages from operators in Lohajung start at ₹1,000/day (sleeping bag, crampons, gaiters, poles).
Live Updates
Travel Alerts for Brahmatal
Current Status
Route Status
Open — quiet
Best time: December to March
Latest Alerts
Where to Stay
Hotels & Accommodation in Brahmatal
Handpicked stays — from budget dharamshalas to comfortable mountain hotels
Top Stays in Brahmatal
Searching across providers…
Live Conditions
Current Weather at Brahmatal
Live temperature and wind data from Open-Meteo — updated hourly
☀️ Peak Season
May–June & Sep–Oct
8–18°C day / -2 to 5°C night
Best for pilgrimage and trekking. Clear skies, stable weather.
🌧️ Monsoon
July–August
12–20°C day / 5–10°C night
Heavy rainfall. Landslide risk on mountain roads. Check advisories.
❄️ Winter
Nov–April
-10 to 5°C day / below -15°C night
Temple/destination closed. Heavy snowfall. Not recommended.
Tips & Precautions
Travel Tips for Brahmatal
Altitude Warning
Maximum altitude 3,600m at Brahmatal. Brahmatal Pass (4,246m) nearby is for experienced trekkers only. AMS is rare at this altitude but not impossible.
Travel Tips
- This is a WINTER trek — never attempt in summer expecting snow; the trail is underwhelming without it.
- Rent crampons and gaiters in Lohajung — essential for the snow sections.
- Book with an experienced operator who provides sleeping bags rated to -15°C for winter camping.
- The Lohajung to Bekaltal section is the most slippery — use trekking poles throughout.
- Carry emergency hand warmers — temperatures at camp can drop to -10°C overnight.
- The Brahmatal lake surface can be walked on when fully frozen in January–February.
Packing List
- 4-season sleeping bag (-15°C rated)
- Down jacket + thermal base layers
- Crampons (mandatory)
- Gaiters
- Balaclava and face mask
- Hand warmers (5–6 per day)
- Trekking poles (2)
- Waterproof gloves
- Extra battery packs (cold kills battery)
Health Precautions
- Maximum altitude 3,600m — acclimatise in Lohajung (1,680m) for one night.
- Hypothermia risk at camp — keep dry and wear all layers at night.
- Nearest hospital is Tharali (35km from Lohajung).
Safety Tips
- Never trek alone in winter — white-out conditions can disorient rapidly.
- Check weather before each day — abort if snowfall is forecast above 3,000m.
- Carry an emergency whistle and emergency bivouac bag.
Frequently Asked
Brahmatal Travel FAQs
Everything travellers ask before visiting Brahmatal
Yes — Brahmatal is widely recommended as the ideal first winter snow trek. The altitude is manageable (3,600m), the trail is well-defined, camps are set up by operators in advance, and the route is patrolled. Previous trekking experience is helpful but not required if you are with an organised group.
Traveller Reviews
Loading reviews…
Sign in to leave a review
Explore More
Destinations Near Brahmatal
Kuari PassLord Curzon's Trail — Sweeping Views of Nanda Devi at 3,640m
Dayara BugyalVast Alpine Meadow at 3,408m — One of Uttarakhand's Most Beautiful Bugyals
ChoptaMini Switzerland of Uttarakhand — Gateway to Tungnath & Chandrashila
Valley of FlowersUNESCO World Heritage — A Blooming Alpine Paradise at 3,658m
Ready to Plan Your Brahmatal Journey?
Our AI travel planner creates a personalised itinerary for your dates, budget, and group size in seconds — with hotels, routes, and real travel tips.