Overview
Brahmatal is Kumaon's answer to a soft-entry winter trek. Starting from Lohajung, the trail climbs through oak and rhododendron to Bekaltal, then traverses a broad ridge to the frozen Brahmatal lake with front-row views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. The high point is a short summit push on day four, followed by a gentle descent back to Lohajung. It is the classic follow-up to Kedarkantha — same fitness bracket, longer time above the snow-line.
- Twin ridge views of Mt Trishul (7,120 m) and Nanda Ghunti (6,309 m)
- Camp beside a frozen lake tied to a Brahma legend
- Snow-line trek runs Dec through mid-March
- Gentle acclimatisation profile — no camp above 3,750 m
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Kathgodam → Lohajung (2,320 m)
Long but scenic drive along the Kosi and Pindar rivers. Overnight in a family-run lodge at Lohajung.
- 2
Lohajung → Bekaltal (2,900 m)
5 hrs through oak forest with the first snow underfoot as you approach the small tarn at Bekaltal.
- 3
Bekaltal → Brahmatal (3,400 m)
5–6 hrs on an open ridge. Trishul appears within an hour and stays with you until camp beside the lake.
- 4
Summit day → Tilbudi
Early push to Brahmatal Top (3,734 m) for a full panorama of the Chaukhamba and Kamet massifs, then descend to Tilbudi camp.
- 5
Tilbudi → Lohajung → Kathgodam
3 hr descent to Lohajung, transfer to Kathgodam by evening. Arrive Delhi by overnight train.
- 6
Kathgodam → Delhi
Buffer day for the overnight train and Delhi arrival.
Elevation profile
Peaks at 12,250 ftIndicative profile — actual daily gain depends on weather and acclimatization pace.
What's included
- Kathgodam to Kathgodam transport
- 5 nights accommodation (2 lodge + 3 alpine camp, twin-sharing)
- All meals on trek and safe drinking water
- Certified IMF-registered trek leader plus local Kumaoni guide
- Camping, forest and reserve permits
- Micro-spikes and gaiters on snow sections
- Full medical kit with oximeter and portable oxygen
Not included
- Trains/flights to Kathgodam
- Personal trekking gear (rental available)
- Meals in transit
- Any evacuation cost — insurance is strongly recommended
How to reach Lohajung
Your base for this trek. Common pickup on Day 1 morning; drop-off on the last day evening.
- Airport — Pantnagar (PGH)
- Railhead — Kathgodam (KGM)
- Road — 10 hr / 210 km from Kathgodam. Shared Tempo Traveller included in the trek price.
Things to carry
The honest list — 8 kg on your back is plenty for this trek. Winter trek: pack for −15 °C at camp.
- Ankle-length waterproof trekking boots (worn in)
- Down or synthetic jacket rated to −10 °C
- Waterproof-breathable shell jacket
- Two full sets of thermal base layers
- Three pairs of merino or synthetic socks
- Insulated + liner gloves, wool cap, sun cap
- Category 3 UV sunglasses (Category 4 on snow above 4,000 m)
- One-litre insulated flask + one reusable water bottle
- Headlamp with fresh batteries
- Personal medication + basic strip (paracetamol, ORS, band-aids)
- Government photo ID (original)
- · Tents, sleeping bags and mats rated to trek altitude
- · Micro-spikes and gaiters on snow sections
- · Full medical kit with pulse oximeter and portable oxygen
Trekker reviews
Questions about Brahmatal
The ones our trek leads get asked most.
- Daytime highs run 4–8 °C; night lows at Brahmatal camp drop to −8 to −12 °C. We provide −15 °C rated liner + sleeping bag combos.