Brahmatal Trek: A Winter Trek in India

About Brahmatal Trek

If you are seeking for a trip in the late winter season, around January or February, Brahmatal Trek may be the trek for you. This secret retreat in Uttarakhand is encircled by the Himalayan range and coated with snow.

Uttarakhand is recognised for its quiet, peace, and magnificent treks, attracting adventurers and trekkers from all across India. And this journey is a prime example of that!

If you believe this journey can’t get any more exciting, you’re mistaken.

Locals believe that this is the location where Lord Brahma meditated millions of years ago.

Indulge in the tranquillity of the Himalayas, a mystical setting, and the quiet of the woodlands.

After a breathtaking hike through rhododendron stretches, oak, cedar, fur, and conifer woods, and snow-covered terrain, you will arrive at the frozen lake of Brahmatal. If that isn’t enough to pique your interest, as you reach the summit of this climb, you will be able to witness several peaks such as Trishul, Hathi, Nilkantha, Chowkhamba, Nandaghunti, Mrugathani, and a stunning bird’s eye perspective of the Himalaya.

Location and how to reach

The next question is, where is Brahmatal located, and how can I get there?

Brahmatal lake and its summit, the trek’s last and most spectacular destination, are located in the Chamoli area of Garhwal Himalaya.

The peak is almost 12000 feet in elevation! And once there, you can gaze out across the entire Himalayan range. If the entire walk wasn’t enough to take your breath away, this view will.

The walk begins and concludes at Kathgodam.

There are numerous methods to get to Kathgodam. You can either travel directly to Kathgodam via regular buses or trains that operate to and from major towns throughout the country, or you can fly. The nearest airport to Kathgodam is Pantnagar, which is 71 kilometres distant.

Things to carry

• It is essential to bring a backpack large enough to hold all of your trekking necessities.
• Bring 2-3 water bottles, hydration packs, and energy drinks with you.
• Snacks that can be readily transported and in big quantities, such as energy bars and protein bars.
• Carry a first-aid kit with all necessary and required medications. It is recommended to take medications to treat dizziness, upset stomach, headache, and cough and cold, as well as bandages and ointment to treat small injuries.
• Please remember to take any medications prescribed by your doctor if you are ill.
• Pack all of the items that you will need individually, as this is what you will need the most during the walk, especially sanitizers.
• Track pants, waterproof coats, thermal inners, hiking shoes, jackets, and sweaters are all required. Avoid wearing jeans or shorts on this hike.
• Take any additional items you might need, such as sunglasses, caps, wind and weather protection clothing, gloves, trekking poles, torch, sleeping bag, and so on.
• It is usually a good idea to have enough money on hand in case of an emergency or to pay for any extra costs that you may have brought.

Difficulty level

When people learn about trekking, they may become excited, which quickly turns into concern over whether or not they will be able to complete the walk.

Here’s the answer to whether you’ll be able to complete this expedition.

Because the difficulty level of this hike ranges from low to moderate, it may be completed by both novice and experienced trekkers.

According to locals, it is best to avoid this journey during the monsoon season because the trail is prone to landslides and unforeseen obstructions.

So the best months to accomplish this walk are December, January, and February.

It’s important to note that the air thins as we ascend higher heights, thus the level of oxygen may drop after you reach 7,000 feet above sea level, causing trouble breathing.

It is advisable to train before embarking on this journey, especially if you are a newbie. The easiest approach to accomplish this is to go on frequent walks that will prepare your body to walk for 6-7 hours.

Permission and passes required during this trek

Trekkers will need to obtain a permission pass or permit to access forests, which may be obtained from the forest officer at Lohajung.

Please also bring

• Identification and address verification
• Photos in passport size for the permit Fitness certificate
• Documentation of your voluntary engagement that has been self-attested

The best season to go on the Brahmatal trek

If you want to visit and complete the Brahmatal trip, travel during the late winter season to get the most out of it.

It is advised to avoid this walk during the monsoon season, which can span from May to early December, because the rains make the trails extremely treacherous, resulting in accidents. The rainy season may sometimes cause unexpected landslides and blockages.

This walk is best done in late winter, from December to February. There is snow everywhere, and believe it or not, it adds to the beauty of the journey.

You will witness gorgeous snow-capped mountains wherever you look as you through meadows and forests to reach the peak.

The frozen lake of Brahmatal will be the highlight of this excursion. If you do this hike in December, you will be able to witness a magnificent covering of snow accumulating on top of the lake, making it even more magical.

By January and February, the lake is entirely frozen, providing the perfect backdrop to the adjacent oak woodlands.

Any Precautions

The following is a list of everything you will need for the trek:

• Always keep liquids on hand, such as water and energy drinks, to stay hydrated. A trek can be exhausting and difficult. Make sure you have adequate water supply.
• The walk can be extremely chilly, especially as you ascend higher; bring plenty of thick clothing, gloves, warmers, coats, and so on. However, make sure your clothes are light so you don’t have to carry too much weight.
• Carry a rucksack or military backpack to carry all of your necessary equipment and extras.
• You may develop AMS when climbing (Acute Mountain Sickness). Due to a drop in oxygen levels, it usually occurs once you exceed roughly 7000-8000 ft.

Dizziness, nausea, headaches, and shortness of breath are common symptoms. If you have any of these symptoms, please notify your leader, and they will assist you. After gaining permission from your journey leader, you can carry Diamox and administer it. Don’t worry if you don’t have it. This drug is frequently carried by the medic or trek leader.

Wait until your sensations have subsided before climbing again.

• Carry all necessary medications as well as a small first-aid kit with you. It is recommended to take medications to treat dizziness, upset stomach, headache, and cough and cold, as well as bandages and ointment to treat small injuries.
• Avoid drinking and smoking. Alcohol, contrary to popular opinion, does not warm you up. It actually makes you colder and dehydrated.

Best things to do on Brahmatal Trek

This expedition is about more than just ascending a mountain and reaching the summit. It begins with the thought of taking on a task like this, practising hard to achieve that goal, enjoying the trip, and finally accomplishing that objective… It can be all of these things and more.

Meet new people! – This is an excellent opportunity for extroverts. You will meet new people from many walks of life, so take advantage of this opportunity to learn about diverse cultures, share your own, and make new friends. Who knows, maybe your next trip will be with them again!

Share stories over a bonfire after a long and exhausting day of trekking, with the aroma of freshly made tea filling the air and someone humming a tune that turns into a full-fledged song.

It’s time to make some memories, and we hope you have a lot of them!

Bring forth your inner artist! – This walk is known for bringing out the artist within you, so bring your travel journal, camera, diary, and art supplies. Whatever motivates you to remember this journey for the rest of your life! You will also need to bring the other items listed above.

Conclusion

The Brahmatal walk is one of India’s most picturesque and charming treks.

While hiking through rhododendron and oak forests, walking through meadows and water streams, sitting beside frozen lakes, and getting a bird’s eye view of the entire Himalayan range.

It’s an experience that will reconnect you with nature while also cleansing your mind and soul!

Also Have a Look on- Kedarkantha Trek