Brahmatal Trek

Pickup from Kathgodam in the morning and reach Lohajung (~ 2320 m/7600 ft) which is 220 Km away. The journey may take around 10 hours with a break or two. The road is through the Kumaon region and mostly goes along wide spread valleys of Shivalik Himalaya. We cross Almora and Kausani on our way. From Gwaldam onward the road enters in the Garhwal administrative region and the road is gradually winding and goes through the conifer forest.

The last stretch of the journey from Deval to Lohajung has considerable height gain. Lohajung has one GMVN tourist lodge, one Tourist Rest House and few private hotels. All the major mobile networks have connectivity here. The sunset from Lohajung needs a special mention indeed. Warm colours on Nandaghunti massif is bound to make you speechless. The night accommodation in Tourist Rest House/Lodge.

Our trek starts today. We walk gradually up on the ridge starting just beside Lohajung and walk on a gentle gradient up encircling the mountain. On the route we see magnificent view of Didna village and Nandaghunti mountain while pausing and looking back. In contrast fascinating ridge lines forms and Mandoli village in front captivates our view.

The walk is mostly inside the jungle of conifer, Cedar, Oak and Fir. We gradually climb the ridge and for an hour or so. From here we walk along a ravine which is canopied by dense vegetation. Sunlight hardly enters here and probably you will get deposited snow here, if not already  After a while we take a left and reach an opening suitable for camping. This lovely camping ground is called Khopdalia (~ 2950 m/9670 ft). Total distance is 6 Km and can take 4/5  hours. We camp for the night. Bekhal tal is only 10 minutes from here. You may visit in the afternoon with your guide.

Today morning after breakfast we take the main trail from campsite and get inside the canopy of forest, once more. The forest is a mix of Rhododendrons and Conifers. In spring the forest blooms in pink and red. In next 10 minutes we reach Bekhal Tal (~3000 m/9840 ft). This medium size rectangular lake has a small temple at one of the edge of the it. Normally it starts freezing in December and remains frozen till March.

From here we have to climb the ridge which is a sustained moderate climb for one and half  hours. We continue our hike inside the forest with occasional breaks.  After completing this climb we reach the edge of the “Bugyal”, the high altitude meadow of the Himalayas. This fringe of the forest is residing place for Himalayan Monal during winter. From here onward the view on our right, i,e, the north-east side unfolds with extended panorama. Peaks of Kumaon like Maiktoli, Devtoli  to Mrigthuni, Trishul and Nanda Ghunti, one by one. We walk along the ridge and witness one of the most enticing panorama of Garhwal.

After about an hours of fascinating walk we leave the ridge and descent on the left slope to reach the lake Brahma Tal (~3250 m/10660 ft) surrounded by the slopes of mountain. This is a medium sized longitudinal lake , with few last remaining trees on this altitude. The lake is hard to locate from far but one needs to be close enough to get the glimpse of the dark turquoise water. We set up our tent on a suitable ground around Brahma Tal. Distance is 6 Km and may take around 4/5 hours.We camp for the night.

Today we will attempt the summit of the top which we see to our north west. This is actually the crest of the ridge which we followed yesterday before descending to the camping ground around Brahma Tal. Its a moderate climb to the top of the ridge for 3 to 4 hours. You need to start by 6/6:30 am in hthe morning to reach top by 10 am. Two peaks, higher being the west one (Khamila Top, also called Jatropani at 4000 m/13120 ft) and the east one a few hundred feet lower. Initially we cross the meadow and take the ridge towards the summit. The peaks westward to Nanda Ghunti uncovers from this trail as we go more towards the top.

The last stretch to summit is boulder strewn. The view from top is truly a panorama of more than 180°.  From here you can see peaks of Badrinath valley, from west Chaukhamba, Neelkanth to Hati Ghoda to our north east Nanda Ghunti, Bethartoli Himal, Ronty, Trishul, Mrigthuni to Maiktoli, Devtoli in east.

After spending half an hour we start descending our camp at Brahma Tal. You will get a birds eye view of the camp site and the valley beneath. Total distance is 8 Km and may take up to 6/7 hours.

Today we descend to Lohajung retracing back our route. Another chance to witness the panorama if you have missed while reaching.

This should take 6/7 hours. In the evening if you have interest try to see the sunset on the valley side, i.e. towards Deval/Gwaldam. Walk 10 minutes from  Lohajung bazaar down to any suitable bend. Surely you will be amazed by the colours of the sky. Accommodation in lodge.

Today morning we start our return journey and this time to Haridwar. We follow the same route till Tharali and turn right towards Karnaprayag following the turquoise Pindar river. From Karnaprayag we follow Alaknanda river till Rudraprayag where another tributary Mandakini meets. Following the river valley at  Devprayag, two main sources Alaknanda and Bhagirathi river form the holy river Ganga. Rishikesh is another two hours journey from here. Finally we reach Haridwar completing our journey. Trip ends here.