India5 days
Brahma Tal Trek — 5 Days in the High Himalayas
A winter alpine trek through oak forests to a high-altitude lake, with views across the Himalayan ridgeline from 12,618 feet.
Brahma Tal sits at 10,738 feet on a high ridge in the Indian Himalayas, a secluded alpine lake surrounded by oak forest and accessed by a five-day trek that ascends from the valley town of Lohajung. The route crosses Bekal Tal before climbing to Brahma Tal itself, then summits the adjacent peak at 12,618 feet, where the vista spans from Trishul and Nanda Ghunti on one side to Chaukhamba, Nilkanth, Kamet, and the Hathi and Ghoda peaks on the other—a panorama that includes sight lines toward the Roopkund valley below. Winter snow on the upper sections adds both difficulty and visual distinction; oak forests at lower elevations give way to alpine meadow and bare ridge. The trek returns through Lohajung after the summit descent, with accommodation split between a guesthouse in the valley and tented camps at higher elevations.
Highlights
- Drive from Rishikesh through foothills with sight lines to Nanda Devi, Trishul, Panchachuli, and Kamet peaks (255 km, approximately 9–10 hours)
- Bekal Tal at 9,875 feet — a frozen alpine lake circled by dense oak forest (Day 2 camp)
- Brahma Tal summit at 12,618 feet with panoramic ridge views spanning Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Chaukhamba, Nilkanth, Kamet, and distant Panchachuli range
- Trek through subalpine oak forest and alpine meadow with winter snow conditions on upper sections
- Proximity to and views of the Roopkund trekking route and adjacent bugiyals (alpine grasslands) at Ali, Bedni, and Junargali
Day by day
1Rishikesh to Lohajung — Road Transfer to Base CampRishikesh to Lohajung · Lohajung
The journey begins in Rishikesh with a 255-kilometer road drive northward into the foothills, requiring approximately 9 to 10 hours of travel. The route passes through several hill stations with stops to view distant Himalayan peaks. On clear days, peaks including Nanda Devi, Trishul, Mrigthuni, Nandaghunti, Maiktoli, Mt. Kamet, Ghori Parvat, Hathi Peak, and the Panchachuli group are visible. Lohajung, at road's end, serves as the trek's base camp. Elevation: 7,611 feet. Accommodation is in a guesthouse on a triple-sharing basis, with dinner provided.
2Lohajung to Bekal Tal — Forest Trek to Alpine LakeLohajung to Bekal Tal · Bekal Tal
Walking distance: 6 kilometers. Elevation gain: 2,264 feet (from 7,611 feet to 9,875 feet). Estimated walking time: 4 to 5 hours. The route ascends gradually through dense oak forest interspersed with mountain settlements. Bekal Tal is an alpine lake surrounded by oak growth. In winter, the lake surface freezes. Overnight camping near the lake.
3Bekal Tal to Brahma Tal — Forest Descent and Lake ApproachBrahma Tal · oak forest
Walking distance: approximately 3 kilometers. Elevation change: descent then ascent to 10,738 feet. Estimated walking time: 3 to 4 hours. The route continues through oak forest for approximately one hour, followed by steep descent to Brahma Tal. Winter snow conditions may affect passage on this section, and snowfall can occur; actual duration depends on snow coverage and stability. Overnight camping at Brahma Tal.
4Brahma Tal Peak Summit — Ridge Ascent and Summit ViewsBrahma Tal Peak · Brahmatal Campsite
Walking distance: approximately 2 kilometers round trip. Descent to Brahmatal Campsite (12618 ft.) Estimated walking time: 4 to 5 hours round trip. An early morning departure follows the lake shore before ascending to Brahma Tal Peak. From this altitude, views extend across the Himalayan ridge: Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Chaukhamba, Nilkanth, Kamet, Hathi Peak, and Ghoda Peak are visible. The descent returns to Brahma Tal base camp for overnight camping.
5Brahma Tal to Lohajung to Rishikesh — Descent and Return DriveBrahma Tal to Lohajung · Lohajung to Rishikesh
Walking distance: approximately 9 kilometers. Estimated walking time: 4 to 5 hours. The return trek descends from Brahma Tal to Lohajung via an alternate route through Daldum and mountain villages on the lower slopes. From Lohajung, the road drive returns to Rishikesh, approximately 9 to 10 hours, completing the circuit.
Included
- All vegetarian meals starting from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day
- Professional guide, cook, and support staff
- Sleeping bags, mattress, tent, gaiters, kitchen tents, dinning tents
- Forest entry charges for Indian nationals
- Tented accommodation throughout the trek on a triple sharing basis
- Guesthouse accommodation on the first day on triple sharing basis
- Basic First Aid Medical Kit with Oxygen Cylinder and OxiMeter
Not included
- 5%GST
- Any kind of personal expenses.
- Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls, etc.
- Any transport support during the trek apart from what is included above
- Any cost or services not mentioned in the Inclusions
- Cost arising due to unforeseen incidents like bad weather, medical evacuation, roadblocks, etc
- Porter/mule charges to carry personal luggage
Activities: Trekking