It all started one rainy evening in Delhi. I was scrolling through photos of my previous treks—Kedarkantha, Kuari Pass—and sipping tea while my mom watched the news in the background. She suddenly asked, “You always chase mountains… but do you really know what you’re looking for?” I laughed, but the question stayed in my mind. Was I looking for adventure? Clarity? Or just a pause from city life?

A few days later, my neighbor Ali, who I hadn’t seen for two weeks, dropped by. He excitedly showed pictures of a frozen lake surrounded by alpine meadows, saying, “You have to go here! Brahmatal in Uttarakhand, Chamoli district—it’s magical.” That night, I researched it. The trek is famously known for its enchanting Brahmatal Lake, situated at a high altitude of 10,190 feet, with views of majestic Himalayan peaks like Trishul (7,120m), Nanda Ghunti (6,309m), and Chaukhamba (7,138m).

By the end of the week, after seeing a mesmerizing image of the snowfields covering Bekaltal Lake shared by an office colleague, I had decided. This winter trek, suitable for beginners and experienced trekkers alike, would be my next adventure.

Planning & Preparation

The 6-day/5-night itinerary started with a drive from Dehradun to Rishikesh, then onward to Lohajung, the base for this trek. Planning required choices: local tour operators listed certified packages ranging from INR 5,999 to 7,999 per person, covering transportation, accommodation, meals, permits, guide, and trekking leader services. I chose a 6d/5n package with Himalayan Dream Treks (HDT), knowing their staff’s expertise would handle all logistics, allowing me to focus on the experience itself.

Packing became a reflection of both mental and physical endurance. I remembered my previous treks where I had under-prepared for the cold. This time, I packed thermal layers, gloves, wool socks, a sleeping bag, and trekking poles, along with essentials for small camping stops beside lakes and open bugyals.

While shortlisting the best trekking companies for our trek, we considered Indiahikes as well, but ultimately chose Himalayan Dream Treks for their more reliable payment policies and strong safety guidelines. On top of that, they were offering complimentary trekking gear, which made the decision even easier.

Day 1: Drive to Lohajung & First Impressions

The journey from Rishikesh to Lohajung takes around 6 hours, winding through dense forests of oak, cedar, and rhododendron. From the vehicle, I could see snow-dusted peaks gradually appearing. The landscape transitioned from green valleys to the white carpet of snow blanketing the Himalayas.

Reaching Lohajung, a small village connected to mythological stories, felt like stepping into a Narnia-like world. We checked into our campsites, and the first night was spent around a fire, sharing stories with fellow trekkers. Conversations drifted from city stress to personal reflections—what drives each of us to the mountains, the awe-inspiring peaks, and the grand Himalayan landscapes that leave a lasting impression.

Day 2: Trek to Bekaltal

The trek from Lohajung to Bekaltal covers approximately 6 km, initially through dense forests and gradually opening into alpine meadows. Snowfields covered entire sections of the trail, giving the feeling of walking through a winter wonderland.

The trail gradient was relatively smoother compared to other treks, but the high-altitude sections provided a good acclimatization opportunity. Passing through small villages, we noticed religious spots related to Lord Brahma, adding a sense of mythological significance to the trek.

At Bekaltal, the frozen lake sat like a mysterious mirror, perfectly reflecting the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Camping beside the lake allowed us to witness a sunrise at high points—an experience that reminded me why Brahmatal is one of the best treks in Uttarakhand.

Day 3: Trekking Towards Brahmatal Lake

The next stretch was more challenging. Snowfields and glacial patches covered the trail, demanding careful steps. The route passes through open bugyals and sections of dense forests, gradually leading to Brahmatal Lake. At this point, our elevation reached around 12,250 feet, with peaks like Trishul and Nanda Ghunti dominating the horizon.

The trek allowed multiple photo stops, each offering clearer views of the grand Himalayan landscape. Witnessing the transition of forests into alpine meadows, the white carpet of snow covering the terrain, and the vast surrounding valleys, I felt a mix of awe and serenity.

At Brahmatal Lake, we spent hours exploring small glacial sections. Its frozen waters, high-altitude location, and enchanting surroundings made it one of the most unique lakes in Uttarakhand. Campfires that night were a time for reflection, laughter, and shared experiences with fellow trekkers, including stories about previous treks to Kedarkantha and Kuari Pass.

Summit Day: The Ultimate High

The summit day of Brahmatal Trek demanded both mental and physical endurance. Starting early, we climbed steep sections and walked along ridges offering panoramic views. The trail allowed gradual elevation gain, which made it manageable even for beginners, but high-altitude challenges like wind and snowfields tested our stamina.

The top of Brahmatal, at 10,190 feet, offered awe-inspiring views of peaks including Trishul (7,120m), Nanda Ghunti (6,309m), and Chaukhamba (7,138m). We paused to savor the grand Himalayan landscapes, taking in open bugyals, frozen lakes, and surrounding valleys, feeling like we had conquered not just a summit, but also personal limitations.

Even simple camping setups along the trail provided perfect spots to rest and enjoy the beauty. The journey reaffirmed why Brahmatal is categorized as an easy to moderate trek, making it perfectly suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers.

Descent and Reflections

Descending allowed time to reflect on the journey. Passing Bekaltal again, I noticed details I had missed—the tall snow-dusted pine trees, the small water bodies along the trail, and sections of alpine meadows that seemed to glow under the afternoon sun.

The trek provides an unforgettable experience not just of snow, alpine lakes, and Himalayan peaks, but also of personal growth and reflection. The combination of dense forests, vast meadows, and high-altitude lakes makes Brahmatal one of the most memorable destinations in Uttarakhand, famously linked with mythological stories of Lord Brahma and Goddess Parvati.

Back in Lohajung, I realized that this trek had given me more than physical endurance. It allowed me to connect with nature, fellow trekkers, and my own heart, providing unparalleled experiences of camping, exploring frozen lakes, and witnessing majestic Himalayan peaks up close.