The Brahmatal Trek is a snowy spectacle and is widely-known for its frozen Brahmatal lake. However, the lake is just half the story! This relatively easy-to-moderate Himalayan trek in Uttarakhand unfolds with a visual treat at every step of the way.
Are you willing to know the secrets that the trail is hiding? Here are 15 breath-taking views you can only have on the Brahmatal Trek, which makes it one of the best winter treks in India.
Grand Himalayan Peaks and Snowscapes
The expansive views of the towering peaks are, in fact, the biggest attraction after the lake.
1. The Sleeping Giant: Mt. Trishul
From Jhandi Top viewpoint, Mt. Trishul ($7120 \text{m}$) is the most eye-catching amongst the other peaks. It is a sight one cannot forget as the triple peaks often appear so near that one can almost touch them. This is a perfect place for Himalayan photography.
2. Mt. Nanda Ghunti Close-Up
Trishul is accompanied by Nanda Ghunti ($6309 \text{m}$) which is the next closest and most attractive mass. From the ridge, the view, especially during sunrise and sunset, makes the mountains look like a drawing in gold and rose colors.
3. The Never-Ending Kumaon and Garhwal Range
The vastness of the Garhwal Himalayas is visible from the high-altitude sleeping places like Kharmi and Brahmatal Ridge. One gets a 180-degree view of mountains that stretch far and wide and are not even named.
4. Pine and Oak Forests Blanket
The beginning days lead through deep and old woods. Looking down at the trees, especially when they are covered with snow, results in a magical and textured white and green landscape.
5. Perfect Snow Trails
When the trail is new with snow, the path going through the woods, making footprints for the first time, is a view in itself – the perfect picture of a classic winter hiking trail.
Campsites, Lakes, and High Ridges
Besides the camps and the trail points providing you with the unique perspectives, the setting of the camps and the vantage points along the trail provide unique perspectives.
The Sister Lake: Bekaltal
It’s a small Bekaltal Lake, which is often ignored, that you reach on the first day. Surrounded by thick Oak forests, the reflection of trees in its dark and still water (or the patterns on its frozen surface) gives you a mysterious and moody view which is quite different from Brahmatal.
Brahmatal Ridge View
It is the highest point of the trek. You can see the Brahmatal Lake basin extending down below you on one side, and the Himalayan peaks along with their vast snowfields on the other. You are totally surrounded by a 360-degree view.
Sunset from the Kharmi Campsite
Kharmi is well known for its beautiful clearing, and the last rays of the sun falling on the nearby snow-covered meadows and mountains look very beautiful. Many trekking groups choose this spot as their favorite one.
The Snow Bridge over the Frozen Stream
During the peak winter months (Jan/Feb), it is very common that the small streams which freeze over may create natural snow-covered ‘bridges.’ This is a strange and unique geological view that shows how powerful is the Himalayan winter.
The Descent into Lohajung Valley
After you have finished the trek and are on the last descent, the view of Lohajung Valley with its dotted villages and cultivated fields that unfolds in front of you, gives you a nice, warm feeling which is quite different from the cold high-altitude terrain you have come from.
The Golden Hours and The Celestial Wonders
Don’t put your camera away after sunset!
Sunrise on the Seven-Thousanders
Waking up early at Telandi or a ridge camp just to see the very first sunrays that hit Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti is something you will always remember. These giants changing their color from grey to molten gold is something no one can match.
The Star-Studded Winter Sky
The night sky in Brahmatal is very clear because there are no city lights in the area. You can see the Milky Way extending above, and very many constellations. It is like looking through a telescope.
Frosty Patches in the Morning
The morning sun brings to light the very delicate and small side of nature, which is the intricate patterns of ice crystals (hoar frost) on leaves, grass, and camping pieces that have been left in the cold. These creatures disappear in the freezing environment.
Long Shadows of Alpine Trees
The last sunrays of the day, through the trees, create very dramatic and long shadows on the snow, especially in the clearings. This view gives the landscape a stark, artistic quality perfect for black and white photography.
The Final Glimpse of the Giants
Even from the roads leading back to your starting point, catching a final, fleeting view of the massive mountains you just walked beneath provides a profound sense of accomplishment and awe.
Key Takeaways for the Brahmatal Trek
The Brahmatal Trek is the complete package. It’s an accessible trek that delivers high-altitude views without excessive difficulty. While the frozen Brahmatal is the destination, the journey, with its majestic peak views and enchanting snowscapes, is what truly makes this an unmissable Uttarakhand adventure.
- Best Time to Visit: December to March for snow.
- Starting Point: Lohajung.
- Trek Difficulty: Easy-to-Moderate.
Are you willing to book your trip to experience these breath-taking views in person?
