Bhekal Tal - Brahmatal trek is quite popular amongst the winter treks in India. Most probably, if you really love to see a clearing and the entire range of mountains, then Bhekal tal - Brahmatal trek is the right trek for you to make a milestone journey in your life. Basically, Bhekal tal is located 8 km. away from the base camp Lohajung, this place falls in Dewal block of Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.
The trail goes across the beautiful century oak and rhododendron forest that capture bird’s eyes view all around you. Further, when your trek goes through Tilandi base camp to Jhandi top summit you can see the magnificent range of towering mountains laying a carpet of whitish snow including a huge range of massive Trishul mountains and Nanda Ghunti peak. In fact, you can also explore your expedition with the other side of the valley having lovely tiny villages such as Wan, Ratgaon, and much more. You can also see a ridge Ronti Saddle that connects Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti from the Roopkund top.
During this trek, you can enjoy the picturesque view of two lakes, due to minus degree temperature, the lake completely freezes. When you walk through the trail in the middle of the fully snow-covered landscape, your life comes alive to see this magnificent sight view. During winters, the snow is at its peak, which makes this trek moderate level.
This trek can be done throughout the year. You can make a visit here from March to April where you see a pink flowery roof over the tree. Also, if you visit here in winters, you behold a view of a white carpet of snow.
You will be picked up by The Crazy Mountaineers from Kathgodam Railway station early in the morning, you can book an overnight train from Delhi to Kathgodam.
From Kathgodam, we begin a 10 hour uphill drive to Lohajung, passing through the lower mountain belt of Kumaon hills to Garhwal. In spite of a long drive, the views will keep you spell bound throughout. We will be driving parallel to the Kosi river.
On our way, we will cross through the famous mountain towns of Bhimtal, Almora & kausani. As we reach closer to our destination of Lohajung you will be able to catch the breathtaking view of the Nanda Ghunti Peak. We will reach our destination early in the evening and overnight stay will be at a hotel. You can also check out the local Lohajung market for any last minute shopping of trek essentials that you might need.
Brief Overview of Day
We will begin trekking from Lohajung on a trail into the forest, after walking for a while we will reach the village of Mandoli. You can fill your water bottles here. The trail becomes interesting with gradual ascents and curves. Soon we will reach the confluence of Kali & Pindari rivers at Kali valley. Trekking further you will find yourself amidst Rhododendrons which grow here in the months of February & March.
We will soon cross a wooden bridge which is built upon a flowing stream and can be used to refill our water bottles. Beyond this point is a place called Behum. The view from here is picturesque with vast bugyals visible at a distance. We will cross some more streams that are found in the area. After crossing the last stream and hiking for one more hour we will reach the Bekal Tal which remains frozen during the winter. Tonight we will be spending the night near Khopdaliya Lake.
Highlights
Today we will be crossing the thick Oak & Rhododendrons forests on a steep trail. After walking for a while we will reach an open meadow called Telandi. During the winters this area is completely white covered with snow.
The Tedaldi meadow will take you to a maximum height of 11,500 feet from where we will start descending towards Brahmatal. There is a small temple located over here walking down the slope of the temple we will reach the Brahmatal lake. Overnight stay at tents.
Brief Overview of the Day
We will be starting early in the Morning and will head towards Brahmatal Lake through the Rhododendron trees. On a bright day, the view over here is spellbinding and looks almost like a painting. After walking for some more time, you will reach a meadow crossing and start climbing towards the pass.
The walk is a bit tiring but as soon as you reach the top, you will see the amazing view of Mount Nanda Ghunti & Mount Trishul. As we start descending the trail becomes a bit different from the top. You will be able to get a 180 degrees view of the amazing peaks of Mandi, Nilgiri, Mana, Haukambha, Neelkanth & others. After deciding for another hour we will reach a forest clearing surrounded by trees. We will spend the night here in the camps.
After having breakfast, we will start descending towards Wan, a trail filled with Oak & Rhododendron trees. It is an amazing trail with many beautiful views. As we keep walking we will reach a water source at Chota Tilbundi.
Walking for half more hour from here you will be able to view the Wan Village, and another half an hour will take you to the road from there The Crazy Mountaineers will arrange vehicles to take you to Lohajung.
Highlights
After spending the night at Lohajung we will leave for Kathgodam, you will be expected to reach the destination by late evening.
Highlights
The Kathgodam station is one of the main stations in the district and it is an old station. It has good connectivity to many places and these include Lucknow, Delhi, and Howrah. Tickets from Delhi to Kathgodam by train cost around Rs. 180 for a second class sleeper ticket and Rs. 450 for a third A/C sleeper ticket. It is essential to book the tickets at least one month in advance as this route is always in demand.
By Train:-
From Delhi take the Ranikhet Express (5014) Dep. Delhi at 10:40 pm arrival Kathgodam at 5:30 am (Overnight Journey) or the Uttar sampark kranti (5035) Dep. Delhi at 4:00pm arrival Kathgodam at 10:40pm (6 hrs.40min.Journey).
From Dehardun take the Doon Express (4120) Dep. Dehardun at 10:30 pm arrival Kathgodam at 7:10 pm (8hrs.journey).
By Bus:-
Regular buses ply from ISBT Delhi Anand Vihar station to Kathgodam. Buses that go to Nainital stops at Haldwani which is a twin town of Kathgodham (8 hrs. Journey).
Usually buses drop you at Haldwani bus station. From there you have to come to Kathgodham Railway Station which is 4km away.
THE CRAZY MOUNTAINEERS Tata Sumo or similar vehicles will pick-up you from Kathgodham Railway Station
We would suggest you take only government buses from ISBT Anand Vihar. Private buses fly from outside ISBT and they do not trustworthy.
Inclusions :-
1.Accommodation. (Guest house, Home stay, Camping)
2.Meals while on trek (Veg.+ Egg)
3.Trek equipments (Sleeping bag, mattress, Kitchen & dinning tent, crampon, utensils, tent)
4.All necessary permits and entry fees.
5.First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder.
6.Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide and Support staff.
7.Transport from Kathgodam to Loharjung and return.
8.THE CRAZY MOUNTAINEERS Staff insurance.
Exclusions :-
1.Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Food during the transit.
3. Insurance.
4. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
5. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head
Note : Normally THE CRAZY MOUNTAINEERS expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can give it to Mule.
Charges of offloading backpack:-
INR 1200/- if you make an online payment, 10 days in advance
INR 1500/- if you inform us after reaching Lohajung
The backpack cannot weigh more than 11 kgs. Backpack should have waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys/ bags will not be allowed.
| Basics Gear | |
| Back pack & rain cover | (50 - 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps |
| Day pack + rain cover | 20 - 30 ltr (If hire a mule or porter) |
| Walking stick | Advisable (At least one) |
| Head torch | 1 Nos. |
| Water bottle/Hydration pack | 2 bottles of one litre each |
| People who use hydration pack | |
| 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter | |
| Carry at least one thermos flask | |
| Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors |
| Personal Medical Kit | Consult your doctor |
| Be comfy at the Brahmatal Trek | |
| T-shirts | 2 Full sleeves (Non-cotton) |
| Fleece T-shirts | 1 Nos. |
| Fleece jacket | 1 Nos. (Alternative: a woollen sweater) |
| Down feather / Hollofil jacket | 1 Nos. |
| Wind & waterproof (jacket & pant) | 1 Pair |
| Thermal inners (upper and lower) | 1 Pair |
| Trek pants | 2 Synthetic (avoid shorts, fitting denims, capris) |
| Poncho | 1 Nos. |
| Think about your head | |
| Sun cap | 1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well) |
| Woolen cap | 1 Nos. |
| Balaclava | 1 Nos. |
| Neck-gaiters | 1 Nos. |
| Sunglasses | Dark with side cover, it should be U/V protected. |
| People who wear spectacles- | |
| (A)- Use contact lenses. (Not for Chadar trek) | |
| (B)- Photo chromatic glasses. | |
| Mind your step | |
| Trekking shoes | 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip) |
| Floaters/flip-flops | 1 Pair (Optional) |
| Cotton socks | 5 pairs |
| Woollen socks | 3 pairs |
| Gaiters | 1 Pair (The Crazy Mountaineers team will notify you if required) |
| Keep these handy | |
| Waterproof gloves | 1 Pair |
| Fleece/woollen gloves | 1 Pair |
| Personal Utilities | |
| Sunscreen cream | Hand sanitizer |
| Moisturiser | Antibacterial powder |
| Toilet Paper & wipes | Toothbrush and toothpaste |
| Lip balm | Quick dry towe |
In the event of cancellation of trek/adventure activity services due to any avoidable / unavoidable reasons we must be notified of the same in writing. Cancellation charges will be effective from the date we receive advice in writing, and cancellation charges would be as follows: -
Cancellations prior to 24 days from the start of the trek
Book any other trek till one year or get 95% refund (Note: If the trek charges are more, the balance needs to be paid by the trekker)
Cancellation between 24 days and 14 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go for the same trek, with any other batch, till year or get 70% refund
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go on the same trek, in the same season, with any other batch or get 50% refund.
Cancellation less than 10 days to the start of the trek
Transfer your trek (same trek, same batch) to your friend. No cash refund.
Note:-
