A short winter trek that gets you real snow, two frozen lakes (Bekaltal and Brahmatal) and a ridge view of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti, without the crowds of Kedarkantha. The days are short and the climb is steady, so it suits a first Himalayan winter trek. Budget-operator price from Lohajung, permits included.
On the trail now and the next 7 days
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Forecast for the trek's map point. It is usually colder and windier at the top.
The route
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On the map
Brahmatal · Open in Google Maps ↗
The climb
How to reach the start
Kathgodam is the nearest railhead. There are no direct buses to Lohajung; a shared jeep from Kathgodam or Haldwani costs about ₹900 and takes most of a day. From Dehradun it is about 294 km, 11 to 12 hours.
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Rules change. Check the park office or official booking system before you travel.
Step 4 of 7Next: Gear↓What to carry
Altitude safety
Brahmatal reaches 3,846 m, high enough for acute mountain sickness (AMS). Climb slowly, drink water, and tell your guide about headache, nausea, dizziness or breathlessness. If symptoms get worse, go down: descent is the treatment. Take travel insurance that covers trekking at this altitude and rescue.
What it costs
Ballpark ranges, not live quotes. Page updated 18 October 2026. Prices move with season and demand, so check live fares before you book.
Covers local transport, permits or entry, a guide where needed and food on the trail. Getting to Lohajung (2 is extra.
Photos
Questions people ask
How hard is the Brahmatal trek?
Moderate grade. It takes 6 days and climbs to about 3,846 m. A short winter trek that gets you real snow, two frozen lakes (Bekaltal and Brahmatal) and a ridge view of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti, without the crowds of Kedarkantha. The days are short and the climb is steady, so it suits a first Himalayan winter trek. Budget-operator price from Lohajung, permits included.
Do I need a permit for Brahmatal?
Forest entry and camping charges are collected by the Uttarakhand Forest Department. Registered trek operators arrange and include them; if you go on your own, register and pay at the forest post before you start. We could not confirm the current fee, so check it before you go.
How do I reach the Brahmatal trek?
Kathgodam is the nearest railhead. There are no direct buses to Lohajung; a shared jeep from Kathgodam or Haldwani costs about ₹900 and takes most of a day. From Dehradun it is about 294 km, 11 to 12 hours. Base: Lohajung (2,331 m), about 200 km and 12 hours by road from Kathgodam.
What is the best season for Brahmatal?
October to March; snow from late December to early March, October and November for the clearest views.
How much does the Brahmatal trek cost?
From about ₹11,000 per person from the base, covering local transport, permits or entry, a guide where required and food. The journey to the base is extra.
What should I carry?
Winter boots with good grip, microspikes or gaiters for snow from late December, a down jacket and thermals for nights of -5 to -15°C, a headlamp and your own toilet paper. Most operators rent sleeping bags and spikes.
Guides for Brahmatal
Longer reads from our blog that cover this trip.
The Cheapest Snowfall Places in India in December (and the Roads That Close)Three underrated places with snow in December and open roads: Chopta from ₹4,600, Zuluk and Tawang. Plus three that…Read the guide →
The Best Winter Treks in India: Five Snow Treks, Compared on CostFive winter treks in Uttarakhand compared: Brahmatal, Kuari Pass, Dayara Bugyal, Har Ki Dun and Kedarkantha. Cost…Read the guide →Sources and last check
Checked 11 October 2026. Fees, hours and rules change, so confirm on the official site before you pay.
- forest.uk.gov.in OfficialUttarakhand Forest Department, the authority for forest entry and camping charges
- bikatadventures.comFee ₹10,500 + 5% GST Lohajung to Lohajung, permits included; 6 days; campsite altitudes; Kathgodam shared jeep about ₹900; Dehradun 294 km; snow late Dec to early Mar; night temperatures
- himalayatrekker.comForest permits on Uttarakhand treks are bought at local forest posts or via operators
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By Gokul · Updated 18 October 2026 · Photo: Yash Soorma · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Photo: Arijit95jitu · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Photo: Arijit95jitu · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Photo: Arijit95jitu · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Photo: Yash Soorma · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
