Rohan Jadhav

Nestled in the majestic Uttarakhand Himalayas, the Brahmatal trek stands as a testament to the raw beauty of winter mountaineering. At an impressive altitude of 3800m, this trek offers breathtaking views of prominent peaks like Mt. Trishul, Mt Nanda Ghunti, and Mt. Khamet. What makes Brahmatal particularly special is its accessibility during winter months when most other trekking routes are closed, making it an ideal choice for winter trekking enthusiasts.

The trail weaves through pristine forests home to century-old oak trees and diverse bird species. During winter, the landscape transforms into a spectacular white paradise, while spring brings a carpet of vibrant rhododendron blooms. The trek’s 28-kilometer journey begins from Lohajung village in the Chamoli district, leading trekkers through dense forests of Conifer, Cedar, Oak, and Fir, eventually reaching the serene Gujreni campsite.

Rohan Jadhav to learn about his experience on the Brahmatal trek. Here’s what he shared:

Q: WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST WINTER TREK AND WHEN DID YOU EMBARK ON IT?

“Brahmatal was the first winter trek I did. It was in January 2020.”

Q: HOW WAS THE OVERALL EXPERIENCE OF YOUR FIRST WINTER TREK? WAS THERE A SPECIFIC MOMENT OR VIEW THAT MADE ALL YOUR PREPARATION FEEL WORTH IT?

“Great snowy mountain views, and a majestic feeling when you reach the top of the peak which we call a summit. Also hearing the stories behind most of the peaks from the trek leaders makes the trek journey worth it and also we realize the importance of the mountains.”

Q: WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT DO YOU EXPECT WHEN ON A TREK? HOW HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH BIKAT ADVENTURES BEEN SO FAR?

“I’ve been trekking with Bikat for 3 consecutive years and have been part of the Pangarchulla, Goehala and Friendship Peak expeditions. The experience has been great with the entire Bikat team. I wish they continue to motivate the trekkers to push their limits and develop a ‘never give up attitude.”

Q: HOW DID YOU PREPARE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY FOR THE CHALLENGES OF A WINTER TREK?

“I run 3–4 times a week and also play badminton which could keep me athletically fit. And I did the same before going on my winter trek.”

Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE PREPARING FOR THEIR FIRST WINTER TREK IN THE MOUNTAINS?

“The same advice that the trek leaders give us. Hydration, nutrition and layering. These 3 basics are a must. For physical fitness, I would suggest going for running or doing more physical activities at least 12–15 days before the trek.”

The Brahmatal Experience

Spanning over magnificent terrain, the trek to Brahmatal is a journey through diverse landscapes. The trail from Lohajung to the Gujreni campsite runs through dense forests, offering a serene beginning to the adventure. The next day’s trek leads to the Bekaltal lake, which freezes during winter months, creating a tranquil spectacle.

The path continues through Oak and Rhododendron forests, offering glimpses of Mt Trishul through the woods. The forest opens up to the expansive Talindi Top meadow, rewarding trekkers with spectacular views of Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti. Further ahead, Jhandi Top offers even more breathtaking vistas before descending to the Brahmatal campsite.

The Brahmatal campsite itself is uniquely positioned at the ridge’s end, offering stunning views of the blue silhouette of mountain ranges. Just 500 meters away lies the Brahmatal lake, steeped in legend as the meditation site of Lord Brahma.

The summit trek, while challenging during heavy snowfall with knee-deep snow, culminates in awe-inspiring views of Himalayan giants including Mount Trishul, sacred Mount Nanda Ghunti, Mount Chaukhamba, Mount Neelkanth, Mount Kamet, and Mount Hathi Ghoda.

Through Rohan’s experience and Bikat Adventures’ expertise, the Brahmatal trek emerges as an excellent choice for winter trekking enthusiasts. Whether you’re a first-time winter trekker or an experienced mountaineer, the trail offers challenges and rewards that make every step worthwhile.