Brahmataal Trek - A Winter Trek
The plans for next trekking was started as soon as we were back from the Sandakphu Trek in last January(2018), and this time we wanted snow.... lots of snow after months of discussion on the whats app group, the plan was to do Kedarkantha Trek... yes you read it correctly, Plan was Kedarkantha trek and we did Brahmatal trek. Why....???
We wanted snow and God gave us so much snow that we had to change the Trek plans...
The initial plan was to trek to Kedarkantha. But due to severe weather conditions Uttarakhand State Government had closed down the route temporarily......And here started the great sportsmanship of The Trek Himalayas. We had contacted the team from the plains and had absolutely no idea about how severe the weather conditions can be. The trek guides(Laxman, Birender and chill dude Mahi) are a very young and energetic team of strong men. They suggested us the alternative of Brahmataal. We were initially quite doubtful but placed our trust on them and the results were excuisite.
Brahmatal is a picturesque lake, the trek for which starts from Lohajung in Chamoli, in Uttarakhand, India. A hidden gem in the lapse of the Himalayas, this trek provides panoramic view of the Himalayas with Mt. Nanda Ghunti ( 6309 m ) and Mt Trishul (7120 m) being the closest. It takes you through beautiful valleys, forest and meadows followed by a summit to Brahmatal Top. This is a 30 km trek (approx.) which starts from Lohajung in Uttarakhand and offers beautiful campsites. Motor able road exists till Lohajung and it can be reached from Kathgodam, Uttarakhand. Buses till Gwaldam can be taken from Haldwani and from Gwaldam a taxi can be hired to reach Lohajung. Lohajung is known for being the base for the famous Roopkund trek. The best time to visit Bhrahmatal is in winter season (Dec – Mar). It is said the Lord Brahma, the creator of the world, meditated at Brahmatal.
Day 0, 16th Feb 2019: Trip started from Kolkata
we started our Trip/Trek from kolkata, Took a flight to reach Delhi and then a overnight train to reach Dehradun.
Day 1, 17th Feb 2019: Dehradun to Lohajung via Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Dungari, 300 Kms, 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM, 14 Hrs
We reached Dehradun at early morning. The young Trek guides arranged for seamless transport to Lohajung( a 10 seater). We reached Lohajung after an arduous journey of almost 14 hours due to road conditions but our driver was a gem of a person, constantly energizing us and cracking jokes.
The last 40 km after Gwaldam are difficult to drive and has long dilapidated patches. The night got darker, the road less visible, struggling over the snaky turns, we finally reached Lohajung at 9 PM.
When we reached Lohajung Famished and tired, everything was in place, from food to nice and cozy rooms. we were briefed in detail for the next days trip and went to sleep..
Day 2, 18th Feb 2019: Lohajung to Daldum, 7 km, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 4 Hrs
Finally, the day arrived when we had to begin our trek.
Our group left for Daldum which was our final destination for the day and it was going to be our base camp for the next 3 days. The total trek distance till Daldum was around 7-8 km and the path began on rocky hills weaving its way into the mountains. Being done a Trek previously i was preparing for this trek for atleast a month. However, it did not prepare me enough for the harsh cold climate coupled with the steep pathways through forests laden with snow in patches and our group had to take multiple breaks in our journey to catch our breath but with the contagious energy and support of our trek guide (Birendra Singh Rana also called as Raftar Rana and Mahi).
While we were about to reach the base camp Daldum something magical happened Snowfall. It is was truly a sight to behold with me getting my inner child to witness the magic and occasionally tasting the snowflakes. We were welcomed with a hot Tea in steel mugs while the snow fall continued and we were still playing and enjoying the every bit of it.
The sleeping Tent and kitchen tent was already set up and and toilet tent was getting ready. The camp was set among imposing pine trees and snow with horses grazing on the slopes and it was just what I imagined a camp should be.
Day 3, 19th Feb 2019: The Summit Day, Daldum to Jhandi Top - 10,935 ft(Brahmatal) back to Daldum - 8 km, 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5 Hrs
The next day was truly the most challenging of all we faced so far as our trek leader decided that today was the day we would try climbing Brahmatal summit which was previously kept for the last day as it was a difficult climb but our guide was insistent that we could make it and also the climate was perfect for the trek up to the summit(Jhandi Top) and with fear and excitement in our hearts off we set for the summit. The total trek distance till the summit was around 4 km but the incline was extremely steep and to make matters worse the snowfall of last night had started melting creating slippery slopes and false snow surface which led us to fall and slip multiple times but our guide always watched out for us and kept motivating us to not give up.
On this day you will get to see the unobstructed views of Mt. Mrigthoni, Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nandaghunti from the high meadows. As it snowed complete night we were walking over a carpet of snow for long stretch of more than 4 km followed by a steep climb to the Vinayak top from where you get to see the complete trail to Roopkund, including the Ali and Vedni bugyal crowned by the Mrigthoni, Trishul and Nandaghunti Peaks. The descent to Brahmatal was a tiring one, a rocky patch painful for the knees. At night strong winds kept hitting our tent making it shiver and us tremble.
Sitting at 11000 feet on the snow-covered summit we realized we would not be able to view the famed Brahmatal Lake due to the heavy snow covering around it which made the trek to the lake risky. Enjoying a few more moments on the summit and snowfall showering us again we started having some snacks or the walk back to the camp would be even more riskier due to the steep slopes with wet snow but nevertheless we managed to reach back to base camp.
Day 4, 20th Feb 2019: Daldum to Bekaltal back to Daldumto and then to Lohajung via Brahmatal Top, 12 Km, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
The next day was going to be a jam-packed trek session as due to our agreement of wrapping up our trek, we would be leaving Daldum today and head back to Lohajung but not before we visit one last gem of this place i.e Bekaltal Lake which was nestled in the lap of the mountains forever half frozen as explained to me by the locals. The total trek distance from Daldum to Bekaltal was around 6 km
With eagerness to discover further adventures that lay on our road to Bekaltal Lake and suddenly the trek seemed easy maybe it was because we had done the most difficult part yesterday and had a smug feeling inside that we were prepared for anything that would come in our way from now on. After a beautiful walk among the Rhodendron forests and snow-capped mountains, we reached our destination Bekaltal Lake and true to the name it was completely frozen, but magnificent nonetheless. There was a temple built near it and from my guide, I learned that it was a very holy spot for the Snake Gods which were revered by the locals every year. Spending few more moments on the shore of this beautiful lake we started our return to Daldum.
During the walk back I was not at all feeling well but managed to return back without any issue as i learned never to give up in this journey I walked on till i reach Daldum
After Bekaltal when we came back to Daldum camp, our tents were already dismantled, we had a late lunch and started our return with heavy heart we said goodbye to our home for these past few days and set out for Lohajung which was another 6 km.
Day 5, 21st Feb 2019: Rest/Shopping Day at Lohajung
Day 6, 22nd Feb 2019: Lohajung to Haridwar, 275 Km drive, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
On the last day we left for Haridwar. It is rightly said “Once you have lived in the mountains you can never go back”.
I remember the line from the song ‘Hotel California’, “You may check out any time you like, but you can never leave”
After reaching Haridwar, we decided to visit Har ki Pauri ghat for taking the blessings from Ganga Ma.
Har Ki Pauri
This revered place is the major landmark of the holy city of Haridwar. Literally, "Har" means "Lord Shiva" who is the god according to shaivite Rishav Bhagwan school of Hindu theology, "Ki" means "of" and "Pauri" means "steps". Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are believed to have visited the Brahmakund in Har Ki Pauri in the Vedic times.
It is believed that it is precise spot where the Ganges leaves the mountains and enters the plains. The ghat is on the west bank of Ganges canal through which the Ganges is diverted just to the north. Har Ki Pauri is also the area where thousands of pilgrims converge and the festivities commence during the Kumbha Mela, which takes place every twelve years, and the Ardh Kumbh Mela, which takes place every six years and the Punjabi festival of Vaisakhi, a harvest festival occurring every year in the month of April .
Trek Essentials
Equipments
Backpack (Rucksack) (60 ltr -70ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps and back pack raincoverWalking Stick
Water Bottle
Head Torch & with Extra Batteries
Lighter Clothing
Down Jacket
Fleece Jacket & T-Shirt
Windproof Jacket
Windproof & Waterproof Trek Pant
Thermal Trouser
Woolen Hat
Waterproof Woolen Gloves
Gaiters
2 Pair Woolen Socks & Light Cotton Socks
Foot Wear
Trekking ShoesMiscellaneous Items
Sun Block for LipsSun Protection Cream
Sun Glasses it should be U/V Protected
Toilet Kit (Toilet Paper) & Quick Dry Towels
Water Purifying Tablets
Medical & First-Aid Kit
