When I first planned my Brahmatal trek, the biggest question I had was “Where exactly is Brahmatal and how do I get there without wasting time figuring things out?” If you’re in the same boat, let me walk you through it directly and practically. No fluff, no unnecessary details—just what you need to know before heading out.
Where is Brahmatal Trek Located?
Brahmatal is nestled in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. It’s a winter trek famous for its snow-covered trails, frozen lake, and breathtaking Himalayan views. The trek starts from Lohajung village, a small but beautiful hamlet in Chamoli district.
The lake itself sits at an altitude of around 12,150 ft (3,700 m). From there, you get stunning views of Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, and other majestic peaks. Unlike some treks that get overcrowded, Brahmatal still feels raw and untouched, which makes the journey even more rewarding.
How to Reach Lohajung (Base Camp of Brahmatal Trek)
Reaching Lohajung is straightforward but requires planning because it’s not directly connected by train or flight. Here’s how you can do it step by step:
1. By Air
- The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (240 km from Lohajung).
- From Pantnagar, you can book a taxi or shared cab to Kathgodam/Haldwani, and then continue your journey by road.
Most trekkers, however, prefer reaching Dehradun or Delhi by air and then taking the road route since connectivity is smoother.
2. By Train
- The nearest railway station is Kathgodam (210 km from Lohajung).
- Kathgodam is well-connected with Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata.
- Overnight trains from Delhi are very convenient if you want to save time and start fresh for the road journey.
3. By Road
- From Kathgodam or Rishikesh, you can hire a cab or take a shared jeep to Lohajung.
- The road is scenic but winding, so keep motion sickness medicines handy if you need them.
A rough route looks like this:
- Delhi → Rishikesh → Karanprayag → Dewal → Lohajung
- Or: Delhi → Kathgodam → Almora → Gwaldam → Lohajung
The drive takes around 10–12 hours, depending on the starting point.
Best Way I Recommend
From my experience, the easiest and most comfortable route is:
- Fly to Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport).
- Take a shared vehicle or pre-arranged transport to Lohajung.
This way, you avoid multiple connections and reach the base camp relaxed instead of exhausted.
Why I Prefer Going With a Trekking Company
Yes, you can do Brahmatal trek solo, but honestly, it’s much smoother when you go with an experienced trekking company. For me, it removed all the hassle of arranging transport, food, stay, and permissions.
I personally joined The Searching Souls (TSS) brahmatal trek package when I did this trek, and the experience was seamless. They arranged a pick-up from Rishikesh, handled stays in Lohajung, provided guides, equipment, and everything I needed. It never felt like a promotion-heavy thing—it was just the comfort of not having to worry about logistics in such remote areas.
Of course, you can choose any reliable operator, but going with an organized group ensures safety and better coordination, especially if it’s your first Himalayan trek.
Quick Travel Tips Before You Go
- Buffer a Day: Weather in the mountains is unpredictable. Keep one buffer day in your schedule.
- ATMs: Withdraw cash at Kathgodam or Rishikesh. You won’t find ATMs working reliably near Lohajung.
- Phone Network: Expect weak or no signal after Lohajung. Airtel and Jio may work in patches.
- Travel Light: Pack only essentials. You’ll appreciate it when trekking.
- Start Early: Road journeys in the mountains are safer during daylight.
Final Words
So, if you’re planning the Brahmatal trek, just remember: Your destination is Lohajung. Get yourself to Dehradun or Kathgodam first, and from there, it’s a beautiful mountain drive to the base camp. From Lohajung, your real adventure begins as you walk through snow-laden forests, frozen lakes, and witness Himalayan peaks up close.
Personally, having a trusted company like TTH manage my logistics made the journey smoother, so I could focus entirely on enjoying the trek instead of stressing about travel and stay.
