Trek difficulty
Easy - Moderate
Trek duration
6 days Days
Trek altitude
12,250 ft
Group size
6-12
Trek distance
22 km
Basecamp
Uttarakhand
Best Time
October to March
Pickup Point
Dehradun (Prince Chowk)
If you are looking for a place which not only offers a sense of thrill but also renews you spiritually, Brahmatal Trek is the answer for you.When other treks are discontinued during the winter, the Brahmatal trek becomes more scenic and charming during the snowy season. Located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, this place has mythical significance. If legends are to be believed, Lord Brahma used to meditate here, and therefore this place holds a significance of both natural beauty and spirituality.
Trails and lakes covered in snow make this trek a snowy wonderland. On top of that, the scenic view of snow-capped mountains like Mt Trishul and Nanda Ghunti is worth seeing. The trail takes you through dense forest and sections of Rhododendron trees.
Very few Himalayan treks offer you a winter trek, and Brahmatal is one of them, offering a rewarding experience for both entry-level and seasoned trekkers.
Summit and ridgelines give a spectacular panoramic view of Mt Trishul and Nanda Ghunti; if you are lucky peak of Chaukhamba can also be seen.Brahmatal Lake is frozen during the winter season, which makes it more charming, and many have said that they have felt a mystical and serene atmosphere near the lake. The reason behind it is Brahma once meditated here.The trail passing through the lush green forest of oak and Rhododendron trees never disappoints the trekkers.The best part of the Brahmatal trek is that you get to camp in the snow, making your morning views unforgettable.Pictures with ridges, sunsets and alpine lakes make a permanent place in your photo album.Often beginners are refrained from doing treks in winter, but the good part of the Brahmatal Trek is that even beginners can enjoy snow trekking.Many high-altitude treks are logistically unworkable, but this trek is well-connected and easily accessible.
Day 1- Rishikesh to Lohajung
Day 2- Lohajung to Gujreni
Day 3 - Gujreni to Tilandi
Day 4 - Tilandi to Brahmatal via Jhandi Top and Brahmatal Summit
Day 5 - Brahmatal to Lohajung
Day 6 - Lohajung to Rishikesh
When most treks in the Himalayas shut during peak winters – January and February, Brahmatal stays accessible. It remains open from December to February and then into spring.
Any trek that has to cross a forest area needs an entry permit from the local forest officials. If you are booking your trek through a reliable trekking agency, then the cost of permit processing is included in the package.
If you go for the processing individually, then here is what you need to do: contact the Lohajung forest department or district headquarters in Chamoli, ask for the permit application procedure, and keep your valid ID cards handy and their soft copy in your gadget.
Thin Air Expedition’s Brahmatal Trek package includes a permit processing fee to lessen the load of their trekkers.
The altitude you are going for is at 12,250 ft, which might give you symptoms like headache, nausea, and breathlessness. Choosing to do a trek in the season of monsoon or winter turns the trail into slippery and snowy, making it challenging and risky. Mountain areas are famous for sudden weather changes; snowstorms, heavy rainfall and freezing temperatures may arise without any prior warning. Unpredictable weather can bring whiteouts, snowstorms, or freezing temperatures without warning. Frostbites are common if not dressed according to the weather. Due to remote location, emergency access such as evacuation gets limited. Carry your prescribed medicines and update the trekking agency about your health condition if required.
Get properly acclimatized by following the steady pace, keep drinking water in between (not too much), and take little breaks. Rushing to gain altitude will make you feel dizzy and fatigued. Carry the right winter gear, like waterproof hiking shoes with a good grip and winter wear like fleece, thermals, gloves, and thick woolen socks. To prevent snow blindness and sunburn, carry sunglasses and sunscreen. Avoid sweating by rushing because wet clothes increase the risk of hypothermia. Carry a pair of socks and innerwear. Trekking in the Himalayas is as relaxing as it is dangerous. Even if you are coming solo, trek with either a guide or a group. Guides are well-versed with the trails and know what needs to be done during emergencies. Before embarking on a trek, check about weather conditions with your trekking agency. Carry a basic first aid kit in case the trek guide is not nearby. Includes basic medications in your kit, like AMS, paracetamol, cough and cold syrup, diarrhoea medicine, and bandages. Stay on the marked trail and do not venture into areas that say ‘restricted or avalanche-prone zones’. Start working out 3 to 4 weeks prior; go for cardio like climbing stairs, brisk walking, or a few hours of trekking, strength training, and body flexibility work.
Day 1: Rishikesh to Lohajung
Drive distance: drive 250 km, around 10 hours
Altitude covered: 7800 ft
Meals included: breakfast
Stay: guesthouse in Lohajung
Drive to Lohajung from Rishikesh in a vehicle arranged by us. If the weather is clear, take a scenic experience of viewing the Garhwal Himalayas from a distance. That’s where you are heading today.The tranquil Ganga River accompanies you along. Three major flowing rivers considered holy meet you during the drive: Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Karanprayag.
As you move towards Lohajung, you will get closer to the Nanda Ghunti peak. Enjoy the beautiful sunset from this mountain peak if reached on time. If legends are to be believed, Maa Parvati fought a battle (jung) with a demon named Lohasur here; hence, the place is called Lohajung.Check into the guesthouse and freshen up. Take a short walk, enjoy a hot dinner, and get to know your fellow trekkers. Call it a day and get ready for the upcoming trek.
Last-minute essential checking is also important. Lohajung has a small market where you can do last-minute shopping.
Day 2: Lohajung to Gujreni
Trek distance: 4 to 5 km, around 5 hours
Altitude covered: 9200 ft
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner
Accommodation: camping at Gujreni
Have a hearty and warm breakfast and start the trek towards Gujreni – the first destination reached by trekking.Walk on the well-laid manmade trail till Gujreni. The first day is easy on your legs, as you are yet to experience the actual trail.Keep ascending by following the trail and enter a beautiful forest with very few dispersed houses. After a short walk you will see Mundoli village ahead and water pipes. Follow the pipes until you encounter a set of homes.If you have chosen this trek during the months of February or March, then exquisite Rhododendron trees will turn your journey into a vibrant spectacle. The same trees are covered in snow in winter.Trek for a couple of hours more and stop for the rest at Begum, a point of stunning view of the Himalayan meadows.After a small break, walk for more 10 minutes, where you will come across a stream crossing.Keep trekking for an hour to arrive at Gujreni stream. This is where your campsite will be covered with silver and golden oak, maple and Rhododendron trees.If you are lucky, you will spot some Himalayan bird species like the solitary snipe, Asian barred owlet, Himalayan woodpecker, and blue-fronted redstart.Rest, take a stroll near the stream, enjoy a hot lunch, and get acclimatized. Discuss the day and get to know your new friends more, and call it a day after dinner.
Day 3: Gujreni to Tilandi
Trek distance: 4 to 5 km, around 4 hours
Altitude covered: 10,500 ft
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner
Accomodation: camping at Tilandi
The third day marks the day of a 4-hour short trek from Gujreni to Tilandi.After a scrumptious breakfast, ascend towards Tilandi. As you move ahead, the forest of Oak and Rhododendron welcomes you.In spring, the meadow is in full colourful bloom, whereas, in winter, they are covered in snow, making it a stunning sight. As you keep walking, oak trees covered in snow embrace you, adding stillness to the journey.Walk for one more hour, and you will notice the tree line is slowly disappearing, opening your path to vast meadows.
The magnificent view of peaks like Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti standing tall, complemented by other mountain ranges, adds a charm with their jaw-dropping existence.Our next campsite at Tilandi offers a cool and gentle breeze far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Experience stargazing while enjoying our dinner and resting in your tents.
Day 4: Tilandi to Brahmatal via Jhandi Top and Brahmatal Summit
Trek distance: 6 km, around 7 to 8 hours
Altitude covered: 12,250 ft
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner
Accommodation: camping at Brahmatal
Do a little stretching, as today is the day we will trek for about 7 to 8 hours till Brahmatal summit via Jhandi top and Brahmatal top. This 6-hour trek will test your patience and fitness.Have your breakfast sooner and begin early to get the best of mountains.We start today’s trek by walking on the ridge, enjoying the panoramic view of majestic mountains (Mt Nanda Ghunti and Mt Trishul) on the way. The more you move forward more the view gets beautiful.This is the trail where you can also see the Roopkund trail.Once you reach Jhandi top, rest for a while and move ahead towards Brahmatal Lake. To reach Brahmatal, take the right trail to ascend another ridge leading you to Brahmatal top, the highest point of this trek situated at 12,250 ft altitude.Pause, click pictures and soak up the beauty of the Himalayas. Descend towards Brahmatal Lake and meet the sacred alpine lake close to the small temple.Rest here for some time before we resume the trek towards the Brahmatal campsite – the last stop of the day. The sunset is magical from this site, as it does not happen always when you get to see the sun setting in the ranges of the Himalayas.Enjoy dinner and reminisce about the day by sharing stories with your fellow trekkers and rest in your tents.
Day 5: Brahmatal to Lohajung
Trek distance: 10 km in around 8 hours
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner
Accommodation: guesthouse
Today we are going to trek for approximately 8 hours while taking small stops in between to reach Lohajung.As you descend towards Jhandi top, the thin section of vegetation makes way for breathtaking mountain views.Get the best view of the mountains for the last time during your descent because as you move ahead towards Lohajung, the mountains regress gradually.At Jhandi Top, take some rest before you trek for another 1.3 kilometres to reach the main trail.On your way back to Lohajung, indulge in the beauty of the enchanting Rhododendron forest once again and for the last time. This path will take you to the man-made trail, which means we are closer to our destination.After one hour’s walk, arrive at the shepherd’s hut; this locality is called Chhanni. Keep walking on the trail, and soon you will reach Lohanjung.Rest, freshen up and settle down. Enjoy the snacks, then dinner later, and rest in your rooms.
Day 6: Lohajung to Rishikesh
Drive Distance: 250 km, around 10 hours
Meals included: breakfast at Lohajung guesthouse
Pack your bags, check your belongings, and have breakfast, as you will be leaving for Rishikesh in the vehicle arranged by Thin Air Expedition.Drive back with the same scenic route you saw on day 1, cherishing the memories you made with new people. You are just leaving the place; memories are going to stay forever with you.Reach Rishikesh around 7:30 in the evening. From here you can book your journey ahead.
🚐 Transport Pickup Time: 7:30 AM, Prince Chowk, near Dehradun Railway Station.
From the scheduled pick-up point to the base camp, we arrange transportation in vehicles like Bolero, Innova, Dzire, or Tempo Traveller (12-seater). This is shared by trekkers at a pre-decided cost. All vehicles are non-AC for mountain travel safety.
🏡 Accommodation Base Camp Stay: 1-night accommodation in a local homestay or guesthouse, offering a glimpse of authentic Himalayan lifestyle. (Single-sharing available at INR 5,000 extra per person for the entire trek)
On-Trek Stay: Twin-sharing tents (Vango Halo Pro / A-Shape) built to handle extreme weather while keeping you comfortable after a long day’s trek.
⛺ Camping Equipment High-quality sleeping bags rated for sub-zero temperatures.
Foam mattresses for added comfort.
Safety gear including microspikes, gaiters, helmets, and ice axe (where required).
💊 Medical Support Our team carries an extensive medical kit and is trained in high-altitude first aid.
Oxygen cylinders (checked before every trek) are available at campsites and with the team at all times.
🌿 Permissions & FeesAll forest entry permits and camping fees for Indian nationals are included. (Additional charges apply for foreign nationals)
🍽 Meals Nutritious veg meals (with eggs) — Breakfast, packed lunch (on trek days), evening snacks, and dinner.
Jain and vegan meals available on prior request.
Dedicated kitchen tent and dining tent with tables and seating.
👨👩👧👦 Our Team Certified Trek Leader (AMC/BMC/NIM-trained) for safety and smooth execution.
Local Guides with deep knowledge of the trail, culture, and biodiversity.
Support Crew including cook, helpers, porters, and mules for common equipment.
🎒 Cloakroom Facility You can leave extra luggage safely at our base camp free of charge.
During The Trek Exclusion
❌ Personal expenses like tips, medicines, and phone calls.
❌ Travel from your hometown to the pick-up point.
❌ Personal trekking gear (jackets, shoes, backpacks, cutlery) — available for rent at affordable rates on prior request.
❌ Backpack offloading (optional) – INR 400 per bag/day (up to 12 kg).
❌ Trek insurance (mandatory) — to be arranged separately.
❌ Buffer day cost (if used) — to be paid directly to the trek leader.
❌ Any items not mentioned in the inclusions list.
It is located in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal region. The trek starts from a small village called Lohajung.
The Brahmatal trek is located at an altitude of around 3,735 metres (12,250 feet).
The trek is approximately 24 to 28 km long and takes around 6 days for the completion.
December to March is the time when you can do a snow trek. A frozen lake and snow on the trail make this trek worth it.
However, for pleasant clear skies and fewer crowds do the trek in the autumn season, which is from July to August.
No, the trek is closed during monsoon season due to the slippery path and risk of landslide.
This moderate trek is appropriate for beginner-level trekkers; however, physical fitness is a must to do this trek.
No, this trek is beginner friendly, but a decent level of fitness is required for the same.
Yes, this trek passes through a forest section and requires an entry permit from the forest department of Lohajung.
Officially you don’t need but a trek leader is highly recommended, as Himalayan treks are risky; steep ascent and descent test your patience. A certified guide ensures your safety and successful completion, including navigation and emergencies.
Essential gear includes good hiking shoes, thermal wear, a waterproof jacket, gloves, a warm cap, a headlamp, woolen socks, medicines, a water bottle, sunscreen and UV sunglasses.
Jio and BSNL are the networks that come in Lohajung. Beyond that, there is digital detox. Congratulations, you are connecting to reality.
On day 1 you get dinner, and on day 6 you get breakfast before leaving for Rishikesh. On other days meals usually include breakfast, lunch, an evening snack, and dinner. In Lohajung there is a good guesthouse; on other days you stay in alpine tents.
The suitable age for doing this trek is from 11 to 60 years old.
Testimonials
Radandi Shashank
“You are not just a mountain trek guides, but a true guardian of the journey. Your unwavering loyalty to our team, the mountains, and safety itself is extraordinary. Every step felt secure because of your dedication, integrity. And stayed committed to every trekker, through every challenge, with patience, care, and honesty. Huge respect to Subodh Jii n Aditi Mam!! Thank youu @thinairexpedition It was wonderful experience!!❤️❤️
67D3_KALYAN
Completing the Kedarkantha trek at an altitude of around 12,500 feet was not just a trek for us, it was a life-long memory, and a major reason for this unforgettable experience is our guide Shubhod Sir. From the very first day till the summit, Shubhod Sir guided us with immense patience, discipline, and genuine care. At every difficult patch, when our legs were tired and breathing became hard, his calm words, constant motivation, and confident leadership gave us the strength to keep moving forward. He never rushed anyone and always made sure that every member of the group was safe, comfortable, and mentally strong. Shubhod Sir’s knowledge of the mountains, weather, and high-altitude conditions was truly impressive. More than a guide, he felt like a protector and mentor who treated everyone like family. His positive attitude and humble nature created a sense of trust and confidence among all of us. We are also thankful to Atidhi Madam for her support and cooperation during the trek, which added to the smooth experience. Because of Shubhod Sir’s guidance and dedication, we successfully reached the summit with confidence and joy. We will always remember this trek with gratitude and respect. Truly blessed to have a guide like him. 🙏⛰️
Arvind Sahu
Wonderful experience totally worth it. At those price they provided services that no one could provides really enjoyed ❤️🎉
Kolanu Anirudh
This is my first trek in Uttarakhand(Kedharkanta) and Thin Air Expedition made it a memorable one Thanks for everything subodh bro you made it so special.
kanica kandpal
Completed the Gaumukh–Tapovan trek with Thin Air Expedition, and it was an exceptional experience from beginning to end. Instead of opting for a fixed-departure model, we chose a personally curated itinerary, as this was our first trek—and it turned out to be the perfect decision. The team was extremely thoughtful in planning each day’s distance, ensuring we were comfortably challenged without ever feeling overtired or exhausted upon reaching the campsites. Every campsite was carefully selected, offering not just safety and comfort but also breathtaking views that made each halt truly memorable. What stood out most was the level of personalization. The itinerary was clearly tailored to our pace and comfort, and the trek leader constantly shared insightful facts about the region, its geography, and cultural significance, adding depth and meaning to the journey. Overall, Thin Air Expedition delivers a highly personalized, well-paced, and enriching trekking experience. I would highly recommend them, especially for first-time trekkers looking for a safe, informative, and thoughtfully curated adventure.Sen
Raj Bahadur
I booked my trek with Thin Air Expedition on a friend’s recommendation, and it turned out to be a great decision. They managed travel and accommodation very smoothly, and everything was well organized throughout the journey. The team stayed in regular coordination, ensuring that stays and drivers were properly arranged each day. The entire trip was timely, hassle-free, and also pocket-friendly. I would definitely recommend Thin Air Expedition—you can trust them completely with your travel and trekking plans.
sachin aulakh
I recently completed the Kedarkantha Trek with ThinAirExpedition, and the entire experience was outstanding. The coordination, communication, and arrangements were excellent. The trek leaders were experienced and friendly, the support staff was humble, the stay was comfortable, and the food quality in such high altitude conditions was truly impressive. Their focus on safety and responsible trekking made the journey even better. I would definitely choose them again for my next Himalayan adventure! 🏔️✨
Aman rai
I recently completed a trek with the help of ThinAirExpedition, and the entire experience was very comfortable. From stay arrangements to travel from Rishikesh to Rishikesh, everything was well managed. The driver was extremely polite, supportive, and made the journey smooth and stress-free. Overall, a great experience and I would definitely recommend them.
Nitya Jaiswal
Kedarkantha was not just a trek, it was an experience that helped me reconnect with myself. Thanks to Thin air expeditions , I felt safe, cared for and encouraged at every step. The sunrise at the summit, the laughter around the campfire and the kindness of the guides will stay with me forever. If you're looking for a company that treats you like family on the mountains, this is the one.
Biswajit Sahoo
Subodh Sir making the trek so much of fun and intresting .. Awesome Experience with Subodh Sir
Anmol Verma
Overall trekking and accommodation was a very smooth experience. Our trek leader Mr. Ramesh was amazing and very helpful. He managed to make the trek look easy. Overall experience was 10/10. Would highly recommend.
Rishabh Singh Rana
Trek Guide Mr. Ramesh Ji is a very cool & good person. Trek journey became beautiful with the group and overall it became my one of the best experience.
aditi vaidya
I recently went on a trek with Thin Air Expeditions, and I can't get over the experience I had! I did the Phulara Ridge trek with Subodh sir, and it was an incredible experience. What made it even more special was that Subodh sir made sure I could bring my dog, Flake, a toy pom. His team and him took such great care of us, and it was clear that they truly care about their guests, human or canine! The group was amazing too. I met some wonderful people along the way, and we formed lifelong bonds. The whole experience was beautiful – from the breathtaking views to the friendly, supportive environment. I’ll cherish these memories forever! If you're looking for a SAFE, well-organized, fun, and caring trekking company, Thin Air Expeditions and Subodh sir are the ones to go with!
Anuja Vaidya
It was a wonderful experience with TAE on Phulara ridge trek, everything was on point the gears, food, trek guides and Subodh sir himself was an amazing leader who is the founder of TAE, he made sure the experience was amazing even for the first timers keeping safety the first priority. Also I took my Dog, Flake along with me for the trek and it was a great experience for her as well and her food and safety was well taken care of . 🐾 Would love to go back again with Thin air expedition. Thank you so much 🤗
Simran Samal
Phulara Ridge Trek – A Memorable Experience for me !!! Someone once told me, “Trips aren’t just about travel — they become a part of you.” I never really believed it, but this time, Phulara Ridge became exactly that for me. Our first campsite — the forest trail, the tents, the whole setting — gave me the first taste of what was to come. Everything was so thoughtfully arranged, it felt like nature itself had prepared that space for us. All thanks to our trek leader, Subodh bhai 🙌🏻. The next stop was magical in its own way. The campsite was picture-perfect, and we even ended up learning a bit of the local Uttarakhandi dance from Dev bhaiya (well… I tried to! 😄). In the evenings, we played games and spent such a good time that we forgot the weight of city life for a while. And finally, the Ridge: Honestly, we thought the weather would block the views, but Subodh bhai timed it so perfectly that the skies cleared for us. Walking on the ridge — one valley on the right, another on the left, clouds passing beneath us — felt surreal. We sat there for hours, just soaking it all in. It was pure peace. And yes, we even made tea there!!! 🫶🏻 (Of course, we made no mess, cleaned it all up, and left the space exactly the way it should be 😌). For me personally, trekking has always been like meditation — a way to quiet the noise and reconnect with myself. This trek with Subodh bhai and the team gave me exactly that: peace, perspective, memories for a lifetime, and inspiration. #SoGrateful 🙏🏻 Thank you, Subodh bhai and team, for making this such a soulful and unforgettable journey! Lastly Just one note for all: “In the end, we don’t conquer mountains; they help us discover who we truly are.” To anyone even considering it: please go with #ThinAir Expeditions to experience the rawness of trekking, the beauty of nature, and the joy of escaping city life for a while. You’ll come back not just with pictures, but with stories, stillness, and a piece of the mountains in your heart. All the best !!! ✌🏻
Netra Sharma
It was a wonderful experience with ThinAir Expedition. I went on my first trek to Phulara Ridge, and it was truly amazing. Our guide, Subodh ji, managed everything so well and remained patient throughout the trek. I enjoyed every moment and every spot. The place, the cook, and the helpers were all wonderful. The food and camps were awesome. I highly recommend joining ThinAir Expedition to experience the best of “pahadi” life!
Vaibhav Srivastava
Thin Air Expedition gave us the best experience while trekking. Everything was finely arranged and properly taken care of whether it was travel, food. Staff availablity. But the best part was free hand while trekking. Subodh led us beautifully taking in note that everyone reaches the base camp and everyone is doing well. Consulting our next phase keeping in mind the safety and gears. It was collectively very amazing. He gave us full free hand additionally it is our responsibility as well to take care of each other. We did so many activities had games and fun and he even taught us how to camp. How to set up it was fun. If it would've given me option I'll rate it 10. Thanks subodh and team and thin air expedition for such a memorable trip.
Somya Chaturvedi
I recently did the Phulara Ridge Trek with Thin Air Expedition, and it was my first trek ever truly an unforgettable experience! Everything was so well managed from safety arrangements and equipment to food and stay, I never had to worry about a thing. Our trek leader, Subodh, was extremely supportive, patient, and motivating, which made a huge difference for a first-timer like me. The food was simple, homely, and very satisfying after long trekking hours. Most importantly, safety was always the top priority. For anyone planning their first or next trek, I’d highly recommend Thin Air Expedition. Professional, caring, and passionate about making the experience memorable!
We're always ready for adventure
Trekking comes with uncertainty. Weather, terrain, and setbacks are part of the journey. We embrace them with resilience and openness—each challenge makes us stronger and more appreciative of nature's beauty.
We embrace low-noise trekking
We blend into nature, not the other way around. We avoid shouting, loud music, and noisy games. In silence, we hear birdsong, streams, and the wind—inviting peace, reflection, and a deeper connection with nature.
We protect the environment
We protect the environment by minimising waste, reusing resources, and picking up litter. We carry eco-bags, segregate waste, and inspire others to preserve trails. Sustainable trekking ensures these mountains remain beautiful for future generations.
We are self-sufficient
We carry our load as much as possible, manage our gear, and stay prepared for all situations. Self-sufficiency builds confidence, independence, and respect for fellow trekkers, support staff, and the trail itself.
We support each other
Trekking is not a solo act. We wait for each other, share burdens, and uplift teammates. By putting the group first, we build strong bonds and help everyone complete the trek joyfully.
We are fit and prepared
We train well before our treks. This helps us walk longer, handle emergencies, and contribute to the team. Fitness ensures we are never a burden and always ready to help when needed.