Bramhatal is one of those treks that sounds like a fantasy novel location but is actually real and sitting in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand
You get a frozen alpine lake at 12,250 feet, surrounded by some seriously impressive peaks like Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. The best part? It’s accessible enough for beginner trekkers but still challenging enough to make you earn those views.
Winter is when Bramhatal really shows off. The lake freezes completely, the entire landscape gets covered in pristine snow, and you feel like you’ve stepped into a real-life snow globe. Just one that requires a lot more huffing and puffing to enjoy.
Day 1: Lohajung to Bekaltal
Reality hits different at altitude
“Where earth whispers ancient secrets to those who dare to listen”
Started the day feeling like a proper trekker with my fancy gear and confident stride. The trail from Lohajung begins innocently enough – lovely rhododendron forests, decent path, birds chirping.Felt like walking through a natural cathedral, with amazing views of the valley in the backdrop.
Day 2: Bekaltal to Bramhatal Base
When the mountains start showing off
Woke up to frost on my tent and that crisp mountain air that makes you feel instantly awake. Today’s mission: get to Bramhatal base camp and hopefully catch some proper mountain views.
The trail was enjoyable – definitely more challenging than yesterday but nothing too crazy. More snow underfoot, which made the walk more interesting, and the altitude was noticeable but manageable. What really got me was how the landscape kept changing as we climbed higher.
And then it happened – the trees cleared and there it was: Mount Trishul in all its glory. This massive three-peaked giant just casually dominating the skyline like it owns the place (which, let’s face it, it does). The view hit me completely out of nowhere. One moment I’m focused on the trail, the next I’m staring at this incredible pyramid of snow and rock that looks like it was designed by an architect with way too much ambition.
Spent a good chunk of time just taking in the Trishul massif. The way the afternoon light hit those peaks was absolutely unreal. Reached base camp feeling energized and excited for what tomorrow would bring.
Day 3: The Lake Day
[Photo Caption]: “Where time stands still and souls remember they can fly”
This was it – summit day to the actual Bramhatal Lake. Started early in the darkness because apparently that’s what sane people do. The headlamp-lit trail felt like walking through a dream, except dreams usually don’t involve this much huffing and puffing.
But then the sun came up, and everything changed. The snow-covered peaks turned pink and gold, and suddenly I remembered why I love this madness. The final approach to the lake was through knee-deep snow, which sounds romantic until you’re actually doing it.
And then I saw it. Bramhatal Lake, completely frozen, surrounded by peaks that looked like they were painted by someone who had way too much talent and time. Stood there for probably 20 minutes just staring, occasionally muttering “wow” like a broken record.
The Real Deal
So here’s what they don’t tell you about winter treks: yes, it’s cold. Yes, it’s challenging. Yes, you’ll question your sanity at least twelve times. But there’s something magical about experiencing the mountains when they’re dressed in their winter best.
Bramhatal reminded me why I started climbing in the first place. It’s not about conquering peaks or getting the perfect Instagram shot (though that’s a nice bonus). It’s about those moments when you’re standing somewhere incredible, breathing hard, feeling completely alive, and thinking “I can’t believe I actually did this.”
The frozen lake, the snow-covered peaks, the crystal-clear air – it all felt like nature showing off just because it could. And for four days, I got a front-row seat to the show.
Trek Stats:
- Days: 4 (felt like 4 weeks and 4 minutes simultaneously)
- Distance: 24 km of ups, downs, and “are we there yet?”
- Max Altitude: 12,250 feet (where breathing becomes optional)
- Best Moment: First glimpse of the frozen lake and Mt Trishul
Mountains have this annoying habit of getting into your blood. Consider yourself warned.