Brahmatal Trek Altitude: Different Campsites and Summit
The Brahmatal trek is one of the most popular Himalayan treks in Uttarakhand, renowned for its snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes during winter, and picturesque forests. Typically, the trek lasts five days starting from Lohajung village, with a maximum altitude of approximately 12,250 feet (3750 meters).
Overview & Key Altitudes
- Summit (Brahmatal Peak): 3,750 m or 12250 ft
Some common camp Altitudes
- Base/start village (Lohajung): 2300 m or 7500 ft
- Bekaltal (lake campsite): 3000 m or 9950 ft
- Brahmatal Base: 3,200 m or 10700 ft
- Daldam: 3048m or 10000 ft
- Now, let us see the day-wise altitude gain during the Brahmatal Trek
Day | Route | Start Altitude | End Altitude | Approx altitude gain/ loss | Highlights and notes |
Day 1 | Dehradun to Lohajung drive | Approx 640m or 2100 ft (Dehradun) | Approx 2300 m or 7500 ft | 1660m altitude gain mostly by vehicle; trekking begins next day. | It is quite a long drive (Approx300-320 km, 8-10 hours). Take Rest, acclimatize. |
Day 2 | Lohajung to Bekaltal | Approx 2300 m or 7500 ft | Approx 3000m or 9,950 ft | Approx 700-750m of altitude gain. Since the altitude gain is less than 900m you can acclimatize well without any medical help. | This is about 5-6 km walk through pine/maple forest; some steep climbs, stream crossings. Good day for setting pace. |
Day 3 | Bekaltal to Brahmatal base camp | Approx 3000m or 9,950 ft | Approx 3200 m or 10,700 ft | + Approx 200-250 m altitude gain. | Nic walk of 6km which opens up into meadows; excellent views of surrounding peaks. |
Day 4 | Base camp to summit, descend to Haragaon camp | Start Approx Approx 3200 m or 10,700 ft → Summit at 12,250 ft 3,750 | Approx 3078 m or 10000 ft at Daldam | Net gain of Approx 550 m to summit, then descent of Approx 750 m | Early start for summit. The climb is the hardest stretch of the trek. After enjoying the summit, descend downhill to Daldam. |
Day 5 | Daldam to Lohajung and then Return (or stay & return next day) | Approx 3078 m or 10000 ft at Daldam | Approx 2300 m or 7500 ft to Lohajung | Approx 2300 m to 640 m to Dehraun Via Drive | Shorter trek, mostly downhill; relaxing as you descend via forests. Once in Lohajung, one can head back to Dehradun by road. |
Tips for the Brahmatal trek schedule:
- Acclimatization and Pace – Although the trek is moderate, walking too quickly can cause altitude sickness. The increase from approximately 800 m to between 3,400 and 3,800 m over a few days is substantial.
- Snow and Weather – In winter, the trail near the summit is often snow-covered; therefore, early morning starts and appropriate gear like gaiters and crampons are crucial. Temperatures can fall sharply.
- Trail Conditions – The Trail conditions include streams, rocky patches, and steep forested climbs, especially on Days 2 and 4. The descent from the summit is lengthy but provides relief to the knees following the steep ascent.
- Distance vs Time: The horizontal distance of each day more than other winter treks (6 km typically on trekking days), also the altitude gain and terrain make walking slow, especially near the summit day. Plan conservatively.