Photographs of Brahmatal lake, the trail and the camp site by Arijit95jitu; Garhwal peaks, Mt Trishul and Nanda Ghunti by Yash Soorma. Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
Overview
Step into a winter wonderland on YHAI's National Himalayan Brahmatal Trekking cum Training Expedition, set in the Garhwal Himalayas. Running from 20 to 31 December 2026, the trek reaches an altitude of 12,175 ft at Brahma Tal Top, nestled between the towering Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nandaghunti.
Located in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, Brahmatal is a serene high-altitude lake and a year-round trekking paradise. Known as one of the best 6 to 7 day treks in Uttarakhand, it offers panoramic views, snow-clad trails and a spiritual charm that captivates every trekker.
- Region: Chamoli district, Uttarakhand
- Maximum altitude: 12,175 ft at Brahma Tal Top
- Total trekking route: approximately 32 km round trip
- Program Coordinator: YHAI - 011-45999000, 011-45999015, 7827999000
Mandatory: a valid Trekking Medical Certificate issued within 30 days, signed and stamped by an MBBS/MD doctor, must be submitted at reporting. Carry photocopies of your Admit Card, Membership Card and ID proof along with the original medical certificate.
Day-wise Schedule
Day 1: Reporting at Base Camp Lohajung.
Day 2: Acclimatisation walk and orientation.
Day 3: Trek to Bekaltal camp (9,931 ft) or Telandi camp (10,170 ft) from Lohajung Base Camp - 7.5 km, approximately 5 to 6 hours.
Day 4: Trek to Brahma Tal camp (10,456 ft) from Bekaltal or Telandi camp - 7 km, approximately 6 hours.
Day 5: Trek to Begam tok (4,975 ft) from Brahma Tal camp, via Brahma Tal Top (12,175 ft) and Jhandi Top (11,227 ft) - 8.5 km, approximately 7 hours.
Day 6: Trek to Base Camp Lohajung via Begam village (8,900 ft) - approximately 5 km.
Day 7: Group breaks up after breakfast.
Total round trekking route: approximately 32 km.
Note: The route and schedule may change without prior notice depending on the local administration and weather conditions. Please read all the instructions, including the cancellation policy, before booking.
Facts & Eligibility
Who Can Participate?
- Open to all YHAI members aged 18 to 65 years. YHAI membership is mandatory and age limits are strictly followed - underage or overage participants will not be considered under any circumstances.
- A Trekking Medical Certificate issued within the last 30 days and signed by a registered MBBS/MD doctor is compulsory at reporting.
How to Reach the Base Camp
- Nearest railway station: Kathgodam
- Nearest airport: Pant Nagar
- Nearest roadhead: Kathgodam
How to Join
- Online: register through www.yhaindia.org or www.yhai.in and pay the program fee of Rs. 10,000 by UPI, net banking or debit/credit card. The Admit Card is generated on successful payment.
- Carry two copies of the Admit Card, the original Trekking Medical Certificate (valid 30 days only) and your YHAI Membership Card - a printout is accepted.
- Offline: complete the Trekking Registration Form and send it with a Demand Draft of Rs. 10,000 in favour of Youth Hostels Association of India, payable at New Delhi, to the Trekking Department, National Office, 5 Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021. Contact 011-45999015.
Inclusions
- Vegetarian meals - breakfast, packed lunch, dinner, tea, snacks and soup
- Tent accommodation on a sharing basis
- Trained local guide
- Forest entry permits
- Group insurance
Exclusions
- Personal expenses
- Camera and other activity fees
- Travel from home to base camp and return (Kathgodam to Lohajung)
- Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions
Food and Water
YHAI provides nutritious, pure vegetarian meals throughout the trek - morning tea, breakfast, packed lunch and dinner. Participants must bring their own plate, mug and spoon.
Essentials to Carry
- Trekking shoes (waterproof, high-ankle, non-skid); sandals that are washable and quick-dry
- Cotton and woollen socks (4 pairs), lightweight trousers (no jeans or cargos), innerwear
- Cotton t-shirts (half and full sleeve), a full trek suit
- Windcheater, raincoat set, sweater, warm jacket
- Woollen and waterproof gloves, throat cover, sun and woollen caps, polarised sunglasses
- Walking stick, rucksack (or request one from YHAI)
- Torch with spare batteries, thermal flask, water bottle and purifier
- Leak-proof lunch box, plate, mug, spoon
- Sewing kit, toilet paper, towel, soap, toothbrush and paste
- Boroline or Vaseline, sunscreen SPF 30+, pen and notebook
- Passport-size photos, ID proof (original and copy), membership card printout
- Trekking Medical Certificate (original, 30-day validity), indemnity bond if aged 60+
- Personal medicines; optional camera with spare batteries
Safety and Important Notes
- YHAI teams conduct route checks and campsite planning, but YHAI is not liable for accident, illness or unforeseen incident. Activities beyond the program are at personal risk and cost after checkout.
- Strictly no smoking, alcohol or narcotics. No outside stays during the program.
- Carry back any litter. Burning wood is prohibited, and bringing plastic into Uttarakhand is an offence.
- Central Government employees can apply for Special Casual Leave of up to 30 days per calendar year under Govt. of India Order No. 28016/3/89-Estt (A) dated 25 October 1989.
Scholarships
- Justice T.P.S. Chawla Memorial Scholarship - for underprivileged girls with family income below Rs. 1,00,000 a year. Submit a salary certificate, or an affidavit in the case of business income.
- Siddharth 'Off the Beaten Track' Scholarship - 50% fee concession for underprivileged youth (men and women below 30) with family income below Rs. 2,50,000 a year.
- Apply via the YHAI National Office through your State Branch with valid income proof.
Batch Dates
Reporting Point: Base Camp, Lohajung, Chamoli District, Uttarakhand
Program Map
- 1Lohajung (Base Camp)Days 1, 2, 6, 7
- 2BekaltalDay 3
- 3BrahmatalDay 4
- 4Brahma Tal TopDay 5
- 5Begam villageDay 6
Places from the day-wise schedule, numbered in visiting order. Markers shown with a hollow ring and a "≈" are approximate - these high-altitude camps are not mapped in OpenStreetMap, so they are placed along the described route. Tap any place below to open it in Google Maps. Map data (c) OpenStreetMap contributors.
Cancellation Policy
Online Bookings
- Participants who have booked online must cancel their booking online through the website at least 5 days before the reporting date.
Offline Bookings
- Participants who have booked offline must send a cancellation request by email to trekking@yhaindia.org at least 5 days before the reporting date.
Eligibility for Cancellation
- Only cancellations made within the above timeline are eligible for a credit shell or refund.
- Cancellation requests received less than 5 days before the reporting date will not be entertained and are not eligible for a credit shell or refund.
Refund
- Participants opting for a refund will get 50% of the paid program fee.
- The refund is processed only after completion of the program.
Credit Shell
- Participants opting for a credit shell receive 100% of the paid participation fee as credit, valid until 31 December 2027.
- The credit shell may be used for any program organised by the YHAI National Office, or by YHAI State Branches and Units that operate a credit shell policy on their programs.
- The credit shell can only be used against treks and programs. It cannot be adjusted against membership fees or hostel bookings.
Adjustment of Credit Shell
- If the new program costs less than the available credit, the balance may be used for another eligible trek or program until 31 December 2027.
- If the new program costs more, the difference must be paid by the participant.
No Further Cancellation
- A program booked using a credit shell cannot be cancelled, or converted into another credit shell or refund, under any circumstances.
Transfer of Seats
- A confirmed seat may be transferred to a family member or friend. Once transferred, the seat cannot be transferred again or cancelled.
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