Why Brahmatal is the Perfect Alternative to Roopkund Trek

Brahmatal Trek in Uttarakhand has become one of the most sought-after winter treks in India. With the closure of the Roopkund trek, many adventure lovers were left disappointed, as Roopkund was once considered the crown jewel of Himalayan treks. But Brahmatal has stepped in as a perfect replacement, offering snow trails, frozen lakes, breathtaking summit views, and an overall experience that is both thrilling and beginner-friendly.

For trekkers who always dreamed of doing Roopkund, Brahmatal is a chance to fulfill that wish in a new and equally rewarding way. It carries the same charm of high-altitude trekking but with easier accessibility and year-round availability.

Why Roopkund Trek is Closed for Trekkers

The Roopkund trek was world-famous because of its mysterious skeleton lake, where hundreds of human skeletons were discovered near the water. Trekkers would climb through bugyals (high-altitude meadows), cross snowfields, and finally reach Roopkund Lake at about 16,000 feet.

However, the trail passed through fragile alpine zones, especially Bedni Bugyal and Ali Bugyal. These meadows faced heavy damage due to large trekking groups, and the government decided to place restrictions for conservation. As a result, Roopkund has remained closed for trekkers for several years now.

This sudden closure left trekkers searching for an alternative that could provide snow adventure, cultural touchpoints, and mountain views similar to Roopkund. Brahmatal quickly emerged as the best choice.

Why Brahmatal is the Perfect Replacement

Brahmatal has everything a trekker seeks in a Himalayan journey. At an altitude of around 12,250 feet, the trek offers a summit climb, frozen alpine lakes, and grand views of Mt Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, and even parts of the Garhwal range.

The total distance of the trek is about 24 km, covered in five to six days. This makes it shorter and easier compared to Roopkund, which demanded more stamina and longer days of trekking. Brahmatal’s trail is well balanced—it has steady climbs, forest paths, wide meadows, and snowy sections, ensuring a variety of landscapes without extreme difficulty.

For trekkers, this balance means you enjoy the best of the Himalayas without pushing beyond safe limits.

Scenic Beauty of Brahmatal

The beauty of Brahmatal Trek is unmatched in winter. The trek takes you through dense oak and rhododendron forests, where fresh snow covers branches like a white blanket. As you move higher, the forest opens into meadows covered in thick snow.

From the summit, panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges spread in every direction. Mt Trishul and Nanda Ghunti appear so close that they feel within reach. On clear days, you can also spot Chaukhamba, Nilkanth, and other peaks of the Garhwal region.

Sunrises and sunsets are highlights of the trek. The way the golden light touches snow-covered peaks and slowly turns them orange is a memory that stays forever. For photographers and nature lovers, Brahmatal offers endless frames of Himalayan beauty.

Best Time to Visit Brahmatal

One of the biggest advantages of Brahmatal over Roopkund is its winter appeal. Roopkund was mostly done in summer and post-monsoon months, while Brahmatal is a true winter trek.

The best time to visit is between December and March, when the trail is fully covered in snow. Trekkers get to walk on frozen paths, camp in snowy clearings, and even see Brahmatal Lake frozen during peak winter.

This makes it one of the few treks in Uttarakhand that let beginners experience the magic of Himalayan winters without the extreme risks of higher expeditions.

Difficulty Level of Brahmatal Trek

Brahmatal is rated as a moderate trek. Covering a total of about 24 km over five to six days, it is suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. Unlike Roopkund, which had steep climbs and higher altitude challenges, Brahmatal’s trail is more gradual and well-planned.

Trekkers usually walk 5–7 km per day, crossing forests, meadows, and snowy ridges. Campsites are at safe altitudes, which allows proper acclimatization. Even first-timers with basic fitness can complete this trek without much trouble. For experienced trekkers, the charm lies in the winter snow, frozen lake, and wide mountain views.

Why You Should Choose Brahmatal Over Roopkund

• Open and Accessible: Roopkund is closed, while Brahmatal is fully open and well-organized for trekkers.
• Snow Experience: Brahmatal offers one of the best winter trekking experiences in India.
• Balanced Difficulty: Easier than Roopkund but still adventurous enough to give a sense of achievement.
• Scenic Variety: Forests, frozen lakes, wide meadows, and high Himalayan peaks—all in one trek.
• Perfect for Beginners: Safe trail, shorter duration, and guided groups make it beginner-friendly.

How to Reach Brahmatal Trek Starting Point

The trek to Brahmatal usually starts from Lohajung village in Uttarakhand.

• From Rishikesh/Dehradun: Drive to Lohajung (around 220 km, 9–10 hours by road). Shared taxis and buses are available.
• From Lohajung to Brahmatal: The trekking trail begins here, passing through Bekaltal, Brahmatal Lake, and finally the summit point.

This accessibility makes Brahmatal convenient compared to other high-altitude treks that require longer travel.

FAQs About Brahmatal Trek

1. Is Brahmatal harder than Roopkund?

No, Brahmatal is easier. Roopkund required higher stamina and went to a higher altitude, while Brahmatal is a moderate trek.

2. What is the altitude of Brahmatal?

Brahmatal summit is at around 12,250 feet, offering clear views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti.

3. How many days are required for Brahmatal trek?

It usually takes five to six days, covering about 24 km in total.

4. When is the best time to do Brahmatal trek?

December to March is ideal, as the trail is fully snow-covered and the views are at their best.

5. Can first-time trekkers do Brahmatal?

Yes, even beginners can do Brahmatal with basic preparation and fitness.

6. What peaks are visible from Brahmatal?

Mt Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Chaukhamba, Nilkanth, and other Himalayan ranges can be seen clearly.

Conclusion

Brahmatal Trek has proven to be the perfect alternative to Roopkund. While Roopkund remains closed, Brahmatal allows trekkers to enjoy snow trails, frozen lakes, and grand Himalayan views in a safe and accessible way. The trek is easier, shorter, and open in winter, making it an ideal choice for beginners as well as experienced trekkers who miss the thrill of Roopkund.

If you are planning a winter trek that combines adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural touchpoints, Brahmatal is the trail that will not disappoint.