?️ How to Reach Brahmatal: A Complete Travel Guide from Major Cities
✨ Introduction
It was 4:30 AM on a crisp winter morning in Delhi when Ananya zipped up her backpack and stepped into the fog. She had dreamt of witnessing the frozen Brahmatal Lake ever since she saw its reflection of Mt. Trishul on Instagram. But as the cab driver asked, “Madam, kahaan chalna hai?”, she realized—reaching Brahmatal isn’t as straightforward as booking a flight to a tourist hotspot.
Unlike more popular destinations, Brahmatal Trek begins in the quiet, remote village of Lohajung in Uttarakhand, nestled deep in the Garhwal Himalayas. Getting there is an adventure in itself—and this guide will show you how.
? Where Is Brahmatal Located?
Brahmatal Lake is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 12,250 ft (3,735 meters). The trek starts from Lohajung village (7,600 ft), which is the official base camp.
?️ How to Reach Brahmatal – City-Wise Breakdown
? Step 1: Reach Kathgodam (Nearest Major Railway Station)
Distance from Delhi: ~280 km
Train Duration: 6–7 hours
Popular Trains:
Ranikhet Express (15013)
Kathgodam Shatabdi (12040)
Tip: Book at least a week in advance in season (Dec–Feb)
? Source: Indian Railways
? Step 2: Kathgodam to Lohajung (Base Camp)
Distance: ~225 km
Drive Time: 10–11 hours
Route: Kathgodam → Bhimtal → Almora → Kausani → Gwaldam → Dewal → Lohajung
Mode:
Shared jeep (₹800–₹1,000 per person)
Private cab (₹5,500–₹6,500 per vehicle)
? Fun Fact: This route passes through some of the most scenic stretches of the Kumaon region.
? Source: Indiahikes Transport Guide
? Optional: Reach Pantnagar by Flight
Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport (32 km from Kathgodam)
Flights Available From: Delhi
Airlines: Alliance Air, IndiGo
Taxi to Kathgodam: ~1 hour (₹800–₹1,200)
? Source: FlightRadar24
?️ City-Wise Travel Guide
? From Delhi
Train to Kathgodam: 6–7 hrs
Drive to Lohajung: 10–11 hrs
Total Travel Time: ~18 hours
Best Option: Overnight train + early morning cab
? From Mumbai
Flight to Delhi or Pantnagar
Train/Flight + Drive: 20–24 hrs total
? From Bangalore
Flight to Delhi or Pantnagar
Train to Kathgodam (if from Delhi)
Drive to Lohajung
✈️ Pro Tip: Choose an early flight to Delhi and take the Kathgodam Shatabdi for a smooth connection.
? Best Time to Travel
Winter Treks: December to February
Spring Treks: March to April
Tip: Roads can be snowy in Jan—buffer extra travel time
✅ Travel Tips
Book trains/flights early during winter trek season
Arrange shared transport in advance through your trek operator
Avoid driving yourself—roads are narrow and can be snow-covered
? Summary Table
Mode | From | Duration | Estimated Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Train | Delhi → Kathgodam | 6–7 hrs | ₹400–₹1,200 |
Road | Kathgodam → Lohajung | 10–11 hrs | ₹800–₹6,500 |
Flight | Delhi → Pantnagar | 1 hr | ₹2,000–₹4,500 |
Local Cab | Pantnagar → Kathgodam | 1 hr | ₹800–₹1,200 |
? Sources
? Final Words
Reaching Brahmatal is half the adventure. Whether you start from Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore, each leg of the journey brings you closer to one of India’s most magical winter treks. Plan wisely, start early, and let the mountains handle the rest