About Solo Trekking Guide for Girls and Brahmatal Trek

About Brahmatal Trek:

Northern India is brimming with natural wonders and hidden gems. The magnificent lake of Brahmatal is one such location. This alpine lake sits at a lofty elevation of 3240m, surrounded by epic Himalayan mountains like Trishul, Hati Ghoda, and Mrigthuni. The Brahmatal Trek is a fantastic adventure to embark on if you want to experience the glory of the Indian mountains while also being surprised. Read on to learn more about this trip!

The Himalayas in Uttarakhand are massive and home to some incredible landscapes, such as the Valley of Flowers. This mountain range, located deep in northern India, is close to the borders of both Nepal and China and is an excellent location for hiking tours. Brahmatal is a lesser-known location within this massive mountain range. This is a mountain as well as a hidden alpine lake. The mountain is partially covered in beautiful alpine forests, and its summit is frequently covered in a thick layer of snow. The lake is only 200 metres from the highest point and is truly a sight to behold. Who would have guessed that such a body of water could be found in the midst of this majestic mountain range?

During the winter, Lake Brahmatal freezes over, which is a spectacular sight to behold. The frozen waters perfectly reflect the winter sunlight, and the surrounding landscape is a winter wonderland. During the warmer months, the lake is frequently unfrozen, and the surrounding landscape transforms from white to green. The landscape comes to life and is brimming with greenery. This means that the Brahmatal trek is suitable for different seasons, and your experience may vary depending on when you visit!

Whether you are travelling in a group or on your own, the Brahmatal trek usually takes 6 days. This trip consists of two days of driving and four days of trekking and exploring. The overall Brahmatal trek distance is typically around 25km, but this varies depending on the route taken and the sites visited. It is also important to note that you will be hiking up to 12,200ft (3718m), so it is preferable if you have some high-altitude walking experience.

Rishikesh is a common starting point for this mountain adventure. This starting point is best reached by taking a flight from New Delhi to the neighbouring city of Dehradun – Rishikesh does not have an airport. The first day will be a long-distance drive to the first stop in Lohajung from here. Lohajung is the hike’s official starting point, and it’s also where you’ll set up camp for the first time.

The adventure and mountain exploration begin over the next four days. The itinerary may vary here, but there are some common routes and sites that you will most likely see. Typically, a smaller testing hike is taken to Bekaltal first. This is a much smaller alpine-style structure nestled in a massive forest. This is a fantastic place to explore and an excellent way to begin hiking.

The main trek, and one of the highlights of the journey, is, however, the hike to Brahmatal itself. This is a longer trek that is approximately 7 kilometres long. The route typically takes up to 7 hours to complete and ascends to an elevation of 10,450ft (3200m). During this trek, you will see some incredible sights, including some of the larger Himalayan mountains, such as Shivalik. When you reach the top, you will be rewarded for your efforts by seeing the tranquil lake Brahmatal. The scenery here is unlike anywhere else – seeing the lake and the magnificent mountains that surround it is breathtaking.

Other notable trek destinations include the epic Jatropani Peak, the breathtaking Brahmatal Pass, and Tilbudi. The Brahmatal pass provides sweeping views of the landscape and allows you to see many of the region’s mightiest mountains – it will leave you speechless!

The first night will be spent in a guest house in Lohajung, and the rest of the trip will be spent in tents at designated campsites. Lunch and hot meals are usually included, but we recommend bringing energy bars and some non-perishable snacks to keep you going on the hikes. Walking spikes may also be useful when hiking the steeper paths.

Also See: Best Treks in India you should go

Solo Trekking Guide for Girls

My gratitude and thanks go out to all the empowered women who read the blog, as well as the men who support them in their decisions. Trekking in India has changed dramatically in recent years. While men continue to expand their expeditions to explore and experience various treks and outdoor adventures, women have taken trekking to a whole new level. Nonetheless, six out of ten women are hesitant to travel alone. The stigma and myth that safety is a concern persists, with people believing that it is unsafe for girls or women to go on a trek alone, or even in a group.

I’ve trekked with groups of strangers and made great friends with these strangers. I believe it is completely safe for women to venture out on their own, and here’s why:

1. Guides:

Do your homework before signing up for a trek with any group. Read reviews about the agency and the security measures it employs. You’ll have fully trained trekking leaders and staff who will assist you in any situation, whether it’s peeing in the middle of a trek or taking health precautions. I became very good friends with one of the trek leaders on my recent trek to Kedarkantha. It’s a lot of fun to hear about their various mountain stories. If you’re a serious hiker, you can learn a lot from them.

2. Staff Support:

In 2017, I completed my third trek to Beas Glacier, which is a short but difficult trek. I met this wonderful cook named “Raju” who kept us all entertained while preparing meals for us. He was always there for us, from checking on our food to asking how we were doing, and so on. If you’re travelling with a group, they’ll have everything planned out for you to ensure your safety and well-being. The staff even divides tents among female trekkers in an appropriate manner.

3. Fellow:

“I went alone, and I came back with eight new friends,” is a common phrase that I’m sure every Trekker can relate to. Ladies, believe me when I say that the friends you’ll make on a trek are priceless. Simply enjoy yourself, meet new people, and make priceless memories. Trekkers, in my opinion, are very intellectual and free of judgement. They go to see the true beauty of nature, and you may meet like-minded people who will encourage you to push yourself further.

4. Women Empowerment:

As I write this, I recall a time when I went on the Brahmatal trek in Uttrakhand. I was terrified because we had to begin the trek early in the morning, and the base camp was in LohaJung, a very quiet village. I went in with a group of other hikers. As we began our journey, we encountered a few locals who advised us on the best route to take and where to find breakfast. I realised that it is you and me who have shaped society’s perspective. The only way to find out is to go outside and explore the possibilities.

Go ahead with your long-awaited trekking plans, challenge yourself, explore a little, and then return as a completely different woman with a new perspective on society.

5. Learnings:

Once you start pushing yourself, you’ll realise that there is so much to learn from a trek: you get to clear your mind, you’ll meet new challenges every day of your trek, and you’ll learn so much ( physically, emotionally and mentally). 4-10 days can actually make you a thinker, show you the power of kindness and gratitude, tell you to always be prepared, make you a good problem solver, and make you realise it was all worth it in the end.