Trek Highlights: Kedarkantha Trek vs Brhamatal
Trek to Kedarkantha and trek to Brhamatal both have their uniqueness. Both can never be compared in terms of the best one. These two treks are the best winter treks in India. But when the question arises about which trek is better? You cannot tell until you have visited both.
Kedarkantha trek and Brhmatal are the priceless gems of Uttarkhand. Both the trails are perfect for beginners. This article provides you with facts explaining the beauty of these treks.
These treks reveal the beauties of Nanda Devi, Chaukhamha, Nilkanth, Kamet, Hathi Goda, Kedarnath, Trishul, Mount Swargarohini, and Bandarpoonch peaks.
Though it’s quite confusing to choose between them. This might help you to know about them in detail.
Kedarkantha Trek
Kedarkantha is a five-day trek filled with fun and adventure. This trek offers snowy adventures and picturesque scenes. Termed as one of India’s best winter trek. The main trek starts from Sankri; a beautiful place and an ideal spot for trekking. You get a chance to have the easy summit view. Trek difficulty is moderate and not much strenuous.
Cross the pine forests, lush green meadows, and freshwater streams. The total trek distance is 25 km. It’s really rewarding to experience the panoramic view from its top summit. From here the stunning peaks of Swargarohini, Black Pea, and Badarpoonch are closely visible.
The best time for Kedarkantha trek is during the months of December to February. The peak of winters to experience snow-laden beauty.
Brhamatal Trek
Trek to Brhamatal is India’s another best winter trek. In winters most of the treks remain closed. But Brhmatal is open for you. It has a mythological story attached to it. The name is derived from Lord Brahma. According to the Hindus, Lord Brahma used to meditate here. Lohajung is the base camp. It’s a great small town with mythological significance. You can hear stories from the locals itself. Brhamatal trek falls to the opposite of Roopkund.
This trek offers you the splendid views of the Himalayan range. It’s the paradise for snow fanatics. The whole trek path remains covered with snow. Such a blissful sight of mother nature. You’ll get the views of prominent peaks like Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Chowkhamba, Neel Kanth, Kamek, and Hathi Ghoda. You can also view the majestic Roopkund along with Ali Bugyal, Bedni Bugyal, and Junargali.
Walk amidst coniferous trees of cedar, oak, and fir. A perfect winter scenery. Though the place remains less crowded, it’s calm and peaceful.
The best time for the Brhamatal trek is from December to January. The peak winter months. Explore the untouched beauty of this trek.
| Particular | Kedarnath Trek | Brhamatal Trek |
| Altitude: | 12,500 feet | 12,100 feet |
| Base Camp: | Sankri | Lohajung |
| Best Time: | All season except monsoon | Winters |
| Trek Type: | Summit peak | Glacier Lake |
| Total Days: | 5 to 6 days | 5 Days |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy to Moderate | Easy to Moderate |
| Total Distance: | 25 KM | 30 km |
Kedarkantha and Brhamatal Trek Highlights
Mountain Views
Kedarkantha trek promises you a panoramic view of majestic mountains like Dauladhar, Swargarohini, and Bandarpoonch.
Brhamatal trek offers you splendid views on both sides. Mrigthuni, Trishul, and Nandaghunti at one side. And the huge Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Hathi Ghoda on either side. The experience is magical to be surrounded by stunning peaks. You can also watch the majestic Himalayan peaks rising above 7000 feet.
Beautiful Nature
Kedarkantha trek trail path consists of beautiful campsites, dense green forests, and widespread meadows. Watch the change of meadows from pristine green during summers to snowy white in winters. Explore the variety of flora and fauna, as the trek falls within Govind National Park. The whole trail path is picturesque to capture in your cameras.
Brhmatal trek offers you clear blue skies, adventurous ridges, dense meadows which are called “Bugyals”, majestic mountain peaks, scenic landscapes, gushing waterfalls, and pristine lakes. Explore the coniferous forests of oak, fir, pine, and rhododendron. These trees differ during each season. Nature offers it’s best here during the winters with snow-laden trail path.
Incredible Villages
During the trek to Kedarkantha, there will be many local villages on your way. Some are engaged in outdoor activities. While some are untouched and pristine. Sankri serves the base camp at Kedarkantha. It’s a beautiful village within Tons valley; the best place for trekking. From here you can view the back of Swargarohini peaks, widespread meadows, and the Highline of Himalayan peaks. A visual treat for trekkers. Explore the local culture of the villagers. You can see the shepherds and locals playing around happily. A perfect scenery secluded away from city chaos.
Lohajung serves as the basecamp for Brhamatal trek. This small village offers fantastic views of mountains. It seems as if they touch the clouds. The village even has a mythological story attached to it. Legend says Goddess Parvati fought against the demon Lohasur here. Since the name Lohajung was derived.
Beautiful Lakes
Juda ka Talab is the main attraction of Kedarkantha trek. It’s an incredible glacier lake standing at an altitude of 2,700 meters. The mighty oak and pine trees surrounds the lake. Its beauty is sure to stun you. Hindu Mythology says that the lake was formed from a droplet of Lord Shiva’s hair. The water is crystal clear just like a mirror.
Brhmatal holds the glacier lake that is dedicated to Lord Brahma. It’s the main attraction here at 3,400 meters. Lord Brahma used to meditate here years back. The waters are clear blue during summers and in winters it’s frozen white. The lake view is spectacular and overwhelming. This place remains in solitude. You can only spot one standing tree. Another lake, Bekaltal is stunningly beautiful. It is pristine and calm surrounded by oak trees. Bekaltal lake is dedicated to Lord Nag Devta.
Summit Views
The Kedarkantha summit offers a stunning view. Mountains are visible at your eye level. Trek towards the summit is quite adventurous and tricky. Feel as if you’re touching the sky. You can view the peaks of Kala Nag and Bandarpoonch.
Brhamatal stands at 3,734 meters. Another great top point. From here get a close view of the mighty Himalayan range. Also, watch the stunning peaks of Mount Trishul and Nandaghunti.
Camp Spots
The place near Juda ka Talab serves as the campsite. It has surrounding thick trees and splendid mountains. The forest designs are just spectacular. Watch the sunrise and sunset behind the mighty peaks. Such beautiful sights are a lifetime experience.
The Brhamatal campsite is just 500 meters away from Brhamatal lake. You can view the mesmerizing sunrise and sunset. Watch how the sunrays fall over majestic snowy mountains. The scene is picturesque. Spot the shiny stars in clear night sky. Perfect for stargazers.
So from here, the conclusion is both Kedarkantha and Brhamatal offer unique beauty. You need to visit these both to explore their uniqueness. Mother nature can never be compared.