The Brahmatal Trek is one of the most accessible Himalayan winter treks from Delhi. Unlike higher routes, the drive is manageable and the base village, Lohajung, is well-connected through Kathgodam. In this guide, we lay out every option — the practical ones and the scenic ones.
Quick overview of the route
The journey has two clean legs:
- Delhi to Kathgodam — the last major railhead before you hit the hills.
- Kathgodam to Lohajung — around 213 km through Almora, Kausani and the Kosi–Pindar valley.
Total travel time from central Delhi to Lohajung is usually 18–22 hours depending on connections. Most of our batches meet at Kathgodam railway station in the morning so trekkers can travel overnight from Delhi.
Delhi to Kathgodam
By train
Multiple overnight trains connect New Delhi to Kathgodam:
- Ranikhet Express (15013): departs Delhi 22:40, arrives Kathgodam 05:50. AC 2/3 tier available. Most popular option among our trekkers.
- Kathgodam Shatabdi (12040): departs New Delhi 06:20, arrives Kathgodam 12:00. Chair-car, day service.
- Bagh Express (13020): another overnight option with sleeper class.
Journey time is typically 6–7 hours. Book 2–3 weeks in advance for winter batches — December and January get busy.
By bus
Volvo and semi-sleeper buses run from Delhi ISBT Anand Vihar to Haldwani/Kathgodam nightly. Journey time 7–8 hours. Comfortable and cheaper than trains in peak season.
By flight
The nearest airport is Pantnagar (PGH), about 40 km from Kathgodam. Limited direct flights from Delhi. Most trekkers find it faster and cheaper to take an overnight train than to fly.
Kathgodam to Lohajung
By shared jeep or taxi (budget)
Shared taxis and jeeps run daily from Kathgodam in the early morning. The 213 km journey takes about 9 hours. This is the cheapest but least comfortable option — you share with 6–8 other travellers.
By private cab (comfort)
Ideal for small groups and families. A private SUV can be arranged from Kathgodam for around ₹6,000–8,000 one-way (2026 rates). More flexibility with stops and timing.
By bus (limited)
Uttarakhand state buses run occasionally from Kathgodam to smaller hill towns, but there's no direct daily bus to Lohajung. You'd need to change at Karnaprayag or Tharali, which stretches the journey.
Our transport package
Both our base-city and Delhi packages include the Kathgodam ⇄ Lohajung leg in a group SUV or Tempo Traveller with an experienced hill driver. The Delhi package additionally covers Delhi ⇄ Kathgodam by AC coach. Zero coordination on your end.
The scenic route — what you'll pass through
The Kathgodam to Lohajung drive is beautiful, especially in winter with a fresh dusting of snow on the pines. On the way you'll see:
- The Kosi and Pindar rivers threading through wide valleys
- Almora — an old hill town with a strong Kumaoni culture, good for a tea stop
- Kausani — the famous "Switzerland of India" viewpoint. On clear mornings, the entire Nanda Devi range visible from the road
- Your first view of Mt Nanda Ghunti as you approach Chamoli district
- The final approach to Lohajung along a narrow ridge road through pine and rhododendron
Suggested itinerary: Delhi to Brahmatal
- Day 0 (evening): board the Ranikhet Express from Delhi at 22:40.
- Day 1: arrive Kathgodam ~06:00. Meet the trek team. Drive to Lohajung (~9 hours). Overnight guesthouse.
- Day 2: Lohajung to Bekaltal (7–8 km). Camp overnight.
- Day 3: Bekaltal to Brahmatal (7 km). Camp by the frozen lake.
- Day 4: summit push and descend to Daldum (5–6 km).
- Day 5: Daldum to Lohajung (4 km). Drive back to Kathgodam by evening.
- Day 5 (evening) / Day 6: overnight train back to Delhi.
Tips for the Delhi → Brahmatal journey
- Book train tickets under IRCTC's tatkal window if you missed the general window — Delhi–Kathgodam tatkal opens 10:00 AM the day before departure.
- Kathgodam railway station has a cloakroom for luggage — useful if you plan to explore the town before the trek team arrives.
- Buy any last-minute gear (thermals, gloves, gaiters) in Delhi. Kathgodam and Lohajung have very limited shops.
- Withdraw cash before leaving Delhi. ATMs work in Kathgodam but not always in Lohajung.
- Carry a printed copy of your government ID for permit registration at Lohajung.
