I’ve trekked through quite a few trails in the Himalayas, but the Brahmatal trek in October holds a very special place. If you’re planning your Himalayan adventure around this time, let me walk you through everything you need to know so you don’t waste time hunting for scattered information.
Why Choose Brahmatal Trek in October?
October is when the monsoon has completely faded away, leaving behind clear skies and crisp mountain air. The weather is pleasantly cool, with daytime temperatures around 10–15°C and nights dropping close to freezing. The best part? The views. October offers a crystal-clear view of peaks like Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti, which often remain hidden during other months.
The trek itself feels magical in October—fresh greenery, rhododendron forests just starting to turn colors, and alpine meadows lit up with golden hues. Unlike winter months, the trails aren’t snow-covered, making it a bit easier for beginners to enjoy.
Weather & Difficulty Level
If you’re new to trekking, October is one of the best months to start. You don’t need to deal with knee-deep snow, but you still get the chill of the mountains. The trek is graded as easy to moderate. The highest point, Brahmatal summit, is at 12,150 ft. You’ll be climbing around 6–7 hours on some days, but nothing too technical.
Here’s a quick breakdown of October conditions:
Day temperature: 10–15°C
Night temperature: 0–5°C
Trail conditions: Dry, firm, with some rocky patches
Snow presence: Minimal, usually above 11,000 ft
So, as long as you’re reasonably fit, the Brahmatal trek in October is very doable.
Scenery Highlights in October
One of the main reasons I recommend October is the mix of landscapes. At the start, you walk through oak and rhododendron forests, where sunlight filters through golden autumn leaves. As you climb higher, vast meadows open up with sweeping views. The highlight for me was reaching Brahmatal Lake—it looks like a mirror reflecting the peaks around it.
And if you’re lucky, you’ll catch the most stunning starry skies. With October’s clear nights, the Milky Way often makes an appearance. It’s the kind of view that stays with you long after the trek ends.
How to Reach the Basecamp (Lohajung)
The trek starts from Lohajung, a small village in Uttarakhand. Getting there is simple but takes a full day.
Nearest railway station: Kathgodam (about 210 km away)
Nearest airport: Pantnagar (around 230 km away)
From Kathgodam or Rishikesh, you can take a shared cab or book a private taxi. The drive is long (9–10 hours), but the route is scenic with winding mountain roads and rivers flowing alongside.
If you’re going with a trekking company, they usually arrange pickups from Kathgodam, which makes things much easier.
Best Trekking Itinerary for October
Here’s a tried-and-tested 6-day itinerary that most trekkers follow in October:
Day 1: Drive from Kathgodam to Lohajung Day 2: Trek from Lohajung to Bekaltal (6 km, 4–5 hrs) Day 3: Trek from Bekaltal to Brahmatal (7 km, 6 hrs) Day 4: Trek to Brahmatal Summit and back to Brahmatal campsite (7 km, 7 hrs) Day 5: Brahmatal to Lohajung (8 km, 6 hrs) Day 6: Drive back from Lohajung to Kathgodam
This plan gives you enough time to acclimatize and enjoy the views without rushing.
Gear & Essentials You’ll Need
October doesn’t require heavy snow gear, but you still need to be prepared for cold nights. Here’s what I carried:
Good trekking shoes with ankle support
4–5 warm layers (thermal inner, fleece, down jacket, windproof)
Comfortable trekking pants
Woolen gloves, cap, and socks
Sunglasses and sunscreen (yes, even in October!)
A sturdy backpack (50–60 liters)
Personal medical kit
If you’re booking with a trekking company, they’ll usually provide tents, sleeping bags, and meals—so you don’t have to worry about carrying those.
Guided Trek Recommendation
When I did the Brahmatal trek, I went with a guided group instead of solo—and I’d highly recommend it, especially for October. The trails are safe, but having a trek leader and support team makes things smoother. I had joined The Searching Souls (TSS), and honestly, they handled everything—from permits and food to camping gear. It didn’t feel like a commercial trip at all; more like trekking with a group of friends where everything was taken care of.
If it’s your first Himalayan trek or you just want to focus on enjoying the trail instead of logistics, going with an experienced company like them makes a big difference.
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