Over the course of about an hour, we make a slow ascent up the ridge. From this point, we make our way along a ravine that is covered by a thick growth of vegetation. There is very little sunlight that makes its way in here, and it is quite likely that snow will fall here, if it has not already. After travelling for a bit, we eventually make a turn to the left and come to an area that is good for camping. Khopdalia is the name of this beautiful camping area that is around 2950 metres or 9670 feet in elevation. The whole distance is 6 km, and the time required might be either four or five hours. We set up our tents for the night. Bekhal tal may be reached in only ten minutes from here. You are welcome to see the area with your guide in the afternoon.

Day 3: From Bekhal tal/Khopdalia trek to Brahma Tal

Today, after breakfast, we go out on the main route from the campground and make our way back into the canopy of the forest. The rhododendrons and conifers that make up the woodland are diverse. During the spring, the woods are filled with pink and red flowers. We will arrive at Bekhal Tal (about 3000 metres or 9840 feet) in the next ten minutes. This lake is around the size of a rectangle, and it features a modest temple perched on one of its edges. In a typical year, the temperature drops below freezing in December and stays that way until March. From this vantage point, we have to ascend the ridge, which is a moderately steep ascent that takes around one hour and a half. The walk through the forest continues with just brief rest stops interspersed throughout.  After finishing this ascent, we arrive at the edge of the high altitude meadow known as the “Bugyal” in the Himalayas. During the winter months, Himalayan Monals make their home at this forest edge. From this point on, the view to our right, which is the north-east side, will open out to provide an expansive vista. Peaks of Kumaon like Maiktoli, Devtoli to Mrigthuni, Trishul and Nanda Ghunti, one by one. As we make our way along the ridge, we are treated to one of the most alluring vistas in all of Garhwal. After a fantastic stroll lasting almost an hour, we leave the ridge and descend on the left slope to reach the lake Brahma Tal, which is approximately 3,250 metres (10,660 feet) in elevation and is surrounded by the slopes of the surrounding mountains. This lake is around the size of a medium longitudinal lake, and on this elevation there are just a few trees still standing. The lake is difficult to notice from a distance, but one must approach near enough to catch a glimpse of the dark turquoise water. We found a nice spot near Brahma Tal to pitch our tent and slept there for the night. The distance is 6 km, and travelling it might take between 4 and 5 hours.We set up our tents for the night.

Day 4: From Brahma Tal to Khamila trek and back

Today we are going to make an effort to climb to the top of the peak that is located to our north-west. The highest point of the ridge that we traversed the day before in order to get to the camping spot at Brahma Tal is literally right here where we are standing. The ascent to the top of the ridge should take between three and four hours at a leisurely pace. If you want to reach the peak by 10 in the morning, you need to have an early start—between 6 and 6:30 in the morning. There are two summits, with the western one being the taller of the two (Khamila Top, which is also known as Jatropani at 4000 m/13120 ft), and the eastern one being a few hundred feet lower. At the beginning of the hike, we make our way through the meadow and up the ridge towards the peak. As we make our way closer to the summit, the peaks that extend westward to Nanda Ghunti become increasingly visible from this route. The last portion of the trail up to the peak is littered with boulders. The view from the summit is a genuine panorama that encompasses more than 180 degrees.  From this vantage point, you will be able to view the mountains that surround the Badrinath valley. These mountains go from west to east and include Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Hati Ghoda, Ronty, Trishul, Mrigthuni, Bethartoli Himal, and Maiktoli and Devtoli. After waiting for half an hour, we make our way back to our tent at Brahma Tal and set up. You will have a view that encompasses the whole valley below as well as the camping area. The whole distance is 8 km, and it may take between six and seven hours to complete.

Day 5: From Brahmatal to Lohajung Trek

We turn around and go back the way we came yesterday and descend to Lohajung. If you didn’t have a chance to see the panorama while you were reaching, you now have another opportunity. This should take between six and seven hours. If you have the time and inclination in the evening, you should make an effort to watch the sunset on the side of the valley towards Deval or Gwaldam. From the Lohajung bazaar, walk downhill for ten minutes until you reach any bend that works. The variety of hues that may be seen in the sky will undoubtedly astonish you. Lodge rooms available for rent.

Day 6: From Lohajung to Rishikesh drive

We will depart for Rishikesh today. We continue on the same path until we reach Tharali, at which point we make a sharp right turn and go towards Karnaprayag, following the blue Pindar river. We follow the Alaknanda river from Karnaprayag all the way to Rudraprayag, where it joins up with another tributary called the Mandakini. The holy river Ganga is formed by the confluence of two major rivers, the Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi, which are located in the valley at Devprayag. From here, Rishikesh may be reached in a further two hours. We have completed our trip now that we have arrived at rishikesh. Trip ends here.