Top 5 Photo Spots on the Brahmatal Trek
If you're planning to embark on the Brahmatal trek, get ready to witness nature at its finest. Nestled in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, this trek offers snow-covered trails, breathtaking Himalayan views, and mystical forests—perfect for capturing Instagram-worthy shots and timeless travel memories. Whether you're a casual phone photographer or a DSLR pro, the Brahmatal trek will spoil you with incredible photo opportunities.
Here are the top 5 photo spots on the Brahmatal trek that you simply cannot miss.
1. Lohajung – The Starting Point with Stunning Village Vibes
Before your trek even begins, the small hamlet of Lohajung greets you with charming mountain views and a cozy village aesthetic. Tucked away at an altitude of 7,600 feet, this base camp offers picture-perfect frames of traditional homes, terraced fields, and distant snow-capped peaks.
Capture the essence of local Himalayan life here. The best time to click photos in Lohajung is during early morning or golden hour, when the sunlight paints the valley in warm tones. Don’t forget to snap some shots of the trailhead—it marks the beginning of your Brahmatal adventure!
Pro tip: Try some long exposure shots here at night—you'll be amazed at the starry skies visible from this little village.
2. Bekaltal – A Mystical Lake Surrounded by Forests
About 6–7 km from Lohajung, your trail leads you through dense oak and rhododendron forests to Bekaltal, a serene high-altitude lake. This spot is surreal in winter when the lake partially freezes, and the surrounding forest is blanketed in snow. Mist, towering trees, and the reflection in the lake’s surface all combine to create a moody, mystical setting.
This is one of the most underrated photo spots on the Brahmatal trek, especially for nature lovers who enjoy peaceful, dreamlike sceneries.
Photo idea: Use the lake for symmetrical reflections, or get creative with depth-of-field shots through the forest canopy.
3. Jhandi Top – A Ridge with 360° Himalayan Views
On your way from Bekaltal to Brahmatal, you’ll reach Jhandi Top, a scenic ridge that opens up to sweeping views of the Garhwal and Kumaon ranges. This is one of the best vantage points for photographing the snow-laden trails, cloud layers, and dramatic mountain skies.
You’ll get your first clear glimpse of iconic peaks like Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti here, making it an unmissable photo opportunity. During winter months, the contrast between white snow and blue skies is just magical.
Pro tip: Try panoramic shots or time-lapses to capture the changing cloudscape.
4. Brahmatal Lake – A Frozen Gem with a Spiritual Touch
Arguably the highlight of the Brahmatal trek, this sacred lake sits at 10,440 feet and looks like it belongs in a fantasy film. During peak winter (December to February), Brahmatal Lake freezes over, reflecting the surrounding peaks in its glassy surface. The snowy silence around the lake adds a spiritual, untouched feeling that’s hard to describe—but perfect to capture.
This is the place where Lord Brahma is believed to have meditated, adding a mythological depth to your photos. The best compositions often feature the lake in the foreground with Trishul or Nanda Ghunti in the background.
Photo idea: Shoot wide-angle for dramatic landscapes or use the lake as a foreground to tell a story in your shot.
5. Summit Viewpoint – A Himalayan Dreamscape
A short ascent beyond Brahmatal Lake leads you to the Brahmatal Summit viewpoint, which offers panoramic, unobstructed views of some of the tallest peaks in the Indian Himalayas—Mt. Trishul, Mt. Nanda Ghunti, Chaukhamba, and more. This is the moment every trekker waits for—the literal and visual high point of the Brahmatal trek.
With the sun rising or setting behind the peaks, you can capture golden hues over layers of mountains. The sheer scale and serenity from this viewpoint are humbling—and photo gold.
Pro tip: If you're carrying a drone (and it’s allowed), this is the spot to let it fly. Just be mindful of winds and local rules.
Bonus: Forest Trails and Campsites
While the top 5 spots are showstoppers, don’t underestimate the beauty of the trails and campsites in between. Snow-draped pine forests, wooden bridges, and cozy camps under starry skies all make for great visual storytelling. Some of the most emotional and candid shots happen during the trek itself—not just at the destination.
Final Thoughts
The Brahmatal trek is not just a winter escape—it’s a visual journey through snowfields, lakes, forests, and summits that are made for the camera. If you're someone who loves documenting travel through photography, this trek will leave your memory card full and your heart fuller.
Make sure to pack your camera or phone, carry extra batteries (cold drains them faster), and most importantly—pause, breathe, and soak in the views with your own eyes too.
Happy trekking—and snapping!