Kedarkantha Trek vs Brahmatal Trek: Which Winter Trek in Uttarakhand is Better?

Which Trek Offers Better Snow Experience in December and January?

If you want to experience a mountain landscape covered in snow then both Kedarkantha Trek and Brahmatal Trek are good options. 

Kedarkantha Trek:

The snow begins to blanket the trail by mid-December and by January thick snow covers the campsites and forests.

Kedarkantha Trek is popular and can get crowded during the peak winter seasons.

Brahmatal Trek: 

Brahmatal Trek is at a higher altitude than the Kedarkantha Trek but it gets snow a bit later in January 

The snow covered landscape is great for frozen lakes and ridge walks. A less crowded trail that offers solitude.

If you want to experience snow in the month of December then Kedarkantha is the one for you, but if you can wait you can trek to the quieter Brahamatal trail in January.

Trek Difficulty: Is Kedarkantha Easier than Brahmatal?

Yes, Kedarkantha is considered to be easier than the Brahmatal Trek. Kedarkantha difficulty is considered to be of beginner to moderate level and it is suitable for first time trekkers. 

Brahmatal, though not very difficult, involves longer trekking days and steeper climbs in sections. Both offer stunning views, but Kedarkantha is more suitable for first-time trekkers, especially in winter conditions.

Which Trek is More Beginner-Friendly in Uttarakhand?

If you compare the Brahmatal Trek to Kedarkantha Trek in terms of difficulty, then you will find the Kedarkantha Trek much more beginner friendly. 

Here are the reasons for that make Kedarkantha Beginner-Friendly Trek:

• Gradual Ascent: The Kedarkantha Trek is known for its gradual ascents that is easy on the feet and takes you to the Kedarkantha summit without any hard effort. 

• Shorter Trekking Days: You will trek around 4 to 6 Kilometers each day taking you 4 to 5 hours and a plenty of rest. This relaxed pace gives you time to adjust and lets you enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds you.

• Well Marked and Used Trails: Kedarkantha Summit Trek is a popular trail, because of this the trek is well marked and therefore safe. You will not find anything surprising or too challenging on the trek.

• Easier Summit Push: Although summit day involves a steep climb, it's short and can be completed early in the morning before the snow becomes difficult. With proper pacing and guidance, even beginners can complete it confidently.

• More Flexible for Families and Mixed-Age Groups: Many families with children and older adults successfully complete Kedarkantha. The supportive environment, moderate pace, and beautiful campsites make it a confidence-boosting trek for all age groups.

Himalayan Views: Peaks Visible from Kedarkantha and Brahmatal

Both the Kedarkantha and the Brahmatal trek takes you to the summit where you are face to face with some of the most iconic peaks in the Himalayan range. Here the peaks that you would be able to see on each of the trek:

Himalayan Peaks Visible from Kedarkantha

From the Kedarkantha summit (12,500 ft), you get a 360-degree panoramic view of the Garhwal Himalayas. Key peaks visible include:

• Swargarohini I, II, III, IV – Dominates the view. The Swargarohini has an important place in Indian Mythology.

• Bandarpunch (6,316 m) – Snow-covered and majestic, clearly visible from the summit.

• Kala Nag (Black Peak) – A prominent and close-standing peak, often sought by climbers.

• Gangotri Range – Distant but visible on clear days.

• Yamunotri and Draupadi Ka Danda – Significant peaks in the region.

• You also get views of deep valleys, pine forests, and the villages below like Sankri.

You will be able to see these peaks clearly as they shine in the golden colors of sunset and sunrise.

Himalayan Peaks Visible from Brahmatal

The Brahmatal trek (up to 12,250 ft) offers spectacular views primarily of the Kumaon and eastern Garhwal ranges, especially from Jhandi Top and Brahmatal Top:

• Mt. Trishul (7,120 m) – Massive and dominant in the skyline, visible from multiple points.

• Nanda Ghunti (6,309 m) – Closely aligned with Trishul; together they form a dramatic backdrop.

• Mrigthuni and Maiktoli – Part of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary.

• Chaukhamba (on clear days) – Sometimes visible at a distance.

• Hathi and Ghoda Peaks – Often seen as twin peaks.

• Neelkanth – A distant but occasionally visible peak depending on clarity.

Brahmatal is known for its ridge walks, offering sweeping, open views across multiple ranges without obstruction.

Best Time for Kedarkantha Trek vs Brahmatal Trek

If you want to experience the best winter treks in Uttarakhand then, the best time for both Kedarkantha Trek and the Brahmatal Trek is between December and February. The Kedarkantha trek sees snow fall a little earlier than the Brahmatal trek, but from mid December onwards both of the treks start seeing snowfall which reaches its peak in January. 

Kedarkantha Trek Route Map vs Brahmatal Trek Route Map

Here's the comparison of Kedarkantha and Brahmatal trek routes with distances and temperature: 

Kedarkantha Trek Route

Starting Point: Sankri Village

Route:

• Sankri → Juda Ka Talab → Base Camp → Kedarkantha Summit → Sankri
  
  

• Alternate routes include Kotgaon or Gaichawan Gaon approaches, but Sankri is most common.

Campsites:

• Juda Ka Talab (around 9,100 ft) – A peaceful lake surrounded by pine forests

• Base Camp (around 11,200 ft) – Meadows with panoramic views

• Summit (12,500 ft) – Offers 360-degree views of the Garhwal Himalayas

Distance and Duration:

• Total trekking distance: Approximately 20–25 km

• Typical duration: 4–5 days

Temperature Range (Winter):

• Daytime: 5°C to -2°C

• Nighttime: -5°C to -15°C

Brahmatal Trek Route

Starting Point: Lohajung Village

Route:

• Lohajung → Bekhal Tal → Brahmatal → Brahmatal Summit → Lohajung

• Alternate routes via Gujreni and Tilandi offer ridge walks with more exposure.
  

Campsites:

• Bekhal Tal (around 9,800 ft) – A tranquil alpine lake

• Brahmatal Camp (around 10,400 ft) – Lakeside campsite surrounded by peaks

• Brahmatal Summit (12,250 ft) – Stunning views of Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, and others

Distance and Duration:

• Total trekking distance: Approximately 35–40 km

• Typical duration: 6–7 days

Temperature Range (Winter):

• Daytime: 3°C to -4°C

• Nighttime: -8°C to -18°C

Kedarkantha or Brahmatal – Which Trek Should You Choose?

If you are new to trekking to the Himalayas or if you want to go on an easy trek with gradual ascent and stunning Himalayan scenes then the Kedarkantha trek is the one for you. But, if you want something that is a bit more challenging, a trek that shows you the dramatic face of the Himalayas, you should then go for the Brahmatal Trek.

Whichever trek you choose for your next exploration to the Himalayas, Himalayan Daredevils is your reliable partner for expert guidance, safety, and an unforgettable adventure.