Consider entering a land so sprawling and green, it’s almost like a dream. There are endless rolling meadows kissed by the golden light of the sun. In the back, a massive range of snow-capped Himalayas loom as a regiment of sentinels whose spiky summits seem to bolt into transparent sky. This is not a dream, but the reality that is Dayara Bugyal Trek – an expedition into the heart of one of India’s most beautiful alpine meadows.
The Dayara Bugyal Trek is not a simple walk amongst the mountains. A feeling that revives the senses and calms the soul. Situated in the district of Uttarkashi in the region of Uttarakhand, this is an absolute must visit on those who are looking to enjoy nature at its purest and yet ta moderate hike. The hike is an easy trek for beginners as well as adventurous enough for experienced hikers. You will wander through ancient oak forests, sleep under a blanket of stars and watch sunrises tinting the Himalayas orange and pink. In this detailed guide, I will take you through everything you should know to plan your own epic Dayara Bugyal Trek.
About the Dayara Bugyal Trek
‘Bugyal’ in the local dialect translates to ‘high altitude meadow,’ and Dayara is perhaps one of the most stunning. Sary chat This large, pristine grassland stretch over 28 sq km at an elevation from 9,000 ft to 12,100 feet. The base camp for the trek is the small, village of Raithal that has its cultural history intact.
Anyhow, besides the tremendous beauty of its landscape, Dayara Bugyal is rich in Indian mythology and folklore. The shepherds in the area believe that these pastures are blessed by heavenly beings and have been practicing feeding their livestock here for centuries. The trek is also a look behind the curtain of local life, with pretty villages and ancient temples set among the mountains. The trek to the meadows is no less charming than the destination and it completes a full Himalayan package.
Why go for the Dayara Bugyal Trek?
With tons of treks available in the Himalayas – what makes the Dayara Bugyal trek unique? The answer is a combination of accessibility, natural wonder and round-the-year appeal.
Unlike a lot of high-altitude treks that require hard work to access (with the added presumption that you are fit), Dayara Bugyal is surprisingly beginner-friendly. With well-marked trails, and gradual daily ascents it is one of the best treks in Nepal for families, novice trekker or you are after a refreshing mountain escape.
And there are plenty of them and they are very impressive in size. Though other treks have grasslands, Dayara Bugyal offers a never-ending, rolling field of green in summer and a gossamer film of white in winter. The views from the top are truly ridiculous. You have a front-row view of some of the most imposing peaks in the Garhwal Himalayas. Walking off that expanse of open ground, the panoramic view I had of the snow capped giants 360 degrees around me is what makes this walk unique.
Summary of Dayara Bugyal Trek
You will continue to treasure these moments long after you have returned home.
Spectacular Mountain Views: Be prepared to be spellbound by the uninterrupted views of Bandarpoonch (Monkey’s Tail) and Black Peak (Kalanag) massif. The Gangotri Range, with peaks like Srikanth, Draupadi Ka Danda and the Jaonli peaks form a backdrop that changes every step you take.
Inhospitable Alpine Meadows: The undisputed attraction, the Dayara meadows are beautiful. In summer, they are awash with wildflowers; in winter, they become a whimsical snowscape to slide and play over.
Oak Pine Forests: The meadows trail passes through old-growth oak, maple and pine forests. Sifting through the sunlight, there is always a faint dash of fragrance and gentle rustling from evening wind.
Memorable Camping: Day 3 and day 4 camping at Gui and Chilapada respectively are an integral part of adventure. Picture drinking hot tea as the sun sinks behind mountains and then staring at an overhead sky chock-full of millions of stars, well away from city lights. The nights in the wild are truly so special.
Detailed Itinerary for Dayara Bugyal Trek 1 Pick-up at Dehradun Bus Stand On arrival, meet the representative of the tour and trek down to Dhatwari.
Our well-organized schedule maximizes your acclimatization and the joy of travel.
Day 1: Dehradun to Raithal (2,240 m / 7,350ft)
Your adventure begins in Dehradun. We will start with a picturesque drive to village Raithal, the base camp of our Dayara Bugyal Trek. The 6-7 hours of travel is by the side of silvery Bhagirathi river and you pass through pretty hill towns. Raithal welcomes you warmly and with its traditional wood and stone houses, it gives you your first taste of Garhwali culture. You will have time to visit the village and its 500-year-old temple. We will stay the night in a guesthouse and prepare ourselves for next day’s trek.
Day 2: Raithal to Gui (2,900 m / 9,500 ft)
We have a good pre-breakfast and start the march. Today’s walk is a 4 km climb and it will take around 4-5 hours. The hike begins with a gradual ascent through the village and into a lovely oak & rhododendron forest. The trail is well marked, and the views get better as you gain altitude. We’ll hit the Gui campsite early afternoon. It is a beautiful meadow surrounded by trees and with the first glimpse of the snow-capped peaks. You can rest, breathe in the mountain air and get ready for a dream night under a star-filled sky.
Day 3: Gui to Chilapada (3400m)
A short happy 3-kilometer walk to our camp at Chilapada today. The path continues through the forest which slowly opens up into smaller meadows. You will kick start your Day 1 trek which takes its place in a stretch of about 2-3 hours to reach the beautiful camp site of Chilapada lying just below the huge green patch of Dayara Bugyal. The views from here of the Bandarpoonch range, is outstanding. Then spend the afternoon taking in the views, acclimatizing to the altitude and feeling the anticipation build for tomorrow’s push to meadows.
Day 4: Chilapada to Dayara Top and back to Gui (12,100′)
Heck, this is the day you’ve been waiting for. We leave early, catching the first light at sunrise on the peaks. Chilapada to the meadows of Dayara is an easy climb. You emerge the treeline to a landscape that opens up dramatically. You are now in Dayara Bugyal. Limitless beds of rolling green grass (or blanket of perfect snow in winter) lay out below you.
We hike up to the top of Dayara Top, the highest point of our trek, for a spectacular 360-degree view of some of Himalaya. You’ll have a clear view of Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, Gangotri I, II and III and many more peaks in all their glory. Finally, after exploring the meadows for a long time and literally clicking all the photographs possible we start descending. The return walk is easier, and we trek down toGui campsite for our last night in the mountains toasting the achievements of the day.
Day 5: Gui to Raithal and drive to Dehradun
We have a mountain breakfast for the last time and then descend the 4 kilometers back to Raithal. The familiar path is at once transformed on the way down, filled with echoes of satisfaction and completion. By lunchtime, we should be in the village. Our vehicles will be waiting for the guests to drive back you to Dehradun from Raithal. By late evening you will reach the city with memories of a lifetime and trip of Dayara Bugyal Trek.
When is the Best Time to Do Dayara Bugyal Trek
One of the best parts about this trek is that it is accessible throughout the year and every season adds a distinct flavor.
Spring (March to April): The snow starts to melt, and green patches start reappearing. The forests are alive with flowering rhododendrons adding patches of red and pink to the scenery. It is fine weather, the view is clear to one’s eye.
Summer (May–June):This is when the meadows are their greenest and lushest. The “bugyal” is lined with different species of wild flowers and appears an enchanted valley. The sun is shining and warm, it’s a great time for trekking.
Autumn (September – November): It is after the monsoon, so nature is fresh and green. You can see the Himalayan mountains with stunning clarity, as haze and pollution scatter away in monsoon. It’s nice and fresh with cool weather, one of the best times to visit for Dayara Bugyal Trek.
Winter (December to February): Winter is the season of magic for those who love snow. The whole meadow is blanketed in deep soft snow and it now resembles something of a winter wonderland. The hike gets a bit harder but the views more than make up for it.
Difficulty Level and Preparation
The Dayara Bugyal Trek is easy to moderate trail, best suited for the beginners having a normal fitness level. Total hiking distance is approx. 22 km. The watermark passes through 12,100 feet in the air where not much can go wrong (although not nothing) with Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Here are some exercises to prepare, a minimum of one month prior to the trek:
Cardiovascular Endurance: Participate in such activities as running, biking or swimming for 30 minutes, three to four times a week.
Weight Training: Work on making your legs more powerful with squats and lunges.
Endurance: Build your endurance for multi-day trekking by climbing stairs, hiking long distances.
Our knowledgeable guides know how to deal with any altitude problems, and our itinerary allows for proper gradual acclimation.
What to Carry for Dayara Bugyal Trek ?
The key to a comfortable trek is packing smart. Here’s a list of essentials:
Trekking Equipment: 50-60 liter backpack with rain cover, trekking poles, a headlamp and water bottle or a hydration pack.
Clothing: Several layers are essential. Carry quick-dry trek pants, full sleeve t-shirts, fleece jacket, and a padded waterproof jacket.
Footwear: Waterproof hiking shoe with good grip is mandatory. Also, pack some comfortable sandals for around the camp.
The basics: Sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, a hat or beanie and personal toiletries.
Medications: A personal first-aid kit with any medications you take, plus basics like blister tape, pain relievers, and antiseptic wipes. Our team will take along a complete first aid kit.
Weather Conditions
The climate in Himalaya can be very fickle. Here’s a loose guide to what everything will look like:
Summer: Daytime temperatures are somewhere between 15°C to 20°C and nights can be cooler, at around 5°C to 10°C.
Fall: Days are lovely (10 C to 15 C) and the night gets cold (0 C to 5 C).
Winter: Days are quite cool, 0°C to 10°C while nights are chill with temperatures dropping below -5°C. Expect heavy snowfall.
Permits, Expenses and the Dayara Bugyal Trek Package
Forest permission is mandatory for trekking in this area. Dayara Bugyal Trek with The Mountain Trekker When you book a package with us, we take care of everything so that you can soak in as much from the experience.
Our package is all-inclusive, covering:
Transfers from Dehradun to Raithal & Return.
Overnight stay in Guesthouses and decent tents.
All your meals on trek from day one meal.
Professional and experienced English speaking trek guides and local guide hold for the trip.
All required permits and entrance fees.
Safety gear, such as a first-aid pack and oxygen tanks.
How to Get the Best Service Trekking with our experienced team eliminates any concern or worry, as we handle all details for you.
Why Travel with The Mountain Trekker?
We, at The Mountain Trekker, do not consider trek as a destination but the journey. Why us We are a bunch of crazy hikers who treasure providing our customers with safe and responsible trekking experiences.
Expert Guides: Our trip leaders are more than just your guide, they’re local experts and friends on the trail.
Safety First : Safety is our first consideration. We are equipped with top of the line equipment, follow rigorous safety guidelines and all our guides are trained in first aid and rescue.
Small Groups: Our groups are small, allowing for personal attention and minimal impact to the environment.
Smooth Sailing: Worry about nothing from permits to meals to getting there. All you have to do is, walk along with them and admire the breath-taking vistas of the Dayara Bugyal Trek.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Dayara Bugyal trek a trek for beginners as well?
Yes it is one of the easiest trek when we have started. Trails are clearly marked and daily treks are of an easy to medium level.
What is the price of dayara bugyal trek package?
The price varies by the services offered. Please contact us to find our current prices and package options. Our best value packages take care of all the necessities to ensure you have a safe and comfortable trek.
How difficult is the Dayara Bugyal Trek?
The hike is considered easy to moderate. This trek can be done easily by anyone who is in good health and able to walk.
How do I reach the base camp?
Raithal village is the base camp. The closest main city is Dehradun which has good air, rail and road connections. We enroute Transport from Dehradun to Raithal in our package.
What is the best time for Dayara Bugyal Trek?
The trek is beautiful year-round. If it’s green meadows you’re after, then go in the summer (May-June). You’ll get clear, crisp views if you go in autumn (September to November). If you’re planning a snow trip, winter (Dec–Feb) is the season.
Are You Ready for Your Himalayan Meadow Adventure?
The Dayara Bugyal Trek: Winning hearts and taking your soul! It’s a chance to see the beauty of the Himalayas is one of its finest incarnations.
Contact The Mountain Trekker to take you on this amazing journey. We guarantee you a safe, rewarding and memorable experience. If you loved reading about this trek you might also like Kedarkantha Trek
