Overview
Dayara Bugyal, often hailed as one of India's most exquisite meadows, owes its charm to the local dialect, where "Bugyal" translates to high-altitude pastureland. Nestled above 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, this trek in the Garhwal Himalayas has gained fame as one of Uttarakhand's most splendid and majestic hikes.
What sets Dayara Bugyal apart is its gentle terrain, making it an ideal choice for novice hikers embarking on their trekking journeys. The journey commences in the town of Barsu, where trekkers are greeted with the serene sight of a meandering stream, perfect for capturing picturesque moments.
The path to Dayara Bugyal leads through lush forests adorned with maple and oak trees, offering a tranquil atmosphere devoid of any wildlife, save for the occasional friendly mountain dog that might accompany you on your adventure. As the ascent continues, the dense woodland gradually gives way to a vast, undulating, and vibrant meadow - the legendary Dayara Bugyal.
This trek not only showcases the pristine beauty of high-altitude pastures but also provides ample opportunities for camping along the scenic Barnala Tal. Dayara Bugyal is an absolute gem in the heart of Uttarakhand, inviting adventurers to experience its natural splendor.
05 Days / 04 Nights
6-15 persons
Highest Point 12,100 ft
Short Itinerary
Day 01: Dehradun to Natin (Raithal) Drive
Day 02: From Natin (Raithal) to Gui trek
Day 03: Trek from Gui to Chillapada
Day 04: From Chillapada to Chillapada
Day 05: From Chillapada to Natin (Raithal) and to Dehradun
Itinerary
Day 01: Dehradun to Natin (Raithal) Drive
Our journey kicks off early in the morning, and after a satisfying lunch, we'll embark on a scenic 160 km drive from Dehradun to Natin, also known as Raithal. This picturesque route meanders through the charming towns of Mussoorie, Chamba, and Uttarkashi, tracing the path alongside the meandering Bhagirathi River.
Upon reaching Raithal, nestled at an altitude of 2,390 meters, we'll secure accommodations at a cozy guesthouse for our overnight stay..
Day 02: From Natin (Raithal) to Gui trek
The journey along this four-kilometer trail unfolds through a spectacular forest adorned with magnificent Rhododendron, Silver Oak, and Deodar trees. The elevation gain is gradual, making for a comfortable hike. As you cover this distance, you'll reach Gui, the day's designated destination, situated at an altitude of 8,530 feet. Here begins the renowned undulating stretches of lush grasslands collectively known as the "Bugyals."
In this captivating natural setting, we'll set up our tents for the night, embracing the beauty of the Bugyals as we prepare to spend the evening under the starlit sky.
Day 03: Trek from Gui to Chillapada
The day ahead promises a symphony of birdsong amidst the serene woods. Our destination, Dayara Bugyal, lies approximately 6.5 km from Gui, requiring a journey of about 5-6 hours. Our overnight halt will be at Chelapada, a mere 2 km from Dayara, marking the culmination of our expedition.
After reaching the highest vantage point, we'll retrace our steps to the campsite. With approximately four and a half to five hours at our disposal, we'll have ample time to explore the lush meadows and capture the awe-inspiring vistas of the Gangotri Range, Mount Bandarpoonch, Mount Black Peak, Draupadi ka Danda, and Srikanth through our camera lenses.
During the winter months, these grasslands are transformed into a pristine expanse blanketed with snow, sometimes reaching several feet in depth. If luck is on our side, we might even witness fresh snowfall. Following a satisfying lunch at Dayara, we'll commence our return journey to the Chelapada campsite.
Day 04: From Chillapada to Chillapada
After reaching the highest point, you will make your way back to the camp. You have around four and a half to five hours to explore the Meadows and take photographs of the Gangotri Range, Mount Bandarpoonch, Mount Black Peak, Draupadi ka Danda, and Srikanth. During the winter months, the grasslands are buried under several feet of snow and, if they're lucky, they may even get a new coating of the white stuff. During this time of year, there are a lot of butterflies and other animals to be found.
Day 05: From Chillapada to Natin (Raithal) and to Dehradun
Capture all the remaining photographs now, as our departure is imminent once everyone awakens this morning. It's likely that we'll proceed to Dehradun after conducting one final briefing session to review the feedback and services we offered in Natin.
Inclusion
From Day 1 through Day 5 of your walk, you will be sleeping in various hotels and tents.
All meals are provided, beginning with the first night’s dinner and ending with breakfast on day five. On all days of the walk, we provide simple, healthy vegetarian meals.
We will provide for round-trip transportation from Dehradun to Dehradun
Trekking permits and camping expenses in the woods are all accounted for.
Tents and sleeping bags of the highest quality will be provided at each camp. Fortunately, we have high-altitude sleeping bags that are good down to ten degrees Celsius.
Gaiters, microspikes, and ropes are available.
Exclusion
Costs associated with carrying personal items, such as luggage, on the hike.
The term “emergency costs” refers to any and all costs that crop up as a direct consequence of a crisis.
There will be no access to bottled water at any point throughout the walk.
Cost of transportation from Dehradun to Natin (Raithal) (between 1000 and 1500 INR)
