Bugyal is a high-altitude region in the Himalayas that has alpine grasslands. It is a region between forest areas and snow-covered mountains. It is a green velvet carpet over smooth, wavy mountains. The Dayara Bugyal is an unendingly vast and unexplored area of lush green meadows. During winter, it’s covered in snow, which makes it exciting.
Bugyal is located at an elevation of 8,000 to 10,000 ft. They are popular in the Garhwal area of the Himalayas. The views of Bugyals change according to the season. During winter, it’s a sloping snow paradise, and during summer, it is covered with a soft green blanket.
Dayara Bugyal is a high-altitude trek with a maximum elevation of 11,940 feet. It is a 3-night, 4-day trek with a difficulty level of easy-moderate. Dayara Bugyal is in the Uttarkashi district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is a meadow that is encompassed and fenced by the majestic Himalayan mountains and mysteriously dense forests. The trek is an all-time favorite of experienced as well as first-time trekkers. It offers a plethora of spectacular landscape views, which amaze trekkers and nature enthusiasts. Even during the winters, the snow trails, icy winds, and frosted snow mountains and peaks offer thrilling exhilaration.
Dayara Bugyal Trek is an all-year-round trek, except for the monsoon. It is a huge mass of greenland, expanding through hillocks and slopes. We begin in the small village of Barsu. Leaving behind the houses and huts, we trek on a well-marked forest trail. The forest is mysterious, filled with oaks and rhododendrons, medicinal shrubs and trees, and mystical Himalayan birds. During peak winters, everything will be covered in snow, and it will be like taking a walk in a snow forest. The beauty of a Bugyal is that it offers something new every season. the white snow and icy views, the green carpet, or the brown and golden shining meadows. Thus, the Dayara Bugyal Trek will be a heartwarming and fulfilling trek.
The meadows, during summer and spring, are covered in shades of lime green to bottle green. It is a soft velvet carpet. It serves as a grazing ground for the local people and cattle, as well as resting places and campsites for nomads and trekking enthusiasts. During the winter, it turns into an infinite white expanse. It provides the ideal setting against the backdrop of massive, snow-capped mountain ranges. The clear blue sky is a perfect canopy over the huge meadows. The trek on the meadows is like a walk in nature’s own garden. It is a nice, soft walk on the green pastures. From the Barsu, one can get a few glimpses of the Barnala and Dayara Bugyal tops.
On day two of the trek, you will explore the lovely Barnala Tal campsite. It is a pleasant landscape around a lake. It is a high-altitude lake at 9120 feet. The trek will have a gradual ascent. As the altitude gain is not very high, it will be an easy trek to Barnala Tal. Camping at the lake is a dream of trekkers, as there aren’t many high-altitude lakes in India open during the winter. Barnala opens the tail toward the Dayara meadows. Setting up colorful camps in snowy meadow campsites is like a color explosion.
The trek toward Dayara Bugyal is beautiful on its own. That’s the reason it is one of the best winter treks in Uttarakhand and the Himalayan mountain ranges. The scent is gradual, and not too steep. The oscillating meadows across the hillocks offer a flawless backdrop. On the foothills of the summit, there are the huts of local shepherds. The huts are known as “Chania” in the local language. The summit gives astonishing and grand views of Mt. Gangotri I and II, Mt. Srikanth, Mt. Draupadi ka Danda, Mt. Jaonli, Mt. Bandarunch, and Mt. Swargarohini. Trekkers spend a brief time at the summit and immerse themselves in the views. Many trekkers enjoy skiing on the snow-covered meadows during the winter.
There is another high point further down from Dayara Bugyal Top. It is the Bakaria top. It is 3 kilometers away and at an elevation of 12,600 feet. But our trek stops at the Dayara Bugyal summit. One cannot stop themselves from being mesmerized by the beauty of the meadows. Nature has its own ways to calm the human mind. After the trek, one can visit places in Uttarkashi and Dehradun as well. The location is rich in biodiversity and has lots of untold stories.
The Dayara Bugyal Trek is easy to moderate level. It is suitable for first-time trekkers as the climb is not too steep. In comparison to other high-altitude Himalayan treks such as Kedarkantha, Brahmatal, and Chopta Chandrashila Trek, it is a relatively easy trek. Although it might get a little difficult in the winter due to extreme weather and snowfall conditions, trekkers like to take up the challenge and reward themselves with the amazing views from Dayara top. We encourage our trekkers to have basic fitness levels, as it will make the trek a comfortable and enjoyable experience. It is also important to layer oneself with proper winter wear. The weather in the mountains is unpredictable, and preparation of mind and body is the key to a smooth trek.
The best time to visit Dayara Bugyal is from November to March. It covers the autumn and winter seasons. During the winter, it is a massive snow land with freezing temperatures and a snow trail trek. Beginning in December, you can experience fresh snowfall. It will be fun for a quick snowball game. The maximum temperature during the day will be 10 °C to 15 °C, and at night it will be between -0 °C and -8 °C. Most people love to trek in the winter to experience snow. Hence, the winter months of December to February are the best for exploring Dayara Bugyal Trek.
Likewise, Dayara Bugyal Trek is open all year except during the monsoons. So, autumn, winter spring, and summer are also good times to trek in Dayara Bugyal. The weather is pleasant, with hues of brown and gold on the ground. The clear skies give maximum views of the mountain peaks and the perfect, pleasant greens that soothe the mind. The snow on oaks and rhododendrons starts melting, which gives pretty contrasting panoramic views of mountains, meadows, pastures, and blooming flowers.
Distance: 184 km; drive time: 6.5 hours
Trekkers have to be ready at the Dehradun pickup point. The pick-up time from the Dehradun railway station is a.m. On the way, experience the town of Mussoorie, the calm and scenic roads and mountain peaks, and the Holy river of Bhagirathi. The views keep changing along with the terrain and road. By evening, we reach Barsu, which is a tiny hamlet in the Uttarkashi district. There is a small Nag Devta temple, which is a revered deity in the village. You can explore the village in the late evening. Overnight stay with a local guest horse, along with dinner
Distance: 4 km; trek: 3-4 hours
Wake up to a chilly morning and freshen up. After breakfast, leave early in the morning from Barsu village. We shall head on clearly marked trails toward the forest. The forest has a mix of oak and rhododendron trees and many local shrubs. It has peculiar Himalayan birds and active flora and fauna. It is a pretty trek through the forests. The trek will have a gradual ascent. After 3–4 hours of trekking, we will reach the Barnala Tal. It will be the campsite for the day. It has a beautiful lake that is worth a visit. Lunch and dinner will be served, and we will have an overnight stay at Barnala campsite in tents.
8 km; 3-4 hours trek; 11940 feet elevation
After breakfast, we shall leave from Barnala Tal to Dayara Bugyal Top. It is a forest trail, with a gradual ascent. Its actual campsite is one km away from Dayara Bugyal Top. There are local huts made by the shepherds who bring their herds and cattle for grazing. The Dayara Bugyal is a vast, green land (covered in snow during the harsh winters). It pulls back the curtains on the splendid Himalayan mountain views of Mt. Gangotri, Mt. Srikanth, Mt. Draupadi ka Danda, Mt. Jaonli, Mt. Bandarunch, and Mt. Swargarohini. Summit is the most rewarding and provides a sense of accomplishment laced with adrenaline. Soak in the Dayara Top views and then return the same day to Barnala Tal. campsite for the night and dinner.
Distance: 4 km; Trek: 3-4 hours; Drive: 6 hours
It will be the last day of the trek. Post breakfast, we shall leave early in the morning from Barnala Tal campsite and head towards Barsu village. It will be a descending trail. It will have serene forest views, hear the chirping of birds, and feel the forest chills.
After reaching Barsu, we shall leave for Dehradun by vehicle. It will be a 6-hour drive across the Uttarkashi district. We bid goodbye, and that’s the end of a beautiful and memorable trek.
It is situated in the Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand. It is 45 km from Uttarkashi and 190 km from Dehradun.
Dehradun is well connected to all major cities via roads, rails, and airways.
Buses and trains ply between New Delhi and Dehradun on a regular basis. The nearest airport in Dehradun is Jolly Grant Airport, which is 40 km away.
The height of the Dayara Bugyal summit is 11,940 feet.
It is a 4-day, 3-night trek covering approximately 25 kilometers.
It is a high alpine expanse of green land above the forest line that opens up views of the mountains. It can be found at elevations between 8000 and 15,000 feet.
Winters are a wonderful time for Dayara Bugyal. Summer, spring, and autumn offer altogether different experiences and views. It is closed during the rain.
Fresh snowfall is experienced in December. There will be snow deposits and snow-covered trails from January to March.
Yes, as per the listed itinerary, delicious home-cooked meals shall be provided. It includes dal, rice, roti, sabji, poha, and tea or coffee. Apart from that, you can always carry snacks, energy bites, or bars for extra munching on the trail. Please do not litter on the trails; instead, carry your trash with you and dispose of it responsibly when you arrive at the base camp.
Yes. It is available subject to a minimum charge.
Children above the age of 8 are allowed with adults. Adults above 55 years are also allowed, subject to a medical certificate and good fitness levels.
We provide accommodations in guest houses or hotel stays at the base camp. On the trek, tents will be set up, along with sleeping bags. It will be on a dual-sharing basis.
Necessary and basic trekking gear, such as trekking shoes, a trekking pole, and sufficient layers
(jackets/warmers/wollen) is required for the trek. There are many rental shops at the base camp that provide trekking gear on a rental basis.
No. It is an easy trek. Due to the weather and changes in climatic conditions, it might be difficult. But trekkers are able to complete the trek. We have experienced trek leaders who will guide you through the entire trek. The Dayara Bugyal Trek has many exit points. So at any given time, if due to an unfavorable condition, any person needs to leave, we shall provide the necessary support and help.
