Shepherds’ route to fairyland

Max Altitude - 3800m Trek length - 21km
Grade - Easy Duration - 4N/4D
Max Altitude - 3800m Trek length - 21km Grade - Easy Duration - 4N/4D

Dayara bugyal trek is a beginner’s trek in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It is a traveller’s delight for its lush green meadow and breathtaking spectrum of Himalayan peaks over the horizon. Situated at an altitude of 3048m, it is the second largest meadow of uttarakhand. Fascinating panoramic view of Bandarpunch, kalanag(blackpeak), Draupadi ka Danda and other peaks is the prominent feature of this trek. The pasture land is inhabited by shepherds and local villagers. The sight of mud houses and flocks of sheep give new life to the landscape. Draped in snow for the largest part of winter makes it a perfect getaway destination. Dayara bugyal trek was awarded Trek of the year in 2015.

Hiking up to the ‘Bakria top’ is important to get the best view of highland meadow. It is a 3km trail over undulating Dayara meadow. At the end of the ridge there is a cliff,multitude of ranges are quite visible from there. Various converging meadows including the ‘Gidara bugyal’ accentuates the beauty of the landscape. It transforms into a perfect skiing slope in the winters. Thereby, Skiing competition is also organized by skiing federations sometimes.

The trail from Raithal village to Dayara bugyal is through the oak and maple woods. The floor is enveloped with the leaves of trees. Walking over dried leaves is a blissfull experience in summers while in winters upper reaches are squarely covered in snow. Since the beginning, the splendid view of Srikanth and Gangotri peaks is very immersive. ‘Barnala tal’ enroute is a small lake flanked by Nagdevta temple. Most of the peripheral area around Dayara bugyal is a eco sensitive zone of various wildlife sanctuaries and parks present in the vicinity.

Seasonal conditions:

Autumn trek:

Dayara Bugyal trek in September/ October/ November

Post monsoon trekking to dayara bugyal is a trek through oak and pine forest over the dried broad leaves on the ground. Soil is highly wet while the temperature remains just above zero. Trekking experience is pleasant due to conducive weather and predictability of abrupt changes at such altitudes. Rainfall as a result of retreating monsson drops from 200mm to 20mm by the end of the autumn season. Keep ample water to stay hydrated during the ascent. Snowy patches can be seen from the mid autumn while snow clad peaks is visible in the backdrop throughout the year.

Winter trek:

Dayara Bugayl trek in December/ January/ February

Dayara Bugyal exhibits all the features to pitch itself for a good winter trek. As a result of heavy snowfall combined with the short trek distance, it is visited by a large number of trekking enthusiasts from December to February. Sub zero temperature at night down to -5 degree Celsius makes it necessary to carry ample fleece inners. Day time temperature is upto 7 degree Celsius. Negligible rainfall conditions makes weather predictable though the dense fog possibility remains strong. Keeping water bottle full is wise to prevent dehydration during the moderate ascent. Don’t try to drink icy cold water to prevent any sort of cold and fever.

Spring trek:

Dayara Bugyal trek in March/ April/ May

Below 100mm rainfall during the period provides the green sprawl full of newly blooming flowers. For the trekkers who want to hike conveniently without outdoor complexities while enjoying the abundant nature can plan their trek in this period. You will also find bunch of shepherds moving their flocks towards the bugyal. Accompany them as well as listen their native stories and what makes dayara a prominent trek destination for avid travellers.

Features

Region

Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand

Dayara Bugyal Trek Altitude

Dayara bugyal - 3048m
Bakria top - 3800m

Duration

4N/4D

Grade

Easy

Trek length

21km

Trek starts at

Raithal

Trek ends at

Barsu

Best time

Throughout the year

Nearest Railway station

Dehradun

Airport

Jolly Grant, Dehradun

Trek Cost per person

Rs.7900

Peaks in sight

Bandarpunch I & II,Kala Nag,Shrikanth,Draupadi ka Danda,Jaonli A,B,C.

FIXED Departures

  • Day 1
    Arrival at Uttarkashi (148km drive from Dehradun).
  • Day 2
    Uttarkashi - Raithal village (42km drive) - Ghui (5km trek).
  • Day 3
    Ghui - Dayara Bugyal (3km trek).
  • Day 4
    Dayara Bugyal - Bakria top - Devkund - Dayara Bugyal (6km trek).
  • Day 5
    Dayara Bugyal - Barsu village (7km trek) - Uttarkashi (43km drive) - Departure.

Rs. 7,900 per person and GST 5%

Inclusions-

  1. experienced trek staff: trek leader, support staff(cook, helper, paramedic)
  2. accommodation: hotel, homestay, guest house, tent
  3. all meals during trek
  4. trekking equipments: all tents(including kitchen, dining & toilet tent), sleeping bags, mattress, fleece inners, crampons, utensils
  5. charges: permit fee, forest camping charges
  6. medical kit: medicines, oxygen cylinder, first aid
  7. mules/ porters

Exclusions-

  1. Transport upto Uttarkashi and back from Uttarkashi
  2. Rucksack offloading charges for the trek

Note:

  1. We can also provide you transport from nearest airport/rail head/ city at a cost ranging from 4000rs to 6000rs. Depending upon the distance to base camp, the price is applicable for 8 persons. If you wish to negotiate yourself, we can also provide you the contacts of cab service providers.
  2. Offloading charges are 300/bag for one day on informing 7 days before the commencement of the trek, thereafter, 350/ bag for one day.
  3. In case of illness/ sickness/ injury, the trekker will be escorted back to base camp by the support staff.
1

Day 1 - Arrival at Uttarkashi (148km drive from Dehradun).

Uttarkashi is a 6hrs drive from Dehradun (148km). There are several scenic spots enroute. Once you reach ‘Moriyana Top’, you are outright at the best vantage point for the Bandarpunch group of mountains. It is a wonderful place to have tea and capture the moments. Drive henceforth is parallel to the roaring Ganga down in the gorge.

Accomodation will be pre arranged at Uttarkashi. It is a holy town situated at the bank of river Ganga and popularly known as ‘Kashi of the North’. The town enshrines famous ‘Vishwanath temple’. One must receive blessings by offering prayers in the evening aarti to Lord Shiva at the bank of river Ganga. Interaction with folks will be warm and help you to personalize with local culture.

Another major attraction of this hill station is ‘Nehru Institute of Mountaineering’ which is renowned for its glorious history of mountaineering. The first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest i.e. ‘Bachendri Pal’ is also from a village called ‘Nakuri’ in Uttarkashi and she is also the alumni of the institute.

2

Day 2 - Uttarkashi - Raithal village (42km drive) - Ghui (5km trek).

Quaint huts of the villagers at ghui is the first campsite on the dayara bugyal trek.
Quaint huts of the villagers at ghui is the first campsite on the dayara bugyal trek.

After breakfast, we will cover the motorable distance of 42km upto Raithal village. Driving next to Ganga is the most awesome experience. Cold breeze blowing from the glaciers charges up the atmosphere . ‘Maneri lake’ enroute, nestled up in the thick forest gives the breathtaking view to capture. The artificial lake is a Hydroelectric barrage dam.

Once you reach Raithal, the Dayara bugyal trek starts from here. The splendid sight of Mt. Shrikanth and Bhagirathi I,II,III starts emerging in the background. These magnificent Himalayan peaks are conspicuous throughout the trail till you reach the pretty campsite.

Once you reach Raithal, the Dayara bugyal trek starts from here. The splendid sight of Mt. Shrikanth and Bhagirathi I,II,III starts emerging in the background. These magnificent Himalayan peaks are conspicuous throughout the trail till you reach the pretty campsite.

The serpentine trail of 5km across the thick oak forest culminates at Ghui. From Ghui, the altitude variations are palpable in the body. Surrounded by thick treeline and flanked by a beautiful small lake qualifies ‘Ghui’ for a perfect camping location. It is important to be prepared for the cold nights. With bonfire, the campsite evening is going to be a crazy fun .

3

Day 3 - Ghui - Dayara Bugyal (3km trek).

Undulating slopes of dayara bugyal with scattered wildflowers is a sight to behold. Picture by Atul Uniyal.
Undulating slopes of dayara bugyal with scattered wildflowers is a sight to behold. Picture by Atul Uniyal.

With a cup of tea and breakfast, you will gear up for Dayara bugyal. Big relief lies in mere distance of 3km to be covered along the scattered forest. The treeline abruptly ends before Dayara and vastly stretched undulating meadows welcome you with blowing chilled winds. The spectrum of renowned Himalayan peaks Bandarpunch I & II, Shrikanth, Draupadi Ka Danda, Kala Nag, Jaonli A,B,C over the horizon makes it the best amphitheatre.

Dayara is a paradise in the northern Himalayas. The majestic beauty of snow clad peaks combined with the grandeur of lush green meadows and grazing sheeps make it a perfect getaway destination. The green sprawl of approx 16 square km is free for you to explore and get acclimatized with the altitude. In winters, Dayara turns into a fairyland with snow as far as you can see. You will also get to know, why Dayara is a trekking jewel in Uttrakhand.

Moon light dinner under the sky full of stars is a lifetime memory. You can spot the shooting stars and locate some constellations. Meadows are also popular as the best star gazing destinations. Thereafter, sleep well in your warm and cosy sleeping bags to get re-energized for the next day trek.

4

Day 4 - Dayara Bugyal - Bakria top - Devkund - Dayara Bugyal (6km trek).

Srikanth towering in the background. An amphitheatre of majestic peaks.
Srikanth towering in the background. An amphitheatre of majestic peaks.

On this summit day, you will trek upto the highest point and trek back to Dayara campsite. After breakfast, you will get your pack lunch for the summit. The trail over the undulating meadows and among the blossoming flowers will take you to the ridge of the mountain. The violet and yellow sprouts on the ground appears to be a canvas full of nature’s hues.

Walking across the meadow, you end up climbing a long steep ridge where altitude gradually increases till you reach the ‘Bakria Top’. Trail on the ridge gives you goose bumps with clouds below you and Bandarpunch group of mountains at a close distance. Almost all the nature enthusiasts are smitten with the various adjoining meadows perched on the Bakria top. The view at the top also houses the Dodital range.

Moving ahead on a separate path eventually leads you to ‘Devkund’. Serenity of the place makes it a surreal destination to spend some quality time. Thereafter, you can trek down back to Dayara camp and ease yourself to enjoy the high altitude refreshing stay.

5

Day 5 - Dayara Bugyal - Barsu village (7km trek) - Uttarkashi (43km drive) - Departure.

Barnala tal on the way back to barsu village from dayara bugyal. Picture by Sanjeev Panwar.
Kedarkantha peak offering the view of garhwal Himalayas along with the himachal range.

Early morning tea with the spectacular view of snow clad Himalayan range is a thrilling experience. After breakfast, you will head back towards Barsu on a different Dayara bugyal trail. Though you started trek from Raithal but you will finish at Barsu village. A small trek of 7 km is an easy descent. Trail moves through the thick oak and maple wood forest. This will give you a glimpse of what Jurassic Park would have looked like thousand of years ago. Hiking back is also reminiscing of effort made during ascent.

You get across ‘Barnala tal’ enroute which is a small lake flanked by Nagdevta temple. You can also offer prayers to the folks’ deity. Once you reach Barsu village, there will be drive of 42 km parallel to Ganga for reaching again to Uttarkashi. Now You can leave us with lots of memories of Dayara bugyal trek on the same day.

How to reach Dayara Bugyal

Trek services start from - Uttarkashi

Rail head - Dehradun/ Haridwar

Air head - Jolly Grant in Dehradun

Inter state Bus terminal - Dehradun

Using Taxi :

From any of the stop as per request, we can arrange a pick and drop from Dehradun/Haridwar to basecamp. Cost will be shared by the travellers on equal basis. The fare is approximately 4500 rs. for sumo/bolero/max one way which can accommodate upto 8 people. While a Tempo traveler is a better choice for upto 14 people at cost of approximately 8000 rs. from Dehradun and 10000 rs. approximately from Haridwar. It is not the part of trek fee and to be paid directly to the taxi operator. We can also forward you the contacts of operators to negotiate yourself.

Note :

There may be surge in above mentioned prices at the time of Char Dham Yatra season.

Using public transport :

From the bus station near parade ground in Dehradun, you can take Uttarakhand transport buses to Uttarkashi. Roughly 148 kms journey will take 6-7 hrs. Buses are available as early at 6:00 AM. It is low on pocket at 200 rs. per person.

How to reach Dehradun :

For the treks in Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag and Chamoli district, Dehardun/ Haridwar is closest city for road, rail and air connectivity. It includes Kedarknatha, Har ki Dun, Dayara Bugyal, Dodital, Tapovan, Kedartal, Panwali Kantha, Tungnath and Valley of Flowers trek. Public transport and taxis are available easily from here.
Dehradun is connected to all other cities of the country through these modes:


Dehradun is connected to all other cities of the country through these modes:

Train from

Train name

Train no.

Delhi

Dli Ddn Special

04053

Madurai Jn

Dehradun Express

12687

Allahabad Jn

Ald Ddn Link Express

14113

Amritsar Jn

Asr Ddn Express

14632

New Delhi

Nanda Devi Express

12205

New Delhi

Ddn Jan Shatabdi

12055

Bandra Terminus

Dehradun Express

19019

Kathgodam

Kgm Ddn Express

14119

Howrah Jn

Doon Express

13009

Indore Jn

Ind Ddn Express

14317

ISBT Dehradun is connected to Delhi and other cities. You can find bus scheduled throughout the day or visit www.utconline.com to book tickets.

Dayara Bugyal Trek Map

exclusive image map of dayara bugyal trek

Download Dayara Bugyal Trek Guide PDF

Download Exclusive Dayara Bugyal Trek Guide PDF
  • Overview

    Dayara bugyal trek is a beginner’s trek in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It is a traveller’s delight for its lush green meadow and breathtaking spectrum of Himalayan peaks over the horizon. Situated at an altitude of 3048m, it is the second largest meadow of uttarakhand. Fascinating panoramic view of Bandarpunch, kalanag(blackpeak), Draupadi ka Danda and other peaks is the prominent feature of this trek. The pasture land is inhabited by shepherds and local villagers. The sight of mud houses and flocks of sheep give new life to the landscape. Draped in snow for the largest part of winter makes it a perfect getaway destination. Dayara bugyal trek was awarded Trek of the year in 2015.

    Hiking up to the ‘Bakria top’ is important to get the best view of highland meadow. It is a 3km trail over undulating Dayara meadow. At the end of the ridge there is a cliff,multitude of ranges are quite visible from there. Various converging meadows including the ‘Gidara bugyal’ accentuates the beauty of the landscape. It transforms into a perfect skiing slope in the winters. Thereby, Skiing competition is also organized by skiing federations sometimes.

    The trail from Raithal village to Dayara bugyal is through the oak and maple woods. The floor is enveloped with the leaves of trees. Walking over dried leaves is a blissfull experience in summers while in winters upper reaches are squarely covered in snow. Since the beginning, the splendid view of Srikanth and Gangotri peaks is very immersive. ‘Barnala tal’ enroute is a small lake flanked by Nagdevta temple. Most of the peripheral area around Dayara bugyal is a eco sensitive zone of various wildlife sanctuaries and parks present in the vicinity.

    Seasonal conditions:

    Autumn trek:

    Dayara Bugyal trek in September/ October/ November

    Post monsoon trekking to dayara bugyal is a trek through oak and pine forest over the dried broad leaves on the ground. Soil is highly wet while the temperature remains just above zero. Trekking experience is pleasant due to conducive weather and predictability of abrupt changes at such altitudes. Rainfall as a result of retreating monsson drops from 200mm to 20mm by the end of the autumn season. Keep ample water to stay hydrated during the ascent. Snowy patches can be seen from the mid autumn while snow clad peaks is visible in the backdrop throughout the year.

    Winter trek:

    Dayara Bugayl trek in December/ January/ February

    Dayara Bugyal exhibits all the features to pitch itself for a good winter trek. As a result of heavy snowfall combined with the short trek distance, it is visited by a large number of trekking enthusiasts from December to February. Sub zero temperature at night down to -5 degree Celsius makes it necessary to carry ample fleece inners. Day time temperature is upto 7 degree Celsius. Negligible rainfall conditions makes weather predictable though the dense fog possibility remains strong. Keeping water bottle full is wise to prevent dehydration during the moderate ascent. Don’t try to drink icy cold water to prevent any sort of cold and fever.

    Spring trek:

    Dayara Bugyal trek in March/ April/ May

    Below 100mm rainfall during the period provides the green sprawl full of newly blooming flowers. For the trekkers who want to hike conveniently without outdoor complexities while enjoying the abundant nature can plan their trek in this period. You will also find bunch of shepherds moving their flocks towards the bugyal. Accompany them as well as listen their native stories and what makes dayara a prominent trek destination for avid travellers.

    Dayara Bugyal Trek Trek Map

    exclusive image map of dayara bugyal trek

Features

Region

Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand

Dayara Bugyal Trek Altitude

Dayara bugyal - 3048m
Bakria top - 3800m

Duration

4N/4D

Grade

Easy

Trek length

21km

Trek starts at

Raithal

Trek ends at

Barsu

Best time

Throughout the year

Nearest Railway station

Dehradun

Airport

Jolly Grant, Dehradun

Trek Cost per person

Rs.7900

Peaks in sight

Bandarpunch I & II,Kala Nag,Shrikanth,Draupadi ka Danda,Jaonli A,B,C.

Get Equipped

Essentials for Dayara Bugyal Trek

Quick guide to understand the basics of trek essentials to make your trekking in the himalayas less worrisome and more pleasant. All the necessary items are quoted below to pack into your rucksack/backpack, yet keeping it light. Try to limit the quantity on the basis of duration of the trek, season and weight carrying capacity. Every gram matters on the ascent. Try to arrange the priorities without compromising the safety and necessity. A medium trek is 4/5 days and long duration trek is 6 to 8days. All the products should be light weight in this regard. Even if you feel the incapacity to carry your rucksack, you can also offload by paying quoted price.

Exclusive get equipped guide for Dayara Bugyal trek Detailed get-equipped guide for Dayara Bugyal trek
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