Dayara Bugyal Trek
5 Days · 3408m · Alpine Meadows · Gangotri Group Views · Seasonal Snow
📅 5 Days
🌿 Alpine Meadows
• Gangotri Views
🥾 Moderate
5 Days · 3408m · Alpine Meadows · Gangotri Group Views · Seasonal Snow
The dayara bugyal trek leads to one of the most expansive high-altitude meadows in Uttarakhand — a vast open plateau in the Uttarkashi district at 3408m (11,200 ft). Trek distance is approximately 16 km return (8 km each way) from Raithal village (2200m) as the primary starting point, or alternatively from Barsu village via Naya Khal. The altitude gain is steady through dense deodar and oak forest before the trail breaks open onto the wide grassy plateau with 180° views of the Gangotri group peaks — Bandarpunch (6316m), Jaonli (6632m), Draupadi Ka Danda (5716m), and Srikanth.
Best time spans three distinct seasons: May–June for wildflowers and green meadows; September–October for autumn colours and exceptional peak clarity; November–March for deep snow and GMOU-organised skiing (the bugyal becomes a natural ski bowl in winter). Difficulty level is Easy-Moderate — no technical sections, daily walking 6–10 km. Temperature drops to -5°C to -15°C in winter; summer days are mild at 12–18°C. This dayara bugyal trek is among the most family-friendly high-altitude trails in Garhwal, suitable for children above 10 years.
Raithal village — the starting point — is 190 km from Haridwar via Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, and Bhatwari (6–7 hours drive); around 205 km from Dehradun. The bugyal connects further to Gidara Bugyal and Bakaria Top for multi-day meadow extensions. Dev Yatra arranges complete packages from Haridwar with Raithal or Barsu transport, all camping needs, meals, certified guide, and permits.
3408m open plateau meadow — one of the largest bugyals in Uttarakhand. Snow in winter, flowers in summer.
Bandarpunch, Jaonli, Draupadi Ka Danda visible from the bugyal. Clear 180° Himalayan panorama.
GMOU organises skiing on Dayara Bugyal in winter. Good slopes for beginner and intermediate skiers.
Camping on the open bugyal with Himalayan peaks all around. Excellent stargazing at night.
WILDFLOWER SEASON
Wildflowers on the meadow in May-June. Rhododendrons in April on the forest trail. Best time for summer colour.
SNOW/SKI SEASON
Meadow fully snow-covered. Skiing by GMOU (Dec-Jan-Feb). Beautiful winter landscape.
AUTUMN
Clear skies. Good peak views. First dusting of snow in October. Very good for photography.
All our treks start from Haridwar . Reach Haridwar first:
Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun (35 km from Haridwar). Flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru. Airport pickup arranged.
Haridwar Railway Station — well connected pan-India. Overnight trains from Delhi reach Haridwar in 5-6 hrs.
Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate to Haridwar by Volvo (6 hrs). State buses connect Haridwar to trek base towns.
Delhi to Haridwar 210 km (4-5 hrs via NH-58). We arrange pickup from Delhi/Chandigarh/Dehradun on request.
Dayara Bugyal is one of the few Himalayan treks that works perfectly for first-timers and experienced trekkers equally — the terrain is non-technical, the meadow is spectacular, and the altitude (3628m) is accessible. The Barsu route (from Barsu village near Barkot) is the most popular and well-marked. In winter (December–March), the bugyal becomes a natural ski bowl. Summer monsoon (July–August) brings leeches on the forest section — bring salt and avoid cotton socks. October–November gives the clearest peak views. The drive from Dehradun to Barkot takes 6–7 hours.
The dayara bugyal trek is one of India's most rewarding alpine meadow trails, set in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand at 3408m (11,200 ft). Starting point is Raithal village (2200m), approximately 190 km from Haridwar via Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, and Bhatwari — a drive of 6–7 hours. Distance is 16 km return from Raithal, spread over 2–3 trekking days. The trail climbs through dense deodar, oak, and rhododendron forest before emerging onto the vast open plateau with 180° Himalayan views. Barsu village offers an alternative trailhead via Naya Khal. Distance from Dehradun is around 205 km.
Best time is three-season: May–June for wildflowers and lush green meadow; September–October for autumn gold and exceptional peak clarity; November–March for deep snow and GMOU-organised skiing. Summer temperature at the bugyal is mild at 12–18°C; winter drops to -5°C to -15°C. Difficulty level is Easy-Moderate — no technical sections, daily walking 6–10 km, suitable for families with children above 10 years. Monsoon (July–August) is best avoided due to leeches on the forest section. Is this dayara bugyal trek safe? Yes — the trail is well-defined and guided, with no high-altitude sickness risk for healthy trekkers.
The bugyal plateau reveals panoramic views of Bandarpunch (6316m), Jaonli (6632m), Draupadi Ka Danda (5716m), Srikanth, and other Gangotri group peaks on clear days — views that take an entire day to absorb from the meadow camp. The terrain extends further to Gidara Bugyal and Bakaria Top for multi-day meadow traverses. Common comparisons — vs Kedarkantha: Kedarkantha is a summit trek with winter snow focus; this meadow trail has multi-season appeal and family-friendly terrain. Vs Brahmatal: Brahmatal has a frozen lake highlight; the dayara bugyal trek offers the larger, more open meadow experience and better Gangotri peak views.
Dev Yatra's package from Haridwar covers transport to Raithal or Barsu, all camp meals, tents, certified local guide, forest permits, cook, and safety equipment. Private itineraries and winter snow treks are available on request. For booking and current pricing, call or WhatsApp +91-8057146497. Permits and ID formalities are handled by us — bring Aadhaar or passport details at the time of dayara bugyal trek booking.