Dayara Bugyal Trek
An ideal Himalayan trek for beginners and families
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TREK DIFFICULTY
Easy Moderate
TREK DURATION
6 days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
11,830 ft
TOTAL TREK DISTANCE
21 kms
BASECAMP
Raithal
ACCOMMODATION TYPE
Tents
PICKUP POINT
PICKUP TIME
6.30 AM
DROPOFF TIME
6.00 PM
An ideal Himalayan trek for beginners and families
The Dayara Bugyal trek is a favourite among our beginner and seasoned trekkers alike at Indiahikes. “This trek is superbly rewarding at any time of the year. The forests are splendid in spring, the meadows are an unbeatable green in summer, and they turn orange in autumn, with striking mountain views. The snowscape in winter is a world on its own. You can go any time, and you’ll not be let down,” shares Sandhya UC, co-founder of Indiahikes.
On this trek, we have a soft spot for the meadows, which is perfect. "The meadows are so meticulously landscaped that there isn't a single rock or tree out of place." "With the majestic Gangotri mountain range in the background, the rewards are massively disproportionate to the effort you put in," Sandhya says. It's no surprise that it's popular with beginners as well.
Did you know we run Adventure Therapy Treks on the Dayara Bugyal trek? If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or seeking clarity, this therapeutic journey—guided by a trained therapist—can help you break through. Read more here.
The reason Dayara Bugyal is so breathtakingly beautiful is because of its location. The meadow is at an elevation of over 10,000 feet. From Dayara, you can see the Greater Himalayan range in all its beauty. The majestic summits of the Gangotri range, including Bandarpunch, Kala Nag, Srikanth, Jaonli, and Draupadi Ka Danda, are so close that you can almost touch them. Trekkers spend hours just watching the sunset over these mountains.
Dayara Bugyal - Complete Trek Information
We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.
Use this section to learn about the Dayara Bugyal trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.
A route map of the Dayara Bugyal Trek
Day 1
Drive From Dehradun to Raithal
Drive Distance: 185 km | Drive Duration: 9 hours | Pick up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Grand Legacy Hotel, Dehradun | Pick up Time: 6.30 am | Location of Indiahikes basecamp: Raithal
Transport will be arranged at 6.30 AM. The cost is Rs.1100/- (additional 5% GST) per trekker (one-way). These are non-AC vehicles. Please pre-book your transport through the dashboard before your trek.
Day 2
Trek from Raithal to Gui
Trek Distance: 4.5 km | Trek Duration: 5 hours | Altitude Gain: 7,142 ft to 9,630 ft
Day 3
Trek from Gui to Chilapada
Trek Distance: 2.5 km | Trek Duration: 2-3 hours | Altitude Gain: 9,630 ft to 10,515 ft
Day 4
Trek from Chilpada to Nayata via Dayara Top
Trek Distance: 9.5 km | Trek Duration: 6-7 hours | Altitude Gain and Loss: 10,515 ft to 9,186 ft via 11,830 ft
Day 5
Trek from Nayata to Raithal
Trek Distance: 4 km | Trek Duration: 4-5 hours | Altitude Loss: 9,186 ft to 7,142 ft
Day 6
Drive back from Raithal to Dehradun
Drive distance: 185 km | Drive Duration: 9 hours | Drop off point for Indiahikes trekkers: Hotel Grand Legacy, Dehradun | Drop off Time: 6 pm
Transport will be arranged for your return journey. The cost is Rs.1100/- (additional 5% GST) per trekker (one-way). These are non-AC vehicles. Please pre-book your transport through the dashboard before your trek.
Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.
IMPORTANT POINTS
➤Documents required: You don't need to print or carry the disclaimer form. Your Trek Leader will give it to you at the base. Just sign and hand it over then and there.
However, if you are a minor unaccompanied by your parents, please download this disclaimer, print it, get it signed by your parents/guardian and carry it to the basecamp.
➤ Stay facility: Your accommodation will be organised in Swiss tents at our Raithal Campus. After getting on the trail, you will be camping in twin-sharing Tents designed for high altitude expeditions by Indiahikes.
➤ Cloakroom facility for excess luggage: We have a cloakroom facility available at the basecamp for extra luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave behind one piece of luggage at no charge. Anything beyond one piece of luggage is chargeable at Rs 500 per luggage. (The luggage could be a backpack / suitcase / duffel bag or anything similar.).
➤ Thinking of offloading your backpack? Think again: Indiahikes practices low impact sustainable trekking in every aspect of the trek. Carrying your own personal backpack reduces your impact on the mountains by 20%. We expect all our trekkers to carry their own backpacks unless they have a justifiable reason not to. (Read our thoughts here)
Day 1 (Pick-up Day): Drive from Dehradun to Raithal
Drive Duration: 8 hours | Drive Distance: 185 km
Altitude: 7,142 ft
Drive Distance: 185 km
Highlights: Watch out for Tingling Point, from where you get to see the astounding views of almost all of Uttarakhand's highest peaks, including Mt Nanda Devi.
Raithal, the base camp for the Dayara Bugyal trek, is around 9 hours away from Dehradun.
The drive takes you through lovely forest stretches as soon as you exit Dehradun. Within an hour, you pass through Mussoorie, one of the most popular hill stations of Uttarakhand.
Between Mussoorie and Uttarkashi, you come across a viewpoint, often called the Tingling Point, from where you get astounding views of almost all of the Garhwal Himalayas. Right from the mountains near Himachal (Swargarohini and adjoining peaks) to Mt Bandarpoonch to Mt Srikanth, the Gangotri Peaks, the Chaukhamba massif, all the way to Mt Nanda Devi, you get striking views. This is of course possible only on a very clear day.
Raithal, the base camp for the Dayara Bugyal trek, is around 9 hours away from Dehradun.
The drive takes you through lovely forest stretches as soon as you exit Dehradun. Within an hour, you pass through Mussoorie, one of the most popular hill stations of Uttarakhand.
Between Mussoorie and Uttarkashi, you come across a viewpoint, often called the Tingling Point, from where you get astounding views of almost all of the Garhwal Himalayas. Right from the mountains near Himachal (Swargarohini and adjoining peaks) to Mt Bandarpoonch to Mt Srikanth, the Gangotri Peaks, the Chaukhamba massif, all the way to Mt Nanda Devi, you get striking views. This is of course possible only on a very clear day.
The largest town on the route is Uttarkashi, from where you head to Bhatwari.
As you approach Raithal, you witness the brilliant colours of sunset over Mt Bandarpoonch, Mt Srikanth, Mt Jaunli and Draupadi ka Danda peaks.
Day 2: Trek from Raithal to Gui
Trek Duration: 5 hours | Trek Distance: 4.5 km
Altitude Gain: ⇗ 2,488 ft (7,142 ft to 9,630 ft)
Difficulty: Easy-moderate. Gradually ascending trail throughout.
Highlights: Lovely oak forests with leafy forest floors. Sunset by the lake at Gui.
At Raithal, you can see Mt. Srikanth and Gangotri 1, 2, and 3 in the distance along with the mountains mentioned above. These become more prominent as you gain altitude on the trail to Gui.
The forest where the Gui campsite is located is visible from Raithal.
The trail from Raithal to Gui is a gradually ascending one. The initial trail goes out of the Raithal village quickly and takes you through the village fields. Go along the well laid out trail and in an hour you come to a flat grassy clearing which also has a hand pump. Take a small water break here and then proceed.
At Raithal, you can see Mt. Srikanth and Gangotri 1, 2, and 3 in the distance along with the mountains mentioned above. These become more prominent as you gain altitude on the trail to Gui.
The forest where the Gui campsite is located is visible from Raithal.
The trail from Raithal to Gui is a gradually ascending one. The initial trail goes out of the Raithal village quickly and takes you through the village fields. Go along the well laid out trail and in an hour you come to a flat grassy clearing which also has a hand pump. Take a small water break here and then proceed.
Post the water point, the trail becomes more wooded. You make your way into a forest that consists mainly of green and brown oaks (moru and kharsu) and rhododendron. This makes it a very rich forest. Unlike other places, you do not find pines here.
The forest opens up to a couple of small clearings before you reach Gui.
The campsite at Gui is located in a small clearing surrounded by forests. There is a small table close by. You will find village huts around - these are used by villagers in the summer. There is also a u-shaped forest department hut at some distance.
Day 3: Trek from Gui to Chilapada
Trek Duration: 3 hours | Trek Distance: 2.5 km
Altitude Gain: ⇗ 885 ft (9,630 ft to 10,515 ft)
Difficulty: Easy. Meandering flat trail through the forest
Highlights: Beautiful oak forests with mountains peeking through the trees. First views of Mt Bandarpoonch
The day's trek sees you carrying on along the trail the climbs out of Gui towards Dayara. As you climb up from Gui, you start seeing mountains on the other side, which were earlier hidden from view.
Today is a short day (3 km) with gradual ascends punctuated with flat sections.
Once you start from Gui, join the main trail and start climbing to Gui Thatch. This is a small meadow in the forest. On one side we have 5-6 Chania (shepherd) huts. Right in front of these huts is a compact pond. Just by the pond is a mound.
The day's trek sees you carrying on along the trail the climbs out of Gui towards Dayara. As you climb up from Gui, you start seeing mountains on the other side, which were earlier hidden from view.
Today is a short day (3 km) with gradual ascends punctuated with flat sections.
Once you start from Gui, join the main trail and start climbing to Gui Thatch. This is a small meadow in the forest. On one side we have 5-6 Chania (shepherd) huts. Right in front of these huts is a compact pond. Just by the pond is a mound.
You also see the igloo-shaped structures of the Forest Department near the Chania huts. Beside the shepherd’s hut, you see Forest Department huts in the shape of igloos.
Insta point: Gui Thatch has incredible views of the entire Gangotri range. These include Shrikanth, Gangotri I, II and III. Look straight, you see the Jaonli peak there. On your left, you can spot the top of Bandarpoonch.
The next half kilometre from Gui Thatch is a relaxed and easy walk. It goes through beautiful rhododendron. The terrain allows you to leisurely walk and soaks in the setting of a Himalayan forest.
Hug a tree: Spend some time connecting with nature. If you are trekking with Indiahikes, your Trek Leader may facilitate the hug-a-tree experience here that helps you connect much more deeply with the forest.
You gradually start ascending once the relaxed forest walk ends. You cross a couple of streams which may be flowing, dried or frozen depending on the season.
Barely five minutes after crossing these streams, you see an umbrella-shaped rain shelter. This is the rest point. Chilapada is not far from here. Catch your breath, stretch your legs and pause for 10-15 minutes before proceeding further.
Chilapada is 20 minutes from the rain shelter. Five minutes into the trek from the rain shelter, notice a broken trail on your left. Leave the main trail and start trekking on this broken trail. This goes to Chilapada, a small opening between the meadows.
Look around, on one side you have the Chilapada Top with some Chania huts.
Day 4: Trek from Chilapada to Nayata via Dayara Top
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours | Trek Distance: 9.5 km
Altitude Gain and Loss: ⇗ 1,435 ft; ⇘ 2,764 ft (10,515 ft to 9,186 ft via 11,830 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate. Undulating walk across meadows followed by a final ascent.
Highlights: The grand meadows of Dayara Bugyal, set against the backdrop of the Gangotri range of peaks and Mt Bandarpoonch.
Chilapada is pretty close to the start of Dayara Bugyal giving you almost the whole day to explore the massive meadows.
Climb through the forests and in half an hour the tree line ends and you find yourself at the edge of meadows. You do not see the full magnitude of the meadows yet.
Here you can spot the Chania huts in front. The trail goes right on the edge of the meadow. Look up to your right to see the magnificent view of Bandar Poonch and Kala Nag. All the summits which were with you from Raithal and Gui are now a lot bigger adorning the panorama behind.
Chilapada is pretty close to the start of Dayara Bugyal giving you almost the whole day to explore the massive meadows.
Climb through the forests and in half an hour the tree line ends and you find yourself at the edge of meadows. You do not see the full magnitude of the meadows yet.
Here you can spot the Chania huts in front. The trail goes right on the edge of the meadow. Look up to your right to see the magnificent view of Bandar Poonch and Kala Nag. All the summits which were with you from Raithal and Gui are now a lot bigger adorning the panorama behind.
Photo point: The early morning view of Dayara Bugyal is worth every effort put in to get there. Miles of undulating meadows stretch in every direction, with the rays of the sun catching them in many moods.
If early in the season (May-June), thousands of yellow, violet and white flowers sprout across the meadows – sometimes, there are so many that you have to deliberately skirt around them.
In winter, you see miles and miles of powdery snow on the undulating terrain.
Spend at least a couple of hours exploring the Dayara meadows before retracing your steps to the Chania huts. The trail to Nayata goes below the huts and immediately enters the forest. The wooded trail is well laid out again. About 45 minutes of descent brings you to Nayata.
Day 5: Trek from Nayata to Raithal
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours | Trek Duration: 4 km
Altitude loss: ⇘ 2,044 ft (9,186 ft to 7,142 ft)
Difficulty: Easy. Short stretches of ascents and descents for 1.5 hours followed by a steeply descending trail
Highlights: Pleasurable descent through a lovely canopy of trees. Last views of Mt Bandarpoonch
It takes about 4 hours to reach Raithal, so start your days trek by 9 am. From the Nayata campsite, continue on the main trail you came down from Dayara yesterday. The trail continues to descend under a heavy canopy of forest cover.
Fifteen minutes of descent brings you to the rain shelter from where you diverted to Barnala on the way up. Continue moving down on the main trail.
Continue further for an hour before coming to the grassy clearing with the water source. Take a break here before completing the final hours descent to Raithal. The arch of Raithal marks the end of the trek. Indiahikes Campus is half a kilometer down the paved road.
It takes about 4 hours to reach Raithal, so start your days trek by 9 am. From the Nayata campsite, continue on the main trail you came down from Dayara yesterday. The trail continues to descend under a heavy canopy of forest cover.
Fifteen minutes of descent brings you to the rain shelter from where you diverted to Barnala on the way up. Continue moving down on the main trail.
Continue further for an hour before coming to the grassy clearing with the water source. Take a break here before completing the final hours descent to Raithal. The arch of Raithal marks the end of the trek. Indiahikes Campus is half a kilometer down the paved road.
Continue till you reach the community campus. It brings an end to your enchanting Dayara Bugyal trek.
Day 6: Drive from Raithal back to Dehradun
Drive Duration: 8 hours | Drive Distance: 185 km
Driving Distance: 185 km
Highlights: Crossing the Tehri Dam and the Tingling Point
Start from Raithal after breakfast. Enjoy the scenic drive back to Dehradun. You are expected to reach Dehradun at around 6.00 PM on this day.
Start from Raithal after breakfast. Enjoy the scenic drive back to Dehradun. You are expected to reach Dehradun at around 6.00 PM on this day.
Easy-Moderate Trek
Suitable for Beginners
You will cover a total of around 21 km in four trekking days during which you will gain approximately 4,688 ft (7,142 ft to 11,830 ft). Every day will include ascents and descents. But, they are mostly gradual and steady, except the summit climb on Day 4.
The Terrain:
- The initial climb into the forest from Raithal is steep. Although there is a well-laid trail, this section will test your stamina.
- The final climb to Dayara top is steep. And it gets even more challenging in snow during the winters. Dayara being a meadow, the snow deposits are often several feet deep. This snow section continues until you get to the top, getting steeper as you approach the top.
Please Note: If you are trekking with Indiahikes, our Trek Leaders and Technical Guides will provide you with all necessary guidance, support, and technical gear such as microspikes, gaiters, helmets, ropes, etc. wherever required.
Weather:
- Rainfall or snowfall, lasting for hours, can change the entire trek dynamic. Rain can flood the trails or make them too slushy to walk safely on. Snowfall can obstruct previously made paths, requiring fresh tracks to be cut on the snow.
Please Note: The safety of our trekkers is paramount. Our technical team, in conjunction with the Trek Leader, constantly monitors the weather conditions and makes informed decisions about proceeding with or aborting the trek. If the weather deteriorates, the team may need to turn back from any campsite to ensure the safety of all trekkers.
Altitude:
- The trail from Raithal to Gui climbs 2,478 ft within just 4.5 km distance. Stay alert for any signs of Acute Mountain Sickness.
- At altitudes above 10,000 ft, the chances of being hit by Acute Mountain Sickness are real. Altitude sickness can happen to anybody - first-time trekkers as well as experienced trekkers. Fitness helps in making your trek easier. But do not forget that even a fit person climbing too high too soon runs an equal risk of developing AMS.
Here’s a Complete guide to Acute Mountains Sickness, HAPE and HACE
Please Note: The Indiahikes team is equipped with high-altitude medical kits, oxygen cylinders, and stretchers to handle any altitude-related emergencies.
Emergency Exits:
- In case of an emergency at or before Chilapada, you will need to return to Raithal.
- If you are near the top, descend to Barsu. These are long distances and evacuation can take 7-8 hours from the farthest point.
Closest Hospital to the Dayara Bugyal Trek: If a medical emergency occurs, then the District Hospital in Uttarkashi is the closest to you. Uttarkashi can be reached within an hour if you drive from Raithal or Barsu. However, for major medical emergencies, the nearest hospital is in Mussoorie or Dehradun – which is almost 8-9 hours away from the base camp of the trek.
The Indiahikes team will ensure your safety throughout the journey. However, we believe that safety is a shared responsibility. We need your active participation and attention to safety protocols to ensure a safe and successful trek.
Even though this trek is classified as easy, the trail is a gradual ascent all the way till the summit. Photo by Jothiranjan Walking on paved paths for longer duration is not recommended while wearing hard soled trek shoes. Dirt trails absorb more impact, hereby reducing the strain on your legs. Photo by Jothiranjan Sometimes, the weather may turn dark and gloomy. The challenges are different according to the season. However, you must be ready to face them. Photo by Pradyumana Any trek gets 2 times tougher if you're forced to walk in knee deep snow. With each step, your foot sinks in. Even lifting it again becomes a task. Wearing gaitors becomes compulsory to keep your foot from getting wet. Photo by Jothiranjan
Please inform your Trek Leader about any pre-existing medical conditions or health concerns, no matter how minor they may seem. This will enable us to take the necessary precautions and ensure your safety throughout the trek.
Dayara Bugyal is a trek that can be done around the year except during the monsoons. This means that the trek is open and great for almost 8 months in a year.
If we take out the monsoons, we get 4 distinct seasons to experience Dayara Bugyal – Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn. Each season is different and lovely in its own way.
Dayara Bugyal in Winter
Day time: Between 8 °C and 12 °C | Night time: Will drop to temperatures between -5 °C and -10 °C.
Presence of snow: You will find snow from the base camp towards the end of December. The entire landscape and valley will be in white.
No. of warm layers required: 5 warm layers.
In winter, people trek to Dayara Bugyal to experience snow. The landscape again changes colour when draped in the white snow. Soft, powdery snowflakes loosely hang from pine trees offering a tinge of Christmas-y feel. Perfect for snowball fights and an experience of snowfall if you’re lucky. However, snow raises the difficulty of the trek by a notch. So, prepare well if you are going in winter.
Watch this video of trekkers singing and trekking at Dayara Bugyal in winter. It will give you a feel of what it is like to be on this trail in winter.
Dayara Bugyal in Spring
Day time temperature: Between 13 °C and 17 °C | Night time temperature: Will drop to 0 °C.
Great time to experience the last of the winter snow. The snow starts to recede from the lower campsites when spring sets. The upper reaches of Dayara are still under snow.
No. of warm layers required: 3-4 warm layers.
Spring in Dayara starts by mid-March and goes on till the end of April. The snows start to melt in the upper reaches while the grass begins to turn green in the lower meadows. Tiny flowers make their heads out of the grass while rhododendrons bloom on the trees.
The upper reaches of the Dayara meadows are usually under snow until mid-April.
Spring is a great time to experience colour contrasts on the meadows. You see snow, greenery and the colour of flowers altogether.
Dayara Bugyal in Summer
Day time temperature: Between 18 °C and 20 °C | Night time temperature: Will drop to 5 °C.
Most of the snow has melted, owing to warmer temperature.
No. of warm layers required: 3 warm layers.
Summers are warm on Dayara Bugyal trek. Picture bright green meadows getting toasted under hot sunlight.
There is also a distinct summer fragrance in the air especially as you trek under the shadows of oaks and maples.
The atmosphere also gets hazier as there is a lot of dust and pollen in the air at this time. So, you might not get as sharp views as you get in autumn. But you will see the snow-capped mountains in their grandeur on a clear day.
There’s another plus side to the summers on Dayara Bugyal trek. Without the challenges of cold temperature or snow, this trek is at its easiest in the summers. And so, we open the family batches of Dayara Bugyal trek during this time. It’s a great time to introduce children to the Himalayas.
Dayara Bugyal in Autumn
Day time temperature: Between 12 °C and 15 °C | Night time temperature: Will drop to 2 °C.
There is no snow on the trek in the autumn season. The lush greenery on the trail starts to turn golden.
No. of warm layers required: 4 warm layers.
In autumn, the skies are at their clearest. That’s when you witness the sharp mountain views. Imagine the majestic Gangotri range, Bandarpoonch popping up from the golden meadows under brilliant blue skies. Sounds picturesque, doesn’t it?
And if you wish to capture these ranges through your camera lens, autumn is the perfect time to do so.
Other than the brilliant mountain views, Dayara Bugyal in autumn is a riot of colours. You will witness maple leaves turning fiery red. This is a signature sight in the Himalayas, and against the backdrop of meadows turning golden, well, it is a sight to behold.
Witness these as you trek, inhaling the crisp, pine-scented autumn air.
Raithal is the base camp of the Dayara Bugyal Trek.
Nestled amidst the enchanting landscapes of the Uttarkashi district, Raithal is the perfect example of an ancient Garhwali village. It is around 200 km from Dehradun and it takes around 8-9 hours to reach Raithal by road.
On Day 1, our Indiahikes team will pick you up at 6.30 am from the Grand Legacy Beacon Hotel, near Laal Pul, Dehradun.
Arrive in Dehradun by Day Zero, which is one day before Day 1 on the itinerary. For example, if the Day 1 of your trek is 25th August, book your tickets to reach Dehradun by 24th August.
Here is a detailed guide to help you plan your travel to Dehradun:
How to reach Dehradun? Dehradun has its own airport and is well-connected to all major cities. The easiest way to reach Dehradun is to:
- Fly directly to the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.
- Fly to Delhi and then take an overnight bus to Dehradun.
How to reach Dehradun by Flight:
Pro Tip: If the direct flights to Dehradun are too costly, fly to Delhi and take the overnight bus to Dehradun.
Flying to Delhi may be a lot cheaper than getting to Dehradun. However, If you notice the difference in air ticket prices between Delhi and Dehradun is less than Rs 1000 then book directly to Dehradun. The rest and shorter travel time are worth the difference.
How to reach Dehradun by Train:
We have listed down the most reliable trains running between Delhi and Dehradun.
Pro Tip: If you are reaching Dehradun by train, make sure you reach one day before your pick-up from Rishikesh. You must arrive at Dehradun on Day 0 (one day before your trek starts) and not on Day 1. It will give you the much needed rest before you start the long drive to Raithal the next day.
How to plan your return journey from Dehradun:
You can retrace the same journey back from Dehradun to your city. But keep the following points in mind:
- Book your return ticket only after 8-9 PM on the last day of your trek. However, we recommend that you add a buffer and travel the next day to safeguard your travel plans from unforeseen delays on mountain routes.
- If you’re taking an overnight bus to Delhi, keep enough buffer time to reach the airport. We recommend flights only after 11.00 AM.
If you have not opted for Indiahikes Transport and want to travel to Raithal on your own:
There are no direct buses from Dehradun to Raithal. You first need to reach Uttarkashi and then take a shared jeep to Raithal.
Direct Bus from Dehradun to Uttarkashi and Shared Jeep to Raithal
- There is one direct bus from Dehradun to Uttarkashi which leaves at 5:30 AM.
- You can book seats on this bus online through the UTC Pathik App. Please note that this bus departs from the Dehradun Hill Bus Stand and not from Dehradun ISBT
- It reaches Uttarkashi around 11:30 AM.
- From Uttarkashi Bus Stand, walk to the Taxi Stand.
- The shared vehicles for Raithal leave from Uttarkashi Taxi Stand between 2-4 PM, when villagers return home from work.
Trekkers often ask us for hotel recommendations before or after their treks. Finding a good place using online listings can be tedious and tricky. So, through our network of trekkers and trek leaders, we have put together the best hotel recommendations in the major cities near our treks.
These are tried-and-tested recommendations—places we trust for comfort, cleanliness, and convenience. They’re also located near town centers and your pick-up points. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay or something a little more premium, you’ll find an option that suits your needs below.
Given below is a list of all the gear you need for the Dayara Bugyal trek:
If you don’t have certain items, you can rent high-quality gear like trekking shoes, backpacks, and jackets from the Crosstrek Rental Store by Indiahikes. It costs less than Rs 2000 for the entire trek. We highly recommend renting gear since it is both more affordable and environmentally friendly.
Additionally, you’ll notice a small medical kit in the list. While our trek leaders carry medical kits with 17 medicines including life-saving drugs, you must bring your personal medical kit as well. We are already equipped with BP machines, oximeters and canned oxygen, but your medical kit is for quick access to you, especially while travelling.
Most importantly, you must digitally upload and carry mandatory documents to get government permits for the trek - your ID card & medical certificate. Keep them in a plastic bag to keep them safe in your backpack. There are no printing or photocopy facilities at the basecamp.
Here is a list of everything you need for your trek.
Shoes and backpack
- Trekking shoes with ankle support (Available on rent)
- Backpack with rain cover (Available on rent)
Warm Layers and Clothes
- Warm layers (Padded jackets available on rent)
- 3 layers if you're trekking in spring, summer and monsoon (1 woollen sweater, 1 fleece, 1 padded jacket)
- 4 layers if you're trekking in autumn (1 woollen sweater, 2 fleece, 1 padded jacket)
- 5 layers if you're trekking in winter (1 pair of thermals, 1 woollen sweater, 2 fleece, 1 padded jacket) - 3 Collared T-shirts (Wear one, carry two)
- 2 quick-dry trek pants (Wear one, carry one)
Accessories
- Sunglasses (Available on rent)
- Sun Cap (Available for purchase)
- Waterproof gloves (Available for purchase)
- Waterproof socks (Highly recommended for trekking in snow. Available for purchase)
- Balaclava
- Woollen socks (2 pairs of Dry fit + 1 pair of Woollen)
- Headlamp (Available on rent)
- Trekking pole (Available on rent)
- Rain jacket + pants / poncho (Rain jackets are available on rent)
Toiletries:
- Sunscreen
- Moisturiser
- Light towel
- Lip balm or vaseline
- Toilet paper (Wet wipes are strictly not allowed on our treks)
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Reusable plastic covers (for used clothes)
Cutlery:
- Steel tiffin box, spoon and a coffee mug (Tiffin box is available on rent)
- Two water bottles or Hydration Pack (Water bottles are available on rent)
Once you run through this list, don't miss this ultimate guide on what gear to take on a trek. It contains tips on what gear to choose, where to get it from and how much to spend on it.
Our only tip: Keep your backpack light. Indiahikes practices low impact sustainable trekking in every aspect of the trek. Carrying your own personal backpack reduces your impact on the mountains by 20%. We expect all our trekkers to carry their own backpacks unless they have a justifiable reason not to.
PRO TIPS
Keep important documents in a clear plastic cover and slide them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack. This keeps them from getting wet. Please note there is no facility to get printouts and photocopies at Sari.
These are documents required for legal purposes by Indiahikes and the forest department. Without any of these, you will not be allowed to trek.
- Original and photocopy of government photo identity card. Anything such as a driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or passport will do. This is required by the forest department for your identification.
- Disclaimer certificate: You don't need to print or carry the disclaimer form. Your Trek Leader will give it to you at the base. Just sign and hand it over then and there.
However, if you are a minor unaccompanied by your parents, please download this disclaimer, print it, get it signed by your parents/guardian and carry it to the basecamp. – Download disclaimer certificate. - Medical certificate: The medical certificate needs to be filled out by an MBBS doctor, without which the forest department will not issue permissions for your trek. It is also a requirement by Indiahikes – Download medical certificate
Note: Indiahikes has a panel of doctors who can help you with a medical certificate. They are available for online consultation. To get in touch with them, please write to trekmedicalcertificates@gmail.com. They will respond to you within 24 hours.
Consultation fee: Rs 300
Carry these medicines with you, easily accessible at all times. Do not take any medicine unless you have consulted your trek leader.
- Diamox (1 Strip): It is important to carry Diamox as part of the Live Saving Drugs. Read more about Diamox here on how it reduces the chances of Acute Mountain Sickness on the trek.
- Dolo 650 (5 tablets): This is a paracetamol. It helps to tackle fever, mild pain
- Avomine (4 tablets): Carry this especially if you are prone to motion sickness. Pop one-half hour before the start of your road journey.
- Combiflam (5 tablets): Take a combiflam if you get a sudden twist of the leg or a muscle strain. It is a pain reliever. It also contains paracetamol.
- Digene (4 tablets): Take it if you feel the food that you’ve taken is undigested. Alert your trek leader immediately. It could be a sign of AMS.
- ORS (6 packs): Consume a pack of ORS water at least once a day, usually a mid-day when you are in the middle of your trek. It replenishes essential salts lost while trekking. Tip: It also makes cold water easier to drink.
- Knee Brace (optional): Carry this if you are prone to knee injury or have known issues of knee pain.
Our trek leaders carry a high altitude medical kit with them which also consist of Life Saving Drugs. If there is an emergency our trek leaders know how to tackle it. Meanwhile, contact your trek leader before consuming any of these medicines listed here.
Pro Tip: We find that these medicines by trekkers are rarely used. But you cannot do away with them. At the end of the trek please donate unused medicines to your trek leader. Some of these medicines get distributed to villages on the trek and some are added to the Indiahikes medical kit.
We recommend walking/jogging/running as the best routine to get fit for any trek. It works on the same muscles you use while trekking—your calves, glutes, quads and hamstrings. It also mimics your foot movement so you are better prepared for sudden twists and turns they may go through on uneven terrain.
It helps increase your stamina gradually if done consistently. It is also an easy routine that does not require any equipment or tools.
Fitness Target
To do the Dayara Bugyal Trek comfortably, you must be able to walk, jog or run 5 km in under 38 minutes. This is the minimum recommended fitness level that you must aim for.
Trekking is a sport that primarily uses your lungs, core, calves, glutes, quads and hamstrings. Being fit will help you enjoy the trek and will keep you safe.
To reach any fitness target, there are two things you must work on:
- Cardiovascular endurance
- Muscle strength
If you are not currently active, follow the below schedule to get trek fit in 6 weeks!
A 6-Week Plan to Help You Get Trek-Fit for the Dayara Bugyal Trek
Pro Tip: Warming up and cooling down before and after your workout is important. Do not miss that.
| Note: If you are not a regular runner, do not start running all of a sudden.
Strength Training Schedule:
Workouts marked with (*) are optional. But completing them will help you prepare better.
Note:
- Alternatives to 20 Standard Pushups = (3 x 15 = 45 knee pushups) = (3 x 30 = 90 wall pushups)
- Alternative to 36 full squats = (4 x 18 = 72 half squats)
- Alternative to jumping lunges = forward lunges (same count)
- If you cannot complete 1 full set of any plank, divide it into 2 halves and complete it with a rest break in between. For example, if you cannot complete 1 minute of a standard plank, divide it into 2 sets of 30 seconds each.
- After completing a few weeks of training, if you can progress, you may increase the number of sets or reps for desired results.
Important note: We accept only running, jogging, or walking workout screenshots as fitness proof. Screenshots of cross-training workouts will not be considered valid. We've suggested cross-training options to help keep your fitness journey engaging and fun, allowing you to explore activities you enjoy and avoid inconsistency.
Note: Use apps like Nike and Strava to record your runs.
What happens if you are not fit:
- You do not enjoy the trek
- You struggle to be a part of the team because you’re slow.
- You miss out on a deep, transformative experience that Indiahikes specially designed for you.
The good part is it is not difficult. All you need to do is start following the fitness routine 6 to 8 weeks before your trek begins.
We are here to help you in this fitness journey. Just start slow and as long as you are committed and consistent with your routine, you are in for an unforgettable trek experience.
How to Get Fitness Approval from the Indiahikes Team:
Every trekker needs fitness approval from the Indiahikes team 20 days before the trek date. Without this, you will not be allowed on the trek.
Note: Use apps like Nike and Strava to record your runs.
What to upload?
- A minimum of 3 screenshots of your runs/jogs/walks/cycling
- Monthly summary of your routine
Dayara Bugyal is a beautiful alpine meadow situated in the northwest part of Uttarakhand in India. It is approximately 45 km from the famous town of Uttarkashi and around 190 km from Dehradun.
To reach Dayara Bugyal, first, make your way to the base camp Raithal. It is a quaint Himalayan village. From there, trek through the beautiful oak, rhododendron and maple forest to the Dayara Bugyal.
Bugyal (pronounced boog-yaal) is a Hindi word that refers to alpine pasture lands or alpine meadows that grow above around 10,500 ft and below 13,000 ft. These alpine meadows are always found above the treeline, so they’re vast open lands, usually with great scenic views of the mountains and valleys around them.
At Raithal you will be staying in the Indiahikes Community Campus. You will be staying in Swiss tents.
Whereas on the campsite, you will be staying in tents. Two people will be sharing a tent.
The accommodation is separate for men and women unless you're a couple or a family.
Best time to visit Dayara Bugyal is almost throughout the year, except during the monsoon. So, the best season is – spring, summer, autumn and winter. And the trek looks different in all these seasons.
In spring you will find that the snow has freshly melted and green meadows dotted with flowers have started peeping out. Rhododendrons will also be in bloom in the forest. In summer, the meadows are bright and temperatures are warm. Autumn is known for its blue skies and brilliant view of the Bandarpunch range and winter on Dayara Bugyal is magical with undulating meadows blanketed in powdery snow.
Dayara Bugyal is a perfect trek for beginners. It does not have tricky sections, but a couple of sections on the trek can get challenging. Amongst the high altitude treks on our list (treks that go over 11,000 feet), Dayara Bugyal poses the least risk.
This is why it’s a trek we recommend to many beginners, families and even those starting trekking late in their lives.
The only two challenges you'll face on the trek are these sections:
1. From the basecamp to the forest: This initial 1 km stretch is steep. And although there is a well-laid trail, this section will test your stamina.
2. Climb to Dayara top: The final climb to Dayara top is also steep. And it gets challenging in snow during the winters. As you step out of your campsite for the summit push early in the morning, the snow is going to be hard, having frozen overnight. This snow section continues until you get to the top, getting steeper as you approach the top.
The Dayara Bugyal Trek covers around 21 km in 4 days (6 days including the drive to and from the basecamp). The altitude ranges from 7,096 ft in Raithal all the way to Dayara Top at 11,830 ft.
A trek like Dayara Bugyal requires a good fitness level. There are gradual ascends and 4-5 hours of trekking every day. As a measure of your fitness, we need you to:
Run at least 5 km in 38 minutes before your trek. Consistency of your workout also matters, so aim to jog 20 km a week or 80 km in a month. It's our minimum mandatory requirement.
OR
Alternatively, cycle for at least 22 km in 60 minutes. Aim to cycle 110 km a week or 440 km in a month. However, running is better suited for your trek preparation.
Once you get confirmed for your trek, we will diligently follow up on your fitness routine. Our team will also assist in putting you through a fitness plan. It will ultimately help you have a safe trek experience.
Yes you can!
If you are above the age of 58 years, you’ll need to submit a Treadmill Test (not older than 12 months) within a week of completing your trek registration. Apart from this, you should also be able to jog 5 km in 45 minutes.
On the Dayara Bugyal Trek, we usually take around 20- 23 trekkers in total.
Dayara Bugyal is an easy-moderate trek and requires trekkers to be physically fit. The minimum age for eligibility is 8 years. If your child meets this criterion and is physically fit, you can take her/him along.
In winter, people trek to Dayara Bugyal to experience snow. The landscape again changes colour when draped in the white snow. Soft, powdery snowflakes loosely hang from pine trees offering a tinge of Christmas-y feel. Perfect for snowball fights and an experience of snowfall if you’re lucky. However, snow raises the difficulty of the trek by a notch. So, prepare well if you are going in winter.
Dayara Bugyal is a 6 day trek. You will be staying at our campus in Raithal and in tents on other days of the trek. Each tent accommodates 2 trekkers.
The basecamp at Raithal will have concrete toilets. On Trek days, toilet tents will be set up along each campsite.
A toilet tent will have a deep pit, where one can answer nature’s call. There will be a mound of soil and a shovel to cover it up. These are dry toilets, where you’ll have to use toilet paper. There will be a room freshener as well. It’s the most hygienic and convenient way to answer nature’s call in the wild.
Please use plain toilet paper and refrain from using wet wipes since these are not biodegradable.
What Happens To Your Poop in the Mountains? | Green Trails | Indiahikes
Our campsites are pitched near water sources. For your day’s trek, two litres of water should be enough. On Day 4 and Day 5, you will find one water source to refill your water bottles. Your trek leader will brief you about these before starting the day’s trek. There will be no water sources on the trail on the other days of trekking.
When it comes to a mobile phone network and an internet connection, you’ll find network all across your trek. This is true at some spots on the trek including at Dayara Top! However, do not keep your work-related commitments based on this.
As for electricity, Raithal Campus is the last point with electricity. At the Indiahikes base camp in Raithal, all the rooms are equipped with plug points for trekkers to charge their electronic devices.
However, once you leave the base camp, there is no electricity. We suggest you bring additional batteries for your cameras and a power bank with more than 10,000 mAh to last you the entire trek.
Bhatwari is the last place en route to Raithal where you’ll find ATMs to make some cash withdrawals. However, it has just one ATM which is not always reliable.
Otherwise, in Uttarkashi, all major private and public sector banks have their ATMs and some even have branches in Uttarkashi. However, cash does run out quickly at the Uttarkashi ATMs. Hence, Dehradun is your best bet to make last-minute cash withdrawals.
We advise you to carry around Rs 5000 in cash to pay for your transport to the basecamp, for rental gear deposit and personal expenses en route to the basecamp.
If you’re an Indiahikes trekker, there is no major need for cash as once you arrive at the base camp. All meals, accommodations, permits, and related expenses are taken care of by Indiahikes.
Yes, you can keep the extra luggage at the base camp. Once the trek ends, you will be able to collect the luggage. Our team will arrange for this.
The transport takes you from Dehradun to the Base. However, you need to walk about 3 floors on foot to get from the basecamp to where you actually stay. We advise you to not bring any luggage that is bulky and heavy.
Ensure you do not keep any valuables at the base. Laptops, mobile phones, cash or any important items cannot be kept here.
You can spend time exploring tourist attractions around Dehradun. Please note that these are suggestions and Indiahikes does not make any arrangements for visiting them.
Having more footprint through porters or mules on any trail isn’t good for the ecosystem. This is why, at Indiahikes, we do not encourage offloading. A trekker carries his/her own backpack in the true spirit of trekking.
But if — due to a medical condition — you are unable to carry your own backpack, you may offload your backpack.
The cost of offloading on the Dayara Bugyal trek is Rs 1,600 for the trek pre-tax.
We have specially designed a fitness schedule for our seniors. We recommend you follow a fitness routine 5 times a week (combination of walks, stair climbing and stretching).
By the time your trek starts, you should be able to walk 5 km between 50-60 minutes comfortably. Ideally, closer to 50 minutes.
Trekking is a sport that primarily uses your lungs, your core, and your lower body. To reach this fitness, there are just two things to work on - your cardiovascular endurance and your muscle strength. Being fit will help you enjoy the trek and will keep you safe. Follow this simple schedule and you will be trek-fit:
Weeks 1 - 4:
- Walking
- Week 1: Keep the distance of your walk to just 2 km
- Week 2: Keep the distance of your walk to just 3 km
- Week 3: Keep the distance of your walk to just 4 km
- Week 4: Keep the distance of your walk to 5 km
- Stair Climbing: When you climb stairs, target for at least 10 floors (20 stairs per floor), and repeat it for 2 sets.
- Stretching: Keep stretching everyday. This video will help you with stretching: https://youtu.be/IDjWoSPV6ok
Take your rest days seriously, and rest. Your body recovers quickly when you rest.
Weeks 5 - 8:
- Once you can comfortably walk 5 km, the following weeks are focused on building speed.
- Everyday, walk 5 km with an intention to finish within 50-60 minutes. Do not worry if you are not there yet. You will get there by the end of Week 8.
- Once a week, go for 10 km walk at a stretch. This will help build your endurance. Do not worry about the time you take to cover this distance.
- Continue with stair climbing and stretching.
Important Note: If you are not a regular runner, do not start running all of a sudden.
Three things happen when you are not fit:
- You do not enjoy the trek
- You struggle to be a part of the team
- You miss out on a deep transformative experience that trekking can offer
Good part is, it’s not difficult. All you need to do is start following the fitness routine 45-60 days before the trek begins.
We are here to help you in this fitness journey. Just start slow and as long as you are committed and consistent with your routine, you are in for an unforgettable trek experience :)
If you are travelling from Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Mumbai or any other city, book your air tickets either for Day Minus One, which is the day before Day 1 on the itinerary or book a flight/train as such where you will reach half an hour before the pick-up time.
There are two options for your flight booking:
1. Fly directly to Dehradun:
We recommend this. It gives you an added rest day at Dehradun. Usually, most passengers take taxis from the airport. Try to hook up with co-passengers on the flight for your taxi ride to Dehradun.
2. Flying to Delhi
Flying to Delhi may be a lot cheaper than getting to Dehradun. Make sure to book a flight that reaches Delhi by 8.00 pm. You must arrive in Delhi on Day Zero and not on Day 1. Next, book yourself on the Nanda Devi Express to Dehradun (Train No: 12401). It is a fully AC train that leaves at 23.45 hrs from Hazrat Nizamuddin and gets to Dehradun at 5.40 am. At Dehradun, wait for Indiahikes pick up at 6.30 am. Contact your driver by 6.00 am. The number of your transport coordinator will be shared with you a day or two before your departure.
If you miss the Indiahikes pick up from Dehradun. Here is how you can get to Raithal base camp on your own.
If you are at Dehradun, take a bus to Uttarkashi as quickly as you can. A bus generally leaves from Dehradun Railway Station to Uttarkashi at 8:00 am. It charges about Rs 250.
Alternatively, there are local private buses and shared taxis from Lencidon chowk near parade ground to Uttarkashi. The last private bus is at 9:00 am.
From Uttarkashi, take the shared taxis to Bhatwari/Gangotri and get down at Bhatwari. The taxi stand is at a walkable distance if you get down at the bus stand. They will charge you Rs 70. From Bhatwari, Raithal is 10 km away. You can find shared taxis for Raithal from there which charge Rs 30. You will find shared taxis from Bhatwari to Raithal until 4 pm.
Except for the monsoon months, you can do the Dayara Bugyal trek all year round.
Expected temperatures in these seasons:
Spring (Mid March to April): The day time temperatures will be around 15-20 degrees. If the sun goes behind the clouds and there is a bout of rain, then the temperature can fall to around 10 degrees. Expect cold nights at your higher camps. So post sundown, temperatures can drop to around zero but generally will hover around 1-5 degrees.
Summer (May to June): During the day, the temperature hovers around 20 degree celsius and may go up to 25. Nights may go down to 7-10 degree Celsius. The nights are cooler and even though it’s summer you will need 2-3 layers to keep you warm after sun-down.The higher camps are colder at night. Sometimes you may wake up to frosty mornings. So have your layers.
Autumn (Mid-September to November): Autumn is generally like Spring, but a few degrees colder. While trekking, in autumn, day temperatures are pleasant at around 13 – 18 degrees, but any rain or slight drizzle brings down temperature rapidly to around 8 – 12 degrees. You need to keep a pullover handy with you always. Nights can be nippy at slightly below zero at the highest camp. As you move towards late November, it is perceptibly colder. Higher camps are 2-3 degrees below zero. Though, at the lower camps the temperature will hang slightly above zero.
Winter (December - February): During the day when the sun is out, it is quite comfortable to trek. The temperature is a balmy 8 — 12 degrees. If you are on snow, then the snow reflects, which makes it quite warm sometimes! On your early morning summit climb, expect to start in temperatures well below zero. The day will get progressively warmer as the sun touches the ground, even though you may be on snow. Be prepared to shed off your layers as you climb. Night temperatures decrease as you climb up. But expect sub zero temperatures even at your base camps in the evening in winter. At higher camps, you will experience temperature falling below minus 7 or 8 degrees in the night. As long as you are inside your tent and in your layers it is absolutely fine.
Watch this video by our Experiential Learning team member, Prathima Chhabria, to know how you can prepare your child physically:
Photo Gallery
Read More on the Dayara Bugyal Trek
Why we love Dayara Bugyal in winter
Over the years, I notice that trekkers have developed a deep love for Dayara Bugyal in winter. Ever since we first opened it in winter 2017, trekkers...
Winter Trek On Snow To Dayara Bugyal: A Photo Gallery
It’s a treat to experience the Dayara Bugyal trek in winters. The setting is strikingly different from the rest of the year because the meadows are bu...
18 Seniors Successfully Summit the Dayara Bugyal trek
Right after the Outdoor Leadership Program, 18 seniors started their trek to Dayara Bugyal. And news just came in that yesterday (on April 8) they suc...
What I Learnt On My First Himalayan Trek To Dayara Bugyal
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Why Dayara Bugyal Is A Grand Snow Trek For Beginners
The Dayara Bugyal trek in Uttarakhand is like an underdog when it comes to Himalayan winter treks. It is in-fact a Grand Snow Trek! Watch this video t...
Dayara Bughyal: Butter Holi Festival
Imagine playing Holi with milk, butter and chaach (butter milk) at an altitude of 10,000 feet on a Himalayan trek! As bizarre as it may sound, the vil...
Brahmatal vs Dayara Bugyal: Which Is A Better Snow Trek?
In this week’s episode of Trek Talks with Vishnu Benne our host Vishnu has a very special guest on the show. Indiahikes founder, Arjun Majumdar tells ...
Expert Speak
Arjun Majumdar, Founder, CEO
Arjun Majumdar, Founder, CEO
Arjun Majumdar, the Founder of Indiahikes, first went on this trek almost a decade ago. Since then, he has explored the Dayara Bugyal trek from several routes in several seasons. Here, he shares his candid thoughts about the Dayara Bugyal trek.
What I Like and Don’t Like About Dayara Bugyal Trek
What I Like About the Dayara Bugyal Trek
Arjun Majumdar, Founder, CEO
Arjun Majumdar, the Founder of Indiahikes, first went on this trek almost a decade ago. Since then, he has explored the Dayara Bugyal trek from several routes in several seasons. Here, he shares his candid thoughts about the Dayara Bugyal trek.
1. The big mountains hanging above the meadows of Dayara
I remember it was early evening when I set out to explore the meadows. The golden-green grass undulated over mounds of hillocks. It was just meadows everywhere. Fluffy white sheep grazed peacefully in small clusters in the nooks of the meadows.
Mt Bandarpoonch, with its shimmering snowy flanks, stood over the meadows like a guardian angel. It was omnipresent. The big massif with Mt Kalanag followed me everywhere.
You always hear of how stunning mountain views are when they jut out of the meadows. But, on Dayara Bugyal it grabs you by the scruff of the neck. Because behind me, in the direction I had climbed up was the entire stretch of greater Himalayas of the Gangotri extension.
I don't think I can say I was stunned. It was more than that. I had to sit down on a rocky outcrop to steady myself at what I was seeing.
I think people have got it all wrong about the views. They talk only about the meadows. It is the mountain views from Dayara that are the stunner.
The mountains glow in the evening light from the meadows of Dayara. Picture by Lay Naik
2. The vastness of the meadows
I was taken aback at how vast the meadows were. I could not find an end anywhere. Curiosity got the better of me. I had to know where the meadows ended.
I climbed the second and third hillocks. The only thing that I got to see was more endless views of the meadows. I traversed my way towards Bakhariya top, the highest point of the meadows. It was many hills away.
Halfway, I climbed to a ridge that led to a hilltop. From the summit of the hilltop I could see the great deep valley many thousands of feet below me. On one side was the deep valley with the fading rolling hills, on the other were these great mountain ranges. In front was Mt Bandarpoonch. And below me were these endless carpets of green rolling meadows.
Where was I? This couldn’t be earth!
The meadows of Dayara stretch as far as your eyes can see. Picture by Dhaval Jajal
3. The forested trails and the biodiversity
I have trekked to Dayara from multiple routes — what strikes me is how shady the trail is. Right from the base camp until you breakout of the forests into the meadows, the trail is in good shade with lovely forest cover. The biodiversity is high. Which is why you’ll hear a lot of bird calls. While we talk about the meadows, don’t miss out on the forest. Dayara Bugyal is one of the Best Himalayan treks for Bird Watching. See birds spotted on the Dayara Bugyal trek here.
Dayara Bugyal trek is a birder's paradise. Picture by Madhav Anand
4. The camps in the clearings
Be it Gui, Chilapada, Nayata or even Barnala. Enclosed by forest but in grassy clearings, with commanding views of mountain tops, I think I could fall in love with these camps.
They are secluded, plenty of space to stretch your legs, walk about, take a peek in the forests, yet, you can just sit in one corner taking in the views. I have done lots of trek and have loved lots of camps, but if you ask me about Dayara, then I think it has some of the better campsites.
The Gui campsite is a clearing with many hidden surprises. Lovely mountain views greet you when you turn right and behind a mound lies this secret pond. Photo: Sudheer Hegde
What I Don't Like About the Dayara Bugyal Trek
1. The Campsite near Barnala
I didn’t like the new Barnala campsite. We have had to move down from the upper Barnala camp to the lower Barnala camp, near the forest huts. The lower camp is somewhat cramped with very few views.
It is marshy at one end. I am waiting for when we can go back to the higher Barnala camp. In any case, we don’t camp at Barnala these days. The wonderful new campsite of Nayata is a hop-step-and a jump away. Trekkers simply love Nayata.
The pond near Barnala, beside which the campsite is located. Picture by Sudheer Hegde
3D Trail: Dayara Bugyal Trek Distance
Trek Trivia
Things Nobody Tells You About Dayara Bugyal
Did you know Dayara Bugyal is connected to two other alpine meadows?
If you have a bit of adventure in your heart, you can explore two more alpine meadows from Dayara Bugyal -- Siyari Bugyal and further ahead, Gidara Bugyal.
Siyari Bugyal is a lot easier to access, via Devkund, a ridge that leads to Siyari from Dayara.
Gidara Bugyal is a lot more difficult to access and requires good fitness levels.
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We are known for our pioneering safety practices in trekking. Microspikes, oximeters, and BP checks became standards thanks to us. In the mountains, emergencies don't care who you're with—everyone knows that when trouble hits, you look for the yellow tents of Indiahikes. When you join our treks, we first make our No-Compromise Safety Promise. It’s our unwavering commitment to keep you safe, no matter what.
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Our commitment to the environment is relentless. We don’t just encourage responsible trekking; we insist on it. That’s why our Green Trails principles are non-negotiable. They don’t involve just our trekkers or our staff members. Our entire trek processes and policies are designed to favour the environment, even if it is often counterintuitive to our business.
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More than 30,000 trekkers trek with us every year. In addition, our outdoor learning division (InSoul) has participants from the who’s of the education organisation in India, from the IIMs to BITS to top international schools. More than 5,000 participants from these institutions trek with us annually. We do not spend a single rupee on advertising to get these participants. Our reputation precedes us.
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We are pioneers in trekking. Since 2007, we have documented and brought out most of India’s famous treks: Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Kedarkantha, Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Phulara Ridge—the list goes on. In 2023-24 alone, we brought out nine new treks in Indian trekking. We know treks better than anyone. This comes directly from the reason why Indiahikes was born: to bring out trek information and enable trekkers to trek on their own. We believe everyone must trek.
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We focus on designing transformative experiences. Our trek leaders conduct thought-provoking exercises that help you reflect and contemplate. This impact stays with you for a long time. Trekkers return feeling energised, more confident, or developing abilities to deal with difficulties. Many have changed careers, rethought their core values, become more humble, shown gratitude to others, or started a new fitness journey.
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