Swathi Chatrapathy heads the digital content team at Indiahikes. She is also the face behind India's popular trekking video channel, Trek With Swathi. Unknown to many, Swathi also writes a weekly column at Indiahikes which has more than 100,000 followers.

A TEDx speaker and a frequent guest at other events, Swathi is a much sought after resource for her expertise in digital content.

Before joining Indiahikes, Swathi worked as a reporter and sub-editor at a daily newspaper. She holds a Masters's in Digital Journalism and continues to contribute to publications. Trekking, to her, is a sport that liberates the mind more than anything else. Through trekking, Swathi hopes to bring about a profound impact on a person's mind, body and spirit. 

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The Kashmir Great Lakes trek is one of the prettiest treks in India. But the trek is not as easy as the pictures make it seem. Here's why.

How difficult is the Kashmir Great Lakes trek?

Kedarkantha Trek

Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek 

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Youth Camp on Ali Bedni Bugyal

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Please note that this is a special trek designed for stargazing enthusiasts. The trek fee is slightly more than the regular fee. Know more about the trek here. 

This is a trek specially designed for trekkers above 58 years. The itinerary is specially designed to be different from a regular trek. The trek fee is also Rs 3000 more than the regular fee (Please note this is only for Himalayan treks) Know more about the trek here.  

Please note that this is a special trek. The trek fee is Rs 5000 more than the regular fee. Know more about the trek here. 

Please note that the family treks are meant for families with a child/children under 18 years of age. If you do not fit this criteria, you can register for any of our regular groups. Read more about family treks here.

Please note, this is an open Collaborative Leadership Programme with a focus on networking and building Collaborative Leadership skills for young professionals and university students. The trek fee is 5000 more than the regular fee. Learn more about the trek here: https://indiahikes.com/blog/open-collaborative-leadership-program

The Indiahikes Summer Camp aligns with the Adventurous Journey of the IAYP programme. Our treks provide a challenging outdoor experience where participants plan, train, and trek in an unfamiliar environment. They develop teamwork, leadership, and resilience while navigating trails, camping, and engaging with nature—fulfilling all the requirements of the IAYP Adventurous Journey.

You are joining our waitlist. Here are a few guidelines that you should keep in mind:

The chances of getting a confirmed slot totally depend on the cancellations we receive from confirmed trekkers. The cancellations cannot be predicted hence are uncertain.

We close the movement of the waitlist 7-15 days before the trek starts.

You don't have to pay right now. You will receive a notification upon confirmation of your slot. You will have 24 hours to pay and confirm your booking.

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.

Our No-Compromise Safety Promise

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.

Our No-compromise Sustainability promise

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.

We are India’s largest trekking organisation

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.

Being pioneers of trekking in India

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. 

Our treks are transformative

5 Reasons Why Indiahikes

Trekking in the Himalayas comes with challenges such as heavy rain, roadblocks, floods, landslides, and permit restrictions imposed by the government. These situations are not within Indiahikes' control. 

Before you register, please be prepared for the possibility that your trek might be called off due to these uncontrollable factors. In such cases, Indiahikes will make every effort to offer you a safe alternative trek. If that isn't possible, we will cancel your trek and issue a voucher for the trek fee in line with our standard cancellation policy.

However, if you would like to receive a full refund of your fee under such circumstances, opt for the Indiahikes Shield while registering. This shield grants you the option to receive a refund in case your trek is cancelled due to external reasons. 

Why you should opt for Indiahikes Shield 

Carrying your own backpack is one of the most fulfilling experiences on a trek.

We discourage offloading, even though it generates revenue, unless you have a genuine medical concern such as back or knee issues. Offloading also has a negative environmental impact, particularly when mules are used to carry bags.

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We have an expert team of Trek Advisors to help you choose the right trek. So if you have questions like, "Can I do this trek?" or "Who else is trekking?", please get in touch.

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HIGHEST ALTITUDE

SUITABLE FOR

TOTAL TREK DISTANCE

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Of all meadow treks in our country, Ali Bedni is the grandest. Starting off with the mountain views. The sight of Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti jutting right out of the meadows is a sight to behold. Jutting out doesn’t mean you see the tops of these mountains, you see the entire face — almost 6,000-7,000 feet of it — rising right in front of you!

Towards the end of the trek, you descend down to Wan. The temple of Latu Devta, surrounded by massive Cyprus trees, is an iconic attraction in this region. It falls on the path of the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra. 

The walk to both Ali and Bedni Bugyal is exhilarating! The first walk to Ali tempts you to take off your shoes and feel this carpet on your skin. The Bedni Bugyal is another stop in this meadow country overlooking the western valley. If you climb the Bedni Top, other high risers of the imposing Chaukhamba range open up before you.

Even the campsites offer a lot of variety on this trek. Abin Kharak, Didna and Gheroli Patal are all vastly different. 

The surprise of finding yourself in Ali Bugyal after trekking through dense forests is unbeatable. The moment you get out of the shades of the forest cover, you see an unending clearing. You even have the river crossings done twice, with a totally different landscape of the Neel Ganga River.

The incredible variety and grand mountain views make these twin meadows of Ali Bedni Bugyal a must-do on the trekker’s bucket list.

<figure><figcaption style="margin:20px"><b>Indiahikes Founder Arjun Majumdar shares how his love affair with meadows began at the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek</b></figcaption><audio style="width: 70%;margin:12px" width="500px" controls src="https://prismic-io.s3.amazonaws.com/indiahike/c0945441-ce51-4c28-bb37-c8fdc8251daa_Gidara-Bugyal.mp3" preload="metadata"></audio</figure>

If you are thinking of trekking to Ali Bedni Bugyal, I only have three words for you: Go. Do. It.

Ali Bedni Bugyal is not just a trek, but a soul-healing journey of self-discovery, surrounded by untouched beauty and divine presence

An unforgettable birthday amidst snow-covered meadows, majestic peaks, and a heartwarming surprise – my journey to Ali Bedni Bugyal with Indiahikes was truly magical

A multi-season trek packed with unforgettable moments, pristine landscapes, and lasting connections

An unforgettable trek that will take over every emotion.

An unforgettable trek filled with surprises, stunning views, and the perfect mix of terrains

A trek that blends the magic of seasons, vast meadows, and stunning mountain views into an unforgettable adventure

Trekking Ali Bedni Bugyal through ancient forests, untouched villages, and breathtaking meadows was an unforgettable journey of endurance and beauty

It was truly one of the most memorable adventures I've had

This trek is perfect for beginners who wish to be within nature and experience the delight of disconnecting from the world.

I have many fond moments from the Ali Bedni trek

Ali Bedni Bugyal's breathtaking meadows, diverse terrain, and majestic Himalayan views offer an unforgettable blend of serenity and challenge

Completing the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek at 76 renewed my commitment to staying active

Ali Bedni Bugyal's serene meadows, stunning campsites, and starry nights offer a transformative experience in nature with Indiahikes

Ali Bedni Bugyal was a transformative experience for me. I bonded with my fellow trekkers, lost myself in the woods, found myself again, and came back a more profound version of me.

Ali Bedni Bugyal is a magical trek and it starts to cast its spell on you right from day one at the base camp

From helping each other through steep sections to sharing stories by the campfire, we became like a small family

I needed to do this for myself—to reconnect with the beauty and peace of my homelan

This fee includes everything from base camp to base camp.

Please note: The insurance is valid for only 7 days from the day of an incidence.

Recommended Videos Before Going For The Trek

Ali Bedni 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 Ali Bedni 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.

➤Documents required: Trekkers must carry a copy of their photo ID for entry at forest check posts on the trek.  These documents will be part of the Safety Check-in done by the trek leader when you arrive at the base camp.

➤Stay facility: There are no facilities at Lohajung. Ensure you have all the gears required before reaching the basecamp. Do not bring any packaged food, tags from your new clothes, or any waste with you. We follow a Dustbin Free Zone and No Wet Wipes Policy at our base camps in line with our spirit of Green Trails. Please note that you will be staying in tents (twin sharing) on all days of the trek.

➤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.).

You'll love the drive to Lohajung. The drive is very scenic along the mighty Ganges. You would be enjoying the view of the Sangam of many rivers which form the Ganges; Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Karnprayag are a treat for the eyes.

After Karnprayag, you would be travelling alongside the Pindar River. You then enter the beautiful valley of the Chamoli region. Keep your eyes open and look out, the glimpses of the big mountains are visible from Dewal onwards. 

Try getting the seat on the left-hand side to get some stunning moments during your travel. The journey itself is a visual treat both ways.

The drive back to Rishikesh follows the same route you took on your way up. The route is along the tributaries of Ganga. The road goes along hugging the mountainside and you see the forests and valleys of Garhwal below you.

Download the GPX file for your Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek

We go to great lengths to ensure you have a safe trek. So here’s a GPX file to help you navigate without getting lost.

Peaks Visible from Bedni Top

Here is Arjun Majumdar, Founder and CEO of Indiahikes talking about Ali Bedni Bugyal. Arjun is an entrepreneur by profession and a trekker by passion, Arjun started Indiahikes in 2008 with a vision to explore and document new trails, solve problems in the mountains and implement sustainable ways of trekking. 

What I Like About the Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek

Ali Bedni trek has slightly longer trekking days and has steep ascents and descents. So, it is rated as a moderate trek because it requires good endurance.

Getting to the details, this 6-day trek climbs from 7,550 ft to 12,550 ft. That’s almost an altitude gain of 5,000 ft. This climb is one of the major challenges on the trek.

Cardiovascular endurance – Target 5 km in 35 minutes before the start of the trek
On the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek, you have to ascend for almost 5,000 ft and descend an equal amount over 4 days. This requires a good amount of endurance. You can begin by jogging every day. Start slow and increase your pace every day. Including swimming and cycling as an alternative to running can help too.

To be prepared for a high altitude trek, you should have a combination of distance and speed targets.

Ali Bedni Bugyal is a high altitude trek that takes you beyond 12,000 ft. The trek climbs rapidly and your safety depends a lot on the preparation you put in for the trek.

Ali Bedni Bugyal trek is safe where the trail is concerned. The entire trail is well laid out. No special skill or help is required for navigation.

The trek is, however, strenuous. It also climbs quickly. Although the prior experience of trekking in the Himalayas is not required, it helps in accustoming you to the hardship.

At Indiahikes, while rating a trek difficulty we consider several factors. These include altitude gained every day, length of a trek every day, highest altitude, nature of the terrain, weather etc. Based on this we rate a trek as easy or difficult or somewhere in between.

During Spring, the mountain views are at their sharpest and clearest, as the air is still crisp and clean from the winter months. The blue sky seems to stretch on forever. The landscape is unmarred by the haze and smog that can often plague the plains. The snow-capped peaks glisten in the sunlight. 

This trek is known for its commanding views of Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti. The peaks tower over the landscape, their snow-capped summits piercing the sky. The view is particularly striking when the air is clear and the mountains seem to be within arm's reach.

The best time to do the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek would be in summer, for lush greenery in the meadows and wildflowers growing in abundance. You see the best of this in June.

Another good time to do the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek is in the post-monsoon season. After the monsoon clouds are washed away, the skies are squeaky clean and you get the best views of mountains only in these months. If you’re one for photographs of big mountains in the region, choose the post-monsoon season.

Ali Bedni Bugyal Post-Monsoon (September-November)

We have 7 winter treks — and all of them are great. But the Ali Bedni winter trek is the one with the most beautiful snow cover. 

In the forests, the snow settles softly under the boughs of the oaks and rhododendrons. What makes it more special on the Ali Bedni trek is that the slope faces the west. Early in the morning when you are trekking up the slope, the sun slants through the trees hitting the snow at magical angles. 

Ali Bedni Bugyal in Winter (December-March)

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.

How difficult is the Kashmir Great Lakes trek?

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