Dayara Bugyal Trek
Dayara Bugyal Trek
A beginner's trek to the most picturesque Himalayan alpine meadow in India!
Dayara Bugyal is cited as the most picturesque bugyal in India. Buyal in the local dialect means high altitude meadow or pasture lands. It is a beginner trek from Raithal village through a beautiful trail of oak and rhododendron forest. Dayara Bugyal is spread over a lush green expanse of 28 square kilometers with a splendid backdrop of the snow capped Himalayan peaks of Bandarpunch, Gangotri, Draupadi ka Danda, Jaunli, Srikanth and Swargarohini.
It is an all season trek which takes a different shade as the seasons change. The summers are filled with wildflowers spreading over the meadow and during the winter season, the meadow is covered with snow. Thus, it is one of the best ski slopes in India frequented by adventure lovers to take pleasure in Nordic as well as Alpine skiing.
Snapshot
- Region: District Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
- Duration: 4 Nights and 5 Days
- Grade: Easy
- Max altitude: 3650 meters
- Approx. trekking: 20 kilometers
Brief Itinerary:
- Day 1: Drive from Dehra Dun to village Raithal (212 kilometers)
- Day 2: Trek from Raithal to Gui (5 kilometers)
- Day 3: Trek from Gui to Chilapra (2 kilometers)
- Day 4: Trek from Chilapra to Dayara Bugyal followed by Bakriya Top and back to Chilapra (6 kilometers)
- Day 5: Trek from Chilapra to Raithal (7 kilometers) and drive back to Dehra Dun (212 kilometers)
Important: Bugyals constitute very fragile ecosystems; thus it is everyone’s responsibility to give particular attention for their conservation. It is essential to travel responsibly in order to maintain a balance between ecology and environment.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Dehra Dun to village Raithal
| Destination | Maximum Altitude | Drive distance | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raithal | 2163 m | 212 km | Overnight stay in a guesthouse |
We start our drive from Dehra Dun to the village Raithal in the morning. Raithal is located in district Uttarkashi, an ancient holy town situated on the banks of the river Ganga in Uttarakhand. Raithal village is 45 kilometers ahead of the main town of Uttarkashi at an altitude of 2163 metres. The village has gained popularity among trekkers as the base camp to Dayara Bugyal. It is rich with Himalayan flora, fauna, local culture and the majestic view of the Himalayan peaks. We reach Raithal in the evening and the day ends with dinner and an overnight stay in the guesthouse.
A 500-year old architectural wonder, Panchpura Bhavan is located in village Raithal. It is a traditional house built using a technique that is earthquake resistant. The five floors are made out of deodar wood with intricate wood carvings. It has withstood five earthquakes. It is a local attraction and can be visited during our stay in Raithal.
Day 2: Trek from Raithal to Gui
| Destination | Maximum Altitude | Trek distance | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gui | 2935 m | 5 km | Overnight stay in camping tents |
The trek starts in the morning after breakfast as we start ascending towards our destination. We leave behind the village and the trail goes through the rhododendron and oak forest. The trail is well-marked and leads us to our campsite for the day, Gui. The day ends as we set up camping tents for an overnight stay.
Day 3: Trek from Gui to Chilapra
| Destination | Maximum Altitude | Trek distance | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chilapra | 3204 m | 2 km | Overnight stay in camping tents |
The trek starts through the forest trail in the morning. On day 3, we do a short trek of 2 kilometres to reach Chilapra, our campsite for the day. After setting our camping tents we explore the beauty around us and use this day to acclimatize for the upcoming day. The day ends with dinner and an overnight stay in camping tents.
Day 4: Trek from Chilapra to Dayara Bugyal followed by Bakriya Top and back to Chilapra
| Destination | Maximum Altitude | Trek distance | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakriya Top | 3650 m | 6 km | Overnight stay in camping tents |
The day starts early in the morning as we ascend leaving the forest trail behind us. As we reach the vicinity of the meadow we can see a few shepherd huts. The splendor of the alpine meadow opens up to us as we walk past the huts. We have reached Dayara Bugyal and its lush green expanse of 28 square kilometers welcomes us with the backdrop of the snow capped Himalayan peaks of Srikanth, Gangotri, Draupadi ka Danda, Jaonli, Bandarpunch and Swargarohini. We soak into the glory of the meadow as we walk towards the summit popularly known as Bakriya Top. After relaxing we trek back to Chilpra, our campsite for the night.
Each year from 16th to 18th of August, on the alpine meadow of Dayara Bugyal people gather to celebrate the Butter Festival. Butter and milk is smeared on each other while locals singh and dance to the folk songs. The festival is called Andhuri in the local dialect. The festival marks an event through which people express gratitude towards Mother Nature for providing food and safety to their cattle.
Day 5: Trek from Chilapra to Raithal and drive back to Dehradun
| Destination | Maximum Altitude | Drive Distance | Trek Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vasukital | 3204 m | 7 km | 212 km |
The day starts early as we descend towards Raithal through the forest trail. The journey ends as we drive from Raithal to Dehra Dun with memories and pictures from the most beautiful alpine meadow of India!
WHAT IS THE COST OF THE TREK?
INCLUSION
- Accommodation (guesthouse and tents)
- Meals
- Government permits, forest camping and environmental fees
- Trekking equipment (tent, sleeping bag with mattress, dining and toilet tent)
- Cook and porters for carrying food material and equipment
- Mountaineering Certified Guide and trek leader
Team Himalayan View specializes in leading treks and challenging mountain expeditions with humbleness and respect for the environment ensuring client safety as the prime motive of the team.
