The Dayara Bugyal Trek is considered the best meadow trek for its proximity and breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains. Nestled amidst dense alpine forests, the alpine meadow captivates with its varying elevations, starting at 2600 meters and peaking at an impressive 3639 meters above sea level. As you explore this picturesque landscape, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking sight of lush green meadows adorned with grazing cattle and horses. That’s where you need the help of the best Dayara Bugyal Trek Itinerary!!
What sets Dayara Bugyal apart is its vastness, which cannot be fully appreciated in one glance. The undulating topography adds an element of suspense and excitement, arousing your curiosity to explore further. During spring or autumn, the meadows transform into a mesmerizing sight, with golden-green grass rolling over hillocks and fluffy white sheep dotting the landscape. This enchanting spectacle attracts photographers time and again, as they seek to capture the essence of Dayara Bugyal.
An even more astonishing sight awaits at Mt Bandarpoonch, where the majestic Black peak soars to an impressive height of almost 21,000ft above the Dayara region. A complete sweep of the area reveals the awe-inspiring presence of other magnificent peaks in the Gharwal Himalayas, such as Draupadi Ka Danda, Mt Srikanth, and Mt Jaunli. The panoramic view from this vantage point includes Rudregaira, Gangotri I, II & III, Jaonli, Draupadi ka Danda I & II, Black peak, Bandarpoonch, and numerous other unnamed peaks that grace the Dayara Bugyal meadow. However, it is the ethereal beauty of the sunrise and sunset that should not be missed during your trek.
- Base Camp: Raithal
- Duration: 4 Days
- Trek Difficulty: Easy To Moderate
- Trek Length: 22km
- Ideal For: Beginners
- Best Season: Spring, Summer, Autumn & Winter
- Region: Uttarakhand
Short Itinerary For Dayara Bugyal Trek
- Day 1 : Drive from Dehradun to Raithal (180 Kilometers, 7 Hours )
- Day 2 : Trek from Raithal to Chelapada via Gui (8 Kilometers, 6 Hours)
- Day 3: Chelapada to Dayara Bugyal | Back to Chelapada (12 Kilometers, 9 Hours)
- Day 4 : Trek from Chelapada to Raithal (8 Kilometers, 6 Hours) Drive to Dehradun (180 Kilometers, 7 Hours)
It’s time for your adventure!
Day 1 : Drive from Dehradun to Raithal (180 Kilometers, 7 Hours )
- Time : 8 hours
- Drive Distance: 185 km
- Altitude: 7,142 ft
Raithal serves as the starting point for the Dayara Bugyal Trek Itinerary, and the journey to get there is bound to be a transformative experience. As you traverse through forested roads, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views that will leave an indelible mark on your soul. This day is crucial for acclimatization, as your body and mind need to adjust to the new altitude, weather conditions, and temperature variations. If you’re coming from lower altitude regions, it’s advisable to spend a day in Dehradun to ease the transition.
Soon, you’ll arrive at Mussoorie, another enchanting hill station in Uttarakhand. Don’t hesitate to ask your driver to pause for a few moments, allowing you to soak in the echoes of this picturesque destination. Continuing on, our route leads us to Uttarakashi, a melting point in Uttarakhand that bestows upon you incredible views of the Himalayas, including Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Chaukhamba massif, and glimpses of Nanda devi.
On our way to Raithal, the final town we encounter is Uttarakashi. As we draw closer, the quaint village of Raithal comes into view. The mountains seem to embrace you as you approach Raithal. Once we reach our homestay or accommodation in Raithal, we can take some time to rest. Afterwards, feel free to explore the village and engage with the locals, who will regale you with intriguing stories and mystical tales. The simplicity and unhurried pace of Pahad life will captivate you at every step.
Raithal offers a picturesque landscape adorned with lush green meadows and towering Himalayan peaks. Allow yourself to be mesmerized by the awe-inspiring views and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings as you settle into your accommodation for the night.
As you drift off to sleep, let your dreams be filled with visions of the snow-covered meadows that await you tomorrow.
READ MORE: Dayara Bugyal Trek Guide
Day 2 : Trek from Raithal to Chelapada via Gui (8 Kilometers, 6 Hours)
- Trek Distance: 7 km
- Duration: 8 hrs
- Altitude of Chelapada: 3204m (10515 ft)
- Total Altitude Gain: 900m (2458 ft)
This marks the much-anticipated and cinematic day of your trek. With each step, you unfurl a new world, offering the opportunity to delve into thousands of unexplored, unknown lands. Perhaps it is the magical experiences encountered that make a trek a unique and life-altering decision. On this second day of your trek, you awaken to the melodic chirping of birds and the crisp, snowy wind that penetrates straight into your heart, alleviating the heaviness and distortion caused by the hustle and bustle of city life. In that very moment, you realize you’ve traversed thousands of miles for the sole purpose of savoring that refreshing breeze.
On the second day of our trek, we will embark on a journey from Raithal through Gui and conclude the day at Chelapada. Brace yourself, as this will be a demanding and endurance-testing day for you. The path from Raithal to Gui gradually ascends, beginning with a swift departure from the village and leading you through its fields. Follow the well-marked trail, and within an hour, you will reach a flat grassy clearing adorned with a hand pump. Take a brief water break here before continuing onward. Beyond the water point, the trail becomes more forested, immersing you in a lush green and brown oak and rhododendron forest.
This creates a truly vibrant and flourishing environment. Upon reaching Gui, you will encounter village huts scattered around, along with a u-shaped forest department hut at a distance. As you ascend from Gui, the previously concealed mountains on the other side will come into view. Setting off from Gui, you will be greeted by small meadows that gradually unfold before you. Along the way, you will also come across Gui Thatch, offering breathtaking views of the entire Gangotri range, including Shrikanth, Gangotri I, II and III, Jaonli peak, and Bandarpoonch.
Once the serene forest walk concludes, you will begin a gradual ascent. Along the way, you will encounter a couple of streams, their flow dependent on the season, ranging from gushing to dried or even frozen. As you deviate from the main trail and venture onto a broken path, you will find yourself on the route to Chelapada, a small opening nestled amidst the meadows.
As you make your way up, you’ll witness the transformation of the scenery. The thick forest gradually gives in to expansive meadows, providing you with sweeping vistas of the encircling mountains. It’s a sight that will leave you breathless, justifying every arduous step of the challenging ascent. Nestled within these vast meadows, the Chilapada campsite presents itself, granting uninterrupted views of the majestic Himalayan peaks. As you finally arrive at the campsite, a profound sense of achievement washes over you, accompanied by the awe-inspiring beauty of this remarkable place. Upon reaching the Chelapada campsite, take some time to explore and immerse yourself in the beauty of the surroundings.
Allow the starry sky to bid you goodnight after a satisfying dinner, as you rest and prepare for the adventures that await you on the following day.
SUGGESTED READ: Kuari Pass Trek Guide
Day 3 : Chelapada to Dayara Bugyal | Back to Chelapada (12 Kilometers, 9 Hours)
- Distance: 10 km
- Time: 9 Hours
- Altitude: 3,800 m (12,467 ft)
The long-awaited moment has finally arrived. Today marks the beginning of our journey to the Dayara Bugyal Meadows, where we will be greeted by either a vibrant green landscape or a snowy paradise, depending on the season.
Chelapada is conveniently located near the starting point of the Dayara Bugyal trek Itinerary, allowing us ample time to explore the vast meadows. As we frolic in the open fields, we will feel a sense of childlike joy. The scenery we encounter will vary depending on the time of year. If we embark on this adventure in the early season (May-June), we will be surrounded by a sea of yellow, violet, and white flowers that blanket the meadows, sometimes requiring us to navigate around them intentionally. In the winter, the undulating terrain will be covered in miles and miles of powdery snow.
As we ascend through the forests, we will reach a point where the trees thin out, and the meadows come into full view. Here, we will catch sight of the Chania huts situated ahead. The trail follows the edge of the meadow, and the vastness of the landscape makes it impossible to discern the trek’s endpoint. Gazing to the right, we will be treated to a magnificent view of Bandar Poonch and Kala Nag. We should allocate a couple of hours to fully explore the Dayara meadows.
After spending some time at the summit, marveling at the enchanting panorama, we will replenish our energy with snacks before making our way back towards the last shieling, where the snow-covered section awaits us for the descent. Walking through the snowy meadow, accompanied by a chilling breeze, will present a challenge at this elevation, but it will also be filled with adventure and an exhilarating rush of adrenaline.
Having experienced the magic of the Dayara Meadows, we will trek back to the Chelapada Campsite. This day will undoubtedly be etched in our memories for its unforgettable beauty. Even in our dreams, the breathtaking views of the meadows will continue to captivate us.
READ MORE: Kedarkantha Trek Guide
Day 4: Trek from Chelapada to Raithal (8 Kilometers, 6 Hours) Drive to Dehradun (180 Kilometers, 7 Hours)
- Drive Duration: 8 hours
- Drive Distance: 185 km
This marks the final day of our trek, as we make our way back from Chelapada to Raithal, carrying with us hearts filled with memories of the enchanting meadows and hands laden with the incredible moments shared with our fellow trekkers in Dayara Bugyal. The experiences crafted during our journey will undoubtedly linger in our thoughts for a long time.
Retracing our steps along the same route we traversed previously, the trails bid us farewell, changing as if acknowledging the departure of our adventurous group. The lush forests and quaint mud huts, given the time and patience, softly convey their tales, inviting us to return and listen once more. This is the concealed allure of the Dayara Bugyal Trek—an irresistible call beckoning us back, promising ever-changing landscapes with each passing season.
Upon reaching the campsite in Raithal, the Basecamp of our Dayara Bugyal Trek, we pause to express gratitude to the mountains and the village that bestowed upon us such remarkable days to cherish eternally. From Raithal, our journey concludes with a drive back to Dehradun. As you reflect on the drive, you may find yourself in a serene quietude, reliving the warm or cool breezes experienced at the summit throughout the entire return journey.
FAQs
Q1: How many days do you need for a perfect Dayara Bugyal Trek itinerary?
A: The ideal duration for the Dayara Bugyal Trek itinerary is typically 5 days, allowing for a comfortable pace and ample time to absorb the breathtaking landscapes.
Q2: Is the Dayara Bugyal Trek itinerary difficult to do?
A: No, the Dayara Bugyal Trek itinerary is considered relatively easy and suitable for beginners. The trail offers a gradual ascent with well-defined paths, making it accessible to trekkers with varying levels of experience.
Q3: What is the best month to do this Dayara Bugyal Trek itinerary?
A: The best time for the Dayara Bugyal Trek itinerary is during the summer months of May to June and the post-monsoon period from September to November. These months provide pleasant weather, clear skies, and the opportunity to witness the vibrant alpine meadows in full bloom.
Q4: How to reach the base camp of the Dayara Bugyal Trek?
A: The base camp for the Dayara Bugyal Trek is reached by first reaching Raithal village, the starting point of the trek. To reach Raithal, one can travel by road from Dehradun or Rishikesh. From Raithal, the trek to Dayara Bugyal commences, offering a mesmerizing journey through the Garhwal Himalayas.
The Best Meadow Trek in Uttarakhand is calling you….
