Dayara Bugyal trek
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Difficulty level: An experienced trekker will do this quite easily, a first time trekker will not find it difficult but will get tired while trekking. The Dayara Bugyal trek can be done by anyone with a decent fitness level. While there are portions that can get tiring, you will not face much difficulty if you are physically active- walk regularly or do some physical activity regularly. If not then you will be comfortable during the trek if you start walking regularly or get physically active in the lead up to the trek. Having a healthy lifestyle is something we generally recommend and we will be happy to help you with a preparation routine in the lead up to the trek.
Is it suitable for children? Yes. The youngest child to do this trek with us was 4 years of age then. But there are certain modifications to the itinerary along with certain additional logistical support that we recommend for small children. Is it a good option for first time trekkers and/or families? Yes, we can recommend this as a first Himalayan trek for those who have little or no prior experience. The trail is well marked and does not have tricky patches. A well planned itinerary for you will also mean it isn't too tiring and you spend more time enjoying the place How many days? We recommend 4-5 days for the Dayara Bugyal trek. It can be done in 3 days as well as extended to 7 days. There are alternate route options so you can modify the number of days, difficulty and experience level. You also have options of starting and ending at different places, do a popular route or an unknown route where you won't find any trekkers or make it very relaxing as well. |
Miles of endless meadows as far the eye can see- thought by many to be among the most beautiful meadow treks. These are towered by
numerous prominent mountains. Dense forests with tall oaks are another feature and this is easily among our most recommended treks.
numerous prominent mountains. Dense forests with tall oaks are another feature and this is easily among our most recommended treks.
Dayara Bugyal quintessentially in a picture, and why we recommend it so much to first time trekkers. Great views of forest, meadows and snow, with enough time to unwind and take it all in, unlike so many other treks that are more taxing physically and mentally. In pic: At camp in Gui with some of the prominent mountains of Garhwal Himalayas including Srijakanth and Jaonli in the background
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And then there are these endless meadows that we keep mentioning– not just when you get to the top of Dayara, but also on your first night of camping. In pic: This is the meadow near Barnala when you trek from the other side and is nestled in between dense forests. You get here after a 2-3 hour trek from Barsu and Dayara Bugyal is a further 2 hours or so away
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Quick summary:
Region: Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand.
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. It is a well connected airport with direct flights from most big cities. You need to drive a further 190 km to reach the trek base
Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station. Plenty of trains across India, but the fast trains only come from Delhi. These include the Shatabdi Express, Vande Bharat etc. Do speak to us for more guidance to help plan this and optimize your time.
Locate it on Google maps: Click here
Maximum height during the trek: Approx 12,000 ft
Distance you need to travel by road in mountain roads: Around 190 km one way, 5-6 hours of driving in mountain roads to get to the road head of the Dayara Bugyal trek
How much will you be trekking in a day: Between 2 to 3 hours on average during the trekking days.
Price range for a fixed departure/custom group with 4+ people: Trek cost for Dayara Bugyal is in the range of 2,500-3,500 per person per day with premium facilities recommended by us if you are coming with kids/families/this is your first trek. But our guidance is and always will be free irrespective of whether you trek with us or not. So feel free to talk to us anytime. We promise not to try selling :)
Funny facts: Until recently, mobile network on the trek was extremely intermittent. While things are fast changing, in the recent past generally didn't get network during the trek except a small 2 meter patch at Dayara Bugyal. You had to stand at that exact spot for network. We had once hosted a trekker who switched on her phone there to call home, immediately the office got an alert and unfortunately there was crisis in office, she was stuck on that patch for the rest of the day trying to sort out the crisis in her office.
Another trekker we once hosted asked for 8 buckets of hot water in the Toilet tent daily to have a bath at camp in Dayara Bugyal. This when the temperature outside was below freezing and snow was falling.
Even us as supposed seasoned mountaineers would not dare have a bath in such cold. So we have to salute your resilience and mental toughness sir!
Region: Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand.
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. It is a well connected airport with direct flights from most big cities. You need to drive a further 190 km to reach the trek base
Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station. Plenty of trains across India, but the fast trains only come from Delhi. These include the Shatabdi Express, Vande Bharat etc. Do speak to us for more guidance to help plan this and optimize your time.
Locate it on Google maps: Click here
Maximum height during the trek: Approx 12,000 ft
Distance you need to travel by road in mountain roads: Around 190 km one way, 5-6 hours of driving in mountain roads to get to the road head of the Dayara Bugyal trek
How much will you be trekking in a day: Between 2 to 3 hours on average during the trekking days.
Price range for a fixed departure/custom group with 4+ people: Trek cost for Dayara Bugyal is in the range of 2,500-3,500 per person per day with premium facilities recommended by us if you are coming with kids/families/this is your first trek. But our guidance is and always will be free irrespective of whether you trek with us or not. So feel free to talk to us anytime. We promise not to try selling :)
Funny facts: Until recently, mobile network on the trek was extremely intermittent. While things are fast changing, in the recent past generally didn't get network during the trek except a small 2 meter patch at Dayara Bugyal. You had to stand at that exact spot for network. We had once hosted a trekker who switched on her phone there to call home, immediately the office got an alert and unfortunately there was crisis in office, she was stuck on that patch for the rest of the day trying to sort out the crisis in her office.
Another trekker we once hosted asked for 8 buckets of hot water in the Toilet tent daily to have a bath at camp in Dayara Bugyal. This when the temperature outside was below freezing and snow was falling.
Even us as supposed seasoned mountaineers would not dare have a bath in such cold. So we have to salute your resilience and mental toughness sir!
A trek like this is a great way for the family/friends to bond. No distractions from electronics or other things, just living in the moment, enjoying the views and having great conversations. This family did the trek in May. You will see snow in May, but won’t be in snow, the up side is that the temperatures are moderate so this is a good time if you are planning this trek with children
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This is the view you get from the camp in Dayara Bugyal if you plan the trek before April, you will come across lots of snow, but it is also colder. If you want to do the trek with kids around this time, or definitely want snow, then we recommend modifying the itinerary a little so the kids don't get as exposed to the cold. This photo was clicked during a trip there in April. In the background you can see Mt Bandarpunch(6,316 mt)
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What to expect: Meadows and alpine forests which comprise mostly pine and oak trees, Between March and April you can expect Rhododendron flowers in full bloom, Jan to April you can expect lots of snow. You will be trekking in well marked but steep terrain for around 3-4 hours on average per day and camping in moderate to cold temperatures.
What we like about this trek: Among our more recommended treks for those who want a first taste of the Himalayas/ want to initiate their children to the Himalayas or an off beat experience with the family and want a Himalayan experience where they do not exert too much
What we don't like as much: Views of glaciers and snow not as close as some other treks, those looking for something challenging should look at other recommendations.
Our thoughts in brief about this trek:
Popular consensus places the Dayara Bugyal trek among the most beautiful meadow treks, and one of the most fulfilling Himalayan trekking experiences whether you are a beginner looking for some soft adventure and a pristine short getaway or whether you want a longer and harder trek which is highly rewarding. This is thanks to the numerous trails that branch out from Dayara Bugyal.
Bugyal in the local language means a high altitude meadow and this is among the most beautiful that you will come across in any Himalayan trek because of the terrain, the slopes and views here. This along with it's ease of access optimal trekking times, quick turnaround time in case of any problems make it our most recommended trek for beginners. Our clients have always had good things to say about this trek.
The terrain is unique and ever changing, starting with a thick canopy of forests, followed by vast green meadows that lead into some of the most prominent mountains in the Garhwal Himalayas. This makes Dayara Bugyal an excellent vantage point that showcases a 360 degree view of mountains including the Bandarpunch and Kalanag range, the Gangotri range, Srikanth, Jaonli ranges etc.
The trek has ever changing landscape with a variety of views that very few other treks can offer.
You can also customize it ranging from anywhere between 3 days to 7 days thanks to numerous route options
View our upcoming treks this season, click here
Why a part of the crowd? Book an exclusive customized trek at the price of a fixed departure. Have the entire mountain to yourself, the trek itinerary, food and facilities customized entirely for you. Contact us here, we would love to arrange that for you!
What we like about this trek: Among our more recommended treks for those who want a first taste of the Himalayas/ want to initiate their children to the Himalayas or an off beat experience with the family and want a Himalayan experience where they do not exert too much
What we don't like as much: Views of glaciers and snow not as close as some other treks, those looking for something challenging should look at other recommendations.
Our thoughts in brief about this trek:
Popular consensus places the Dayara Bugyal trek among the most beautiful meadow treks, and one of the most fulfilling Himalayan trekking experiences whether you are a beginner looking for some soft adventure and a pristine short getaway or whether you want a longer and harder trek which is highly rewarding. This is thanks to the numerous trails that branch out from Dayara Bugyal.
Bugyal in the local language means a high altitude meadow and this is among the most beautiful that you will come across in any Himalayan trek because of the terrain, the slopes and views here. This along with it's ease of access optimal trekking times, quick turnaround time in case of any problems make it our most recommended trek for beginners. Our clients have always had good things to say about this trek.
The terrain is unique and ever changing, starting with a thick canopy of forests, followed by vast green meadows that lead into some of the most prominent mountains in the Garhwal Himalayas. This makes Dayara Bugyal an excellent vantage point that showcases a 360 degree view of mountains including the Bandarpunch and Kalanag range, the Gangotri range, Srikanth, Jaonli ranges etc.
The trek has ever changing landscape with a variety of views that very few other treks can offer.
You can also customize it ranging from anywhere between 3 days to 7 days thanks to numerous route options
View our upcoming treks this season, click here
Why a part of the crowd? Book an exclusive customized trek at the price of a fixed departure. Have the entire mountain to yourself, the trek itinerary, food and facilities customized entirely for you. Contact us here, we would love to arrange that for you!
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Images: It takes around a couple of hours to reach Dayara Bugyal from the previous camp- either Barnala or Gui. From there you can spend another couple of hours walking along the ridges to various other tops. These include Bakria Top, Siyari Top etc. This is what the walk looks like along the ridges of these meadows beyond Dayara Bugyal
Interested? Do get in touch with us by filling the contact form below. We would love to help find and trek and customize an experience that is perfect for you :)
Or
Continue scrolling below for the following on this trek:
1) Summer or winter - the best times of the year to do this.
2) What to pack.
3) Route options and typical itineraries.
4) Perspectives of trekkers who have done this.
And lots of photo stories along the way
Or
Continue scrolling below for the following on this trek:
1) Summer or winter - the best times of the year to do this.
2) What to pack.
3) Route options and typical itineraries.
4) Perspectives of trekkers who have done this.
And lots of photo stories along the way
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trekking with My Himalayan Adventure
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Photo stories continued
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Images: A closer look at some of the prominent mountains of the Himalayas that are visible from this trek. In the first image you can see Mt Jaonli and Mt Draupadi ka Danda, in the second image you can see Mt Srikanth. The are visible all along during the trek when you look east and in the third you can see Mt Bandarpunch, which is visible from Dayara Bugyal when looking west
What is a good time to do this trek?
The Dayara Bugyal trek can be done pretty much throughout the entire year, but some months are more ideal than others. Temperature on the trek is most moderate in April, May, June and October. If you are coming for the first time, or with your family/children, then we recommend these months the most to maximize your enjoyment and that. If you plan to come with small children, then there are certain modifications to the itinerary that we will recommend so that they have a great time and don't get exposed to the cold.
If you do the trek in the months of December to March, you will get snow. Sometimes there is a little bit of snow as early as November and as late as April. If being in snow is a priority then you can consider these months, but do note that it is also quite cold during these months. Also, with snow walking becomes an added challenge and is much more tiring. These are points to consider if you want to come around these times. If snow is an absolute priority, then we recommend coming in November, early December and after Mid March. During these times you should still encounter snow, but not so much that cold and walking become a significant challenge. In March and April, Rhododendron flowers are also in full bloom which is an added charm. These are the state flower of Uttarakhand and you will find them blooming either in pink or red colors. Trekking through forests lined with these is quite a sight.
May and June, while they are the most moderate in terms of temperature. They are also the most crowded. School holidays are on and the Yatra season has begun. So everywhere you go you will find a lot of people. Most of the hotels while you drive till the trek base will be sold out due to the Yatra crowd. Treks will also have a lot of people. If crowds are not your thing, then we recommend avoiding coming after the first week of May.
October is comparatively quieter and much greener too as it is just post monsoon, it is our favorite time of the year to do this trek. We do not recommend doing this trek in the months of July, August and up to Mid September and that is the Monsoon period.
The Dayara Bugyal trek can be done pretty much throughout the entire year, but some months are more ideal than others. Temperature on the trek is most moderate in April, May, June and October. If you are coming for the first time, or with your family/children, then we recommend these months the most to maximize your enjoyment and that. If you plan to come with small children, then there are certain modifications to the itinerary that we will recommend so that they have a great time and don't get exposed to the cold.
If you do the trek in the months of December to March, you will get snow. Sometimes there is a little bit of snow as early as November and as late as April. If being in snow is a priority then you can consider these months, but do note that it is also quite cold during these months. Also, with snow walking becomes an added challenge and is much more tiring. These are points to consider if you want to come around these times. If snow is an absolute priority, then we recommend coming in November, early December and after Mid March. During these times you should still encounter snow, but not so much that cold and walking become a significant challenge. In March and April, Rhododendron flowers are also in full bloom which is an added charm. These are the state flower of Uttarakhand and you will find them blooming either in pink or red colors. Trekking through forests lined with these is quite a sight.
May and June, while they are the most moderate in terms of temperature. They are also the most crowded. School holidays are on and the Yatra season has begun. So everywhere you go you will find a lot of people. Most of the hotels while you drive till the trek base will be sold out due to the Yatra crowd. Treks will also have a lot of people. If crowds are not your thing, then we recommend avoiding coming after the first week of May.
October is comparatively quieter and much greener too as it is just post monsoon, it is our favorite time of the year to do this trek. We do not recommend doing this trek in the months of July, August and up to Mid September and that is the Monsoon period.
Final few steps to Dayara Bugyal. the Bandarpuch range in the background. This is typically how it is between April and October
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Pic taken from a similar place, but at a different time of the year. This is the kind of snow you can expect in the months of December, Jan, Feb & sometimes March
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Routes you can take and typical itinerary
This trek has three routes:
- Starting the trek either from Barsu or Raithal. These are 4 to 5 day itineraries and are the routes we recommend if this is your first trek, you are coming with your family or young kids, or if you just want to take it easy. You can also make your trek a round route where you start from one of these two places and end at the other
- You can also start this trek from Aghoda and climb up to Dayara. The itinerary is about the same in terms of days but the difficulty is higher. But this is also a route that is not taken as often so if being in a place that feels more untouched, then this route is for you.
Trails on the way
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What should I pack for this trek?
Guidance and opinions of trekkers who have done this previously:
