Dayara Bugyal Trek Overview
Dayara Bugyal Trek is regarded as one of the most breathtaking alpine meadow treks in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, situated in the picturesque Uttarkashi district. Famed as one of India's grandest high-altitude meadows, it turns into lush green undulating velvet carpets during spring and summer, and transforms into an enchanting blanket of pristine white snow in the winter months.
The trek begins from the peaceful, heritage-rich village of Raithal and winds through dense oak, rhododendron, and walnut forests to reach Gui campsite. Upon ascending towards Dayara Bugyal Summit at 11,181 ft, the trail reveals boundless open expanses offering front-row, 360-degree vistas of majestic Himalayan peaks including Mt. Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag (Black Peak), Draupadi Ka Danda, Srikanth, and the Gangotri massifs. With round-trip transport from Dehradun Railway Station, it is considered the ideal Himalayan trek for beginners, families, and nature enthusiasts.
Why is Dayara Bugyal a Must-Do Trek?
Dayara Bugyal provides an extraordinary alpine trekking experience with numerous captivating highlights:
- Often hailed as one of the finest alpine pastures (Bugyal) in Uttarakhand, offering endless views that stretch as far as the eye can see.
- The trek begins from the scenic village of Raithal, where you can experience traditional Himalayan village culture and architecture.
- Camp at Gui, where unique native stone-and-wood shepherd huts (Guars) sit surrounded by blooming forest flora and serene natural springs.
- Witness the breathtaking closeup panorama of Mt. Bandarpoonch and Black Peak glowing under golden sunrise and sunset skies.
- In winter, the meadows become a world-class snow destination with gentle slopes ideal for snow hiking and photography.
- Well-graded trails with gradual ascents make it exceptionally safe, enjoyable, and rewarding for first-time trekkers and veterans alike.
- Convenient 4-day itinerary with pickup and drop directly at Dehradun Railway Station.
The Majestic and Pristine Beauty
Dayara Bugyal strikes a balance between tranquil nature and majestic Himalayan panoramas. From the dense canopy of ancient woodlands chirping with Himalayan birds to the vast openness of the meadow ridges overlooking the Bhagirathi river valley below, each day unfolds an invigorating new landscape.
Trek Itinerary
1
Pick up you Dehradun railway station to Raithal Basecamp
Day 1
Drive distance: 175 km | Duration: 7 to 8 hours | Altitude: 7,423 ft | Overnight Stay: Homestay at Raithal Village
- Drive Distance: 175 Km
- Duration: 7 to 8 Hours
- Altitude: 7,423 Ft
- Overnight Stay: Homestay at Raithal Village
2
Trek from Raithal village to Gui Campsite
Day 2
Altitude Gain: 7,423 ft to 9,884ft | Trek Distance: 5 km | Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours | Overnight Stay: Tents
- Altitude Gain: 7,423 ft to 9,884 ft
- Trek Distance: 5 Km
- Trek Duration: 4 to 5 Hours
- Overnight Stay: Tents
3
Trek from Gui Camp to Dayara Bugyal Summit back to the Gui campsite
Day 3
Altitude Gain & Loss: 9,884 ft to 11,181 ft to 9,884ft | Trek Distance: 12 km | Trek Duration: 7 to 8 hours | Overnight Stay: Tents
- Altitude Gain & Loss: 9,884 ft to 11,181 ft to 9,884 ft
- Trek Distance: 12 Km
- Trek Duration: 7 to 8 Hours
- Overnight Stay: Tents
4
Descend from Gui Camp to Raithal Village
Day 4
Altitude Loss: 9,884 ft to 7,423ft | Trek Distance: 5 km | Trek Duration: 3 to 4 hours | Same day Drive to Dehradun by taxi: 175 km | Drive Duration: 7 to 8 hours | Drop Off Point: Dehradun railway station
- Altitude Loss: 9,884 ft to 7,423 ft
- Trek Distance: 5 Km | Trek Duration: 3 to 4 Hours
- Same Day Drive to Dehradun: 175 Km | Drive Duration: 7 to 8 Hours
- Drop Off Point: Dehradun railway station
- Transportation: Round-trip travel Dehradun to Dehradun in shared vehicle
- Accommodation in Raithal Homestay & Alpine Tents on twin/triple sharing
- All Meals during the trek (Day 1 Dinner to Day 4 Breakfast - Nutritious Veg)
- Qualified & Certified Trek Leader, Local Guides & Camp Support Staff
- Forest Department Permits, Entry Fees & Camping Charges
- Trek Equipment: Weatherproof Tents, High-grade Sleeping Bags & Foam Mats
- Safety Essentials: First Aid Kit, Oxygen Cylinder & Oximeter
- Luggage Storage Facility at Raithal Basecamp
- 5% Government GST applicable on trek fee
- Meals during highway transit (Day 1 Breakfast/Lunch & Day 4 Lunch/Dinner)
- Backpack offloading / Porter charges (available on prior request)
- Personal Travel & Medical Insurance
- Personal Trekking Gear (shoes, jackets, trekking poles)
- Personal Expenses (bottled water, tips, beverages, hot showers)
- Emergency evacuation, hospitalization, or ambulance costs
- Additional costs due to roadblocks, landslides, or natural calamities
- Anything not explicitly listed in inclusions
How To Reach
Pickup Point: Dehradun Railway Station
Dehradun Railway Station is the official pickup and drop point for the Dayara Bugyal Trek.
Participants need to reach Dehradun by 6:30 AM on Day 1.
Our trek vehicle will coordinate the pickup and commence the 175 km drive to Raithal Basecamp.
By Air
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (~30 km from city center).
Flights connect daily from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and other major hubs.
By Train
Dehradun Railway Station (DDN) is well connected to Delhi (Nanda Devi Express, Shatabdi, Vande Bharat) and other major stations across India.
By Road
Frequent overnight AC Volvo, deluxe, and state buses run regularly from Kashmiri Gate ISBT, New Delhi to Dehradun ISBT (approx. 5–6 hrs).
Drive Distance: Dehradun to Raithal Basecamp is 175 Km (7 to 8 Hours) via Uttarkashi.
Things To Carry
- Trekking Shoes (High Ankle)
- Warm Down Jacket
- Thermal Inners (Top & Bottom)
- Woolen Cap & Balaclava
- Fleece & Waterproof Gloves
- UV Protection Sunglasses
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ & Lip Balm
- Quick-dry Trek Pants (2 Pairs)
- Personal Medical Kit
- Headlamp or LED Torch
- Power Bank & Extra Batteries
- Water Bottle / Thermos Flask