Dayara Bugyal (2N/3D)

About Dayara Bugyal Trek-Winter treks in Uttarakhand

Dayara Bugyal is in Uttarkashi district, meaning "high altitude meadow." Dayara Bugyal Trek is the view post-winter to see the meadows that were a lovely green so far turn into a beautiful carpet of unending white. The white snow carpets are everything that sits on the rocks, pebbles, stones, and everything else. Reaching the campsite is in itself very delightful, with the forest floor slopes of snow. The trek has different experiences based on the season, and the entire winter trek to Dayara is the difficult one.

Highlights of the Dayara Bugyal Trek

• Feel close to nature.

• Ramble over the lush green expanses of Dayara and Gidara Bugyal.

• Feel the peace and serene nature by camping on the Barnala Tal Lakeside.

• Trek through the oak and pine forests to encounter wild animals.

• Watch the majestic sight of snow-covered peaks like Bandarpooch (6,316 m), Bhagirathi (6921 m) and Black Peak (2,734 m).

Basic Details of the Dayara Bugyal Trek

• The height of the trek: 12,000 feet.
• Level of difficulty: easy
• Age group: 12 - 45 years
• Duration: 3 days and 2 nights
• Trek distance: 9.5 km (one way).
• Cost: Rs. 7,500 + 5% GST. (Dehradun to Dehradun)

How to Reach Dayara Bugyal Trek

The nearest town to join the trek is Dehradun, which is connected throughout India.

By Air:

Jolly Grant Airport is the airport serving Dehradun, located about 25 km from the city. There is a daily flight from Delhi to Dehradun.

By Train:

Take the overnight train to Dehradun from Delhi.

•    Nandadevi Express – Train no: 12205 (Departure 11:50pm; Arrival – 5:40am)

•    Dehradun Express – Train no: 12687 (Departure – 9:10pm; Arrival – 5:00am)

By Road:

There is regular bus service from Delhi to Dehradun from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate. Usually, buses drop you at Dehradun ISBT. From there, you have to come to Dehradun Railway Station.

Vehicles are available for pick-up from Dehradun Railway Station at 6:30 am.

 Dayara Bugyal Trek Itinerary

Day 1-Dehradun to Barsu to Barnala Tal (2,200m)

We drive through the towns of Chamba, Uttarkashi, and Bhatwari to reach Barsu. A number of temples and ashrams are situated in Uttarkashi. The famous Nehru Institute of Mountaineering is also based here. The road to Barsu diverges from near Bhatwari. The final 30 km is an uphill drive. Barsu is a quaint little village with a reservoir and a GMVN guesthouse. This village is a birder's paradise, with many ground birds easily sighted. It is very easy to spot a black eagle on this trek.

We follow the trail past the reservoir and, after the village, enter a forest. Trees like oak, rhododendron, walnut, and maple are most common here. One can find walnuts lying on the trail during autumn. In spring, the red rhododendrons provide a colourful touch to the forest hues. We pitched tents about 5 km above Barsu village, near Barnala Tal, and spent the night here. There is a vast meadow at Barnala where one can enjoy the views of Himalayan peaks as well.

Day 2-Barnala tal to Dayara Bugyal (3,050m)

We start post-breakfast. Once we clear the tree line, the walk becomes very rewarding with unending views of the snow-clad peaks. We reach Dayara Bugyal and pitch our tents. We spend the afternoon exploring the area and can hike up to Bakariya Top for a panoramic view of the meadows. The Banderpunch peaks are visible clearly towards our north. Towards our east, a range of Himalayan peaks, including Srikantha, Draupadi ka Danda, and Jaonli, can be seen. We can also explore the nearby Gidara Bugyal and walk on the ridge connecting Dayara to the Assi Ganga valley.

Day 3-Dayara Bugyal to Barsu and drive back to Dehradun.

We trek downhill back to Barsu and leave in a vehicle for Dehradun. We reach Dehradun by early evening.