Dayara Bugyal Trek from Dehradun
Dayara Bugyal is a high-altitude meadow (bugyal) in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, spread over about 3.4 sq km above the Bhagirathi valley. The main meadow is at a height of about 3,400 m (11,150 ft). The ridge above rises to about 3,650 m at Dayara Top and 3,800 m at Bakaria Top, the highest point. From the meadow you look out at Bandarpunch, Black Peak, Srikanth, Draupadi ka Danda and Jaonli.
The Dayara Bugyal trek starts from Raithal village (about 2,150 m), the base camp, which is about 180 km from Dehradun by road via Uttarkashi. The trek distance is about 22 km over three days: 5 km through oak and rhododendron forest to Gui camp, a 12 km round trip to the meadow, and 5 km back down. It’s easy to moderate, which makes it one of the best Himalayan treks for beginners.
Dayara Bugyal is open all year. In winter, from December to March, it’s a snow trek: days on the meadow hover around 0 to 4 °C, and nights at Gui camp fall to about −7 to −11 °C. In summer, from April to June, the grass turns green and rhododendrons flower in the forest. October and November bring the clearest mountain views. Every August, Raithal villagers celebrate the Butter Festival (Andhudi Utsav) on the meadow.
Our Dayara Bugyal trek package is 3 nights and 4 days from Dehradun, at ₹4,500 per person, all inclusive. You stay one night in a Raithal homestay and camp two nights at Gui, with meals, the permit and a trek leader included. Departures are confirmed every day from December to March.
Dayara Bugyal trek at a glance
- Altitude: Main meadow about 3,400 m (11,150 ft). Dayara Top on the ridge above is about 3,650 m; Bakaria Top about 3,800 m.
- Location: Bhatwari tehsil, Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. About 43 km by road beyond Uttarkashi town, off the Gangotri highway.
- Base village: Raithal, about 2,150 m (7,050 ft)
- Route: Raithal → Gui → Dayara Bugyal → Gui → Raithal
- Trek distance: About 22 km over 3 days: 5 km up to Gui, 12 km on the meadow day, 5 km down
- Climbing: About 1,250 m from Raithal to the meadow: 850 m on Day 2 and 400 m on Day 3
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate. A good first Himalayan trek if you’re reasonably fit.
- Duration: 3 nights, 4 days, Dehradun to Dehradun
- Drive: About 180 km each way between Dehradun and Raithal, 7 to 8 hours via Mussoorie and Uttarkashi
- Start and end: Pickup at 7:00 AM on Day 1 from Prince Chowk, Dehradun. Back at Dehradun Railway Station between 6:30 and 7:30 PM on Day 4.
- Stays: 1 night in a homestay in Raithal, 2 nights in tents at Gui (about 3,000 m)
- Best season: Open all year. Snow from December to March, clear views in October and November, green meadows from April to June.
- Departures: Confirmed departures every day from December to March
- Group size: Up to 20 trekkers
- Male to female ratio: About 7:3
Dayara Bugyal Itinerary
Day 1: Dehradun → Raithal village
Altitude: 640 m → about 2,150 m
Drive: about 180 km, 7–8 hours (pickup 7:00 AM, Prince Chowk)
Stay: homestay in Raithal
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Raithal → Gui campsite
Altitude: about 2,150 m → 3,000 m (gain +850 m)
Trek: 5 km, 4–5 hours
Stay: camping in tents at Gui
Meals: breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, dinner
Day 3: Gui → Dayara Bugyal → Gui
Altitude: about 3,000 m → 3,400 m → 3,000 m (gain +400 m, loss −400 m)
Trek: 12 km, 7–8 hours
Stay: camping in tents at Gui
Meals: breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, dinner
Day 4: Gui → Raithal → Dehradun
Altitude: about 3,000 m → 2,150 m on foot, then down to 640 m by road
Trek: 5 km, 3–4 hours · Drive: about 180 km, 7–8 hours
Back in Dehradun: 6:30–7:30 PM
Meals: breakfast
Day 1Day 1: Dehradun to Raithal village, the Dayara Bugyal base camp
Dehradun+
Day 1: Dehradun to Raithal village, the Dayara Bugyal base camp
- Distance: about 180 km by road, 7–8 hours
- Altitude: 640 m → about 2,150 m
- Pickup: 7:00 AM, Prince Chowk, Dehradun
- Stay: homestay in Raithal
- Meals: evening snacks, dinner
Your Dayara Bugyal trek begins at Prince Chowk, a five-minute walk from Dehradun Railway Station, where our vehicle picks you up at 7:00 AM. The road climbs through Mussoorie and Suwakholi, then joins the Gangotri highway (NH34) and follows the Bhagirathi river upstream to Uttarkashi, the district town and home of the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering.
About 43 km beyond Uttarkashi, near Bhatwari, a side road climbs to Raithal village. Raithal is the base camp for the Dayara Bugyal trek, and the Dayara Bugyal meadow is about 11 km from here on foot. You check in to a local homestay, the most comfortable place to stay near the base camp. Over dinner, the trek leader briefs the group on the route, the weather and what to carry for the next three days.
Day 2Day 2: Raithal to Gui campsite (5 km trek)
Raithal+
Day 2: Raithal to Gui campsite (5 km trek)
- Trek: about 5 km, 4–5 hours
- Altitude: about 2,150 m → 3,000 m (gain +850 m)
- Start: about 9:00 AM
- Stay: camping in tents at Gui
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, dinner
After breakfast, the trek starts from Raithal. The trail climbs steadily through oak and rhododendron forest, red with flowers in spring and under snow in winter. This is the steepest day on the Dayara Bugyal trek route, with about 850 m of climbing in 5 km, so the trek leader keeps a slow, steady pace with regular breaks in the clearings. Wear trekking shoes with a good grip: the forest trail can be muddy after rain and icy in winter.
By early afternoon you reach Gui campsite, at about 3,000 m (9,850 ft) in the forest below the meadow. The tents are pitched and the evening is yours. In winter, nights at Gui drop to about −7 to −11 °C, so put on your warm layers before the sun goes down.
Day 3Day 3: Gui to Dayara Bugyal and back (12 km)
Dayara Bugyal+
Day 3: Gui to Dayara Bugyal and back (12 km)
- Trek: about 12 km round trip, 7–8 hours
- Altitude: about 3,000 m → 3,400 m → 3,000 m (gain and loss about 400 m)
- Highest point: Dayara Bugyal meadow, about 3,400 m (11,150 ft)
- Start: about 9:00 AM
- Stay: camping in tents at Gui
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, dinner
This is the main day of the trek. As you climb, the trees thin out and the trail opens onto Dayara Bugyal, about 3.4 sq km of rolling high-altitude meadow. From December to March the meadow is under snow, which makes Dayara Bugyal one of the best-known winter snow treks in Uttarakhand. In summer it’s green grazing land, dotted with shepherds’ stone huts.
On a clear day you can see Bandarpunch (6,316 m) and Black Peak (6,387 m) to the north, Srikanth to the north-east, and Draupadi ka Danda and Jaonli (6,632 m) to the east. We spend the middle of the day on the meadow, where Raithal villagers hold the Butter Festival (Andhudi Utsav) every August, then walk back down to Gui by late afternoon. Our itinerary goes to the main meadow at about 3,400 m. Dayara Top (about 3,650 m) and Bakaria Top (about 3,800 m) rise on the ridge above it. The day is long rather than steep.
Day 4Day 4: Gui to Raithal, then drive back to Dehradun
Dehradun+
Day 4: Gui to Raithal, then drive back to Dehradun
- Trek: about 5 km downhill, 3–4 hours
- Drive: about 180 km, 7–8 hours
- Altitude: about 3,000 m → 2,150 m on foot, then down to 640 m by road
- Back in Dehradun: 6:30–7:30 PM
- Meals: breakfast
After an early breakfast, we walk back down the same forest trail to Raithal. Going down is quicker but harder on the knees, so use a trekking pole. In Raithal the trek leader hands out your Dayara Bugyal trek completion certificates, and then we drive back to Dehradun along the Bhagirathi valley.
We usually reach Dehradun Railway Station between 6:30 and 7:30 PM, depending on traffic and road conditions. Book any onward train or bus from Dehradun for after 9:00 PM, to leave room for delays on the mountain roads.
What is included in the tour
- Pickup: Prince Chowk, Dehradun, at 7:00 AM on Day 1
- Transport: Dehradun to Raithal and back, with drop at Dehradun Railway Station on Day 4
- Stay: 1 night in a homestay in Raithal + 2 nights camping at Gui (three trekkers per tent)
- Meals: Day 1 dinner through Day 4 breakfast
- Camping gear: tents, sleeping bags and sleeping mats
- Trek leader: a certified local Garhwali trek leader for the whole trek
- Support team: cook, helpers and camp staff on the trail
- Medical safety: first-aid kit, pulse oximeter and oxygen cylinder
- Permits: Dayara Bugyal trek permit and forest entry charges, arranged by us
What is NOT included in the tour
- Travel to Dehradun: getting to and from Dehradun, and any hotel stay there
- Other meals: lunch on Day 4 and any meal not listed above
- Personal clothing and gear: shoes, jacket and thermals: bring your own or rent from us
- Travel insurance: personal travel and medical insurance
- Porter
- Mule: for an extra bag, at extra cost, on request
- Tips: for the guide and cook: optional, always appreciated
- Personal expenses: snacks, shopping and phone calls
- Camera gear: GoPro, tripods and extra lenses
- Delay costs: extra costs caused by weather, landslides, road closures or government orders
- Anything else: anything not listed under What’s included
Clothing (five warm layers for December to March)
- Thermal inner wear: 1 set, top and bottom
- 2 quick-dry full-sleeve T-shirts
- 1 full-sleeve fleece
- 1 padded or down jacket
- 1 windproof jacket (windcheater)
- 2 trek pants (wear one, carry one); no cotton or jeans
- 1 extra set of clothes for the drive home
- Poncho or raincoat
Head, hands and feet
- Woollen cap
- Sun cap
- Neck gaiter, buff or scarf
- 2 pairs of gloves: one fleece, one waterproof
- 3 pairs of socks + 1 pair of woollen socks
- Sunglasses with UV protection (essential on snow)
Shoes and bags
- Trekking shoes with ankle support and good grip (no sports shoes)
- Backpack, 40–60 litres, with a rain cover
- Small daypack for the meadow day
- Plastic covers for wet clothes
- Trekking pole
Essentials
- Government photo ID (Aadhaar or passport), needed for the trek permit
- Headlamp or LED torch, with spare batteries
- 2 water bottles, 1 litre each
- Sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher), lip balm (SPF 30) and moisturiser
- Power bank
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Quick-dry towel
- Toilet paper and wet wipes
- Hand sanitiser
- Antibacterial body powder
Medicines (personal kit)
- Crocin (paracetamol), 1 strip: for fever and pain
- Disprin, 1 strip: for headaches
- Lomotil or another anti-diarrhoeal your doctor suggests, 1 strip
- Digene (antacid), 1 strip
- Vomistop or Avomine for motion sickness: the road to Raithal is long and winding
- Band-aids (5), gauze and Dettol
- Betadine ointment
- Neosporin powder
- Any prescription medicines you take
- If you’re thinking of taking Diamox for altitude, ask your doctor before the trek
Dayara Bugyal Trek Map
About Dayara Bugyal
What is Dayara Bugyal?
Dayara Bugyal is a high-altitude meadow in the Garhwal Himalaya of Uttarakhand, covering about 3.4 sq km between roughly 2,600 m and 3,500 m. Bugyal is the local word for a high-altitude meadow. Shepherds graze their herds here in summer, and from December to March it’s under snow, which makes it a popular winter trek.
Where is Dayara Bugyal located?
Dayara Bugyal is in Bhatwari tehsil of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. It sits above the villages of Raithal and Barsu, off the Gangotri highway, about 43 km beyond Uttarkashi town. By road, Raithal is about 180 km from Dehradun.
What is the height of Dayara Bugyal?
The main Dayara Bugyal meadow is at about 3,400 m (11,150 ft). The ridge above it rises to Dayara Top at about 3,650 m (12,000 ft) and Bakaria Top at about 3,800 m (12,450 ft), the highest point nearby. That’s why websites quote different heights for the same trek. Our itinerary goes to the main meadow.
Is there snow in Dayara Bugyal?
Yes, from about December to March. Over 2016 to 2025 the meadow averaged about five snowy days in December and about ten a month from January to March, with snow patches lasting into April. For the best chance of deep snow, trek in January or February. From May to October there’s usually little or no snow; the first snow can fall in November.
What is the temperature at Dayara Bugyal?
In January, Gui camp (about 3,000 m) averages about 4 °C by day and −11 °C at night, and the meadow is a few degrees colder. In October it’s about 13 °C by day and 0 °C at night at Gui. From May to September, nights stay above freezing. These are 10-year averages, so check a live forecast for Uttarkashi a few days before you travel.
What is the best time to visit Dayara Bugyal?
December to March is best for a snow trek, and it’s when our departures run. October and November give the clearest mountain views and dry trails. April to June brings green meadows and rhododendrons. July to September is the monsoon: the meadow is lush, but the trail is muddy and landslides can block the road.
When is the Butter Festival at Dayara Bugyal?
The Butter Festival, or Andhudi Utsav, is held on the meadow every August around Bhado Sankranti. In 2026 it was on 16 and 17 August. Villagers from Raithal carry butter, milk and curd up to Dayara Bugyal and play with them the way people play Holi with colours, in a celebration dedicated to Lord Krishna. Expect the 2027 festival in mid-August too.
How long is the Dayara Bugyal trek?
About 22 km on foot over three days: 5 km from Raithal to Gui camp, a 12 km round trip from Gui to the meadow, and 5 km back down to Raithal. One way, the meadow is about 11 km from Raithal. Add about 180 km of driving each way between Dehradun and Raithal.
How many days do you need for the Dayara Bugyal trek?
Four days from Dehradun (3 nights): a day’s drive to Raithal, a day to Gui camp, a full day on the meadow, and a day to come down and drive back. Shorter 3-day versions from Barsu exist, but they leave less time on the meadow and less time to adjust to the altitude.
Is the Dayara Bugyal trek difficult? Is it good for beginners?
No, it’s easy to moderate and one of the best Himalayan treks for beginners. There’s no technical climbing. The hardest parts are Day 2, with about 850 m of climbing in 5 km, and Day 3, a long 12 km day at altitude. If you can jog 5 km in under 40 minutes, or walk 10 km with a light pack, you’re fit enough.
What is the base camp for the Dayara Bugyal trek?
Raithal village, at about 2,150 m, is the base camp for our route. It’s about 180 km from Dehradun and 43 km beyond Uttarkashi. Barsu, a few kilometres north, is the other common trailhead. From Raithal we trek to Gui campsite (about 3,000 m), our camp for two nights below the meadow.
Where do we stay on the Dayara Bugyal trek?
The first night is in a homestay in Raithal, the base camp village. The next two nights are in tents at Gui campsite, shared by three trekkers, with women sharing only with other women. Sleeping bags and mats are provided. Camping at Gui, below the meadow, means you sleep about 400 m lower and keep tents off the fragile grassland.
Do I need a permit for the Dayara Bugyal trek?
Yes. A trek permit is needed for Dayara Bugyal. We arrange it, and it’s included in the price. Carry a government photo ID (Aadhaar or passport): we need your details for the permit, and it can be checked on the trail.
Which trekking shoes are best for Dayara Bugyal?
Wear trekking shoes with ankle support and a deep-lug sole for grip, not sports shoes. From December to March, choose waterproof shoes and woollen socks, because the trail is snowy and sometimes icy; microspikes add grip on hard snow. Break your shoes in before the trek. If you don’t own a pair, you can rent trekking shoes from us for ₹500 for the whole trek.
Is the Dayara Bugyal trek safe? Can I go solo?
Yes. You can join a group departure on your own. Groups are capped at 20 trekkers, the male to female ratio is usually about 7:3, and women share tents only with other women. A trek leader, cook and camp team stay with the group throughout, and the leader carries a first-aid kit, a pulse oximeter and an oxygen cylinder.
Can I rent trekking gear or hire a porter?
Yes. Gear rental for the whole trek: jacket ₹500, trekking shoes ₹500, backpack ₹400, trekking pole ₹300, headlamp ₹300, poncho ₹300, gloves ₹300, trek pants ₹300 and socks ₹100. A personal porter costs ₹1,000 a day, and a mule for an extra bag can be arranged at extra cost. Tell us when you book.
Getting there
How do I reach Dayara Bugyal from Dehradun?
With us, you don’t need to arrange anything. Our vehicle picks you up at 7:00 AM from Prince Chowk, near Dehradun Railway Station, and drives about 180 km (7 to 8 hours) to Raithal via Mussoorie and Uttarkashi. On your own by public transport, take a bus or shared taxi from Dehradun to Uttarkashi, then a shared jeep up the Gangotri road towards Bhatwari and a local taxi to Raithal. It takes a full day.
What is the distance from Dehradun to Dayara Bugyal?
About 180 km by road from Dehradun to Raithal, the base camp, which takes 7 to 8 hours. From Raithal, the Dayara Bugyal meadow is about 11 km on foot, which we cover over two days via Gui camp.
How do I reach Dayara Bugyal from Delhi?
Travel to Dehradun first. Overnight trains from Delhi, such as the Nanda Devi Express (12205), reach Dehradun early in the morning, a short walk from our 7:00 AM pickup at Prince Chowk. Overnight buses run from Kashmere Gate ISBT to Dehradun ISBT, about 7 km from Prince Chowk. You can also fly to Jolly Grant Airport the day before.
How do I reach Dehradun from Mumbai or Pune?
Fly to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, direct or via Delhi, the day before the trek. It’s about 23 km from the Prince Chowk pickup. By rail, travel to Delhi and take an overnight train to Dehradun Railway Station, a five-minute walk from Prince Chowk.
How much does the Dayara Bugyal trek cost?
Our Dayara Bugyal trek package costs ₹4,500 per person, all inclusive (GST included), Dehradun to Dehradun. It covers transport, a night in a Raithal homestay, two nights in tents at Gui, meals from Day 1 dinner to Day 4 breakfast, the trek permit, camping gear, and a trek leader with a cook and camp team.
Is the Dayara Bugyal trek open now, and how do I book?
Dayara Bugyal is open all year, and our departures are confirmed every day from December to March. Pick any date in that window, pay ₹2,000 to register, and pay the balance of ₹2,500 at Dehradun before we leave on Day 1.
What happens if weather or roads delay the trek?
Bad weather, landslides, road closures or government orders can change or delay the itinerary. The trek leader will choose the safest option. Extra costs from such delays, such as an additional night’s stay, aren’t covered by the trek fee.
Dayara Bugyal or Kedarkantha: which is better for beginners?
Dayara Bugyal is easier and better for a first Himalayan trek. It’s a meadow walk with about 1,250 m of total climbing and no summit push. Kedarkantha is a summit trek to about 3,800 m with a steep pre-dawn climb on summit day. Both are winter snow treks from Dehradun, so Dayara makes a good warm-up for Kedarkantha.
Dayara Bugyal, Brahmatal or Kuari Pass: which should I choose?
Choose Dayara Bugyal for the shortest, easiest Himalayan snow trek from Dehradun. Brahmatal and Kuari Pass are in Chamoli district, farther from Dehradun, and take longer. They suit trekkers who want closer views of big peaks such as Trishul and Nanda Devi.
