Dayara Bugyal Trek
➢ Uttarakhand
ᨒ 3750 M
📈 Easy-Moderate
↔ 21 Km
₹7,500
+₹191 Outdoor Insurance
Dehradun to Dehradun
Available Batches
December 2024
22 Dec - 26 Dec
January 2025
17 Jan - 30 Jan
24 Jan - 30 Jan
February 2025
Overview
Offering the widest expanse of snowscape in Uttarakhand, Dayara Bugyal is a perfect picture of the Himalayan winters. This short trek spanning over five days remains true to its name- a Bugyal, i.e. ‘meadows’. This alpine field, that remains carpeted with wildflowers in the summer, turns into the most expansive field of snow in the winters, spread as far as your eyes can see.
Across the summit – Dayara Top, one can witness a splendid panoramic view of the Garhwal range. This short trek also sends you gifts in the form of two mystical high-altitude lakes- that of Gui Lake sitting idly in the midst of this frozen landscape and the seaweed-green Barnala Tal, that wears the valley’s winter colours to perfection. Adding to this beauty is the music of Russet Sparrows, Eurasian Jays and Scarlet Minivets who follow along all the way to the end of the trek.
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This short journey through these vast grasslands is the perfect introduction to the Himalayan landscapes for anyone who wants to explore the region. However, the extremely low temperatures in winters and the altitude that the trek takes you to, may be a few challenges that beginners might want to watch out for.
The best months for this trek to experience its winter landscape are December to the end of March. Stay on this page for more details on the route map, itinerary, temperature chart, photos, and videos.
Itinerary
Reaching Raithal Village (2100M)
Drive Distance: 180 km Altitude : 7142 ft
Raithal to Gui (2948M)
Trek Distance : 4.5 km Trek Duration : 5 hours
Gui to Chilpada (3049M)
Trek Distance : 2.5 km Trek Duration : 2-3 hours
Chilpada To Dayara Top (3750M) And Back to Chilpada
Trek Distance : 9.5 km Trek Duration : 6-7 hours
Chilpada To Raithal and Departure to Delhi
Trek Distance : 6 km Trek Duration : 4 hours
Day 1 : Drive from Dehradun to Raithal Village
‣ Trek Duration : 8 hours‣ Trek Distance : 180 km
‣ Altitude Gain : 7142 Ft
Scenic Drive from Dehradun to Raithal:
The journey to Raithal starts early from Dehradun, taking you through lush forest stretches right after you leave the city. Within an hour, you pass through Mussoorie, a charming hill station known for its stunning vistas. Between Mussoorie and Uttarkashi, there's a special viewpoint, often referred to as Tingling Point, which, on a clear day, offers panoramic views of the Garhwal Himalayas. This breathtaking sight spans from the Himachal peaks, like Swargarohini, to prominent Uttarakhand mountains such as Mt. Bandarpoonch, Mt. Srikanth, the Gangotri peaks, the Chaukhamba massif, and even up to the distant Mt. Nanda Devi.
Passing Through Uttarkashi:
As you drive deeper into the hills, you pass Uttarkashi, the largest town on the route. This bustling town serves as a gateway to various treks in the region, and from here, the road leads to quieter, more remote destinations like Bhatwari and Raithal. As you approach Raithal in the evening, you're greeted by the warm hues of sunset illuminating peaks like Mt. Bandarpoonch, Mt. Srikanth, Mt. Jaonli, and Draupadi ka Danda.
Acclimatization and Orientation in Raithal:
Upon arrival in Raithal, you settle into the homestay—a welcoming basecamp for the Dayara Bugyal trek. If you've opted for a guided drive, you arrive in time to acclimatize, meet fellow trekkers, and take in the vibrant landscapes of the area. The scenic journey features mustard fields, changing hilltop colors, the calm flow of the Bhagirathi river, and glimpses of Tehri Dam Falls. The route via Dhanaulti takes you through charming towns like Chinyalisour before reaching Raithal.
Trek Preparations and Briefing: After a long but scenic drive, the first evening in Raithal includes a thorough briefing session. Here, you learn about the schedule, trekking guidelines, and environmental conservation practices. There's also a demonstration on how to pack backpacks and use sleeping bags effectively, ensuring you're well-prepared for the trek ahead.
Day 2 : Raithal to Gui
‣ Trek Duration: 5 hours‣ Trek Distance: 4.5 km
Scenic Start from Raithal: The trek begins with a gentle ascent from Raithal village, passing through terraced fields and golden paddy crops, with a clear stream flowing nearby. Early on, breathtaking views of Mt. Srikanth and the Gangotri peaks emerge, growing more prominent as you gain altitude.
Dense Forest Trail:
About an hour in, the route shifts into a lush forest filled with oaks and colorful rhododendrons, a unique change from the usual pine trees. A grassy clearing with a hand pump serves as a brief resting spot before delving deeper into the woodland.
Gui Campsite Arrival:
The trail, dotted with occasional clearings, leads to a scenic meadow with shepherd huts and panoramic views of the Garhwal Himalayas. Four hours from Raithal, you reach the secluded Gui Campsite—a clearing encircled by dense forest and rustic village huts.
Visit to Gui Lake and Evening Highlights:
After setting up tents, a short hike takes you to the serene, jade-colored Gui Lake. In winter, it freezes even during the day, adding to its beauty. The day ends with stunning sunset views, hot snacks, and dinner under a starlit sky.
Day 3 : Gui to Chilapada
‣ Trek Duration : 3 hours‣ Trek Distance : 2.5 km
Climbing from Gui to Chilapada: The day starts early at 7 AM, with hot tea and breakfast preparing us for a day of adventure. Leaving Gui, the trail gradually ascends, revealing new mountain vistas that were previously hidden, including the peaks of Mt. Jaonli and the Gangotri range. A mix of gentle climbs and flat sections characterizes this 3 km stretch, making it a shorter but rewarding hike.
Scenic Stop at Gui Thatch:
The route takes you through the picturesque Gui Thatch, a meadow surrounded by dense forest and dotted with shepherd huts and small ponds. This spot provides stunning, uninterrupted views of the Gangotri peaks—Shrikanth, Gangotri I, II, and III—with Bandarpoonch visible to the left. It’s a perfect location to soak in the beauty of the Himalayas and take a break before continuing.
From Gui Thatch to Chilapada:
The trail continues with a gentle, leisurely walk through a forest of rhododendrons and golden oaks, offering a tranquil experience that feels like a true connection with nature. You cross a couple of small streams and encounter a unique umbrella-shaped rain shelter—a great resting point before the final push to Chilapada.
Arrival at Chilapada and Barnala Lake Exploration:
After a steep 30-minute climb from the rain shelter, you reach the Chilapada campsite. Once the tents are set up, a short hike takes you to Barnala Lake through a dense alpine forest. This trail offers incredible sights, with semi-frozen ponds and spectacular views of Mt. Bandarpoonch and the Gangotri range. The afternoon is spent exploring the partially frozen Barnala Lake and a nearby temple, before returning to the campsite. Evenings here are cold, so a warm dinner and cozy layers make for a comforting end to the day.
Day 4 : Chilapada to Dayara Bugyal and back to Chilapada
‣ Trek Duration : 6-7 hours‣ Trek Distance : 9.5 km
Journey to Dayara Top Begins:
The day starts early with a hearty breakfast, setting the stage for the ascent to Dayara Top. From Chilapada, the trail leads through a dense forest with a gradual climb. Within half an hour, the tree line gives way to the open meadows of Dayara. At first, the full scale of the landscape is concealed, but as the early sunlight dances over the hills, the scenery becomes more inviting.
Exploring the Dayara Bugyal:
Once you enter the expansive meadows, the breathtaking views slowly unfold. If you’re trekking in spring, the fields are alive with a riot of yellow, violet, and white wildflowers. In winter, the terrain transforms into a vast blanket of shimmering white snow. Majestic peaks like Bandarpoonch and Kala Nag dominate the right side, getting larger and more impressive with every step.
Climbing to Dayara Top:
The path steepens from the meadows, leading you to the summit of Dayara Top with an elevation gain of about 656 meters from Chilapada. The stunning Garhwal Himalayas—Bakariya Top, Black Peak, Mt. Srikanth, and more—become clearer with each upward step. It’s a visual feast as the peaks stretch out in a panoramic display, making the challenging climb truly rewarding.
Return to Chilapada:
After taking in the stunning summit views and enjoying a quick snack, you retrace your steps back through Dayara Bugyal. The snowy expanses and crisp mountain air make the return equally thrilling. Descending gradually, you pass the Chania huts once more, soaking in the quiet beauty of the meadows as you make your way back to Chilapada. The day ends back at camp, where you can relax, share stories with fellow trekkers, and enjoy the scenery of the forest before settling in for the night.
Day 5 : Chilapada to Raithal and Departure to Dehradun
‣ Trek Duration : 4 hours‣ Trek Distance : 6 km
‣ Drive Distance : 180km
Trek from Chelapada to Raithal (8 Kilometers, 6 Hours) Drive to Dehradun (180 Kilometers, 7 Hours) On the last day of the trek, after an early morning breakfast, participants check out of the campsite and descend towards Raithal Village. The journey back to Dehradun via Uttarkashi showcases picturesque Himalayan hamlets along the way. Upon reaching Dehradun, the group bids farewell, carrying fond memories of the trek.
Cost Terms
- Accomodation: 1 Night in a Hotel / Homestay on a triple/quad sharing basis & 2 Nights Tented accommodation on a triple sharing basis.
- Meals : Meals from (day 1 Dinner to day 5 Breakfast) are included. We provide simple nutritious vegetarian food on all days of the trek.
- Snacks : Morning / Evening Tea / Coffee with light snacks and soup while on the trek.
- Trek Leader : Qualified and Experienced Trek leader
- Safety Equipment : Walkie / Talkie, Basic First Aid kit with Oximeter, Blood Pressure Monitor and Oxygen Cylinder.
- Permits : Forest Permits/Camping Charges, if any (upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- Camping logistics : Trekking tent, Sleeping bags, Mattresses, Dining tent, Kitchen tent and Toilet tent.
- Staff : Trek guide, cook, helpers, and porters for carrying common supplies
- Clock room : Cloak Room facility available at base camp for extra luggage
- Portage of personal bags during the trek
- Insurance of any kind
- Cost Escalation due to “ Force Majeure and Evacuation charges”.
- Unscheduled delay due to road block .
- Any Expense not specified in the inclusions list
- Meals during road journeys
Cancellation prior to 30 day from the start of the Trip
Refund Options
- 10% deduction of trek fee
- 100% cash voucher for any trip till one year
- Transfer your trek (any trek, any date) to your friend
Cancellations between 29 days and 15 days before the start of the Trip
Refund Options
- 30% deduction of trek fee
- 100% cash voucher for any trip till one year
- Transfer your trek (any trek, any date) to your friend
Cancellations between 14 days and 10 days before the start of the Trip
Refund Options
- 50% deduction of trek fee
- 75% cash voucher for any trip till one year
- Transfer your trek (any trek, any date) to your friend
Cancellations less than 10 days before the start of the Trip
Refund Options
- No Cash refund
- 50% cash voucher for any trip till one year
- Transfer your trek (any trek, any date) to your friend
What to carry
Backpack with rain cover
50 - 60 ltr
with comfortable shoulder straps
Day pack with rain cover
20 - 30 ltr
(If off-load opted)
Snacks
Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors
Trekking Pole
Advisable
Available for rent
Tiffin/lunch box
1
Personal Medical Kit
Consult your doctor
Headtorch
1
T-Shirt (Synthetic quick dry)
1 Full & 2 Half sleeves
Fleece jacket
1
Windproof Jacket
1
Down feather / Hollow jacket
1
Thermal inner (Upper and Lower)
1
Trek Pant (Synthetic quick dry)
1
Poncho / waterproof Jacket and pant
1
Waterproof gloves
1
Trekking shoes
1 Full & 2 Half sleeves
Floaters / flip-flops
1 pair
Cotton socks
6 pairs
Woollen socks
1 pairs
Gaiters
1 pair
Available for rent)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Is this a good Trek for first timer?
Yes, This is of the best options. We recommend this trek to first timer as well as experienced one.
Can you give us brief details about served food while on trek?
We serve Indian vegetarian food with occasional eggs while on trek, to give you general idea it is like this, Dal sabji roti, rice in lunch & dinner and daliya, poha, sandwich etc in breakfast with morning & evening tea.
Will you provide us with tents and sleeping bags?
Yes, we will provide sleeping, tent, mattress. It is among the central equipment.
What documents do I need to carry on the trek?
2 xerox of ID having address (addhar card/driving license), 2 Passport size photograph.
View Map
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