Overview
Dayara Bugyal – An Ultimate Winter Trek in the Uttarakhand Himalayas (2025)
Dayara Bugyal Trek is one of the most spectacular and scenic treks in Uttarakhand, India. Located in the Uttarkashi district, this alpine meadow sits at a maximum altitude of 11,181 ft, starting from the quaint village of Raithal. The trek offers mesmerizing views of snow-capped peaks, thrilling trails, dense forests, and some of Uttarakhand’s finest alpine meadows.
Surrounded by towering Himalayan mountains, the meadows are a stunning sight, especially in winter when they’re blanketed in pristine snow. This makes Dayara Bugyal not just a favorite winter trekking destination, but also an ideal place for skiing. Spanning approximately 28 to 30 km, this trail offers a perfect mix of adventure, serenity, and natural beauty.
Unique Features of Dayara Bugyal
Biggest Bugyal Enclosure: Known for its vastness, Dayara Bugyal is among the largest high-altitude meadows in Uttarakhand, with constantly changing weather and temperature.
Stunning Mountain Views: The trek offers breathtaking views of peaks like Rudregaira, Gangotri I, II & III, Jaonli, Draupadi ka Danda I & II, Black Peak, Bandarpoonch, and many unnamed summits. Don’t miss the surreal sunrise and sunset views.
Perfect for All Seasons: Whether it’s the white snow of winter or the blooming meadows of summer, this trek is ideal in both seasons. In winter, the snow-covered landscape invites trekkers for skiing, while in summer, wildflowers transform the area into a colorful paradise.
Trek Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights (Dehradun to Dehradun)
During the trek, you will be provided with comfortable homestays, camping accommodation, and delicious meals (4 to 5 times daily). Local guides, cooks, helpers, and transport from Dehradun to Dehradun ensure a seamless experience.
Custom packages for private groups, families, and school groups are also available, offering tailored services based on specific needs.
A Village Experience in Raithal
The trek begins from Raithal, a beautiful mountain village situated at 2,240 meters in Uttarkashi district. This village is not only the starting point of the trek but also an opportunity to explore local life, culture, and hospitality.
Raithal offers a few guest houses and homestays, perfect for experiencing authentic village life. The area is also excellent for bird watching, especially ground birds, which are commonly seen here.
Locals are known for their warm and welcoming nature, often forming lasting bonds with travelers. Visiting the village in the evening provides a wonderful opportunity to interact with residents and immerse yourself in the serene mountain lifestyle.
Itinerary
Dayara Bugyal Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Dehradun to Raithal Village
Distance: 175 km | Duration: 7–8 hours by taxi
Altitude: Raithal – 7,423 ft
Departure: 6:00–7:00 AM from Dehradun Railway Station
Route Highlights: Scenic drive via Mussoorie, Suwakholi, Uttarkashi
Night Stay: Homestay in Raithal (twin/triple sharing)
Day 2: Raithal to Gui Camp Trek
Distance: 5 km | Duration: 4–5 hours on foot
Altitude: Gui Camp – 9,884 ft
Trail: Gradual ascent through forests and meadows, views of Barnala Bugyal
Night Stay: Camp at Gui (twin sharing)
Day 3: Gui Camp to Dayara Bugyal Summit and Back
Distance: 12 km round trip | Duration: 7–8 hours
Altitude: Dayara Bugyal Summit – 12,645 ft (Bakaria Top)
Trail: Steep ascent through Lower & Upper Dayara Bugyal, panoramic Himalayan views
Night Stay: Return to Gui Camp (twin sharing)
Day 4: Gui Camp to Raithal, Drive to Dehradun
Trek Distance: 5 km | Duration: 3–4 hours on foot
Drive: Raithal to Dehradun – 7–8 hours by taxi
Route: Descend via meadows and forest, scenic drive back via Uttarkashi
Trek Tips:
Start early each day for better daylight and views.
Carry water, snacks, rain gear, and warm clothing.
Respect local culture and follow eco-friendly trekking principles.
Inclusion & Exclusion
What is Included In This Trek?
Transport from Dehradun to Dehradun Tempo travellers or Bolero Taxi
Forest Permit and entrance fee
Accommodation in Homestay at Raithal Village
Accommodation in tents on twin/three share basis
All meals: breakfast, packed lunch, tea, coffee, snacks, soup and dinner
High-quality Dome tents
Sleeping bags
Mattress
Liner
Separate Toilet tents – Ladies and Gents
Dining Tent
Dining Table
Kitchen team
Radio Walkie-Talkie for Communication
Good Experience Trek Leader guide and Technical guide
Medical Kit
Oxygen Cylinders
Crampons and Gaiters
What is Not Included In This Trek?
Personal Insurance
Medical Certificate
Personal toiletry Items and Personal Medicine kit
On the first day, En Route to base camp Breakfast and Lunch are Not Included
Last Day En Route Lunch and Dinner are Not Included
Trek Essential
PARTICIPANTS MUST BRING FOR HAMPTA PASS- TREK
- 50–60 ltrs backpack
- Strong hiking boots: a leather upper is best because it gives your ankles more support. If you don’t have a pair yet, you should get one as soon as possible and wear it a lot so that it breaks in well. This will help keep blisters from forming.
- Tennis shoes or sandals that are light enough to wear in camp.
- Two pairs of thick wool socks, if possible.
- Two pairs of everyday nylon socks to wear underneath the wool socks to prevent blisters.
- One shirt for hiking, preferably with long sleeves.
- Long John top: This is also called thermal underwear, and it should be made of wool if it is the first layer.
- Two each of warm shirts and pants for camp
- 1 each rain cot/poncho
- Warm Jacket: 1
- One pair of wool gloves as thick as can be bought on the market.
- Long Johns: The first layer should be wool if possible.
- Under wear: 2-3 changes Shorts or pants for hiking: 1
- Sunscreen lotion is up to you. Chap stick or lip balm is optional.
- Water bottle: Two 1-liter bottles (Pepsi bottles work well), make sure they don’t leak.
- Headlamp or flashlight: A headlamp is best because it frees up your hands for work. If you bring a flashlight, bring extra batteries.
- Items for the bathroom, like a toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. And a small one-person medical kit.
- Cotton or nylon for a sun hat. Sunglasses: Those with an anchor are best.