Dayara Bugyal – the finest meadow trek in Uttarakhand

October 7, 2022

Rini Biswas

Dayara Bugyal – the finest meadow trek in Uttarakhand

Let me begin with some facts about Dayara Bugyal trek. This trek offers the spectacular expanse of a meadow unlike any other treks in Uttarakhand. You will be greeted by two alpine lakes on the trail making it a fine Himalayan lake-trek, as well. This trek has trails that can be covered in a short duration like a weekend trek and also can be enjoyed as a week-long trek! And lastly, this is one trek that is rewarding both in the summer and in the winter months! In short, this trek is a treasure trove for trekkers!

However, when I planned for Dayara Bugyal, none of these were the deciding factors! It was merely a last minute plan; me being in Dehradun and looking to fit a trek in the few days that I had in my hand. Friends suggested and I packed my rucksack to be on the way to this unforgettable meadow trek. And what a pleasant surprise it was!

Now, let me walk you down my memory lanes. Although I always believe that one needs to be there in first person to experience the true essence of any trek, I’ll try to fit in the heavenly magic that Dayara Bugyal trek offers in my mortal words.

The journey & the short itinerary

Let me skip the details of the trek route as you will get many ready references on the web. Instead, let me take you through a story that began the moment I got in the cab to reach the picturesque Raithal village, the starting point of this trek.

A quaint village-stay

Located in Uttarkashi, this is a self-sustaining village. After a long journey that starts early morning from Dehradun, when you reach Raithal all you crave for is a rest to get ready for the next day. And a pleasant rest is promised at this basecamp amid picturesque nature and the calm and quiet that are integral part of these Uttarakhand villages.

The Alpine lakes on the trek

Next day the trek starts after you fill yourself with the simple yet yummy breakfast fares. Now, we go onto the trail, and the tales of the trails start taking shapes. Our first day’s walk will take us to a pristine alpine lake – the Gui lake.

Although it is supposed to be a 4-hour walk, depending on the team, it may take a little longer. But hey, who is complaining! Not me; never me! I recall that my mind was lost in the beauty of the terraced farming fields, which was then snatched by the Pine and Oak forests farther ahead on the trail, and finally, when I could compose myself, it was time to pay a visit to the marvelous Gui lake! What a day it was! From a quaint village to an amphitheater like clearing where you can feed your hungry eyes on the pristine mountain ranges of Garhwal!

But the treasure doesn’t end here. It doesn’t even get repeated! Instead, the next day, the trek takes you to Chilapada campsite where you get to visit the second alpine lake, Barnala Tal. Although the second day is longer and the gradual steep climb to the campsite is something that can bring a “why-did-I-sign-up-for-this” moment, once you reach Chilapada and gradually immerse yourself in the grandeur of nature all around you, you will be thankful. Thankful that you put yourself on the trails of Dayara Bugyal trek. Next is to pay a visit to the Barnala Tal and marvel at the grand presence of Mt. Bandarpoonch and the Gangotri ranges!

The wonderland of the bugyal

It’s the next day that brings the main highlight of this winter trek – the Dayara top, rising to an impressive height of 12,300 ft. It’s almost the same height as Kedarkantha making it the highest meadow trek in Uttarakhand. Starting early morning can be a challenge but since the day needs to end at the Nayata campsite it’s better to start as early as possible. On the plus side, the crisp morning weather may offer you the clear view of the awe-inspiring Garhwal mountain ranges. Photo ops, you see! So, when after a strenuous journey you finally reach the much-talked-about bugyal, the meadow, fully clad in powdery white snow, it’s a fairytale moment that forever gets etched in your memory.

And right there on the Bugyal top is the place that offers you a buffet of activities – the snowball games, the skid and slides, in short how much ever you can play with the snow to make picture-postcard moments! Next it is time to start for Nayata and to bid farewell to this winter wonderland. The return journey takes you through some steep and dense forests and towards late afternoon you reach the campsite.

The last leg of this spectacular journey will take you from Nayata to Raithal, where you stay for a night before starting back to Dehradun next day.

A promise to come back again

The constant company of the mighty mountains will never let you feel deserted. Rather the journey, which will dot your memory with spectacular views and stories, will offer you a longing to come back again to this Devbhumi of Uttarakhand. If you are making a bucket list already, here is a list of the top 5 weekend treks that may come handy. Do remember to prepare for the trail and for the cold weather around the winter months. Staying comfortable will undoubtedly enhance your experience further.