Chaainsheel Bugyal Trek

Chaainsheel Bugyal is a hidden gem, located in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It lies on the edge of Uttrakhand and Himachal Pradesh and offers you natural pools, meadows, Forest Camps, streams and floral landscape at the altitude of 3,400 meters with a broad view of Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag, Draupadi Ka Danda, Thola Sheer and sometimes even glimpses of Swargarohini. This trek is a perfect place for adventure seekers even beginners can enjoy this trek.

Trek to Chaainsheel Bugyal usually starts from Kushkalyani which itself is a beautiful meadow. You can drive from Malla near Uttarkashi to reach here. The trek passes through dense forests and shepherds' settlements. During spring, you will see red rhododendrons all over and in summer and post monsoon, lush green landscapes wait for you. 

The main highlight of this trek is Chaainsheel Bugyal itself which turns into a carpet of wildflowers in the summer season. A stunning backdrop with snow-capped peaks makes it a perfect campsite to while away. Since the trek is not crowded and commercialized enough so you can have a perfect time in peaceful nature. For photography lovers, it's heaven. 

Chaainsheel Bugyal trek is a moderately difficult trek so you can go with your families and teenager kids if they are fit and fine. It's recommended to trek with a certified guide and support team.

History of Chaainsheel Bugyal Trek

Chaainsheel Bugyal lies in the Upper Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It is close to the Indo-Tibetan (Indo-China) door. Due to its closeness to China's border, it became a sensitive zone after the 1962 Indo-China war. Any kind of movement or activity was restricted here. Being a restricted and sensitive zone, it had been isolated for a period and this isolation helped it to save the ecology of the region.

In 2017, Uttarakhand Government declared Chaainsheel Bugyal the 'Trek of the Year'. It boosted the eco-tourism and trekkers started exploring it more. Slowly and gradually, it started gaining recognition for its beautiful wildflowers meadows and rustic lifestyle of local villagers.

Locals connect Chaainsheel region to epic Mahabharata as Pandavas were believed to cross this region during their exile. Foot impressions of Bhima near the meadows and some stones are still worshiped by locals as sacred relics.

Chaainsheel region was also mentioned in Skanda Purana as the part of Kedar Khand. The area is believed to be a tapsya sthal (land of penance/meditation) as locals say many sages and hermits meditated here for years and thus the region received the divine blessings.

Highlights of Chaainsheel Bugyal Trek

• Vast Untouched Meadows:

Chaainsheel is an uninhabited alpine meadow (bugyal) at an altitude of around 3,600 m. In summer season, it's filled with blooming multicoloured Himalayan wildflowers like rhododendron, blue poppies, primulas, cobra lilies, orchids and even Brahma Kamal (rare, at higher elevations). Chaainsheel Bugyal is not like popular bugyals like Dayara or Bedni; it has so much to explore because it's still largely untouched and unexplored.

• Indo-Tibetan Border Region:

Chaainsheel Bugyal lies close to the Indo-Tibetan border. Due to its proximity to the sensitive border, the human interference is very less here. This thing gives it a perfect wilderness and an aura of mystery. Trekkers have so much to know and so much to explore here. They often witness the cute shepherds' settlements and cross-cultural factors here. 

• Spiritual Significance:

Bugyals in Uttarakhand are generally considered sacred 'Tapobhoomi' (land of penance). They are believed to be the place where legends, sages and saints meditated. Chaainsheel also has a spiritual aura. Locals tell about its connection with Mahabharata and Skand Purana. Many trekkers undertake this trek as a form of spiritual journey and offer prayers at temples en route and meditate in nature.

• Rich Biodiversity:

Chaainsheel Bugyal trek passes through the dense forests of oak, pine, rhododendron and deodar. It offers an amazing chance to view diverse wildlife: red fox, Himalayan langur, musk deer, birdlife like Himalayan monal, golden eagle, koklass pheasant and many butterflies hovering around the flowers.

• Authentic Village Culture:

For experiencing an authentic Himalayan village culture, Chaainsheel Bugyal trek is one of the best options. Villages like Himari or Bainol offer a glimpse into rustic Garhwali lifestyle. Homestays and local guides will introduce you to their folklore, organic food, traditional wood craft and wood homes and simple-sustainable mountain living which is inspiring enough to give you new perspectives of life and relationship.

Difficulty Level of Chaainsheel Bugyal Trek

Chaainsheel Bugyal trek is a moderately difficult trek. It is located in Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarkashi district (close to Indo-Tibetan border) Uttarakhand and reaches an altitude of approx 3,600 m. 

The trek usually takes 6 to 7 days to complete with daily 5 to 7 trekking hours. The trail passes through dense forests of oak, pine, rhododendron, deodar, small villages and vast alpine meadows. The trail also includes gradual ascents and descents with some steepy sections, especially near to the Bugyal.

Though the trek is not technically challenging, due to its high-altitude, long trek span and walking hours it's not suitable for families with elderly people and kids under 12. Beginners can attempt it with proper guidance and preparation. 

Trekking to high-altitude often brings sudden weather changes so be prepared for it. Keep tabs on weather updates. Even in summer, temperature can be cold. Trekkers have usually experienced sudden rain or hailstorm especially from mid-afternoon onwards. Keep warm jacket and raincoat to protect from chilly winds or rain. 

The terrain is remote and medical facilities are not easily available. Mobile connectivity is rare apart from some village settlements. A certified guide or well-organized trek group is highly recommended. Solo trekking must be avoided due to safety and navigation issues.

Best Time to Visit the Chaainsheel Bugyal Trek

The best time to do Chaainsheel Bugyal trek is from summer to autumn (from May to October). This time weather is pleasant, flowers are blooming and sky remains clear to view the majestic peaks of the Himalayas.

• May to June: 

After March, winter fades away and the temperature starts becoming normal. The daytime temperature range is between 12°C to 20°C  while at night time, it remains around 2°C to 8°C. Sudden weather changes like thunderstorms or rainfall can happen, especially in the afternoon. During summer, the meadows and trails come alive with lush green landscapes, blooming flowers like blue poppies and primulas and flowing waterfalls. On clear days, you can view towering Himalayan peaks. 

• July to August (Not Recommended): 

This is the monsoon season so expect heavy rainfall. Some trekkers do it during this time for enjoying lush green scenery and challenging trails. However, this time the risk of landslides increases and due to clouds the visibility is reduced. Trails are slippery and leeches are common this time. It is recommended to avoid trekking during this time.

• September to October: 

The arrival of winter can make air crisp and trails dry during this time. However, the temperature remains almost similar to spring: 10°C to 18°C in daytime and from 0°C to below 6°C at night. Visibility of Himalayan peaks is at its best. Tourists are fewer and trails are less crowded. Perfect for photography. By late October, chances of snowfall are possible.

How to Reach Chaainsheel Bugyal Trek

Trek to Chaainsheel usually starts from Dehradun. Balawat village also known as Himari Camp serves as the base camp for this trek. You can reach Dehradun by road, air and train.

• By Road: Dehradun is well-connected via road with major cities of India. You can take a bus or cab to reach here from Delhi. From Dehradun, take a 9-10 hrs scenic drive (approx 200–230 km) to Balawat village/Himari Camp.
• By Air: For those travelling by air, Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport. From here, take a taxi or bus to Balawat village/Himari Camp.
• By Train: You can reach Dehradun by train as it's well connected with the major cities of India. From Dehradun Railway Station, you can take a taxi or bus to Balawat village/Himari Camp.

From Dehradun, take a 9-10 hrs scenic drive (approx 200–230 km) to Balawat village/Himari Camp, often via Vikasnagar, Mussoorie, Mori, Tyuni, Arakot and finally Tikochi or Balawat depending on the route.

There are two main road routes: 

• First Route: Naugaon–Purola–Mori–Tyuni–Arakot–Tikochi.
• Second Route: Chakrata–Tyuni–Arakot–Tikochi. Tikochi (or Balawat) serves as the trek’s trailhead. 

From here, trekkers can choose among four trek paths: the shortest involves a motorable track to Duchanu, followed by a 1 km ascent to Tikula Bugyal via Saaradhaar–Kaladhaar–Chauttoli–Sapaha. 

The others are longer and traverse meadows like Sunaoti, Cheeva, Balaavat, and Falchi.

Things to Carry in the Chaainsheel Bugyal Trek

Clothing

• 3 quick-dry T-shirts (full sleeves preferred)
• 2 trek pants (water-resistant if possible)
• 1 fleece jacket or woollen sweater
• 1 down jacket or heavy padded jacket
• 1 thermal inner set (top + bottom)
• Waterproof & windproof jacket
• Poncho or raincoat
• Woolen cap + Sun cap
• Neck gaiter or scarf
• 2–3 pairs of synthetic/woolen socks + 1 pair of woolen gloves
• Innerwear (quick-dry), towel

Footwear

• Trekking shoes (ankle-high, good grip)
• Floaters/sandals (for campsites)
• Gaiters (recommended due to snow/rock)

Bags

• 50–60 litre backpack (with rain cover)
• Daypack (10–20 litre) for summit day or acclimatization walks
• Dry bags or ziplocks (to keep items dry)

Personal Gear

• Trekking pole(s)
• Sleeping bag liner (optional)
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Water bottles (2L total capacity) or hydration pack
• UV-protection sunglasses
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm (SPF)

Toiletries & Hygiene

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap
• Wet wipes, hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper, sanitary pads/tampons (carry back used items)
• Small quick-dry towel

Personal Medical Kit

• Diamox (for altitude)
• Crocin/Dolo, Combiflam, Digene
• ORS sachets, antiseptic cream
• Band-aids, gauze, crepe bandage
• Personal meds (if any)
• Betadine/Savlon

Documents

• Valid ID proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, etc.)
• Medical certificate (fitness)
• Disclaimer form (from your trek operator)

Others

• Power bank
• Extra camera batteries (cold drains battery fast)
• Energy bars, dry fruits, glucose
• Notebook + pen (optional for journaling)