Dayara Gidara Bugyal Trek
TREK DIFFICULTY
Moderate
TREK DURATION
7 Days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
13,450 Feet
GROUP SIZE
12
TREK DISTANCE
43 Km
BASECAMP
Uttarakhand
BEST TIME
May to Jun | Sep to Oct | Dec to March
PICKUP POINT
Dehradun
Dayara Gidara Bugyal Trek Overview
Across a ridge that runs to the north west of the Gangotri valley, a set of ridge peaks dot this demarcation from the valley to other side. Mukta top, Siyari top, Dayara top (Bakariya top) & Surya top to name them. Under these ridge peaks are situated heavenly meadows that stretch far and wide. Two such meadows (bugyals), namely Dayara Bugyal & Gidara Bugyal are both massive and remarkably beautiful. Dayara bugyal Trek to Gidara bugyal is a trek that runs across the ridge line that connects these two meadows and is an old shepherd route, that trekkers rarely come across. Guide for the shorter only Gidara Bugyal trek (Starting from Bhangeli and ending at Bhangeli).
While the trek to Dayara Bugyal can be done almost throughout the year, the ridge section receives plenty of snow and thus is only accessible in May, June & September to early October. Expect a lot of snow in early may at certain sections of the trek, while during June the trail is much better. The meadows have fresh bloom and the colors are vivid green with contrasting floral beds. During September the trail and even the nearby higher peaks are deprived of snow, but the meadows are lush with the post monsoon bloom. The weather is much clearer too during early September.
Dayara Gidara bugyal trek is moderate in terms of difficulty. Dayara Gidara bugyal trek distance is 43 KM approx. The maximum altitude for the trek is 4,100 meters or 13,450 feet. The trek follows a linear route and thus can be started either from Bhangeli, ascending to Gidara bugyal and making way to Dayara or the more preferred route from Dayara Bugyal, as in doing so you will conclude at the more remote Gidara bugyal and finally end the trek near the Harsil valley. We can start from Barsu or Raithal when starting the trek from Dayara Bugyal side and make our way to the Dayara meadows. The altitude gain is gradual and the trail is well laid from either of the villages.
In Himalaya Shelter, we provide you with the option to customize your trekking experience. Whether you're a solo traveler, a group of friends, or a family, you can opt for our personalized tailor-made trekking program. This customized trek will be exclusively designed for you, taking into account your specific requirements for transportation, accommodation, meals, and any other premium facilities you may need during the trek. No other participants will be added to your group. Choosing a customized trek will enable you to fully enjoy the trek with your loved ones.
Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Raithal
Drive: 180 km, 7-8 hrs
Altitude: 2,100 ft (640 m) – 5,905 ft (1800 m)
Accommodation: Hotel/Guest House
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snack + Dinner
On first Day, Drive to Dehradun to Raithal
Leave Dehradun early. You want to use the whole day well. The drive follows winding roads along the Bhagirathi River valley. You will see hills and small towns pass by. The drive takes about eight hours. It covers almost 185 kilometers.
Watch the scenery change. It goes from wide plains to steep mountain slopes. Tiny villages are scattered everywhere. Raithal sits quietly above the valley. You should arrive by sunset. Let the mountain air and the simple pace calm you down. The village is the main start point for nearby treks. Most people spend the evening getting used to the height. They also meet their local hosts before the trek begins.
Day 2: Trek from Raithal to Chilapada
Trek: 6 km, 3-4 hrs
Altitude: 5,905 ft (1800 m) – 9,845 ft (3,000 m)
Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snack + Dinner
Start your trek from the old stone lanes of Raithal, moving up through woods of oak and rhododendron. The walk is about six kilometers, often taking five or six hours as you rise above the fields into dense forest. Tall trees and small clearings break up the climb, showing glimpses of distant snow peaks. Reach Chilapada, a clearing above ten thousand feet, where campsites rest among trees. Here, the silence lets tired legs settle. Local cooks prepare simple meals, and visitors share stories around small lanterns. The air is cool and crisp, and clouds roll across the sky in the evening.
Day 3: Chilpada to Devikund
Trek: 8-12 km, 5-6 hrs
Altitude: 9,845 ft (3,000 m) – 11,483 ft (3,500 m)
Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snack + Dinner
You will wake up to cold air and birds in the woods. The path from Chilapada goes deep into the forest. You will cross patches of grass, narrow ridges, and old shepherd trails. This walk is about seven kilometers long. The climb is moderate. It has some small ups and downs before you get to Devikund.
Devikund is near a spring. It gives fresh water for people camping there. The area feels calm and far away from everything. Most trekkers eat under the tall pine trees. All you can hear is the wind and animals far off. The night here is dark and quiet. It is a good spot to rest after a day of steady walking. Some local guides might tell you stories about the land.
Day 4: Devikund to Surya Top Camp
Trek: 6 km, 4 hrs
Altitude: 11,483 ft (3,500 m) – 11,975 ft (3,650 m)
Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snack + Dinner
The day starts when the light hits the high ridges. The trail from Devikund climbs fast, getting above the trees. It is a long walk, about eight or nine hours. You will stop often for water and rest.
The air gets thin as you reach the Surya Top camp. This spot is over $3,900$ meters high. You get huge views of white peaks and the rough valleys below. The weather can get cool quickly. Clouds roll in and the sun moves fast.
Camp life here is simple and quiet. Most people eat a warm meal and look at the stars. Then it's time to go to bed.
Day 5: Surya top to Gidara Bugyal via Gidara Bugyal Top
Trek: 11 km, 5-6 hrs
Altitude: 11,975 ft (3,650 m) – 14,137 ft (4,309 m) -12,795 ft (3,900 m)
Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snack + Dinner
Wake up to a cold sunrise. You start the trek across ridges and rolling grasslands. The path follows the highest point of Gidara Bugyal. There are steep slopes and lots of green meadows. The walk takes most of the day.
Each hour, the colors and shadows change as you walk down to the campsite. The valleys look wide from here. The sky seems much bigger. Night comes with the sound of insects. You might hear a soft wind. Your local guides usually camp on a low grassy spot. This helps avoid the cold morning air.
Day 6: Gidara Bugyal camp to Bhangeli; Drive to Harshil
Trek: 14-15 km, 7 hrs
Drive: 30 km, 1 hr
Altitude: 12,795 ft (3,900 m) – 7,550 ft (2,301 m) – 7,860 ft (2,620 m)
Accommodation: Hotel/ Guest House /Homestay
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snack + Dinner
You will eat breakfast, then walk down toward Bhangeli. You will go through meadows and forest. This section drops fast. The walk takes about four or five hours. The air gets heavier as you go down.
A car will wait for you at Bhangeli. You will drive to Harshil. The drive is short. You pass apple orchards and rocky rivers on the way. Harshil is in a wider valley. It is an easier place to walk around.
Most people spend the afternoon walking along the Bhagirathi River. You can also walk in the apple gardens. The village has small guesthouses. Dinner is usually a simple cooked meal.
Day 7: Drive from Harsil to Dehradun
Drive: 220 km, 8-9 hrs
Altitude: 7,860 ft (2,620 m) – 2,100 ft (640 m)
Meals: Breakfast
Leave Harshil after breakfast and start the drive back to Dehradun. Travel along smooth roads dropping from steep Himalayan heights into the foothills. The road measures around 210 kilometers, taking as long as eight hours. There are tea breaks in small towns like Uttarkashi and stretches of open valley as you return to the plains. The landscape softens, and the mountains fade behind you. Reaching Dehradun, buses and cars fill the city once more. Many travelers reflect on the week spent walking and move on to their next journey.
Our treks are specially designed by the experienced team at Himalaya Shelter, taking you on an adventure of a lifetime all while making you connect not only with the bountiful nature but also with yourself and with others on the trek with you creating wonderful memories which will last you a lifetime. All Himalaya Shelter treks are guided by experienced Trekkers having vast knowledge and experience of the region, providing with insightful information and stories pertaining to the region’s flora and fauna and the history of the region whilst the trek. It is safe to say that on successfully completing the trek, one will gain tremendous insight and experience along with lifetime memories.
Inclusions
- Transport support from Dehradun to Dehradun (Pick-up location: Prince Chowk, near Dehradun Railway Station | Pick-up Time: Around 7:30 am).
- Accommodation – At Base Camp, stay at a local homestay or guest house for one night each, which will give you an insight into the authentic lifestyle of the locals.( INR 5000 per person extra for single sharing throughout the trek )
On Trek stay in a 2-person Vango Halo Pro/A-Shape tent, which is to be shared by two trekkers, built to withstand extreme weather conditions and at the same time making you comfortable after a hard day’s trek. - Camping Equipment – specially designed sleeping bags that can withstand harsh weather conditions, foam mattresses. Other safety gear like microspikes, gaiters, an ice axe, and helmets will be provided.
- Medical Kit – our team will be equipped with an extensive medical kit, which our team is trained and experienced to use. Oxygen cylinders are used after they are thoroughly inspected throughout the Trek. Even campsites have large oxygen cylinders as backups.
- Permission - Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
- Meals – Breakfast, packed lunch (on trek days), evening snacks, and dinner will be served. A hearty, delicious, and nutrition-filled Veg meals with egg preparation will be provided throughout the trek. (Jain and Vegan Food can also be arranged on prior notification). There will be a dedicated Kitchen Tent along with a dining tent, which will have a dining table too.
- Our Team – A highly experienced and AMC-certified Trek Leader who will help ensure that the entire trek goes smoothly and safely while navigating the challenging conditions during the trek, and is skilled enough to navigate any medical emergency that can arise during the trek. Local and route Guides who are well-versed with the region and provide an in-depth insight into the local customs and knowledge of the flora and fauna endemic to the region. A dedicated Kitchen staff, which includes a Cook, a helper, and other support staff. There will also be porters and mules to carry common equipment.
- Cloakroom - We have a cloakroom facility available for extra luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave their luggage behind at no charge.
Exclusions
- Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
- Travel Expenses - Travel expenses from your hometown to the mentioned Pick-Up Point are not included in the trek fee.
From the scheduled pick-up spot to the base camp, we have our own fleet of vehicles like Bolero, Innova, Dezire, or Tempo Traveler (12-seater). This is be shared by trekkers for a pre-decided amount. All vehicles are non-AC. - Personal Equipment - Any personal gear like jackets, shoes, cutlery, or backpacks are not included in the trek fee. We recommend renting them from our Rental Store for an affordable fee. This can be pre-arranged to avoid last-minute hang-ups.
- Offloading - We encourage carrying your backpack to get into the true spirit of trekking. However, if needed, you can opt to offload your personal luggage of up to 12 kg for an additional cost of INR 400 per bag per day.
- Trek Insurance - A mandatory trek insurance fee is charged in addition to your trek fee. Since most medical insurance doesn’t cover adventure activities, trek insurance offers essential coverage, enhancing your safety without a significant financial burden.
- Buffer day on the trek - We have kept a buffer day on the trek to account for any weather-related delay. If this is utilized, you will need to pay an extra amount to your trek leader.
- Anything apart from inclusions
- Please carry a lunch box for a packed lunch/breakfast to avoid using polythene and Aluminium foil.
Keeping the Himalayas clean is our own responsibility. Reduce the use of Plastic when you are in the abode of the Sacred Himalaya. 🌱
The Dayara Gidara Bugyal Trek is a captivating journey through two of Uttarakhand's most expansive alpine meadows—Dayara Bugyal and Gidara Bugyal. Spanning approximately 43 km over 7 days, this trek offers a blend of lush meadows, ridge walks, and panoramic Himalayan vistas. Unlike more frequented trails, this route follows an ancient shepherd path connecting the two bugyals, providing trekkers with a serene and less-traveled experience. The trek's uniqueness lies in its combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it a must-do for nature enthusiasts.
The optimal periods for the Dayara Gidara Bugyal Trek are May to June and September to early October. During May and June, trekkers can expect snow patches in certain sections, while the meadows bloom with vibrant greenery and wildflowers. September offers clearer skies and post-monsoon freshness, with trails and nearby peaks largely snow-free. These windows provide the best combination of favorable weather and scenic beauty for trekkers.
Classified as a moderate trek, the Dayara Gidara Bugyal Trek involves traversing varied terrains, including gradual ascents and ridge walks. The trail reaches a maximum altitude of 13,450 feet (4,100 meters), requiring a reasonable level of fitness and acclimatization. The route is well-laid, starting from either Barsu or Raithal villages, making it accessible for trekkers with some prior experience.
The Dayara Gidara Bugyal Trek covers approximately 43 kilometers over a span of 7 days. This duration includes acclimatization, trekking, and rest days, ensuring a comfortable pace for participants. The itinerary is designed to gradually introduce trekkers to higher altitudes, enhancing the overall experience and safety.
The highest point of the Dayara Gidara Bugyal Trek is at an elevation of 13,450 feet (4,100 meters). This altitude offers trekkers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and the expansive meadows below. Proper acclimatization is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at this elevation.
The trek typically commences from Raithal village, accessible via a drive from Dehradun. Trekkers ascend through Dayara Bugyal and proceed towards Gidara Bugyal, concluding the journey near the Harsil valley. This linear route allows for a diverse exploration of the region's landscapes and cultures.
Himalaya Shelter offers the Dayara Gidara Bugyal Trek at ₹16,999 per person, excluding 5% GST and a ₹180 trek insurance fee. This package includes accommodations, meals, guide services, and necessary permits, ensuring a comprehensive and hassle-free trekking experience.
To maintain quality and ensure personalized attention, Himalaya Shelter limits the group size to a maximum of 12 participants. This small group approach enhances safety, allows for better interaction with guides, and fosters a cohesive trekking environment.
Yes, Himalaya Shelter offers customized trekking experiences tailored to individual or group preferences. Whether you're a solo traveler, a family, or a group of friends, you can opt for personalized itineraries, accommodations, and services. This flexibility ensures that your trekking experience aligns with your specific needs and expectations.
Accommodations during the Dayara Gidara Bugyal Trek include stays in hotels or guesthouses at base locations like Raithal, and alpine tents during the trekking days. These arrangements are designed to offer comfort while immersing trekkers in the natural beauty of the Himalayas. All accommodations are arranged by Himalaya Shelter, ensuring quality and safety standards are met.
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