Pakhwa Bugyal Top is a serene and beautiful location situated in the Bageshwar district of the Kumaon region. This region remains protected from modern construction, offering a magnificent, offbeat location for trekkers. Pakhwa Bugyal Top Trek is an exquisite alpine meadow trek in Uttarakhand. The word “Bugyal” means high-altitude grassland in the local language. Pakhwa Bugyal is one of the most beautiful high-altitude grasslands of our country. The altitude of Pakhwa Bugyal Top is about 3300 m, and the meadow is surrounded by big dense forests and waterfalls.
The Pakhwa Bugyal Top offers a stunning view of snow-capped Himalayan peaks. You can have a clear view of peaks like Nanda Devi, Nanda Khat, Nanda Kot, Panchachuli, etc. The vast grassland surrounded by Himalayan views makes it a perfect and picturesque trek. Pakhwa Bugyal Top is a lesser-known paradise for trekkers and adventure seekers. In summer, the Pahkwa Bugyal turns green, making it a perfect location for grazing cattle. In the monsoon, you can see beautiful wildflowers in these meadows. People who love snowfall can trek to Pakhwa Buygal in winter as the meadow turns into a winter wonderland.
History Of Pakhwa Bugyal Top Trek
Pakhwa Bugyal Top is a culturally rich trek in the Kumaon region. In Uttarakhand, most trekkers choose the Garhwal treks like the Valley of Flowers, Har Ki Dun Trek, etc. The Kumaon treks are still very underrated, which makes them untouched and more connected to nature. Pakhwa Bugyal is a valuable location for the shepherds as it has a long grazing period. The local and tribal people like Kumaoni shepherds and Bhotiyals migrate to the Pakhwa Bugyal with their cattle in the summer season. The flocks of sheep and goats spend their whole summer in these high-altitude grasslands.
The Pakhwa Bugyal Top has a good significance in the lives of shepherds. Earlier, this Buygal was a trail to access different villages, valleys, and hunting grounds. Pakhwa Bugyal is a kind of corridor that still holds the essence of Himalayan culture. In the trek, you can still see old stone huts, temples, etc. This trek is still unknown to most of the trekkers. In recent years, local trekkers and naturalists have gained interest in the Pakhwa Bugyal Top Trek due to its adventurous terrain and panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. Today, Pakhawa Bugyal is emerging as a part of sustainable tourism in the Kumaon hills.
Highlights of Pakhwa Bugyal Top Trek
Pakhwa Bugyal Top is a big, vast alpine meadow in Uttarakhand. This region is still lesser-known to the trekkers, making it a less-crowded spot for nature lovers. The Bugyal is very big and remains green for the whole summer season. In winter, the Pakhwa Bugyal becomes a snowfield.
The trail to Pakhwa Bugyal Top passes through dense forests. In the spring season, the Rhododendron trees bloom and the whole forest looks red and pink. The dense pine and oak trees open routes between them for the trekkers. Trekkers can spot various species of birds and wild animals such as Himalayan monals, deer, etc.
The trail to Pakhwa Bugyal passes through small villages of Bageshwar, such as Jhuni, Supi, etc. These villages are rich in Kumaoni culture and traditions. The locals in these villages are very welcoming. Talking to locals will give you a portrait of deep culture.
- Panoramic Himalayan Views
The summit of Pakhwa Bugyal Top is located at an altitude of 3300 m. When the trekkers reach the top, the panoramic views look like a reward. Trekkers can witness some of the majestic Himalayan ranges of Nanda territory, Panchachuli, Maiktoli, etc.
Difficulty Level Of Pakhwa Bugyal Top Trek
The difficulty level of the Pakhwa Bugyal Top Trek is rated as Moderate. This trek is perfect for experienced trekkers, and even beginners can do this trek. Beginners should start doing some exercises 2 weeks before the trek.
Trek Distance
The total trek distance of Pakhwa Bugyal Top is about 30 km. This much distance will be covered in 4-5 days. The trek distance is not very long; however, the altitude gain requires good stamina. Trekking daily for a week can be a bit difficult for beginners.
Altitude of Pakhwa Bugyal Top
The Pakhwa top is situated at a height of 10,826 ft. The height is not very high compared to other high-altitude Himalayan treks. But still, new trekkers can face some AMS symptoms like fatigue and headache. Trekkers should acclimate properly and stay hydrated.
Trail Condition
The trail to Pakhwa Bugyal Top passes through forests, villages, steep ridgelines, and rocky patches. Most parts of the trail are easy and have gentle ascents. But the final ascent to the Pakhwa Top contains a steep section and can be challenging for some trekkers. In monsoon and winter, the trail can be very slippery and difficult.
Best Time To Visit Pakhwa Bugyal Top Trek
You can plan your Pakhwa Bugyal Top throughout the year. This trek is always open for trekking. However, the trail conditions and views will be difficult in every season.
Pakhwa Bugyal Top Trek from March to April
This is the best time to trek to Pakhwa Bugyal Top as the weather starts getting pleasant with clear skies. The Rhodos start blooming, and the meadows start turning greener. The trail will be dry and easy for the trekkers.
Pakhwa Bugyal Top Trek from May to Mid-June
Summer is also a good time to trek to Pakhwa Top. The Bugyals will be lush green and become a perfect spot for trekking. The clear skies give majestic views of the Himalayan ranges. The stable weather conditions allow comfortable trekking.
Pakhwa Bugyal Top Trek from Mid-June to August
Trekking to Pakhwa Top in the monsoon can be difficult. The trail will be very slippery and muddy. There are high chances of landslides. Leeches and other insects are very common in the monsoon. The views are not clear, and trekking becomes very risky.
Pakhwa Bugyal Top Trek from September to November
Post-monsoon is also a great time to visit Pakhwa Bugyal Top. The grasslands start turning golden, and the views become clear. The crowd will be very small, and the air will be crisp.
Pakhwa Bugyal Top Trek from December to February
Trekking to Pakhwa Bugyal Top in winter is difficult. The grassland turns white and becomes a good snow trek destination. Winter is only suitable for experienced trekkers with proper gear.
How To Reach Pakhwa Bugyal Top Trek?
To trek to Pakhwa Bugyal Top, you need to reach Tharsali, which is the base point. This is a small village in Bageshwar. The road from Kapkot to Tharsali is narrow. You should plan your trip during the daytime for safety. The major transport hub for the Pakhwa Bugyal Top Trek is Kathgodam / Haldwani.
Kapkot via Road
The popular roadways station near Kapkot is Haldwani. You can easily find buses to Haldwani from various cities. After reaching Haldwani, look for shared taxis to Kapkot. If you can’t find direct taxis, then look for taxis to Bageshwar. You can find shared taxis from Bageshwar to Kapkot.
Kapkot via Train
The nearest railway station to Kapkot is Kathgodam. You can find direct trains to Kathgodam from Delhi, Dehradun, Lucknow, and a few other locations. After reaching Kathgodam, look for shared taxis to Bageshwar or Kapkot. You can also get off at Haldwani station, as you can find more taxi services.
Kapkot via Air
The nearest airport to Kapkot is Pantnagar Airport. This airport is about 30 km away from Haldwani. After reaching Pantnagar, take a shared taxi or local bus to Haldwani. Now, look for buses to Bageshwar or direct taxis to Kapkot. After reaching Kapkot, take a shared taxi to Patiyasar, which is just 34 km away.
Things To Carry In The Pakhwa Bugyal Top Trek
Pakhwa Bugyal Top is a week-long trek, and the trekkers should carry all the essentials for a smooth trekking experience.
Clothing
Start packing with a pair of thermals (top and bottom). Now pack 3 quick-dry t-shirts and 2 trekking pants. Pack a fleece jacket and a woolen sweater (during spring and autumn). Carry a waterproof jacket or poncho. If you are trekking in the winter, then get a good padded jacket, woolen cap, neck gaiter, and an extra pair of thermals.
Footwear
A good pair of shoes is a necessity for every trek. Get a good pair of trekking shoes that provide good ankle support. If you are trekking in the monsoon, then your shoes should be waterproof. Pack a pair of sandals for resting at the campsite. Get 4 pairs of socks and a pair of gaiters.
Personal Care
Pack all the personal items like toothpaste, biodegradable soap, etc. You should also pack a pair of sunglasses, a sun cap, and sunscreen. Carry a thermos for hot/cold water. Pack moisturizer, lip balm, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper. Carry a small first aid kit with basic items like painkillers, ORS, muscle relaxant spray, band-aids, etc.
