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Brief Description
Offering the widest expanse of snowscape in Uttarakhand, Dayara Bugyal is a perfect picture of the Himalayan winters. This short trek spanning over five days remains true to its name- a Bugyal, i.e. ‘meadows’. This alpine field, that remains carpeted with wildflowers in the summer, turns into the most expansive field of snow in the winters, spread as far as your eyes can see. With these vast open lands providing for unobstructed views of the Garhwal range, and thick forest lands blanketed by the white of freshly-fallen snow, DayaraBugyal at an impressive altitude of 3,750M is a walk through a gallery of mountain life. The trek begins in the self-sustaining village of Raithal in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, giving you a sneak peek into the unique culture of high-altitude trekking. What’s even more fascinating is that this winter trek is full of surprises. The trail for this trek is simply enchanting! Lined with oak, pine and maple trees with Rhododendrons scattered across the landscape, the trails offer magnificent views of reverential peaks such as Mt. Bandarpoonch (6,316M), Mt. Srikanth (6,133 M), Gangotri I (6,672 M), and Black Peak (6,387 M). Across the summit - Dayara Top, one can witness a splendid panoramic view of the Garhwal range. This short trek also sends you gifts in the form of two mystical high-altitude lakes- that of Gui Lake sitting idly in the midst of this frozen landscape and the seaweed-green Barnala Tal, that wears the valley’s winter colours to perfection. Adding to this beauty is the music of Russet Sparrows, Eurasian Jays and Scarlet Minivets who follow along all the way to the end of the trek. This short journey through these vast grasslands is the perfect introduction to the Himalayan landscapes for anyone who wants to explore the region. However, the extremely low temperatures in winters and the altitude that the trek takes you to, may be a few challenges that beginners might want to watch out for. The best months for this trek to experience its winter landscape are December to the end of March. Stay on this page for more details on the route map, itinerary, temperature chart, photos, and videos.
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Itinerary
Itinerary
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Arrive at Raithal Village (2,100M)
Distance: 192 kms
Time: 8 hours drive
Day 01 of the Dayara trek is reserved for participants to make their way to our homestay in Raithal in Uttarkashi. If you have signed up with Bikat for a drive from Dehradun to Raithal, the day starts early. Please ensure you report at the meeting point by 7 AM.
In case you plan to reach Raithal village on your own, this article can come handy to plan your journey.
On our way to the basecamp, we acclimatize ourselves with the mountain climate, get comfortable around fellow trekkers, enjoy the scenic landscapes on the way which comprises of vibrant yellow mustard fields, changing shades of hilltops, the calm flow of the Bhagirathi river and the picturesque Tehri Dam Falls.
The route via Dhanaulti takes us to Chinyalisour. As we drive through these quaint towns and villages of Uttarakhand, Raithal becomes visible from a short route towards Maneri after crossing the bustling town of Uttarkashi.
After this long drive and some rest, we conduct a briefing about our schedule, know-how, basic do's and don'ts, and environmental conservation practices. As a learning based organisation, we also conduct a briefing about essentials of trekking such as a demo of how to pack one's backpacks & sleeping bags along with the briefing on arrangements of all basic equipment one may need for successful completion of the trek.
The forest permits, related paperwork and clearances are also completed on the first day so as to ensure a hassle-free trek for all of us.
Raithal (2,100M) to Gui Campsite (2,948M)
Distance: 6 km
Time: 4 hours
Post a filling breakfast, we begin our trek from Raithal village towards our camp in the vicinity of Gui Lake. The trail initially runs through an alley bordered by terraced farms and golden paddy fields with a local stream accompanying them.
An hour in, we deep dive into a thick forest stretch lined up with pinewood and oaks, locally called Mohru and Pangar. This continues all the way till we reach an open ground with shepherd shielings. Our campsite is not far from here. The trees form a dense cover over us, leaving us with a sense of being in the wilderness, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life. A mesmerizing view of Mt. Srikanth, Mt. Bandarpoonch and DraupadikaDaanda peaks are visible through this scenic spot. On a good sunny day, one can see the whole panorama of Garhwal Himalayas right from Gangotri to Mt. Jaonli from these vast grounds. The elevation we gain today is about 848M.
Post snacking and some rest midway, we make our way towards our campsite. Gui Campsite is just four hours away from Raithal. We reach there by early noon. We pitch our own tents with our fellow trekkers after a demo by the trek leaders.
Once the campsite is ready, we have our lunch and then get ready to visit the jade colouredGui Lake. The winter temperatures near the lake make the water body completely frozen, even during daytimes.
After spending some time around the lake and surrounding clearings, we make our way back to the campsite. The sunset views from this campsite are a highlight not to be missed!
We spend the rest of the evening enjoying hot snacks followed by an early dinner.
Gui (2,948M) to Chilapada Campsite (3,094M), visit to Barnala Tal (2,850M)
Distance: 6 km
Time: 5-6 hours
We start the day early around 7 AM today. Morning tea followed by piping hot breakfast prepares us for the exciting day ahead. We pack our tents and start our day's trek to Chilapada. Crossing the thatch patches near Gui, we tread towards the forest patch layered with Golden Oaks and Maple trees. The trail is slightly more difficult than yesterday's, due to a steep half an hour ascent towards Chilapada campsite.
The campsite is three kilometers away from Gui Lake. Post reaching the campsite, we pitch our tents and cool off before we hike to Barnala Lake. This trail takes us through a dense alpine forest and soft snowy high grounds that gradually lead to the lake.
Two seasonal, semi-frozen water bodies are visible after crossing a small boulder zone. A spellbinding view of Mt. Bandarpoonch and Gangotri peaks is visible from a spot around a dry grass thatch, just before the top, leading to the partially-frozen Barnala Lake.
Spending the afternoon around the lake and an adjoining temple, we hike back to Chilapada campsite through the woods. Evenings at Chilapada in the winters can get a bit chilly so layer up accordingly. After a hot dinner, we retire for the day to recharge ourselves for what’s to come tomorrow!
Chilapada Campsite (3,094M) to Dayara top (3,750M) to Nayata (2,697M)
Distance: 9 km
Time: 5.5 hours
Today, we start our journey towards the highest point of the trek, i.e. Dayara Top. We begin at the break of dawn, post a sumptuous morning meal. The trail through the opaque forest patch is decorated with powdered snow uphill that leads towards the high grounds. A panoramic view of the Garhwal Himalayas presents itself to us as we reach near the last shieling or a 'Garhwali Chaani'. The snowy meadows of DayaraBugyal make an appearance from here.
Wide grounds shimmering with silver white snow can be seen in all their glory! Treading through these meadows, the panoramic view of prominent Garhwal Himalayas-Bakariya Top, Black Peak, Bandarpoonch, Mt. Srikanth, DraupadikaDaanda, Mt. Jaunli appear more alluring for their beauty and grandeur with each step forward.
The walk through the Bugyal gives way to a steeper, more upward snowy path leading to Dayara Top. Undulating, expansive snow grounds glitter with snow as far as the eye can see. The intriguing and magnanimous views from DayaraBugyal all the way up to Dayara Top are indeed worth the climb. The elevation gain today from Chilapada to Dayara Top is about 656M.
We spend some time at the summit appreciating the spellbinding view from the top. Replenishing our energy with some snacks, we make our way back to the last shieling towards the snow section in the south west, for descent. A snow walk in a meadow with a whistling cold breeze for the next couple of hours at this elevation could prove to be a challenge, but is filled with adventure and an adrenaline rush is guaranteed.
After crossing back over the high meadows, we make our way to Nayata through oakwoods, with peeking views of Mt. Bandarpoonch and Gangotri in the background. The trail route via Barnala Tal takes us towards Nayata. A moderate descent from the lake, the 3 kms trail is lined with maple trees and dry, sparse vegetation all the way to the campsite, offering stunning views of the sun setting over the mountains. We spend the remaining time at Nayata commemorating and sharing our experiences in the company of stars before calling it a night.
Nayata (2,697M) to Raithal (2,100M). Drive to Dehradun
Distance: 4 km +192 kms
Time: 3.5 hours trek + 8 hour drive
We make our descent from Nayata back towards the village of Raithal today. Approximately 4 kms down through maple and oakwood trees; the forest turns moderately steep. Rhododendrons can be found aplenty on this path. We have our day’s packed lunch midway through our stride down to Raithal. The village landscape appears in the foreground from the forest, within an hour into the trail. The trail ends near GMVN cottage adjacent to a village cafe in Raithal, marking the completion of the trek. We can all now proudly say that we have completed the trek to Dayara Top - an adventure of a lifetime!
The drive back to the nearest city of Dehradun takes about 8 hours. If you have booked your trip back to Dehradun with Bikat, we leave by 1 pm to reach the city by evening. Kindly book your accommodations and travel ahead accordingly. Should you require any assistance with the same, please feel free to get in touch.
While the network coverage is minimal around Raithal village, a few points in Chilapada camp do get minimal range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pick your question
Age limit: What is the minimum & maximum age limit?
The minimum age limit is 9 years. However, minors aged between 9 to 17 should be accompanied with their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
Eligibility: Is this trek good for me?
Anyone who is new to the trekking and wants to venture into the experience should begin with this trek. This is a perfect trek for the people who want to peek into the world of great Himalayan treks. The trek provides a first-hand experience of mountain trekking and camping in the wilderness.
Eligibility: Experience required
Since it is a beginner’s trek, you need no special prior experience. Although one is required to have mental preparedness and stamina before he/she begins the trek. Running exercise is recommended.
About the activity: Why should I go for this trek?
Dayara Bugyal Trek
The Dayara Bugyal trek is a beautiful trek to a high altitude meadow. The maximum altitude gained during Dayara Bugyal trek is 3750 m. The trail of this trek is very easy to cover and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas all around. Once you reach the bugyal, you can only see a sheet of white snow covering the entire expanse of the bugyal. The snow sparkles like tiny crystals. During the winters one can expect knee-deep snow on the trail. The dense forest cover on the trail is another major attraction of this trek. If you are looking for a different kind of trek where you have a chance to romance nature and get away from the humdrum of the city lives, then Dayara Bugyal trek should be your next choice.Best Season: What are the best months to visit this trek?
Dayara Bugyal trek best time is from December to March when the meadows are fully covered with snow.
Packing List: What to pack
Here is your checklist for this trek. Make sure you pack all these items for a comfortable trekking experience.
- Trekking Gear
- A rucksack with rain cover
- A water bottle or a hydration pack
- A Hand/Head Torch with spare batteries
- UV protection Sunglasses
- Clothing
- Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants- 1
- Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts- 1 or max 2
- Thermal Bodywarmer Upper & Lower- 1
- Fleece jacket- 1
- Full sleeves sweater- 1
- Rainwear (Jacket & Pants) -1
- Woolen sock - 1 pair
- Cotton Socks- 1 or 2 pairs
- Undergarments - 1 for every day 3 days of trekking
- Pair of Warm Gloves - 1
- Woolen cap - 1
- Sun cap or Biker Scarf for protection from sun- 1
- Footwear
- Non-skid deep trod hiking shoes (Preferably ankle high) - 1 pair
- Lightweight Slipper/Sandals - 1 pair
- Toiletries
- Sunscreen lotion, lip balm, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, toilet roll, cold cream, small towel.
- Anti-fungal cream: Carry an antifungal cream if you are sensitive to sweating and prone to skin irritations around genitals or groin area due to lack of bathing.
- For women:
- Tampons or sanitary napkins,
- 2-3 zip pouches to dispose of non-biodegradable waste
- Vaginal wash to avoid any irritation due to lack of bathing.
- Utensils
- A small size, lightweight, leak-proof lunch box - preferably aluminum
- A plate and a spoon
- A mug - preferably aluminum
- Miscellaneous
- Camera (optional)
- Personal medicine kit. Though our trek leaders carry a fully equipped first-aid kit, make sure you consult your doctor before the trek in case you have any special ailment.
- Epi-Pen - If you are allergic to a common ingredient and have a history of reaction, then please inform us. Carrying an EpiPen helps in case of any accidental intakes.
- Dry fruits, energy bars
Connectivity: How to Reach the base of the trek & how to go back from the end point?
You will be taken to Barsu, base camp of the trek from Uttarkashi by a car ride. If you choose to opt for transport with us on the return journey, you will be picked from Raithal, which is the end point of the trek and dropped at Dehradun.
Nearby attraction: What are the nearby attractions that I can explore?
Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in Uttarkashi
Accommodation: What will be the accommodation type in this trek?
Camping
Equipment and facilities: What kind of tents and sleeping bags will be provided to us?
We use four-season tents and the sleeping bags we use are rated from -15 to -20 degree celcius.
Weather conditions: What will the temperatures be like during this trek?
In winter Months: 0 to -10 degrees in the nights & 5 to 15 degrees in the day. In summer Months: 5 to -2 degrees in the nights & 10 to 25 degrees in the day.
Miscellaneous : Who will lead us on the trek?
A trek leader will be assigned to your trek.
Miscellaneous : Is it safe for a solo woman traveller to trek in Fixed departures?
Yes, it completely safe.
Transport: In case we opt for the transport with you, where will you pick us from and where will you drop?
You can opt for our transport from Dehradun to Dehradun. Public transport options are very limited and time taking.
Mandatory documents: What are the mandatory documents required for the trek?
NA
Weather conditions: When will there be snow on this trek?
From December to March Dayara Bugyal is fully covered with snow.
Eligibility: Fitness benchmark
1. Jog/Run for 3 Kms in 30 mins and
2. Hold your breath for 20 seconds
If you are not meeting these benchmarks, please use the preparation schedule to improve your fitness till you achieve the above benchmarks.
Eligibility: Requisite Skills
1. How to choose a right rucksack: It is essential that you choose a right rucksack for the trek since you are going to carry it all the time while trekking. Make sure you don’t make these common mistakes while buying a rucksack.
2. How to pack a rucksack: Trekking in mountains become more fun when your rucksack is well-organized. It also makes it easier for you to carry without being much load on your shoulders. Follow the guidelines on how to pack a rucksack.
Packing List: How should I pack my rucksack?
Packing List: How should I select my trekking shoe?
Connectivity: What is the cellular network connectivity for this trek?
All major networks are available till Uttarkashi.
Equipment and facilities: What equipment can I rent from you?
You can rent most of the trekking equipment from us. Please visit: http://rent.bikatadventures.com
Why Bikat
Why Bikat
Learning Experience
- We are an Adventure Learning Organisation first.
- We want you to not just complete a trek safely but also pick up some basic trekking knowledge and skills along the way.
- To achieve this we have integrated learning modules into our itineraries.
- These modules will help you build the necessary skills to progress from trekking to mountaineering over time.
Loyality Programs
Our community is an integral part of us and we take pride in our trekkers and climbers. When you complete at least three days on any trek or expedition with us, you become eligible for our membership and referral programs.
- Currently we have three levels:
- Basic Membership
- Summiteer Membership
- Leader Membership
Personalized Attention
- Our group sizes on treks don’t exceed 15 members in order to maintain a healthy Participants : Leader Ratio of 8:1.
- Over time we have found this number to be optimum when it comes to ensuring personalised attention to every member of our group.
- On mountaineering expeditions this number is even smaller. Our group sizes are capped at 12 members ensuring a Participants : HAP Ratio of 2:1.
Best Expedition Leaders
- Our Expedition leaders are advanced mountaineering course qualified, specially trained in rescue procedures from NIM and certified first-aid responders.
- Even our local guides are certified first-aid responders.
Eco-friendly Practices
- Group sizes are capped at 15 people.
- Batch sizes are capped at 250 people per trail per season.
- We follow a rolling campsite model.
- We are constantly exploring and introducing new trails to reduce the burden on existing ones.
Safety
For us, a successful summit is not about reaching the highest point of a mountain but about making it safely back to base.
- To ensure this:
- Every region of ours is mapped with an emergency evacuation plan.
- The equipment we use is UIAA certified.
- Our trek leaders are AMC certified with specialisation in rescue procedures.
- Our support staffs are trained in first aid as well.
Reviews
What's Included
Whats Included
- Food as per menu .Dinner on Day 1 till lunch on Day 5.
- Forest Permits/Camping Charges, if any (upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- Tents, Sleeping bags, Sleeping mats
- Safety Equipment includes static rescue rope, seat harness, carabiners, pulleys
- Trek guide, cook, helpers, and porters for carrying common supplies
- Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with Wilderness Emergency Responder & Rescue. course from NIM Uttarkashi
- 1 night stay in Raithal in Hotel / Guest house
Whats Not Included?
- Portage of personal bags during the trek
- Cost of any kind of Travel Insurance.
- Any Expense of personal nature.
- Any Expense not specified in the inclusions list
- Meals during road journeys
- Transportation from Dehradun to Raithal and back to Dehradun.
Cancellation Policy
Cash Refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
5% Deduction
Between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure
50%
deduction
Less than 15 days of departure
No Cash Refund
Voucher Refund
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
No Deduction
Cancellations less than 5 days prior to departure
No Refund
Please note
- Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers.
- This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.
Blog Posts
Trailcraft Basics : Ascending and Descending on Trail and Snow
Sarthak Madan 22 November 2018
Ascending and Descending on Trails
It is critical to understand the concepts of ascending and descending on varied terrain. This lowers the risks of falls, stumbles, strain, and sprains along with conservi
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