OVERVIEW
The Dayara Bugyal Trek is a stunning adventure in Uttarakhand, offering breathtaking views of peaks like Mt. Bandarpoonch and Mt. Black Peak. Located at 12,000 feet, this high-altitude meadow is lush with wildflowers in summer and blanketed with snow in winter.
Starting from the village of Raithal, about 180 km from Dehradun, the trek takes you through oak forests, clear streams, and charming villages. The trail is moderately difficult, making it suitable for all levels of trekkers. The meadows of Dayara Bugyal provide a perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature.
The best time to trek is from May to November, with spring and autumn offering the ideal conditions. Winter treks (December to February) offer a magical snowy experience. The Dayara Bugyal trek is a must for nature lovers and adventure seekers looking for a memorable Himalayan journey
DAY 1 DRIVE FROM DEHRADUN TO RAITHAL
Our journey begins early in the morning as we leave Dehradun and drive towards Raithal. The scenic drive along the Bhagirathi River offers stunning views, passing through Landour and Uttarkashi. We’ll stop at a local Pahadi Dhaba to savor a traditional Garhwali Thali. A highlight of the route is Moriana Top (Tingling Point), where we can catch breathtaking views of peaks like Bandarpunch, Black Peak, Srikanth, and Gangotri. On clear days, we might even spot the towering Chaukhamba or Nanda Devi. As we approach Chinyalisaur, the Tehri Dam reservoir comes into view. Continuing towards Uttarkashi, we can visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple and pick up any essentials, as this is the last place with an ATM. By evening, we’ll arrive in Raithal, enjoy a warm meal, and settle in for a restful night.
DAY 2 TREK FROM RAITHAL TO GUI CAMPSITE
After a filling breakfast, we’ll get ready to start our trek to Gui. The journey kicks off at the Dayara Bugyal entry point, where we can pause for a few photos before hitting the trail. Along the way, we’ll pass by the Nag Devta temple, a water source, and a sacred tree where locals and trekkers leave coins and other offerings. The 5-kilometer trek is fairly easy, taking us through dense, green forests rich in plant and animal life. In spring, the trail is especially beautiful, with rhododendrons blooming in vibrant colors. The path is easy to follow, and after a few hours, we’ll reach Gui. As the day winds down, we’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Srikanth and Gangotri Peaks from our campsite before settling in for the night.
DAY 3 TREK FROM GUI TO DAYARA TOP AND RETURN
Today, we set out on an exciting journey to Dayara Top, covering about 12 kilometers in total. The trek takes us past Chilapada, eventually leading us into the stunning alpine meadows of Dayara Bugyal. These expansive grasslands are a sight to behold, especially during the day when the views are simply breathtaking. After a final steep climb, we’ll reach Dayara Top, where we can take in panoramic views of the Bandarpunch, Kala Naag, Srikanth, and Gangotri ranges. The beauty of Dayara Bugyal changes with the seasons—lush and green with wildflowers in spring and summer, or blanketed in snow during the winter, making it perfect for snow trekking or skiing. In late June and during the monsoon, you’ll even see flocks of sheep grazing in the meadows. After soaking in the views at Dayara Top, we’ll head back to Gui for the night.
DAY 4 BACK FROM GUI TO RAITHAL AND DRIVE TO DEHRADUN
On our last day, we bid farewell to Gui and begin our descent towards Raithal. The 5-kilometer downhill trek takes about 2 to 3 hours, following the same forest trail we took earlier. Once we reach Raithal, we’ll take a short break before starting the drive back to Dehradun, which will take around 6 to 7 hours. This marks the end of our unforgettable adventure through the beautiful landscapes of the Dayara Bugyal trek.
