BHPian sana4147 recently shared this with other enthusiasts: Dayara Bugyal trek is a scenic and beginner-friendly Himalayan trek in Uttarakhand, known for its vast meadows, alpine forests, and stunning mountain views. The trek is conducted by a number of trekking/ mountaineering organisations operating from Dehradun and typically spans 3 to 4 days. I had had some trekking experiences earlier during my school days in Dehradun and had also done a course at Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling during my naval career. The fact that these experiences were years ago, I chose the Himalayan Dream Treks as they specialise in small teams and bespoke schedules. As it turned out we were only three members during the trek; I a naval veteran, the others were Shrikant a retired IRTS officer and Shantanu a Corporate Finance Advisor with an Indian business house, but both avid trekkers with humongous Himalayan experience. In the morning of 02 Nov 25, we individually assembled at the designated location ie Prince Chowk, Dehradun. A company’s Ertiga car awaited us there and after loading our backpacks and trekking gear we departed sharp at 7.30 AM for the historic Raithal village in Uttarkashi Distt. This seven hour pleasant drive that included halts for breakfast and lunch, took us thru the verdant hills and valleys of Barlowgunj, Suwakholi, Rotu ki Beli, Moryana Top also called Tingling Point (one gets spectacular views of the high snow ranges from here), Chinyalisaur, Dharasu Bend and Uttarkashi to Bhatwari. Short of Chinyalisaur one gets a breath taking view of the Tehri Lake reservoir. This road then winds along the pristine banks of the holy Bhagirathi all the way upto Gangotri, one of the popular and holy Char Dham shrines. Raithal village is located at 7000 ft on the Western massif above Bhatwari town which is 70 Km short of Gangotri shrine. The village itself predates many centuries, has some well preserved legacy buildings, an old temple for Durga Mata and Sameshwar Devata and few shops. The local population counting only a few thousands is very polite and friendly. Given the status of Goat village a number of home stays are available for tourists. On arrival at Raithal we were greeted by Shri Anand Singh Chauhan our assigned Trek Leader cum Guide who made us comfortable in the GMVN Guest House. The rooms were spartan yet clean and after freshening up we downed some very welcome cups of hot tea and biscuits. Our guide Anand then took us for a walk around the village, an essential activity towards the first stage acclimatisation. It was indeed intriguing to see and climb into a 500 year old house “Panch Pura” that’s completely constructed with Deodar wood. All three of constructed with Deodar wood. 500 Year Old Structure House “Panch Pura”Bhagwati Jagdamba Temple, Raithal All three of us also paid obisience to the village dieties seeking blessings for the success of our purposeful visit. Later at night, post dinner that comprised simple yet appetising Dal, Sabzi, Rice and Roti we had fitful sleep in anticipation of the upcoming trek the next Day. The trek route from Raithal via Gui to Dayara Bugyal involves forest trails through Pine, Oak, Maple, Spruce and Rhododendron forests, gradually opening into expansive grasslands or “bugyals” (as these are called in Garhwali) at an altitude of over 12,000 feet. Maple and Oak Trees 03 Nov 25 Raithal – Gui (5 Km) Our first day’s trek from Raithal started after a hearty breakfast at 9 AM and took us to Gui, a small seasonal cattle herding hamlet at an elevation of 9500 ft. The well maintained track is about 5 km long but stony and steep, and it took us almost five hours to reach Gui. The slow continuous climb did test our strength and stamina as we were getting used to these heights. Stone Paved Path Gui located at 9500 ft is a small meadow that provides splendid views of Bandar Poonch, Srikanth, Gangotri Mastiffs and Draupadi ka Danda peaks. View of Mountain Ranges A small pond called Gui Tal exists here, it freezes during the fierce winters. We spotted many Ravens, Verigated Laughing Thrushes and also a clutch of small ducks in Gui Tal. Gui Campsite Since we were keen to camp out in the open a Three Man Tent was pitched for us at a suitable flat area of the meadow. All meals, tea etc were provided by the local Chhang kitchen, these were simple yet hot and nourishing. The absence of any glow or back-scatter of city/ town lights, Gui camp with it’s clear night skies provided excellent stargazing opportunities. It was such a pleasure identifying the heavenly bodies; Shantanu my keen corporate friend additionally had an app installed in his mobile that perfectly charts the night sky for the enthusiast. Among constellations Cygnus, Pegasus, Cassiopian Chair, Ursa Major and the Orion with their attendant stars such as Dubhe, Deneb, Vega, Arcturus, Polaris, Betelgeuse, Bellatrix, Rigel, Aldebran and Procyon and many more were identified along with the planets Jupiter, Mars and Saturn. Feeling happy and content with the retention of the celestial knowledge imparted early during my sea career, it was time to rest and recoup from the rigours of the first day’s climb. So we left the distant twinklers to continue their shimmering celestial journeys towards the West and settled into our tent for the night. It wasn’t long before we ensconced ourselves into our clean and comfortable sleeping bags and the excitement of summiting Dayara the next day slowly lulled us into sleep. Alpenglow View from Gui Campsite04 Nov 2025 Gui – Dayara – Gui (14 Km)The trek from Gui up to Dayara is a steep climb that passes thru thick resplendent forests of Rhododendron, Oak and Maple that slowly give way to shrubs and bushes above the Tree Line, and finally the grasslands as one reaches the alpine mountain top. This second day climb though steeper and at some places precarious due to land slides seemed a tad bit easier, and that was possibly due to our longer acclimatisation and our bodies getting used to these heights. The Dayara Bugyal itself is a large meadow measuring about 28 Sq Km with elevations varying from 11800 ft to 12400 ft (highest at Bakariya Top). The vast alpine grassland is surrounded by Himalayan vistas, known for its sprawling greenery in summer and snow cover in winter. Trekkers are rewarded with panoramic views of prominent Himalayan peaks like Bandarpoonch, Srikanth, Jaonli, Draupadi ka Danda and the Gangotri ranges. The trek is accessible throughout the year, with each season offering a unique experience: blooming Rhododendrons in spring, lush green meadows in summer, vibrant orange foliage in autumn (that we witnessed), and snow-covered wonders in winter. We trekked for about three hours at the Bugyal, resting for a while before summiting the Dayara Top, in the process we met a few groups of trekkers, exchanged greetings and our experiences. After a hearty lunch comprising veg pulao (we had carried it with us from Gui camp), at about 3 PM we started our descent and tracing our route back, returned to Gui just before sun down. The organisers have a way of making you feel elated and happy having achieved the toughest part of the adventure activity; that night the Chhang kitchen at Gui served us Chinese meals comprising noodles, fried rice, veg manchurian and even freshly made gulab jamuns.05 Nov 25 Gui – Raithal – Dehradun (5 km Trek, 198 Km by Road)This was the final day of the expedition and we started early for our descent back to Raithal. Being a steep slope track it was very helpful to have Trekking Poles (advisable to have two per person) as these greatly help reduce pressure on one’s knees and toes during the descent. We arrived Raithal just past noon and after a very refreshing quick shower at the GMVN Guest House, commenced the car journey back to Dehradun, returning home by 9 PM. Very happy to have accomplished successfully what I had set out to do, I also made two very good friends for life. In conclusion, the Dayara Bugyal Trek apart from testing one’s stamina and strength, allows opportunities for stargazing with telescopes and wildlife spotting; we were lucky to have spotted the Himalayan Red Fox in the bugyal, a very shy creature that is sighted rather rarely. The Dayara Bugyal Trek is suitable for beginners and families, requiring little more than basic fitness and stamina. It offers an idyllic alpine experience with serene nature, bird watching, flora and fauna, and the peaceful ambience of camping under the stars, making it a memorable high Himalayan adventure for novices and seasoned trekkers alike. It is also possible to complete the essential trek in one day from the nearby villages, but camping by night enhances the experience of making you one with nature and the high mountains, as well as, the joyful immersion in natural beauty and Himalayan culture and hospitality of the very warm and welcoming hill-folk who dwell in the upper reaches of our country, not to say that squeezing about 20-22 Km in a single day at higher altitudes would indeed be very very demanding, nevertheless some attempt and do it.Planning Tips-Expenses:The organised treks can cost from about Rs 8500/- to Rs 12000/- per person depending on the number of days and the organiser one chooses for the trek. The cost includes pick up and drop from/ to Dehradun. One must remember to carry some cash for any extra requirements, tips etc. UPI payments are possible at most places upto Dayara as mobile coverage is available extensively if not throughout.Trek Organisers:The popular trek organisers are Himalayan Dream Treks, India Hikes and Trek The Himalayas besides others. All these are very professionally managed and require one to have a fitness certificate from a recognised medical practitioner. The organisers also assist in obtaining a mandatory yet inexpensive Trek Insurance.What to Carry?Websites of all organisers carry adequate advice on how to prepare for the trek and what to carry. Few practical recommendations are to take some dry fruit, candies, chocolates and definitely some namkeens, this last item indeed enhances the flavour of the wholesome, nutritious though sometimes bland meals.Medicines:Although the Trek Guide is adequately equipped for providing first aid, it is most advisable to take along one’s regular medication if any, and some regular muscle relaxants and tablets for fever/ cold besides a crepe bandage and some Band Aids. Any regular nasal spray would come in handy too. Do carry, your goggles, Sun block creams, moisturisers and chapsticks. Wearing Knee Caps greatly reduces climbing and descending stresses. Finally, the Dayara Bugyal Trek is an easily accessible adventure activity in the high Himalayas that indeed is an extremely exhilarating and wonderful experience, every worth being in every nature lover’s bucket list. The superb experience and sheer joy of being one with the high Himalayas indeed provides a great sense of achievement, euphoria and ebullience. May You Climb From Peak to Peak… Best Wishes Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.
