Overview
Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal are the twin high meadows that made the Roopkund trail famous. With Roopkund now closed to camping, Ali–Bedni has become the definitive Kumaon meadow trek — the same climb from Lohajung through Didna and Ali, the same open pastureland with Trishul (7,120 m) and Nanda Ghunti (6,309 m) directly overhead, and the same photogenic Bedni Kund lake. The trek runs at a moderate but honest pace: three walking days out, one summit day, two back.
- Two of Kumaon's largest bugyals in a single trek
- Camp with Trishul and Nanda Ghunti at eye level
- Alternative to the closed Roopkund trail
- Wildflower window in June and clear skies in October
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Kathgodam → Lohajung (2,320 m)
Long drive through Kausani and Gwaldam. Village lodge stay.
- 2
Lohajung → Didna village (2,440 m)
Drive to Kulling, then 4 hr climb through pine to Didna homestay.
- 3
Didna → Ali Bugyal → Bedni Bugyal camp (3,350 m)
6 hr walk through oak, then break out onto the Ali meadow. Continue to Bedni for the Trishul sunset.
- 4
Bedni acclimatisation walk / Patar Nachauni (3,660 m)
Short walk to the higher meadow with an option to touch the Patar Nachauni ridge if weather permits.
- 5
Bedni → Didna → Lohajung
Descent day back to Lohajung. Hot dinner at the guesthouse.
- 6
Lohajung → Kathgodam
Full-day return drive; arrive Kathgodam by evening for onward trains.
Elevation profile
Peaks at 11,500 ftIndicative profile — actual daily gain depends on weather and acclimatization pace.
What's included
- Kathgodam to Kathgodam transport
- 5 nights accommodation (2 lodge/homestay + 3 alpine camp)
- All meals on trek
- Certified IMF-registered trek leader plus local Kumaoni guide
- All permits and camping fees
- Medical kit with oximeter and portable oxygen
Not included
- Trains/flights to Kathgodam
- Personal trekking gear (rental available)
- Anything not listed under inclusions
How to reach Lohajung
Your base for this trek. Common pickup on Day 1 morning; drop-off on the last day evening.
- Airport — Pantnagar (PGH)
- Railhead — Kathgodam (KGM)
- Road — 10 hr / 210 km from Kathgodam. Shared Tempo Traveller included in the trek price.
Things to carry
The honest list — 8 kg on your back is plenty for this trek. Layers still matter — nights drop below 5 °C.
- Ankle-length waterproof trekking boots (worn in)
- Down or synthetic jacket rated to −10 °C
- Waterproof-breathable shell jacket
- Two full sets of thermal base layers
- Three pairs of merino or synthetic socks
- Insulated + liner gloves, wool cap, sun cap
- Category 3 UV sunglasses (Category 4 on snow above 4,000 m)
- One-litre insulated flask + one reusable water bottle
- Headlamp with fresh batteries
- Personal medication + basic strip (paracetamol, ORS, band-aids)
- Government photo ID (original)
- · Tents, sleeping bags and mats rated to trek altitude
- · Micro-spikes and gaiters on snow sections
- · Full medical kit with pulse oximeter and portable oxygen
Trekker reviews
Questions about Ali & Bedni Bugyal
The ones our trek leads get asked most.
- No. Roopkund lake is a protected site closed to camping since 2018. Our Ali–Bedni route stays on the meadows below and gives the same Trishul-facing camp.