Dayara Bugyal
A rolling high meadow above Uttarkashi with Bandarpoonch on the horizon
Overview
Dayara Bugyal is a broad, open grassland at 11,000 ft above the Bhagirathi valley in Uttarkashi. From the roadhead at Raithal, the trail climbs steadily through oak and maple to the Gui campsite, then opens out onto the meadow itself with an uninterrupted view of the Bandarpoonch, Srikanth and Draupadi ka Danda peaks. Because gradients are gentle and the highest camp sits comfortably below acclimatisation trouble, Dayara works for a first alpine trek, a shoulder-season winter outing, or a family group.
- One of India's widest alpine meadows — 28 sq km of open bugyal
- Runs all four seasons — snow in winter, wildflowers in monsoon
- Camp at Gui and Chilapada under Bandarpoonch and Srikanth
- Short trek suited to families and first-time high-altitude trekkers
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Dehradun → Raithal (2,350 m)
7 hr drive through Uttarkashi. Overnight in a village guesthouse in Raithal.
- 2
Raithal → Gui campsite (3,050 m)
5 hr climb through oak and rhododendron to the Gui meadow. First glimpse of Bandarpoonch at sunset.
- 3
Gui → Dayara top (3,600 m) → Chilapada
Cross the main Dayara meadow, tag the top for a full 180° range view, and drop to Chilapada camp.
- 4
Chilapada → Barsu → Dehradun
3 hr descent to Barsu village and drive back to Dehradun. Arrive by late evening.
- 5
Buffer
Reserve day used only if weather delays the descent.
Elevation profile
Peaks at 11,810 ftIndicative profile — actual daily gain depends on weather and acclimatization pace.
What's included
- Dehradun to Dehradun transport
- 4 nights accommodation (1 guesthouse + 3 alpine camp)
- All meals on trek
- Certified trek leader and local Garhwali guide
- Forest and camping permits
- Medical kit with oximeter and portable oxygen
Not included
- Personal trekking gear (rentals available in Dehradun)
- Meals during transit
- Anything not listed under inclusions
How to reach Raithal
Your base for this trek. Common pickup on Day 1 morning; drop-off on the last day evening.
- Airport — Jolly Grant (DED)
- Railhead — Dehradun (DDN)
- Road — 7 hr / 180 km from Dehradun. Shared Tempo Traveller included in the trek price.
Things to carry
The honest list — 8 kg on your back is plenty for this trek. Winter trek: pack for −15 °C at camp.
- 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 Dayara Bugyal
The ones our trek leads get asked most.
- Yes — we accept trekkers 10 years and above with a parent or guardian. The gentle profile makes it our top pick for family groups.