Dayara Bugyal
Vast Alpine Meadow at 3,408m — One of Uttarakhand's Most Beautiful Bugyals
Travel Guide
Everything You Need to Know About Dayara Bugyal
Overview
Dayara Bugyal is one of the most breathtaking alpine meadows (bugyals) in the Garhwal Himalayas, sitting at 3,408 metres above sea level in Uttarkashi district. Stretching across an area of roughly 28 square kilometres, this high-altitude grassland offers 360-degree panoramic views of the Gangotri and Kedarnath groups of peaks — including Bandarpunch (6,316m), Kala Nag (6,387m), Srikanth (6,133m), and Draupadi Ka Danda.
The name "Dayara" comes from the local Garhwali word for a large, flat alpine meadow, and the bugyal absolutely lives up to it — vast rolling hills of green grass in summer give way to a snow-covered wonderland in winter, making Dayara Bugyal one of the few treks in Uttarakhand that is rewarding in every season.
The trek begins from Barsu or Raithal village (2,400m) in Uttarkashi district and ascends through dense oak and rhododendron forests before emerging into the open meadow. The distance from base to the meadow is roughly 9km, making it a comfortable day trek or a leisurely overnight expedition. In winter (December–February), the meadow transforms into a ski terrain and is used for a grassroots skiing program for local youth.
How to Reach Dayara Bugyal
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (170km to Uttarkashi, 5.5 hours). Taxis available from airport.
By Rail
Dehradun Railway Station. From Dehradun take bus/taxi to Uttarkashi (135km, 4.5 hrs), then shared jeep to Barsu/Raithal (20km, 45 min).
By Road
Delhi to Uttarkashi via Rishikesh (420km, 10 hrs), then Uttarkashi to Barsu (20km, 45 min). Direct buses from Delhi to Uttarkashi from ISBT Kashmiri Gate.
Local Transport
Trek on foot from Barsu or Raithal village. Local guides available at the village (₹600–₹800/day). Mules for luggage ₹800/day.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (April–June) offers lush green meadows and rhododendron blooms. Post-monsoon (October–November) gives crystal-clear skies and snow on surrounding peaks. Winter (December–February) transforms the meadow into a ski field — one of Uttarakhand's best kept secrets.
Best Open Closed
Distance from Major Cities
Why Visit Dayara Bugyal?
- Panoramic views of Bandarpunch, Kala Nag, Srikanth, and Gangotri range peaks
- 28 sq km of rolling alpine meadow — one of the largest bugyals in Garhwal
- Winter skiing on natural snow — a unique grassroots skiing experience
- Rhododendron and oak forest trail from Barsu village
- Nearby Dodital Lake (a longer extension) — home to the rare golden mahseer fish
- Uttarkashi town base — access to Gangotri and other Uttarkashi treks
- Completely uncrowded compared to most Himalayan treks
Sample Itinerary
3-Day Dayara Bugyal Plan
A suggested itinerary — customise with AI for your dates and preferences
Delhi → Uttarkashi
- Overnight bus from Delhi to Uttarkashi (10 hours)
- Arrive morning, rest and acclimatise
- Explore Uttarkashi town and Vishwanath temple
- Evening briefing with trek guide
Uttarkashi → Barsu → Dayara Bugyal
- Drive to Barsu village (20km, 45 min)
- Trek: Barsu → Dayara Bugyal (9km, 3.5 hours through oak-rhododendron forest)
- Explore the vast meadow and photograph peaks
- Camp overnight or descend to Barsu
Dayara Bugyal Sunrise → Uttarkashi → Dehradun
- Pre-dawn walk for sunrise over Bandarpunch
- Descend to Barsu (2.5 hours)
- Drive to Uttarkashi then Dehradun/Rishikesh
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Cost Breakdown
Dayara Bugyal Trip Cost Per Person
Transparent budget guide for every type of traveller — from budget pilgrim to luxury helicopter yatra.
₹3,500–₹5,000
per person (5-day trip)
- Bus Delhi–Uttarkashi
- Basic guesthouse in Uttarkashi and Barsu
- Self-guided trek
- Simple meals
₹8,000–₹14,000
per person (5-day trip)
- Private cab from Dehradun
- Hotel in Uttarkashi
- Licensed guide + meals
- Overnight camping at meadow with tent and sleeping bag
₹20,000–₹35,000
per person (5-day trip)
- Private vehicle from Delhi
- Resort stay in Uttarkashi
- Experienced mountain guide
- Full camping setup with meals, bonfire, and porters
Dayara Bugyal requires no entry permits. Camping gear can be rented in Uttarkashi (₹500–₹800/day for tent + sleeping bag).
Live Updates
Travel Alerts for Dayara Bugyal
Current Status
Route Status
Open — quiet
Best time: April to June & October to December
Latest Alerts
Where to Stay
Hotels & Accommodation in Dayara Bugyal
Handpicked stays — from budget dharamshalas to comfortable mountain hotels
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Live Conditions
Current Weather at Dayara Bugyal
Live temperature and wind data from Open-Meteo — updated hourly
☀️ Peak Season
May–June & Sep–Oct
8–18°C day / -2 to 5°C night
Best for pilgrimage and trekking. Clear skies, stable weather.
🌧️ Monsoon
July–August
12–20°C day / 5–10°C night
Heavy rainfall. Landslide risk on mountain roads. Check advisories.
❄️ Winter
Nov–April
-10 to 5°C day / below -15°C night
Temple/destination closed. Heavy snowfall. Not recommended.
Tips & Precautions
Travel Tips for Dayara Bugyal
Travel Tips
- Start the trek early morning from Barsu — meadow views are best before afternoon clouds roll in.
- Carry warm layers even in summer — temperature at the meadow drops sharply after 3pm.
- The winter (Dec–Feb) visit requires snowshoes or crampons and proper snow clothing.
- Overnight camping at the meadow is the best way to see the sunrise over Bandarpunch.
- Hire a local guide from Barsu — they double as porters and know the terrain intimately.
- Combine with a Gangotri Yatra — Uttarkashi is en route and both can be done in one trip.
Packing List
- Down sleeping bag (for overnight)
- Trekking poles
- Warm layers (fleece + hardshell)
- Waterproof trekking boots
- Crampons in winter
- Sunscreen SPF50+
- Camera/binoculars for peak views
- Rain cover for bag
Health Precautions
- Altitude at meadow is 3,408m — mild AMS possible; acclimatise in Uttarkashi.
- Carry basic first aid including Diamox.
- Stay well-hydrated — high altitude combined with cold air dehydrates quickly.
Safety Tips
- Meadow can be disorienting in cloud/fog — keep GPS track active.
- In winter, avalanche risk on steeper sections — trek with a guide only.
- Mobile network is absent from Barsu onwards.
Frequently Asked
Dayara Bugyal Travel FAQs
Everything travellers ask before visiting Dayara Bugyal
Yes — Dayara Bugyal is one of the best beginner treks in Uttarakhand. The trail is well-defined, the altitude gain is gradual, and the 9km distance is manageable for any reasonably fit person. Families with older children (12+) also enjoy this trek.
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