The short version
- 16 days, about 31 km on foot, topping out at 3,826m. Rated Hard on Trail to Tides.
- 2Best in May–Jun, Sep–Oct.
- 3Starts from Lohajung, reached via Kathgodam.
- 4One night gains more than 500 m above 3,000 m. That's common on Himalayan treks, but it's where altitude sickness tends to show up: go slowly the day before and drink well.
- 5Operators charge ₹8,950 to ₹11,950 per person; 3 listed, 2 verified.
The trek
Overview
Ali and Bedni Bugyal are two of the most expansive alpine meadows in the Himalayas, above Lohajung in Uttarakhand. The trail winds through dense oak and rhododendron forest before opening suddenly onto vast grasslands — one of the most dramatic moments in Himalayan trekking — with panoramic views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. In spring the meadows blaze with rhododendron; in autumn they turn gold.
Right for you if
- You can walk 5–6 hours on steady climbs with a daypack
- Tent camping is fine: there are no lodges, and nights are near freezing even in summer
- You want huge meadows facing Trishul and Nanda Ghunti, without crowds
- First Himalayan trek: no technical terrain
Think twice if
- Leeches put you off: the forest sections have them in May–Jun
- Long drives wreck you: Kathgodam to Lohajung is 10–11 hours each way
- Your knees hate long descents: the way down through the forest is steep
Season
When to go
Spring: longer days and rhododendrons lower down. Snow can linger on high ground into May, and afternoons often bring cloud or a shower.
June: warm days and snowmelt streams running high in the afternoons. The monsoon can arrive in the second half of the month.
Autumn: the clearest skies and steadiest weather of the year. Nights get cold quickly from October, and early snow is possible in November.
More on the Himalayan seasons: When to go.
Travel
Getting there
Meet in
Kathgodam
Nearest airport
Pantnagar, or Delhi then train
Nearest railway
Kathgodam
By road
Kathgodam to Lohajung, about 10 to 11 hours
Most operators run a shared pickup from Kathgodam early on day one. Arrive the evening before so a late train or flight doesn't cost you the trek, and keep a buffer day at the end: mountain roads close for landslides and snow. Travel times are approximate.
Itinerary
Day by day
A typical plan, measured along the mapped trail: 28 km with about 2,190 m of climbing. The biggest day is day 2, climbing 1,010 m. Operators vary it a little.
- Day1
Lohajung → Didna
Down to the Neel Ganga and a steep climb through forest to Didna village
7.7 km630 m470 msleep at 2,459 m
- Day2
Didna → Ali Bugyal
Up through oak forest onto the open grass of Ali Bugyal
6.2 km1,010 m140 msleep at 3,502 m
- Day3
Ali Bugyal → Bedni Bugyal
Along the meadow ridge with Trishul and Nanda Ghunti in front of you
≈3.9 km270 m180 msleep at 3,501 m
- Day4
Bedni Bugyal → Wan
Down through forest to Wan village and the road
10.6 km280 m1,270 msleep at 2,454 m
Altitude
Altitude and acclimatisation
Start
2,335 m
Highest night
3,502 m
Highest point
3,624 m
Know the warning signs before you go: Altitude sickness.
Fitness
How fit you need to be
Rated Hard. A fair benchmark before you go: jog 5 km in about 35 minutes, and manage a 4 to 5 hour hill walk with a pack.
What this trek asks of you, on the ACE scale from 0 to 5:
Take the Matchmaker to compare yourself against these scores, and use the 8-week plan to close any gaps. How ACE works.
Paperwork
Permits and paperwork
- Forest department permits for treks inside sanctuaries and national parks. Operators normally arrange them; carry original photo ID.
- Carry original government photo ID and a few photocopies.
- Rules and fees change. Ask your operator what's included and what you need to bring, two weeks before you go.
More detail: Permits and documents.
Kit
What to pack
For Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek in particular, on top of the standard layers:
- A warm down or synthetic jacket for nights near or below freezing
- Broken-in trekking shoes with ankle support, trekking poles, and a 25 to 35 litre daypack with a rain cover
The full list and how to layer: What to pack. The trek page has a tick-off checklist for this trek.
Safety
Safety on this trek
- Altitude is the main risk. Don't go higher with symptoms; descend if they get worse.
- Stay between the leader and the sweep, and respect the turnaround time on summit or pass days.
- Signal is scarce beyond the roadhead. Share your itinerary and your operator's emergency number with someone at home.
See also Trail craft and Insurance and emergencies.
Booking
Booking and cost
3 operators run this trek on Trail to Tides, from ₹8,950 to ₹11,950 per person. Prices usually cover the trek from the roadhead; check transport, permits and offloading.
- Trekup India4.3₹8,950
- Trek The Himalayas4.7₹9,800
- Indiahikes4.8₹11,950
What to ask before you pay: Choosing an operator.
Navigation
Offline map and GPX
Download the trail, with every overnight stop and its height, and load it on your phone before you lose signal.
Trail © OpenStreetMap contributors, via BRouter.
FAQ
Questions people ask
How difficult is the Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek?
It's rated Hard on Trail to Tides. A fair benchmark before you go: jog 5 km in about 35 minutes, and manage a 4 to 5 hour hill walk with a pack. The highest point is 3,826m, so pace and acclimatisation matter as much as fitness.
When is the best time for the Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek?
May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Spring: longer days and rhododendrons lower down. Snow can linger on high ground into May, and afternoons often bring cloud or a shower.
How many days does the Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek take?
6 days including travel to and from the trailhead, with 4 walking days. Add a buffer day for weather or road delays.
How do I reach the Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek?
Most groups meet in Kathgodam. Nearest airport: Pantnagar, or Delhi then train. Nearest railway: Kathgodam. Kathgodam to Lohajung, about 10 to 11 hours.
How much does the Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek cost?
Listed operators charge from ₹8,950 to ₹11,950 per person. Check what's included: transport, permits, meals, tents and offloading vary.
Do I need a permit for the Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek?
Forest department permits for treks inside sanctuaries and national parks. Operators normally arrange them; carry original photo ID.
This guide is built from Trail to Tides' trek data, mapped trails and operator listings, and checked by our team. Conditions change with weather and seasons: your trek leader's call on the day always comes first.