The short version
- 15 days, about 22–24 km on foot, topping out at 3,658m. Rated Hard on Trail to Tides.
- 2Best in May–Jun, Sep–Nov.
- 3Starts from Raithal, reached via Dehradun.
- 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 ₹7,000 to ₹10,500 per person; 3 listed, 2 verified.
The trek
Overview
Dayara Bugyal is one of the widest high-altitude meadows in the Garhwal Himalaya — a grassland plateau so vast you can see the horizon curve, with unobstructed 360° views of Bandarpunch, Srikanth and the Gangotri group. The approach from Raithal through forest is equally beautiful, and every season is a different world: amber and rust in October, under snow by December.
Right for you if
- First-time trekker: wide meadows, a well-marked trail, nothing technical
- You can walk 4–5 hours a day with a daypack
- Tent camping is fine: nights near or below freezing
- You can take 5 days off, Dehradun to Dehradun
Think twice if
- You want solitude: it's one of Uttarakhand's busiest beginner treks
- Long drives make you sick: Dehradun to Raithal is 6–7 hours each way
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
Dehradun
Nearest airport
Dehradun (Jolly Grant)
Nearest railway
Dehradun
By road
Dehradun to Raithal via Uttarkashi, about 180 km and 7 to 8 hours
Most operators run a shared pickup from Dehradun 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: 12 km with about 1,560 m of climbing. The biggest day is day 1, climbing 810 m. Operators vary it a little.
- Day1
Raithal → Gui
Up from Raithal village through oak and maple to a forest clearing
4.4 km810 m0 msleep at 2,961 m
- Day2
Gui → Dayara Bugyal
Out of the trees onto the rolling meadow, Bandarpoonch and Srikanth on the skyline
7.8 km740 m190 msleep at 3,503 m
- Day3
Rest day at Dayara Bugyal
A day on the meadows: walk up towards Bakaria Top for the views
- Day4
Dayara Bugyal → Raithal
Down the way you came
12.2 km190 m1,550 msleep at 2,132 m
Altitude
Altitude and acclimatisation
Start
2,132 m
Highest night
3,503 m
Highest point
3,650 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 Dayara 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 ₹7,000 to ₹10,500 per person. Prices usually cover the trek from the roadhead; check transport, permits and offloading.
- Indiahikes4.8₹7,000
- Trekup India4.3₹7,000
- Trek The Himalayas4.7₹10,500
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 Dayara 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 3,658m, so pace and acclimatisation matter as much as fitness.
When is the best time for the Dayara Bugyal Trek?
May–Jun, Sep–Nov. 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 Dayara Bugyal Trek take?
5 days including travel to and from the trailhead, with 3 walking days. Add a buffer day for weather or road delays.
How do I reach the Dayara Bugyal Trek?
Most groups meet in Dehradun. Nearest airport: Dehradun (Jolly Grant). Nearest railway: Dehradun. Dehradun to Raithal via Uttarkashi, about 180 km and 7 to 8 hours.
How much does the Dayara Bugyal Trek cost?
Listed operators charge from ₹7,000 to ₹10,500 per person. Check what's included: transport, permits, meals, tents and offloading vary.
Do I need a permit for the Dayara 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.