Uttarakhand has two kinds of travelers. Those who come to...
Read MoreThe Twin Meadows of Garhwal: Ali & Bedni Bugyal Trek
The Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek in Uttarakhand is celebrated as one of the most scenic meadow treks in the Indian Himalayas. Spanning the twin high-altitude pastures of Ali and Bedni, this trail rewards trekkers with breathtaking 360-degree Himalayan panoramas, sacred high-altitude ponds like Bedni Kund, and close-up views of the Trishul massif.
With a comfortable maximum altitude of 12,550 ft, this is an ideal easy to moderate Himalayan trek for beginners, solo travellers and photography enthusiasts. At Hike in India, we conduct this trek in intimate, small batches with certified local leaders, ensuring personal attention, sustainable camping, and an authentic connection with local mountain culture.
STARTS WITH
8,500 / Person
Region
Chamoli (Uttarakhand)
Nearest Airport
Jolly Grant, Dehradun
Railway Station
Rishikesh
DRIVE
260 + 260 km
TREK DIFFICULTY
Easy to Moderate
Total Trek
27 km
Max. Altitude
12,550 ft.
Trek Duration
5 Nights & 6 Days
KEy Highlights
- 🌿 Vast Alpine Meadows
- 🏔️Rare, close-range Himalayan peak views
- 🌸 Rich Biodiversity
- 🏕️Serene, diverse campsites
- 🏡 Authentic Local Experience
- 💧 Neel Ganga River
- ✅Ideal for both beginners and experienced trekkers
Short Itinerary
✅ Day 1: Drive from Rishikesh to Lohajung (250 km, 10-11 hrs). Overnight stay.
✅ Day 2: Drive to Kulling (6 km) & trek to Didna Village (6-7 km, 4-5 hrs).
✅ Day 3: Trek to Aali Bugyal (8 km, 5-6 hrs).
✅ Day 4: Trek to Gairoli Patal via Bedni Bugyal (8 km, 6-7 hrs).
✅ Day 5: Trek to Wan Village (9 km, 4-5 hrs) & drive to Lohajung (15 km, 45 mins).
✅ Day 6: Drive from Lohajung to Rishikesh (250 km, 10-11 hrs)
Why choose Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek?
Among India’s many meadow treks, the Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek offers a truly unmatched experience. Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, this trek rewards hikers with stunning alpine landscapes, rich cultural history, and rare up-close views of towering Himalayan peaks.
Panoramic Himalayan Views
What sets this trek apart is the dramatic view of Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti. Unlike other trails where the peaks appear distant, here you get a full-frontal view of these snow giants rising 6,000-7,000 feet right before your eyes, a surreal and humbling sight.
Ali & Bedni Bugyal – The Soul of the Trek
The meadows of Ali Bugyal are lush, wide, and wind-swept, stretching as far as the eye can see. Many trekkers can’t resist the urge to walk barefoot on the soft grass. As you continue toward Bedni Bugyal, the scenery unfolds with a panoramic view of the western valley and a glimpse of the Chaukhamba range from Bedni Top.
Unique Campsite Experiences
From the peaceful setting of Abin Kharak to the forested charm of Ghairoli Patal and rustic vibe of Didna Village, each campsite adds character and contrast to your journey.
Cultural Encounters in Wan Village
As the trail winds down, you reach Wan Village, home to the sacred Latu Devta Temple, nestled among centuries-old cypress trees. This spot also plays a vital role in the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, a revered pilgrimage held every 12 years.
Crossing Neel Ganga – Twice the Beauty
Trekkers cross the Neel Ganga River twice – each crossing offering a unique landscape and vibe. These river encounters provide refreshing pauses between forest trails and open meadows.
Whether you’re a first-time trekker or a seasoned hiker, Ali Bedni Bugyal is a journey that leaves a lasting impression. From its magical meadows to snow-covered peaks and cultural richness, this trek is more than just a trail, it’s a story waiting to be lived.
Brief Itinerary
Distance: 250 km | Duration: 10 to 11 hours drive | Altitude: 1,220 ft to 7,600 ft
- Leave Rishikesh early morning and drive north along the Alaknanda river
- Pass through Devprayag, Rudraprayag and Karnaprayag, three of Garhwal’s five sacred river confluences
- Road climbs through pine and oak forest before dropping into Lohajung
- Lohajung sits face to face with Mt Nanda Ghunti; arrive before sunset for the best light on the peak
- Overnight in Lohajung
Distance: 6 km drive + 6 to 7 km trek | Duration: 4 to 5 hours trek | Altitude: 7,600 ft to 8,300 ft
- Short 6 km drive from Lohajung to Kulling, where the actual trekking begins
- Trail dips through oak and rhododendron forest before climbing into Didna village
- Didna is a small Garhwali village most road trips skip entirely, with terraced fields and slate-roofed houses
- A much slower pace of life than the base camp town you left in the morning
- Overnight at a homestay in Didna
Distance: 8 km | Duration: 5 to 6 hours | Altitude: 8,300 ft to 11,000 ft
- The toughest climbing day of the trek
- Trail leaves Didna’s forest cover and climbs steadily until the trees thin out
- Opens into Aali Bugyal, one of the largest alpine meadows in Asia
- First sight of the meadow after hours in the forest is a genuine stop-and-stare moment
- Camp for the night right on the meadow, legal again after eight years
Distance: 8 km | Duration: 6 to 7 hours | Altitude: 11,000 ft up to 12,500 ft, then down to 10,500 ft
- The highlight day of the trek
- Climb from Aali Bugyal toward Bedni Top, the highest point on this itinerary
- Drop into Bedni Bugyal meadow, home to Bedni Kund (a small glacial lake with local religious significance) and a Nanda Devi temple
- Closest views of Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti on the whole trek
- Long descent to Gairoli Patal, a forested campsite marking the start of the return leg
- Overnight camp at Gairoli Patal
Distance: 9 km trek + 15 km drive | Duration: 4 to 5 hours trek, 45 minutes drive
- Final trekking stretch runs through dense oak forest down to Wan Village
- Passes the Latu Devta temple, home to some of the widest oak trunks on the whole route
- Wan Village is where the trek officially ends
- 15 km jeep ride from Wan back to Lohajung
- Overnight in Lohajung, back where the trek began
Distance: 250 km | Duration: 10 to 11 hours drive
- Retrace the route through Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag and Devprayag
- Arrive back in Rishikesh by evening
- Trip ends
Things to Carry
- 🧥 Clothing: Layered wear, waterproof jacket, thermals
- 🥾 Footwear: Sturdy trekking shoes with good grip
- 🎒 Essentials: Backpack (40-50L), trekking pole, headlamp
- 🥤 Hydration: Water bottle, ORS sachets
- 🍫 Snacks: Energy bars, dry fruits
- 🩹 Medical Kit: Personal medicines
Includes All
- ✅ Accommodation (Guest House / Camp as per Itinerary)
- ✅ All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ) during the Trek
- ✅ Transportation (Rishikesh to Lohajung & Return)
- ✅Experienced Trek Leader & Supportive Staff
- ✅Permits & Entry Fess for the Trek
- ✅Trekking Equipment (Tent, Sleeping Bag, mattresses)
- ✅First Aid Medical Kits
- ✅Bonfire (Wherever allowed)
Excludes All
- ❌Meals during the Transist (Rishikesh - Lohajung - Rishikesh)
- ❌Personal Expenses (Laundary, Phone calls, Tips etc.)
- ❌Porter & Offloading Expenses
- ❌Bottled water, Beverages or Personal Snacks
- ❌Anything not specifically mentioned in the 'Includes All' section
FAQ's
Yes. The Supreme Court set aside the 2018 camping ban on 20 July 2026, so overnight camping on Aali and Bedni Bugyal is legal again.
Yes, Aali Bugyal and Ali Bugyal refer to the same meadow. Aali is the closer transliteration of the Hindi आली, while Ali is the more commonly used spelling online.
April to June for lush greenery, September to October for clear mountain views and crisp weather.
Moderate – good for fit beginners. Daily walks range from 4–6 hours.
Yes, it is graded easy to moderate and works well as an introduction to high altitude trekking for beginners with reasonable fitness.
Yes, but hiring a guide is strongly recommended for safety and navigation.
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