Short Itinerary
✅ Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Raithal (185 km, 7-8 hours).
✅ Day 2: Raithal to Gui Campsite (4-5 km, 3-4 hours)
✅ Day 3: Gui to Dayara Bugyal (3,650 m) and Return (6-7 km, 6-7 hours round trip)
✅ Day 4: Gui to Raithal (4-5 km, 3-4 hours)
✅ Day 5: Drive from Raithal to Dehradun (185 km, 7-8 hours).
🌿 Highlights: Vast alpine meadows with 360° views of Bandarpoonch, Gangotri, and Srikantha peaks make Dayara Bugyal one of Uttarakhand’s most stunning high-altitude treks.
Trek Highlights
- ✅ Trek Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
- ✅ Trek Distance: 37 km (Almost)
- ✅ Maximum Altitude: 12,000 ft
- ✅ Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- ✅ Best Time to Visit: Mar - June & Oct - Jan
- ✅ Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
- ✅ Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun
Why Dayara Bugyal is a Must-Do Trek?
- 🌿 Beginner-Friendly: Moderate trails, well-marked route, perfect for first-time trekkers.
- 🏔️ Himalayan Views: Clear sightlines of Bandarpoonch, Srikantha, and Gangotri peaks.
- 🏕️ All-Season Beauty: Snow-covered in winter, lush green in summer, golden in autumn.
- 🏡 Village Experience: Authentic Garhwali culture at Raithal.
- ✅ Photography Paradise: Wide alpine pastures, sunrise over snow peaks, starry nights.
Why choose Dayara Bugyal Trek?
Panoramic Himalayan Views
Dayara Bugyal opens to an endless carpet of green and snow, framed by Bandarpoonch, Srikantha, Gangotri, and Draupadi Ka Danda peaks. The 360-degree views at 3,650 m make it one of the best vantage points in Uttarakhand.
Beginner-Friendly Route
With gentle ascents and a well-marked trail, the trek is perfect for first-time trekkers, families, and school groups. It gives you the thrill of high-altitude trekking without extreme difficulty.
Year-Round Beauty
The Bugyal transforms every season lush pastures and wildflowers from March to June, clear post-monsoon skies from September to November, and a pristine snowfield from December to February.
Rich Forest & Alpine Experience
The trail moves through oak, rhododendron, and maple forests, home to Himalayan birds and vibrant flora. This mix of dense forest and wide alpine meadows keeps the trek visually exciting from start to finish.
Authentic Garhwali Culture
Starting at Raithal village, you experience warm Garhwali hospitality, traditional food, and mountain life, adding cultural depth to your adventure.
Photography & Camping Paradise
Whether it’s star-lit skies, sunrise on snow peaks, or rolling meadows, every frame is postcard-worthy, making Dayara Bugyal a dream for photographers and content creators.
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
Brief Itinerary
Drive from Dehradun to Raithal (185 km, 7-8 hours)
- Early morning pickup from Dehradun railway station/airport.
- Scenic drive along the Bhagirathi River, passing Mussoorie, Chamba, and Uttarkashi.
- Arrive at Raithal village (base camp at 1,800 m).
- Evening briefing, gear check, and acclimatization walk in the village.
Stay: Guesthouse/homestay in Raithal.
Highlights: Views of Gangotri peaks, village life, local cuisine.
Raithal to Gui Campsite (4-5 km, 3-4 hours)
- After breakfast, start the trek through oak, rhododendron, and maple forests.
- Gentle ascent with regular water breaks and photography stops.
- Reach Gui (2,900 m) a peaceful meadow with limited campsites.
- Explore the surroundings and enjoy evening tea with mountain sunset views.
Stay: Campsite at Gui.
Highlights: Lush alpine forest, birdsong, first glimpses of snow-capped ridges.
Gui to Dayara Bugyal (3,650 m / 12,000 ft) and Return (6-7 km, 6-7 hours round trip)
- Early start to witness panoramic Himalayan views at sunrise.
- Ascend steadily across open meadows to Dayara Bugyal – one of India’s most beautiful alpine pastures.
- Enjoy 360° vistas of Bandarpoonch, Srikantha, Draupadi Ka Danda, and Gangotri range.
- Picnic lunch at the Bugyal, photography, and optional short hike to Bakaria Top (3,730 m).
- Return to Gui by evening.
Stay: Campsite at Gui.
Highlights: Endless green meadows in summer, snow-carpeted slopes in winter.
Gui to Raithal
(4-5 km, 3-4 hours)
- Trek back from Gui to Raithal (4-5 km, 3-4 hours).
Stay: Raithal for cultural walk and relaxed evening.
Highlights: Easy descent, village hospitality, optional local sightseeing.
Drive from Raithal to Dehradun (185 km, 7-8 hours)
- Breakfast at the homestay.
- Scenic return drive to Dehradun, concluding the trek by late afternoon.
Includes All
- ✅ Accommodation (Guest House / Camp as per Itinerary)
- ✅ All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ) during the Trek
- ✅ Transportation (Dehradun to Raithal & 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 (Dehradun - Raithal - Dehradun)
- ❌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
Dayara Bugyal lies in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, about 185 km from Dehradun. Raithal village is the standard base camp
March to June for green meadows and wildflowers, October to December for clear skies and post-monsoon beauty, January-February for snow.
It is an easy to moderate trek, suitable for beginners and families with basic fitness.
The Bugyal stands at about 3,650 m (12,000 ft) with optional hikes up to 3,730 m at Bakaria Top.
Forest permits and local entry fees are mandatory.
Yes, the trail is well-marked, with gradual ascents, making it ideal for first-time trekkers.
Trekking shoes, layered clothing, warm jacket, rain cover, personal medicines, reusable water bottle, headlamp and sun protection.
Limited connectivity at Raithal and intermittent signals at Gui. Beyond that, expect minimal coverage ideal for a digital detox.
Yes, December to February offers a snow-covered Bugyal, perfect for beginners wanting a winter trekking experience.
Daily brisk walks, light cardio, and stair climbing for 3-4 weeks prior to the trek ensure you enjoy the route comfortably.