The mesmerising pasturelands in Uttarakhand's alpine heights are the starting point of many magnificent hikes in the area. The beautiful, grassy uplands known as Bugyals are nestled away between the mountains. Dayara, one of these Bugyals, is a lesser-known jewel that can be reached from Uttarkashi through a quick and energising walk and offers exceptional rewards. Dayara is one of the most treasured short treks in Uttarakhand.

Dayara Bugyal is tucked away in Uttarkashi District in Uttarakhand, located at a height of about 3,639 metres. A vast, vivid green meadow may be seen after a hike through the deep forests in the Garhwal Himalayas. This picturesque setting is nestled between soaring, snow-covered peaks, creating an amazing view. The meadows are covered in a pure coating of snow during certain times of the year, making for an unmatched winter hiking experience in Uttarakhand

Dayara Bugyal trek is a beautiful grassland bordered by thick oak and maple trees and beyond its lush expanses is a brilliant snowline that is dominated by the magnificent Bandarpoonch and other mountain ranges. You will be transported from the peripheries of the concrete jungle into the enchanted wildness of oak woodlands as you stroll through Dayara's undulating meadows, where glimmers of far-off, breath-taking mountain peaks gradually reveal themselves.

You'll also catch sights of the Gangotri range, Srikanth Peak, and Black Peak along the trip at various locations.

DAYARA BUGYAL 4 DAYS ITINERARY

DAY 1: JOURNEY FROM DEHRADUN TO RAITHAL

Your journey begins early at 6:00 a.m. and you will be picked up from the Dehradun Railway station. 180 beautiful kilometres of the Ganga and Bhagirathi rivers will be your constant companions as you travel through Chamba and Uttarkashi.

You'll get to Raithal, where your package starts, by dusk. You may anticipate healthy meals and comfortable homestay accommodations. Our guides will provide a briefing when everyone has settled down, so pay close attention to their instructions.

DAY 2: TREK FROM RAITHAL TO GUI CAMPSITE

You will start your adventure after your morning breakfast. Your journey today is a 5-kilometre climb from Raithal to Gui. The trip takes you along a lovely woodland route and is rated as simple in difficulty. You will finally rise to a height of 2,898 metres above sea level.

It is suggested to take a stroll after arriving at the Gui campground to become used to the surroundings. You'll spend the night in a tent and be completely outside.

DAY 3: GUI CAMPSITE TO DAYARA BUGYAL AND BACK

You'll start your hike to the fascinating Dayara Bugyal today. The journey you will take today will be long and will start with a modest ascent that will take you to the Bugyal. Your path will pass through thick rhododendron and oak woodlands, revealing Dayara Bugyal’s breathtaking splendour. After this, you will return to the Gui Campsite, where your adventure began.

Trekkers should have a day to pack for this adventure to make the walk more convenient. This bag will come in handy for keeping your water bottle, camera, phone, food like chocolates and nuts, and other little necessities specific to your needs.

DAY 4: GUI TO RAITHAL AND DRIVE TO DEHRADUN

The final day entails a short hike before heading back to Dehradun. Even while this day may appear straightforward, it is full of opportunities for incredible memories, including sweeping views of the magnificent mountains and the vast meadows of Bugyal.

Dayara Bugyal, a simple and approachable trek in Uttarakhand, is the ideal retreat when you let your hair down and bathe yourself in the beauty of a pristine environment.

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DAYARA BUGYAL 6 DAYS TREK ITINERARY

DAY 1: A DRIVE OF 6 HOURS FROM DEHRADUN TO BARSU

The trip between Dehradun and Barsu is an exhilarating adventure. Following the bustling Bhagirathi River, you'll weave through the serpentine mountain scenery. Before you reach the tranquil yet progressive village of Barsu, you'll be enchanted by the picturesque cities of Chamba, Uttarkashi, and Bhatwari along the route. Barsu also has a little reservoir tucked away.

DAY 2: TREK FROM BARSU TO BARNALA TAL, ASCENDING A HEIGHT OF 2900m

Today’s journey will take about 4 hours to complete and will cover a total distance of 4 kilometres. The route winds its way through the enchanted forest, lined with rhododendron, walnut, maple, and oak trees, and features both easy and severe ascents.

As you move on, you'll see the emergence of enormous, immaculate meadows that are beautifully tucked away within the majestic Himalayan hills. At an elevation of 8,000 feet, the serene Barnala Tal will enthral you with its glistening, icy splendour in the winter and its summer's crystal-clear waters.

You'll spend the night in a campground close to Barnala Meadows, which offers the unique opportunity to sleep out under the stars.

DAY 3: TREK FROM BARNALA TO DAYARA BUGYAL

After a filling breakfast, you are ready to travel 5 kilometres from Barnala to the magnificent location of the Bugyal trek. After a challenging four-hour hike, you arrive at a magnificent alpine meadow dotted with majestic Himalayan peaks including Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag, the Gangotri range, Jaonli, and Srikanth.

DAY 4: TREK FROM DAYARA BUGYAL TO BAKARIYA TOP AND BACK TO DAYARA BUGYAL

Today, set out to really explore the magnificent Dayara Bugyal. Enjoy the distinctive and ever-changing views that this location offers from every angle. Explore the broad area of this lush meadow, and then be ready for the challenging hike to Bakaria Top, the trail's top. The distance between Dayara Bugyal and Bakariya is approximately 6.1 km.

You'll be treated to an incredible glimpse of snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, and a 360-degree panorama of the whole Himalayan range from this lofty vantage point. Enjoy the stunning lighting of the spectacular Himalayan peaks as the sun sets; it will be an unparalleled experience. After that, return to Dayara Bugyal and spend the rest of the day camping beneath the stars.

DAY 5: TREK FROM DAYARA BUGYAL TO PICHKIYA

After taking in a delicious breakfast and seeing a spectacular dawn in Dayara Bugyal, you begin an 8-kilometre descent into Pichkiya, which is located at an elevation of 7,873 feet. This hike includes a wonderful 6- to 7-hour excursion with mild ascents and descents as you pass through picturesque meadows, thick woodlands, and flowing streams. You'll eventually reach the lovely Pichkiya campground, where you'll spend the night outside.

DAY 6: TREK FROM PICHKIYA TO BARSU AND DRIVE FROM BARSU TO DEHRADUN

After almost 3 hours, you will arrive at the scenic Barsu mountain village after descending a 4.5-kilometer track through a lush forest. Seize the chance to become lost in the allure of this high-altitude village's breathtaking terrace fields. You have the option of staying the night here or leaving for Dehradun the next day.

4 DAYS ITINERARY VS 6 DAYS ITINERARY

Dayara Bugyal 4 days Itinerary	Dayara Bugyal 6 days Itinerary
Total trek distance 15 km	Total trek distance 24 km
Attractions- Gui campsite, mountain ranges, Gui Lake, Dayara meadow	Attractions- Bakariya Top, Barnala Taal, mountain ranges, dayara meadow trek and camping
Number of campsites one	Number of campsites three
Number of day 4 and 3 Nights	Number of day 6 and 5 Nights
Basecamp Raithal	Basecamp Barasu
Difficulty grade easy	Difficulty grade moderate
The best time is all around the year except monsoon	The best time is Spring, Autumn and summer

The 6-day journey offers a fuller experience with three separate campsites, compared to the 4-day itinerary's one campground. The 4-day trip offers a more accessible path and is distinguished by softer heights, making it an excellent option all year round, even in the winter.

The 6-day walk, however, becomes difficult during the height of winter because of the thick snowfall that limits accessibility. A reasonable degree of fitness is also required for the 6-day schedule, making it less appropriate for novices.

DAYARA BUGYAL IN WINTERS

The largest expanse of snow-covered terrain may be seen in Dayara Bugyal, Uttarakhand, which is a spectacular example of the Himalayan winter wonderland. While these high-altitude meadows are covered in a colourful carpet of wildflowers in the summer, they are transformed into a vast, seemingly unending snow-covered area in the winter.

Dayara Bugyal, perched at an amazing altitude of 3,639 metres, is like wandering through a stunning alpine art museum with these large open fields affording unhindered views of the Garhwal range and lush trees covered in a fresh layer of white snow. This journey begins in the village of Raithal in the Uttarkashi region of Uttarakhand, giving you a chance to learn more about the peculiar high-altitude hiking culture.

This winter adventure is replete with fascinating surprises. The route you'll take winds through a beautiful forest with oak, pine, and maple trees and is nothing short of magical. While the routes provide breathtaking views of famed peaks like Mt. Bandarpoonch, Mt. Srikanth, Gangotri I, and the imposing Black Peak, rhododendron flowers adorn the landscape.

A stunning panoramic picture of the Garhwal range appears as you reach Dayara Top, the peak. The rewards of this little journey don't stop there, though. Gui Lake, peacefully tucked away in this frozen paradise, and the emerald-green Barnala Tal, embellished with the winter colours of the valley, is two mysterious high-altitude lakes that await your discovery.

The 6-day plan for exploring Dayara Bugyal in the winter is a magical journey. When this high-altitude meadow is covered with a fresh coating of snow, it becomes a winter paradise. Trekkers get the chance to experience the tranquil beauty of not one, but three exceptional campsites during the course of six days.

A higher level of physical condition is required for the winter walk because the path can be steep and difficult, particularly when negotiating the snow-covered landscape. But the payoff is spectacular: wide-open, pristine vistas, unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks, and a singular opportunity to witness the Himalayas in their purest, most tranquil condition.

For those looking to explore the region, this quick trip over the vast grasslands provides an excellent introduction to the spectacular Himalayan landscape. The rookie trekkers should be aware of the extreme inclement weather and the high height this walk goes to. While the lush meadows explode in a kaleidoscope of hues as the snow gradually recedes, providing a magnificent sight for everybody to enjoy, the pure covering of snow provides skiers with the chance to indulge in the exhilarating sport of skiing. The best months to hike this trail are from December through March when you can truly experience the wintery beauty.