Overview
About the Destination:
Amongst all the treks in Uttarakhand, Dayara Bugyal is considered to be the most breathtaking. The trek brings us to a highland meadow situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand which stands tall at an elevation of 10,000-12,500ft.
This lush green expanse of meadows serves as an excellent destination for skiing during winter and is spread over 28 sq km. This breathtaking location is nestled amidst towering snow-peaked mountains. While on this memorable Himalayan Dayara Bugyal trekking tour in India at Uttarkhand, catch sight of the lake of Barnala Tal strewn across the green alpine prairies– in whose reflection the peaks look even more beautiful.
The trek starts from the tiny hamlet of Barsu nestled on the Haridwar-Gangothri road which is 32 kms from Uttarkashi. One can settle in any one of the rest-houses or GMVN houses in Barsu that overlook the stunning valley on one side and the snowy mountains on the other.
The route of the Dayara Bugyal Trek trails through gorgeous Oak forests, clear water bodies and sprawling grasslands while offering views of specks of huts, grazing sheep all while overlooking the valley and high-rise mountains. Wild flowers also bloom around streams and brooks that run across the pastures.
Duration of the Tour: 6N/7D
Meal Types: Vegetarian and Egg dishes
Activities: Trekking, Camping
Difficulty Level: Easy
Temperature: -4 degrees (Min), 25 degrees (Max), days are relatively warmer
Trekking Distance: 29 kms
Maximum Altitude: 12,000 ft
Short Itinerary
Day 01 :- Drive from Haridwar - Barsu (7,545 ft); Overnight stay in Guesthouse
Day 02 :- Trek from Barsu - Barnala(8,530 ft); Overnight stay in Guesthouse/Tents
Day 03 :- Trek from Barnala - Dayara Bugyal (9,980 ft); Overnight stay in Tents
Day 04 :- Trek from Dayara Bugyal - Bakaria Top (12,000 ft) - Dayara Bugyal; Overnight stay in Tents
Day 05 :- Trek from Dayara Bugyal - Pichkiya (7,873 ft); Overnight stay in Tents
Day 06 :- Trek from Pichkiya - Barsu; Overnight stay in Tents
Day 07 :- Drive from Barsu to Haridwar
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Drive from Haridwar - Barsu (220 kms/day-long drive)
Day Highlights: Arrival in Barsu (7,545ft), Beginning of the Dayara Bugyal Trek
Day Details: Embark on your journey at dawn with a meal and a day-long drive from Haridwar to Barsu covering 220 kms. The route trails through the scenic towns of Rishikesh, Chamba and Uttarkashi beside the Bhagirathi River. On arriving Barsu that stands tall at 7,545 ft, settle down for the evening in a guesthouse.
Day 02: Trek from Barsu - Barnala (4 hours)
Day Highlights: 4 kms long trek, Arrival in Barnala (8,530 ft), Bugyals
Day Details: This 4 kms long trek is a gradual ascend landscaped beautifully with Rhododendrons, Silver Oak and Deodar forests. Reach the destination for the day which is Barnala at an elevation of 8,530 ft. It is this place which marks the beginning of the famed undulating stretches of green prairies or ‘Bugyals’. Set up your campsite at this ideal location and retire here for the night.
Day 03: Trek from Barnala - Dayara Bugyal (5 kms)
Day Highlights: 4-5 kms trek, Dayara Bugyal (9,980 ft), Majestic peaks
Day Details: This day entails an ascending trek of about 5 kms to the high alpine meadow of Dayara Bugyal, Uttarakhand that is elevated at 9,980 ft through the Barnal grasslands. On arriving this vast meadow that resembles a table top, you can catch sight of some majestic peaks, namely Srikanth, Rudregaira, Gangotri I, II & III, Jaonli, Draupadi ka Danda I & II, Black peak, Bandarpunch and such. Spend the night in the camp set up here.
Day 04: Trek from Dayara Bugyal - Bakaria Top - Dayara Bugyal (3 kms)
Day Highlights: Around 3 hours Trek, Bakaria Top (12,000 ft), Panoramic views
Day Details: This day marks the climb up from Dayara Bugyal to Bakaria top, the highest point of the vast meadow standing at 12,000 ft. Get enchanted by the panoramic views of snowy peaks, lush valleys and such from the top. Depart from Bakaria back to the campsite at Dayara Bugyal.
Day 05: Trek from Dayara Bugyal - Pichkiya (8 kms)
Day Highlights: 6-7 hours Trek, Pichkiya (7,873 ft), Alpine meadows, Rivers
Day Details: Begin the day with a hearty meal after which starts your descent to Pichkiya that is at an elevation of 7,873 ft. After trekking 6 to 7 hours through a mix of ascends and descends over alpine meadows, dense woods and little rivulets, reach the campsite of Pichkiya.
Day 06: Trek from Pichkiya to Barsu (4.5 kms)
Day Highlights: 3-4 hours Trek, Village settlements of Barsu
Day Details: This last day of Dayara Bugyal trekking, it involves descending down to Barsu along a well marked trail through the surrounding thickets. Catch sight of the charming village of Barsu and its adjoining settlements can about half way down the trail. Arrive at Barsu by afternoon and camp here for the night.
Day 07: Drive from Barsu to Haridwar
Day Highlights: Tour Ends Here
Day Details: Rise in the morning and set off for a drive back to Haridwar; the Dayara Bugyal Trek ends here.
