The Golden Meadows: Dayara Bugyal Trek
Step into the vast, undulating landscapes of Dayara Bugyal, widely considered to be among the most beautiful alpine meadows in India. Located in the Uttarkashi district, this trek offers a perfect blend of dense forests, ancient village culture, and high-altitude vistas. Whether covered in the lush green of summer or the pristine white of
Altitude: 2,250 m / 7,400 ft.
Drive Distance: 180 km | 7-8 hours.
Your journey to the legendary meadows begins with a scenic drive from Dehradun towards the tranquil village of Natin. As you leave the bustling plains behind, the road winds through lush green mountains and follows the sparkling waters of the Bhagirathi river. Along the way, you'll pass through the charming mountain town of Uttarkashi, known for its spiritual significance and ancient temples. By late afternoon, we arrive at Natin, a beautiful settlement tucked into the hills. Breathe in the crisp mountain air and enjoy the peaceful village life as we prepare for our first day on the trail tomorrow.
Altitude: 3,000 m / 9,800 ft.
Trek Distance: 4-5 km | 4-5 hours.
After a hearty breakfast, we begin our trekking adventure. The trail from Natin to Gui is a moderate ascent through dense forests of ancient oak and rhododendrons. The path is well-marked and winds through a sea of green, with sunlight filtering through the canopy. Halfway through, the trees occasionally open up to offer glimpses of the snow-clad peaks. Gui is a stunning campsite situated at 9,800 ft, featuring small alpine ponds and clearings that offer your first close-up look at the Himalayan giants. Settle into your tents, enjoy a warm meal, and witness the stars as they take over the clear mountain sky.
Altitude: 3,300 m / 10,500 ft.
Trek Distance: 3 km | 2 hours.
Today is a relatively short and relaxed day of trekking, allowing you to fully soak in the beauty of the high-altitude wilderness. We continue our ascent toward Chilapada, moving further into the serene forest. As the altitude increases, the vegetation begins to change, and the air becomes even more refreshingly cool. Chilapada is a quiet forested campsite located just before the vast meadows of Dayara begin. This shorter trekking day helps with acclimatization and gives you ample time to explore the surroundings, photograph the flora, and prepare for the summit push to the bugyals tomorrow.
Altitude: Dayara Top (3,700 m) | Nayata (2,800 m).
Trek Distance: 11 km total | 8-10 hours.
This is the highlight of our journey! We start early as the trail emerges from the forest into the seemingly infinite expanse of **Dayara Bugyal**. The sight of these rolling green meadows, often referred to as 'meadows in the air', is truly unforgettable. We trek up to **Dayara Top** at 12,000 ft, where a 360-degree panorama of the Greater Himalayas unfolds before you. You'll see the towering massifs of Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, and Srikanth in all their glory. After spending some time on the top and exploring the meadows, we begin our descent through a different route toward our final campsite at **Nayata**. The descent is through lush forests, offering a different perspective of the landscape.
Trek: 5 km | Drive: 180 km.
On our final day, we complete the descent back to Natin village. The 5 km trek is a gentle walk through the woods, giving you one last chance to enjoy the mountain silence. Upon reaching Natin, we say our goodbyes to the village and board our vehicle for the 180 km journey back to Dehradun. The drive back through the Uttarkashi hills is a time for reflection on the incredible journey you've just completed—from the vastness of the Dayara meadows to the warmth of the Himalayan culture. We arrive in Dehradun by evening, marking the end of a magical mountain expedition.
- Apr 13 – Apr 25 10 Seats Left
- Apr 18 – Apr 30 7 Seats Left • Filling Fast
- Apr 19 – May 1 11 Seats Left
- Apr 24 – May 6 1 Seats Left • Filling Fast
- Apr 25 – May 7 Open
- May 2 – May 14 Open
- May 15 – May 27 15 Seats Left
- Jun 5 – Jun 17 Open
- Oct 10 – Oct 22 Open
- Nov 5 – Nov 17 Open
End Of Trip
By Bus
- Frequent buses from Delhi (ISBT Kashmiri Gate) to Dehradun.
- Delhi to Dehradun: 250 km | 6-7 hr via Meerut Expressway.
- Both Volvo (AC) and Ordinary (UTC) buses are available throughout the night.
By Train
- Nearest Junction: Dehradun Railway Station (DDN).
- Well connected by Nanda Devi Express, Jan Shatabdi, and Mussoorie Express.
- Highly recommended for a comfortable overnight journey from Delhi.
By Air
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport (DED).
- Airport is ~25 km (1 hr) from the main Dehradun city center.
- Direct flights available from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
The trek ends at Natin. From here, we provide transportation back to Dehradun Railway Station. Expect to reach Dehradun between 06:00 PM and 08:00 PM. Plan your onward journey accordingly.
- Age Requirement: Minimum 14 years.
- Experience: First-timers are welcome, though prior trekking experience is preferred. Good fitness is a must.
- Fitness Criteria:
- Ability to cover 5 km in 30 mins or 10 km in 70 mins without stress.
- For cycling enthusiasts: Ability to cycle 18 km in 50 minutes.
- Backpack Load: 10-12 kg (Self-carry) or 3-5 kg (Off-load option).
- Ideal BMI Range: 18.5 - 27.
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- Pulse rate at rest must be between 60 to 100 bpm.
- BP Reading: 75-85 (DIA) / 100-130 (SYS) mm Hg.
- Respiratory rate: 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
- No history of chronic liver or kidney issues.
- No severe Diabetes, Asthma, Heart problems, or Hypertension.
- No pacemaker implants or similar devices.
- Consult our coordinator for Sinus issues or Epilepsy.
Complete packing list for your upcoming adventure. Ensure you have everything for a safe and comfortable journey.
| Item Name | Requirement |
|---|---|
|
Backpack with rain cover
|
(50 - 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps |
|
Day pack with rain cover
|
20 - 30 ltr (If off-load opted) |
|
Walking stick
|
Advisable (At least one) |
|
Water Bottle / Hydration pack
|
2 bottles of one liter each, People who use hydration pack 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter, Carry at least one thermos flask. |
|
Small size tiffin/lunch box
|
1 Nos |
|
Snacks
|
Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors |
|
Personal Medical Kit
|
Consult your doctor |
|
T-Shirt (Synthetic quick dry)
|
2 Full & 2 Half sleeves |
|
Fleece T-shirt
|
2 Nos |
|
Fleece jacket
|
1 Nos |
|
Windproof Jacket
|
1 Nos. |
|
Down feather / Hollow jacket
|
1 Nos. |
|
Thermal inner (Upper & Lower)
|
1 Pair |
|
Trek Pant (Synthetic quick dry)
|
3 Nos. |
|
Fleece Pant
|
1 Nos. |
|
Waterproof gloves
|
1 Pair |
|
Fleece / woollen gloves
|
1 Pair |
|
Poncho / Waterproof Jacket & Pant
|
1 Nos. |
|
Head torch
|
1 Nos. (Avoid Hand torch) |
|
Sun Cap
|
1 Nos. |
|
Woolen cap
|
1 Nos. |
|
Balaclava
|
1 Nos. |
|
Buff / Neck-gaiters
|
1 Synthetic & 1 Woollen |
|
Sunglasses
|
UV with dark side cover. (A)- Use contact lenses | (B)- Photo chromatic glasses for spectacle wearers. |
|
Trekking shoes
|
1 Pair (Water-resistant, high ankle, good grip) |
|
Floaters / flip-flops
|
1 Pair |
|
Cotton socks
|
8 pairs |
|
Woollen socks
|
3 pairs |
|
Gaiters
|
1 Pair (Next Peak provides when required) |
|
Micro spikes
|
1 Pair (Next Peak provides when required) |
|
Sunscreen
|
1 Nos. |
|
Moisturiser
|
1 Nos. |
|
Chap-stick / Lip balm
|
1 Nos. |
|
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
|
1 Nos. |
|
Toilet paper & Wipes
|
1 Nos. |
|
Soap / Hand Sanitizers
|
1 Nos. |
|
Antibacterial Powder
|
1 Nos. |
|
Quick Dry Towel
|
1 Nos. |
