My Journey to Dayara Bugyal with Himalayan Dream Treks– Walking Through the Meadows

When I first heard about Dayara Bugyal, I imagined a vast green carpet laid out somewhere high in the Garhwal Himalayas — a place where time moved slowly, and the air smelled like pine and freedom. A few of my friends had just returned from a winter trek, and the way they described those rolling alpine meadows, snow-covered peaks, and peaceful forest walks instantly caught my heart. That’s when we decided — this winter, it would be Dayara Bugyal for us.

The Journey Begins: Reaching Raithal Village

Our journey began early in the morning from Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand. After a long but scenic drive through winding roads, we reached Raithal village, our base camp for the trek. Raithal itself felt like a painting — charming traditional houses, terraced farms, and people living simple, happy lives amidst nature.

Before the trek began, we decided to explore a bit of Raithal. The local community welcomed us with warm smiles. We visited the ancient Panchpura Bhagwati Temple and the Someshwar Devta Temple, both carrying deep spiritual and cultural value. I was amazed to see a 500-year-old earthquake-resistant house that still retained its original structure. The stone-carved idols inside looked ancient yet divine, much like the traditional idols you see in Himalayan temples.

That short village walk gave us a glimpse into the mountain lifestyle — simple yet content. In the evening, as we prepared for the trek, the locals shared stories about Lord Krishna and the Butter Festival celebrated here every August. It’s a unique celebration where villagers throw butter and milk instead of colors, symbolizing blessings for fertile meadows and protection for their cattle. Listening to them made me realize how deeply connected these people are to their land and traditions.

The Trail through Forests and Meadows

The next morning, our group of friends started the hike with fresh energy. The trail from Raithal winds through dense forests of oak, maple, and rhododendron. The sound of chirping birds, the rustle of leaves under our boots, and the occasional sight of sunlight breaking through the trees created a rhythm that stayed with us. The air was crisp, filled with the earthy scent of forest soil.

As we walked, we came across signs of wildlife — claw marks on trees and distant calls of birds echoing through the woods. Some locals mentioned that the region is home to deer, bears, and even leopards, though rare to spot because the trails are far from human settlements. We did see Himalayan hares, monals, and colorful birds like jungle fowl, grey francolin, blue magpie, long-tailed shrike, and treepie.

It felt like walking through a living nature documentary. Every step was peaceful, the fresh mountain air felt like medicine, and my mind slowly detached from the noise of city life.

Reaching Gui Campsite

By afternoon, we reached Gui, a small and beautiful alpine campsite located next to a frozen Gui Lake. As the sun began to set, a soft alpenglow covered the snow-clad peaks in shades of pink and gold. The scene looked cinematic — the kind that makes you drop your backpack and just stare in silence.

We sat around the campfire, sipping hot soup and sharing stories. The silence of the mountains was comforting, not empty. Every time I looked up, I could see millions of stars shining over the meadows. It was surreal — like nature had its own festival of light just for us.

Dayara Top: Where the Sky Touches the Meadows

The next morning was the most exciting day of our trek. We were going to Dayara Top, the highest point of the trail. The path gradually rose above the tree line, and soon, the vast Dayara meadows opened before us — endless stretches of soft grass that looked like a green ocean during summer and a silver-white world in winter.

As we climbed higher, the wind grew colder, and the view started to expand. Finally, after about an hour of steady walking, we reached Dayara Top (around 12,400 feet / 3,780 meters). What unfolded before my eyes was pure magic — a 180-degree panorama of the entire Gangotri mountain range, including Bandarpunch, Black Peak, and Srikanth. Deep valleys stretched endlessly, and clouds moved gently over the peaks.

Standing there, I felt small — yet so alive. All the effort of climbing, all the long walking, was worth it. We took a moment to just breathe, to let the mountains talk to us in silence. Some of my friends sat quietly, others took photos, but all of us felt the same awe.

That’s the beauty of Dayara Bugyal

• it doesn’t just show you scenery; it shows you peace.

Best Time to Visit Dayara Bugyal

The best time to visit depends on what you wish to experience.

• Summer (May to June): Meadows turn lush green and filled with wildflowers. Perfect for families and photographers.

• Autumn (September to November): Crystal-clear skies and mild weather — best for panoramic views.

• Winter (December to March): The trek becomes a snowy adventure, offering a winter trekking experience that’s mesmerizing but still easy to moderate in difficulty.

Avoid July and August, as the monsoon season brings heavy rains, making the trail slippery.

Difficulty Level of the Trek

Dayara Bugyal is 3 to 4 day trek, perfect for beginners. The terrain is well-established, with gradual ascents and comfortable camping spots. Even if you’ve never trekked before, you can complete it with basic fitness. Families, children, and elderly trekkers often choose this trail because it offers Himalayan beauty without the strain of difficult climbs.

How to Get There

The trek starts from Raithal village, about 180 km from Dehradun.

• By Train: Take a train to Dehradun or Rishikesh.

• By Bus: Overnight buses from Delhi to Dehradun are frequent.

• By Car: You can hire a cab from Dehradun to Raithal (8–9 hours).

Some trekkers also start from Barsu village, another beautiful base camp, depending on the chosen itinerary.

How to Get Fit for the Trek

Even though it’s an easy trek, fitness helps you enjoy it more. I followed a simple routine — running 5 km daily, doing a few push-ups and cycling sessions to build stamina. Long walks before the trek helped me adapt to continuous walking on mountain terrain. If you can jog 4–5 km comfortably without exhaustion, you’re good to go.

What to Pack for the Trek

Here’s what I carried and recommend:

• A good pair of trekking shoes

• Warm layers (fleece, down jacket)

• Trek pants and thermal wear

• Woolen cap, gloves, sunglasses

• Water bottle, trekking pole, and rain cover

• Power bank and headlamp

• Light snacks and chocolates for energy

Remember, pack light but wisely. The weather can change quickly in the Himalayas.

Precautions During the Trek

• Stay hydrated and take small breaks.

• Avoid plastic and keep the trail clean.

• Follow your guide’s instructions, especially in snowy sections.

• Respect the local community, temples, and their traditions.

• In winter, wear waterproof boots to prevent frostbite.

Trekking is not about rushing — it’s about enjoying the journey at your pace.

Additional Information about Dayara Bugyal

Dayara Bugyal also connects to Siyari and Gidara Bugyal, two other high-altitude meadows that require additional time to explore. If you ever plan an extended itinerary, it’s worth visiting them to understand the sheer scale and vastness of this region.

The Butter Festival (locally known as Anduri Utsav) takes place every August, usually around 16th to 18th. During the celebration, locals sing, dance, and smear butter and milk as offerings to Lord Krishna, believed to protect the grasslands and ensure good pasture for their cattle.

The Return: Carrying the Silence Back

As we descended back to Raithal, I turned around one last time. The meadows were glowing under the morning sun, and the wind whispered softly through the grass. I realized that this trek wasn’t just about reaching a height — it was about slowing down, breathing deeply, and finding peace in simplicity.

When we finally reached the base, I looked at my friends. We were tired but happy — and a part of us was already planning when to come back again. Because once you’ve walked through the meadows of Dayara Bugyal, a piece of your heart stays there forever.

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