Dayara Bugyal Trek Overview
Located at an altitude of 11,938 feet (3,639 meters) above sea level, in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, the trekking expedition to Dayara Bugyal meadows is one of the most famous winter treks in India. The lateral meaning of the word "Bugyal" in the local language is grassland, and as the name suggests, it is a beautiful and picturesque high altitude grassland.
Hiking for Dayara Bugyal meadows starts from the quaint village of Natin, part of Raithal gram panchayat, about 178 km by road from Dehradun. On our route the total trekking distance is about 15 km, covered over 3 days and 2 nights of trekking and camping at the Gui camping site - with one additional day of travel to and from Dehradun, the full package runs 4 Days and 3 Nights. Although the trekking length is decent but the gradient of trekking trails is very easy, and hence it is considered to be a kid and family-friendly trek in India. Some of the peaks visible from the summit of this trek are Bandarpunch, Draupadi ka Danda, and Srikanth.
Dayara Bugyal Trek Distance
The trekking of Dayara Bugyal is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and is considered one of the most beautiful treks in Uttarakhand. Starting from the peaceful village of Natin, the trek takes you through dense forests, sprawling meadows, and offers panoramic views of towering Himalayan peaks. The total distance covered during this trek is a manageable 15 kilometers over three days, making it a perfect choice for both beginners and seasoned trekkers.
The trek begins in Natin village, which is located around 7,000 feet above sea level. The initial part of the trek covers a distance of 4 kilometers from Natin to the Gui Campsite. This section of the trail is moderately challenging and takes approximately 5 hours to complete. As you ascend, you’ll be surrounded by towering oak and rhododendron trees, creating a serene atmosphere ideal for those looking to reconnect with nature. The gradual climb is punctuated with clearings that offer glimpses of the distant snow-capped peaks, preparing you for the adventure ahead.
The most exciting part of the trek is the journey from Gui Campsite to Dayara Bugyal. This section covers a total distance of 7 kilometers—3.5 kilometers each way—and takes about 8 hours to complete, including time for exploration and breaks. As you hike toward Dayara Bugyal, the dense forests gradually give way to expansive meadows, and the trek becomes more open and scenic. The final ascent to Dayara Bugyal rewards trekkers with a spectacular view of lush green pastures stretching out into the horizon. In winter, these meadows are blanketed in snow, creating a surreal, pristine environment. After enjoying the panoramic views and the tranquility of Dayara Bugyal, trekkers make their way back to the Gui Campsite to rest.
You may see longer distances quoted elsewhere, such as 20 to 22 km for the round trip. Those figures are usually for routes that start from Raithal or Barsu and go up to Bakaria Top, above the meadow. Our route starts from Natin and uses Gui as the base camp, which keeps the daily distances short.
The last part of the trek retraces the path from Gui Campsite back to Natin village, covering the same 4 kilometers that were trekked on the first day. The return journey, though familiar, allows trekkers to fully appreciate the beauty of the trail, as the downhill trek is much quicker and gives more time to enjoy the surroundings.
In total, the Dayara Bugyal trek covers around 15 kilometers, with manageable daily distances that allow trekkers to soak in the natural beauty without feeling rushed. The combination of moderate trekking distances and awe-inspiring scenery makes this trek a perfect adventure for those seeking a blend of challenge and tranquility in the Himalayas.
How to Reach Dayara Bugyal
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun Airport), located approximately 190 km by road from Natin village. You can hire a taxi or book a package to reach here.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Dehradun railway station, about 178 km by road from Natin village. Dehradun is well connected by direct trains from most major cities; if you don't find a direct train, you can also book to Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Roorkee and continue by road.
By Road: The trek starts from Natin or Raithal village, reached via Dehradun - Mussoorie - Uttarkashi - Gangori - Maneri - Batwari, about 178 km and 7-8 hours by road. Manchala Mushafir's package includes pickup and drop from Dehradun (with pickup also available from Delhi).
Natin vs Raithal vs Barsu: Which Starting Point?
Dayara Bugyal can be reached from three villages in Uttarkashi district: Natin, Raithal and Barsu. All three trails reach the same meadow, so the choice mostly changes the first day's climb and where you camp.
| Starting village | About the trail |
| Natin (our route) | A small hamlet in Raithal gram panchayat, about 40 km from Uttarkashi. A 4 km climb through oak and rhododendron forest leads to the Gui campsite. |
| Raithal | The larger village next to Natin, known for its old wooden houses. Its trail joins the same route towards Gui. |
| Barsu | A village higher up the valley, with a separate trail via Barnala Tal. It starts higher, so the climb to the meadow is shorter. |
We start from Natin because the trail to Gui is short and well defined, and it lets us camp at Gui for two nights instead of moving camp every day.
Dayara Bugyal Camping Rules and Permits (2026)
In August 2018, the Uttarakhand High Court banned overnight stays on the state's bugyals (alpine meadows). On 20 July 2026, the Supreme Court set aside that blanket ban, but forest permits are still required and permanent structures are not allowed on the meadows.
Our campsite is at Gui, in the forest below the meadow, and all forest permits and camping charges are included in the package. Carry a government photo ID (one original and two photocopies). We check the latest Forest Department rules before every batch and tell you if anything changes.
Customized Dayara Bugyal Trek Package
At Manchala Mushafir, we understand that every trekker has unique preferences and needs. That's why we offer a special Customized Dayara Bugyal Trek Package for those who want a more personalized experience. Whether you're not comfortable trekking with strangers, prefer traveling with your own group, or have specific requirements, we’ve got you covered.
With this package, you can tailor the trek as per your comfort level. From the itinerary to the pace of the trek, the number of days, and even the facilities provided along the way, everything can be customized to fit your exact needs. This flexibility ensures a more enjoyable and stress-free trekking experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the Dayara Bugyal meadows.
To create your customized package, simply call our customer care executive at 9311052232. Our team will work with you to design your ideal trek package within just a few hours. With this service, you can trek at your own pace, surrounded by people you're comfortable with, while enjoying all the beauty and adventure that Dayara Bugyal has to offer!
Book Your Dayara Bugyal Trek Online
Planning your Dayara Bugyal trek has never been easier! At Manchala Mushafir, we offer a convenient online booking system to ensure your adventure starts smoothly. To book your trek, simply click on the "Book Now" button at the top of this page.
You’ll be guided to select the number of participants, your boarding point, and the type of occupancy for your stay. Once you’ve made your selections, proceed to the checkout page, where you'll need to fill in your personal details, including your name, mobile number, email ID, and the number of male and female participants.
After completing this step, you can proceed to payment. Upon successful payment, an invoice will be generated, and a copy of your booking will be sent to the email address you provided. This easy and efficient process allows you to secure your spot on the trek without any hassle, letting you focus on preparing for the incredible journey ahead! Book your hiking in Dayara Bugyal meadows today and get ready for an unforgettable experience in the great outdoors!
Attractions Around the Dayara Bugyal Trek
These places are on the trek or close to its route in Uttarkashi district, so you can see them along the way or add them to your trip.
Barnala Tal
Barnala Tal is a small lake on the trail from Barsu, below the Dayara meadows. On a clear day it reflects the surrounding forest and peaks, and it is a good rest stop on the Barsu route.
Gui Lake
Gui is our campsite, at about 2,950 m, set in a forest clearing with a small lake. It stays under snow in December and January and has some of the best sunset views on the trek.
Raithal Village
Raithal is the main village near Natin, known for its old wooden houses built in the traditional Garhwali style and its views of the Bhagirathi valley. Its villagers hold the Butter Festival on the meadow, one reason Dayara is on our list of cultural treks in India.
Bandarpoonch, Srikanth and Draupadi ka Danda
From the meadow you can see a long line of snow peaks, including Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, Srikanth and Draupadi ka Danda. These are viewpoints from the trek, not part of it; climbing them needs a separate mountaineering expedition.
Uttarkashi and Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Uttarkashi, about 40 km from Natin, is the district town on the way to the trek. Its Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the best-known temples in the region. See our Uttarkashi travel guide and the top places to visit in Uttarkashi.
Gangnani, Harsil and Gangotri
If you have extra days, you can continue up the Gangotri road after the trek: Gangnani has natural hot springs, Harsil is a quiet valley with apple orchards, and Gangotri Temple sits at the end of the road. See the places to visit in Gangotri.
Dayara Bugyal Trek Temperature
The Dayara Bugyal Trail adventure, located in the picturesque Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, offers trekkers an experience not only of stunning landscapes but also of varying temperatures that can significantly impact your journey. The temperature in this region is influenced by its altitude and seasonal changes, making it essential for trekkers to be prepared.
Best Time to Visit Dayara Bugyal: December to March is best for snow, with snowfall most common in January and February. Summer (April to June) is also a good window for trekking, with milder temperatures and lush green meadows. A full seasonal breakdown follows below.
Summer (April to June): During the summer months, Dayara Bugyal experiences mild and pleasant temperatures, ranging from 10°C to 20°C during the day. Nights can be cooler, with temperatures dropping to around 5°C. This is the ideal time for trekking as the meadows are lush green, and the weather is conducive for outdoor activities.
Monsoon (July to September): The monsoon season brings significant rainfall, and temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C. Although the landscape becomes vibrant and lush, trekkers should be cautious of slippery trails and the potential for landslides. This period may not be suitable for everyone, especially those unaccustomed to trekking in wet conditions.
Autumn (October to November): As the monsoon recedes, temperatures begin to drop. Daytime temperatures hover around 5°C to 15°C, while nights can be quite chilly, reaching 0°C or lower. This season offers clear skies and stunning views, making it a great time for trekking if you are well-equipped for the cold.
Winter (December to March): The winter months can be harsh, with temperatures often dropping below -5°C at night. During the day, temperatures may range from 0°C to 10°C. Snowfall is common, especially in January and February, transforming the meadows into a winter wonderland. Trekkers venturing during this season must be prepared for extreme cold and should possess the right gear.
Every August, the people of Raithal hold the Butter Festival (Andhudi Utsav) on the Dayara meadow, playing Holi with butter and buttermilk instead of colours to mark the end of the grazing season.
Understanding the temperature variations throughout the year is crucial for a safe and enjoyable trek to Dayara Bugyal meadows. Whether you prefer the vibrant greens of summer or the serene snow-covered landscapes of winter, each season offers its own unique charm and challenges.
