If there’s a place where earth meets the sky in a blanket of green, it’s Dayara Bugyal. Set in the Garhwal Himalayas, the Dayara bugyal trek is one of the most stunning meadow treks in India. With gentle trails, expansive alpine pastures, and breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks like Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, and Srikanth, this trek is perfect for both beginners and seasoned trekkers seeking quiet beauty.
My journey began in the quaint town of Raithal, about 180 km from Dehradun. A peaceful Himalayan village surrounded by terraced fields and pine forests, Raithal felt like a world away from the city’s noise. Trekking with Himalaya Shelter, the best trekking company in Uttarakhand, made all the difference. Their well-structured itinerary, local knowledge, and responsible trekking ethos ensured an unforgettable experience.
From Raithal, the trail steadily climbs through ancient oak and rhododendron forests. The air is crisp, and the silence is broken only by birdsong and the sound of crunching leaves underfoot. The first campsite at Gui offers spectacular sunset views and a glimpse of the meadows to come.
As we climbed higher, the forest suddenly opened into an expansive alpine meadow—Dayara bugyal. The transition from dense woods to a high-altitude pasture was magical.
At nearly 11,800 ft, Dayara Bugyal stretches as far as the eye can see, framed by towering Himalayan giants. The slopes are gentle, the grass sways in the breeze, and during summer, wildflowers bloom in every color imaginable. In winter, the meadow transforms into a vast snowfield, ideal for snow trekking and skiing.
From the top of the meadow, the Bandarpoonch massif dominates the skyline, glowing golden at sunrise. It’s one of those moments where you feel completely still, awed by the scale of the mountains and the silence of the landscape.
What makes Dayara Bugyal so special is its accessibility and diversity. You get:
And it’s all available on a relatively short and easy trek, making it ideal for families, beginners, photographers, and anyone looking to reconnect with nature.