Dayara Bugyal
Easy to Moderate Alpine Trail in Uttarkashi • Summit 3,750 m (Bakaria Top) • 5 Days
Alpine Field Dossier • Route Metrics
About Dayara Bugyal Trek
Considered by many the most expansive and visually stunning high-altitude alpine meadow (bugyal) in India, Dayara Bugyal spans over 28 square kilometers of rolling grasslands at 3,750m in Uttarkashi. Flanked by ancient oak and maple forests, it opens into an undulating sea of green (or snow in winter) with grand panoramic views of Bandarpoonch (6,316m), Black Peak (Kalanag), Draupadi Ka Danda, and the Gangotri range.
Trailhead Approach
Commences from Base Trailhead, following established mountain corridors through valley topography.
Alpine Progression
Rises steadily into open mountain zones with panoramic vantages across Uttarkashi.
High Vantage & Crest
Reaches high elevation vantage points where disciplined alpine pacing and weather awareness ensure a safe journey.
The Route
Trailhead coordinates, navigation milestones, and geospatial profile connecting Base Trailhead to the summit crest.
Base Trailhead
Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand • Trailhead Access
Dayara Bugyal Trek (3,750 m (Bakaria Top))
Panoramic vistas from Dayara Bugyal Trek across Uttarkashi
30.8500° N, 78.5500° E
Mapped trail route
Interactive 3D Satellite Terrain
Inspect the 3D glacial topography, ridge relief, and trail approaches of Dayara Bugyal Trek in photorealistic satellite imagery.
Elevation Profile
Continuous vertical gradient from Base Trailhead to the 3,750 m (Bakaria Top) summit crest with live slope & oxygen estimates.
Elevation & Slope Profile
Elevation Milestones • 3,750 m (Bakaria Top) Apex
- Base Trailhead
- Base Trailhead
- Mid-Trail Stage
- 3400 m • Gui to Dayara Bugyal
- Apex Summit Marker
- Dayara Bugyal Trek • 3,750 m (Bakaria Top)
Itinerary
Recommended day-by-day progression from Solang Village to the high meadows and summit ridge.
Dehradun to Raithal
Drive 220 km along the Bhagirathi River past Uttarkashi to the heritage mountain village of Raithal (2,250m).
Raithal to Gui Forest Camp
Trek 4.5 km through dense oak, rhododendron, and walnut forests to the quaint meadow clearing of Gui (2,900m).
Gui to Dayara Bugyal
Climb through the forest canopy to enter the vast expanse of Dayara Bugyal (3,400m). Camp on the meadow fringe.
Dayara Bugyal to Bakaria Top & Return to Gui
Ascend to the highest vantage point of Bakaria Top (3,750m) for 360-degree mountain panoramas. Descend to Gui camp.
Gui to Raithal & Drive to Dehradun
Descend 4.5 km back to Raithal village and drive back to Dehradun.
Information
Everything you need for a safe and prepared journey — real-time weather, seasonal cycles, practical field tips, medical directives, and gear checklist.
Best Time & Live Mountain Weather
Summer & Spring (May – June)
Clear morning skies, blooming alpine meadows across Uttarkashi, and comfortable daytime trekking conditions with residual high pass snow.
Monsoon (July – August)
Lush green valley trails and vibrant mountain ecology. Afternoon showers require early morning departures and waterproof shells.
Post-Monsoon / Autumn (Sept – Oct)
Unparalleled long-range visibility, stable atmospheric pressure, and crisp dry conditions across the Himalayan summits.
Winter & Early Spring (Nov – April)
High elevation terrain covered in heavy seasonal snow. Lower valley trails accessible; high cols demand specialized cold-weather preparation.
Trail Tips & Practical Advice
In August, witness the unique traditional 'Butter Festival' (Anduri Utsav) celebrated by local villagers on the meadows of Dayara.
Dayara Bugyal transforms into a world-class winter snowshoeing and beginner ski terrain from late December through February.
Altitude Safety & Emergency Protocols
The Three Golden Rules of Altitude Safety
- 1Rule 1: Any headache or illness above 2,500m is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) until proven otherwise.
- 2Rule 2: Never ascend to sleep at a higher campsite with symptoms of altitude sickness.
- 3Rule 3: If symptoms worsen, or if ataxia (loss of balance) or breathlessness at rest appears, descend immediately.
What to Pack
Recommended alpine gear and equipment essentials required for the Dayara Bugyal Trek route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers regarding distance, altitude, how to reach, opening hours, winter conditions, and permits for Dayara Bugyal Trek.
More Trails in Uttarkashi
Continue your journey through neighboring valleys, glacier basins, and trails across Uttarkashi.
Gangotri Temple & Bhagirathi Canyon
The venerated seat of Goddess Ganga and one of the four cardinal Char Dham pilgrimage shrines. Perched at 3,100m on the granite banks of the roaring Bhagirathi River in Uttarkashi district, the white marble temple was constructed in the 18th century by Gorkha commander Amar Singh Thapa. Key sacred landmarks include the Bhagirath Shila (the granite slab where King Bhagiratha meditated to bring Ganga to Earth), the natural submerged rock Shivalinga visible in winter, the thunderous granite gorge of Surya Kund waterfall, and the ancient Pandava Gufa.
Uttarkashi Town & Kashi Vishwanath
Often called 'Varanasi of the North', Uttarkashi is the cultural, spiritual, and mountaineering capital of Garhwal nestled along the Bhagirathi River. Revered for the ancient Kashi Vishwanath Temple featuring the legendary 26-foot Shakti Trishul forged of divine copper-iron alloy that vibrates when touched by a single finger. The town is also the home of India's premier mountaineering academy, the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM).
Barkot Gateway
Barkot is a scenic mountain town in Uttarkashi district situated along the banks of the Yamuna River. Surrounded by apple orchards and offering views of the Bandarpoonch peak, it serves as the primary staging hub and road base for pilgrims and trekkers journeying to Yamunotri.