Barsu, Uttarkashi · Uttarakhand
Dayara Bugyal
Rolling alpine meadows at 3,600 m with a gentle gradient — the friendliest high-altitude trek in Garhwal.
Dayara Bugyal is an easy–moderate trek in Barsu, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, reaching 3,639 m. The best time to go is March to June and September to November. Plan 5 to 6 days on the ground from Dehradun and about ₹2,600 per person per day.
What to do in Dayara Bugyal
The one thing not to miss
The meadows
One of the largest alpine meadows in Uttarakhand, open grass in every direction.
- 2Bakaria TopThe high point above the meadow, with Bandarpoonch and the Gangotri peaks in view.
- 3Barnala TalA small lake and temple on the way up from Barsu.
- 4Raithal villageOld timber houses at the other trailhead.
A sample plan: 5 days
Day 1
Dehradun to Barsu or Raithal
A long drive through Uttarkashi.
Day 2
Barsu to Barnala Tal
Forest all the way.
Day 3
Barnala to Dayara Bugyal
Out onto the meadows.
Day 4
Bakaria Top and back
The high point, then down to camp.
Day 5
Down to Barsu or Raithal, and drive out
Reach Uttarkashi or Dehradun by night.
The usual stages; operators and seasons vary, so treat it as a guide.
When to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- ❄︎Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- ❄︎Dec
Why go
Big open meadow country without brutal climbs. In winter it is a snow field, in summer a green carpet.
Why not
Not a summit trek — you go for the meadow, not for a peak.
Before you go
- Permits
- Forest permit, usually handled by the operator.
- Guide
- Local guide recommended in winter.
- Safety
- Exposed ridge above Barnala Tal in high wind; carry a windproof layer.
- Phone & internet
- Patchy in Barsu; none on the meadow.
Altitude
Dayara Bugyal reaches 3,639 m, high enough for altitude sickness to be a real risk whatever your age or fitness.
- Gain height gradually. Above 3,000 m, try not to sleep more than about 500 m higher than the night before, and take a rest day for every 1,000 m gained.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and sleeping pills.
- Headache with nausea, dizziness or exhaustion means stop going up. If it does not improve with rest, go down.
- Breathlessness while resting, a wet cough, confusion or trouble walking straight is an emergency: go down at once, by night if necessary, and get medical help.
- Medicines such as acetazolamide (Diamox) are for a doctor to prescribe; they are not a substitute for going up slowly.
General guidance, not medical advice.
Permits, food and festivals in Uttarakhand →
These details haven't been field-verified yet. Confirm permits, road status and weather locally before you travel.
If something goes wrong
Nearest help: District disaster control room, Uttarkashi, Uttarkashi.
All emergency contacts for Uttarakhand →What to pack for Dayara Bugyal
Worked out from its season, altitude and terrain. Tick things off as you pack; tap a name to find it in a shop.
Clothing
12 items
- Fleece or light sweater Evenings turn cold in the hills even in summer.
- Thermal inner wear (top and bottom) Nights drop below freezing in the snow months.
- Down or padded jacket Your main warm layer for mornings, evenings and high points.
- Woollen cap that covers the ears Most body heat is lost from the head.
- Woollen socks, 2–3 pairs Dry woollen socks for the night matter more than you expect.
- Waterproof gloves You will be touching snow; ordinary woollen gloves get wet.
- Neck gaiter or balaclava Covers nose and neck in wind and on cold mornings.
- Hand warmers A small, cheap comfort at camp and on early starts.
- Quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs Jeans stay wet and heavy; these dry overnight.
- Quick-dry T-shirts, 2–3 Cotton holds sweat and chills you when you stop.
- Sun cap or hat Hours in open sun, with little shade above the tree line.
- Rain jacket or poncho The season here overlaps the rains.
Footwear
4 items
- Trekking shoes with ankle support About 22 km of uneven trail; break them in before you go.
- Microspikes For grip on hard snow and ice. Trek operators often provide these — ask before buying.
- Gaiters Keep snow out of your shoes.
- Camp sandals or floaters Let your feet rest at camp, and useful for stream crossings.
Trek gear
10 items
- Rucksack, 40–60 litres Carries everything for a multi-day trek.
- Rain cover for your bag Keeps your bag and dry clothes dry.
- Headlamp with spare batteries Camps and villages have little or no lighting; summit starts are before dawn.
- Insulated flask Water freezes in ordinary bottles overnight.
- Dry bags or zip pouches Separate wet from dry, and protect your phone and documents.
- Trekking poles Take load off your knees on the descent.
- Energy bars and dry fruit There are few or no shops on the trail.
- Tissue roll, hand sanitiser and wet wipes Camp and trail toilets are basic.
- Quick-dry towel Dries overnight in a tent.
- Sleeping bag liner Adds warmth and keeps an operator's sleeping bag hygienic.
Health and sun
9 items
- Sunscreen, SPF 50 UV is much stronger at altitude and on snow.
- Small first-aid kit and your own medicines The nearest chemist may be hours away.
- UV-protection sunglasses Protects against snow glare and strong high-altitude light.
- Lip balm with SPF Cold, dry air cracks lips within a day.
- ORS sachets For dehydration and tired legs.
- Water-purifying bottle or tablets Stream and tap water should be treated.
- Blister plasters and a crepe bandage New or wet shoes rub; treat a hot spot before it becomes a blister.
- Insect repellent Mosquitoes and midges at lower altitudes and in the wet months.
- A word with your doctor about altitudeYou will go above 3,500 m (to 3,639 m). Ask a doctor about altitude sickness before you travel, and plan a slow ascent.
Documents and money
3 items
- Government photo ID and two photocopiesAsked for at hotels, check posts and permit counters.
- Enough cash for the whole tripATMs are scarce and often empty beyond the gateway town.
- Permits and registrationsForest permit, usually handled by the operator.
Phone and power
2 items
- Power bank Charging is limited, and cold drains batteries fast.
- A SIM that works therePatchy in Barsu; none on the meadow.
For what you're going for
2 items
- Light travel tripod For sunrise, night skies and long exposures.
- Spare memory card and camera battery Cold drains camera batteries; there is nowhere to buy spares.
Read before you go
2 items
- A guidebook for Uttarakhand Worth reading before you go, and it works without a signal.
- A paper trekking map A paper map still works when the phone doesn't.
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Getting there
The nearest gateway is Dehradun.
Directions open in Google Maps with today's road time. In the mountains, add a third to whatever it says.
- Normal car?
- Yes, any car can make it. Hill roads here are prone to landslides in the monsoon. Start early and check road status before you set out.
By road
From
Dehradun
- Distance
- about 190 km
- Drive time
- 7–8 hours
- Dehradun
- Mussoorie
- Chinyalisaur
- Uttarkashi
- Bhatwari
- Barsu
The walk starts at Barsu, or at Raithal on the other side.
Live directions from DehradunFrom
Uttarkashi
- Distance
- about 45 km
- Drive time
- about 2 hours
- Uttarkashi
- Bhatwari
- Barsu
Buses and shared taxis. Buses and shared jeeps reach Uttarkashi; take a local jeep from there to Barsu or Raithal.
Pickups & drivers
From Dehradun. Call or WhatsApp the driver directly.
No drivers listed for Dayara Bugyal yet. Drive this route? List your cab.
Dayara Bugyal: questions people ask
What is the best time to visit Dayara Bugyal?
The best months for Dayara Bugyal are March to June and September to November. December to February are possible but not ideal. Snow is likely in December to March.
How difficult is Dayara Bugyal?
Dayara Bugyal is rated easy–moderate. The trek is about 22 km in total, starting at 2,300 m and reaching 3,639 m.
How many days do you need for Dayara Bugyal?
Plan 5 to 6 days on the ground, counted from Dehradun. Add travel days to reach the gateway from your city.
How much does a trip to Dayara Bugyal cost?
Expect about ₹2,600 per person per day for a mid-range trip (stay, food and local transport). That is roughly ₹15,600 for 6 days, before the cost of getting to Dehradun.
How do you reach Dayara Bugyal?
By road: from Dehradun it is about 190 km, 7–8 hours (Dehradun → Mussoorie → Chinyalisaur → Uttarkashi → Bhatwari → Barsu); from Uttarkashi it is about 45 km, about 2 hours (Uttarkashi → Bhatwari → Barsu). Buses and shared jeeps reach Uttarkashi; take a local jeep from there to Barsu or Raithal. The nearest gateway is Dehradun.
Do you need a permit or a guide for Dayara Bugyal?
Permits: Forest permit, usually handled by the operator. Guide: Local guide recommended in winter.
Is Dayara Bugyal suitable for children and senior citizens?
With children it is good; with seniors it is possible with care. It is moderately busy in season. Exposed ridge above Barnala Tal in high wind; carry a windproof layer.
What should you pack for Dayara Bugyal?
Pack fleece or light sweater, thermal inner wear (top and bottom), down or padded jacket, woollen cap that covers the ears, woollen socks, 2–3 pairs, waterproof gloves, neck gaiter or balaclava, hand warmers, quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs. Also carry a government photo ID, enough cash and any permits. The full list is on this page.
Is there mobile network and internet at Dayara Bugyal?
Patchy in Barsu; none on the meadow.
Will I get altitude sickness at Dayara Bugyal?
Dayara Bugyal reaches 3,639 m, high enough for altitude sickness to be a real risk whatever your age or fitness. Gain height gradually. Above 3,000 m, try not to sleep more than about 500 m higher than the night before, and take a rest day for every 1,000 m gained. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and sleeping pills. Headache with nausea, dizziness or exhaustion means stop going up. If it does not improve with rest, go down. This is general guidance, not medical advice.
Who should not go to Dayara Bugyal?
Dayara Bugyal is not a good choice for older travellers who find long walks or rough roads hard and anyone with a heart, lung or blood-pressure condition unless a doctor has cleared them for 3,639 m. Also keep in mind: Not a summit trek — you go for the meadow, not for a peak.
Close to Dayara Bugyal
Within about 35 km in a straight line. Hill roads are a good deal longer, so check the drive before you combine two.
- Harsilabout 28 km
- Har Ki Dunabout 34 km