This guide is about the Dayara Bugyal Trek — dates, price, day-by-day itinerary and booking are on the trek page.
Quick answer: Dayara Bugyal is a 4-day, Easy to Moderate meadow trek from Raithal in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, rising to Dayara Top at 3,749 m (12,300 ft). It covers about 20 km of trekking and runs from September to June, with snow from December to March. Trekkaro's price is ₹7,800 + 5% GST (₹8,190), Raithal to Raithal, with Free Trekking Gear.
Dayara Bugyal is one of the largest high-altitude meadows in Uttarakhand, and one of the easiest ways to stand above 3,700 m with a full wall of Garhwal peaks in front of you. In summer it is a rolling green plateau; in winter it is a wide snowfield within reach of beginners with some prior trekking experience. This guide covers the route, the best season, the day-by-day plan, difficulty, cost, gear and how to get there, with links to detailed articles.
Dayara Bugyal trek at a glance
| Detail | Dayara Bugyal trek |
|---|---|
| Highest point | Dayara Top, 3,749 m / 12,300 ft |
| Duration | 4 days (Dehradun to Dehradun; the fee covers Raithal to Raithal) |
| Trekking distance | About 20 km over 3 trekking days |
| Grade | Easy to Moderate |
| Base village | Raithal, 2,256 m / 7,400 ft, Uttarkashi district |
| Season | September to June; snow December to March |
| Minimum age | 8 years (under 18 with a parent or guardian) |
| Trekkaro price | ₹7,800 + 5% GST = ₹8,190, Raithal to Raithal |
| Group size | Maximum 20 trekkers, 1 leader or guide for every 8 |
What is a bugyal, and why Dayara?
In Garhwali, a bugyal is a high-altitude meadow above the tree line. Dayara is one of the biggest, a grassland plateau above the Bhagirathi valley that local shepherds have used as summer pasture for generations. The stone shelters and livestock trails you see on the meadow belong to them, so treat it as a working pasture: stay on paths in wet weather and carry all waste back down.
What makes the Dayara Bugyal trek special?
- Big views for little effort. From the meadow you see Bandarpoonch, Srikanth, Draupadi Ka Danda, Jaonli and Black Peak on clear days.
- A meadow that keeps going. Dayara is not a small clearing but kilometres of open grass or snow, which makes the top feel huge.
- No technical sections. There are no exposed or technical sections, though summit day has a steep half hour towards Chilapada and a steeper final stretch to the top, so it suits beginners with some prior trekking experience and families with children aged 8 and above.
- Four seasons. Snowfields in winter, wildflowers in spring and early summer, golden grass and clear skies in autumn.
- Short trip. Four days from Dehradun to Dehradun, so a few days of leave is enough.
When is the best time for the Dayara Bugyal trek?
Dayara runs from September to June; Trekkaro does not run it in July and August. Temperatures below are from Trekkaro's Dayara Bugyal trek page.
| Season | Day | Night | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec to Mar) | 4°C to 11°C | -10°C to -2°C | Snow on the meadow; the most popular season |
| Spring and early summer (Apr to Jun) | 13°C to 18°C | 7°C to 12°C | Snow melting, then green grass and wildflowers |
| Autumn (Oct to Nov) | 12°C to 15°C | Around 0°C | Clearest views, golden grass, quiet trails |
For snow, go from December to March; snow depth varies each year. For flowers, go in May and June. For clear mountain views, October and November are the sharpest. Read Dayara Bugyal in December for detail, and check the Uttarkashi forecast from the India Meteorological Department's Dehradun centre before you leave.
Dayara Bugyal trek itinerary (4 days)
Day 1: Dehradun to Raithal (2,256 m / 7,400 ft)
About 180 km by road, 8 to 9 hours, via Uttarkashi and the Bhagirathi valley. The shared cab leaves Dehradun Railway Station at 7:30 AM. Night in a guesthouse or homestay at Raithal, with dinner and a briefing. Bhatwari, about an hour before Raithal, is the last ATM and the last reliable mobile signal.
Day 2: Raithal to Gui (2,936 m / 9,630 ft)
5 km, 3 to 4 hours, gaining about 680 m. The trail climbs out of the village through oak and rhododendron forest to the meadow camp at Gui; the forest continues above the camp.
Day 3: Gui to Dayara Top (3,749 m / 12,300 ft) and back
10 km round trip, 8 to 9 hours, gaining about 813 m. The trail climbs through forest, steeply for about half an hour towards Chilapada, crosses the open meadow and takes a steeper last stretch to Dayara Top for the widest view of the trek, then returns to Gui. In winter this is a snow walk, and microspikes help on the steeper slopes.
Day 4: Gui to Raithal, drive to Dehradun
5 km down in 2 to 3 hours. The cab leaves Raithal around 1:00 PM and reaches Dehradun Railway Station around 9:00 PM, so book onward travel for late night or the next day.
How difficult is the Dayara Bugyal trek?
Dayara is graded Easy to Moderate and suits beginners with some prior trekking experience; a short trek or regular walking in the hills is a sensible base. The only long day is Day 3, 8 to 9 hours with a steep half hour towards Chilapada and a steeper final climb to 3,749 m. The trek page recommends 4 to 6 weeks of preparation: regular walking, jogging and stair climbing. Because you sleep at 2,936 m and climb to 3,749 m, a mild headache is possible; the team checks oxygen saturation daily and carries oxygen. If this is your first trek, read our first Himalayan trek guide and the best winter treks for beginners.
What does the Dayara Bugyal trek cost?
Trekkaro's Dayara Bugyal trek costs ₹7,800 per person + 5% GST = ₹8,190, Raithal to Raithal. The trek page shows EMI from ₹402 a month.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Trek fee (stays, meals, permits, camping gear, trek team) | ₹7,800 + 5% GST = ₹8,190 |
| Shared cab, Dehradun to Raithal and back | About ₹6,500 per vehicle each way, split among trekkers |
| Backpack offloading (optional, up to 9 kg) | ₹1,000 + GST = ₹1,050 |
| Single tent (optional) | ₹2,000 + GST = ₹2,100 |
| Free Trekking Gear deposit | ₹3,000 refundable + ₹200 washing charge (+ GST) |
The fee includes the Raithal stay, tents on the trek, vegetarian meals from Day 1 dinner to Day 4 breakfast, permits and forest camping fees, sleeping bags, and a certified trek leader with local guides. Transport is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers. Cancellation: 70% refund 30 days or more before departure and 50% between 15 and 29 days; at 8 to 14 days there is no cash refund, but you can take a 100% TrekCash voucher valid for one year, a free reschedule or a transfer to another trekker. Any of these can also replace a cash refund at any point up to 8 days before departure. At 7 days or less, or a no-show, there is no refund. See the Dayara Bugyal trek cost breakdown.
What gear does Trekkaro provide?
Dayara Bugyal comes with Free Trekking Gear: Decathlon trekking shoes, a jacket rated to -10°C, trekking poles, gaiters and microspikes, for a ₹3,000 refundable deposit and a ₹200 washing charge (+ GST). You bring your own backpack, thermal inners, fleece, warm cap and gloves, woollen socks, sunglasses, sunscreen, a headlamp and a water bottle. For winter batches, use our winter trek packing list.
How do you reach Raithal?
Dehradun is the gateway. Overnight trains such as the Nanda Devi Express reach Dehradun early in the morning, and buses run from Delhi's Kashmere Gate ISBT to Dehradun ISBT, from where you take an auto or cab to the railway station for the 7:30 AM pickup. Jolly Grant Airport is about 25 km from Dehradun. From Dehradun it is about 180 km to Raithal via Uttarkashi.
Five things to know before you go
- Withdraw cash at Bhatwari or earlier. There is no ATM in Raithal or on the trail.
- Expect no network from Raithal. Tell your family before Day 2.
- Respect the pasture. Stay on trails, give way to flocks and never leave waste on the meadow.
- The altitude is real, even on an Easy to Moderate trail. Walk slowly on Day 3 and keep drinking water.
- Day 4 is a long travel day. You reach Dehradun around 9:00 PM, so do not book an evening train.
See Dayara Bugyal dates and book | Dayara Bugyal trek cost | Dayara Bugyal in December | Dayara Bugyal vs Kedarkantha
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Dayara Bugyal trek take?
The Dayara Bugyal trek takes 4 days from Dehradun to Dehradun, with about 20 km of trekking over three days. Day 3 is the summit day to Dayara Top and back to Gui.
What is the best time for the Dayara Bugyal trek?
December to March for snow, May and June for green meadows and flowers, and October to November for the clearest views. The trek runs from September to June, with no batches in July and August.
Is Dayara Bugyal good for beginners and families?
Yes, for beginners with some prior trekking experience. It is graded Easy to Moderate with no technical sections, though Day 3 has a steep half hour towards Chilapada and a steeper final climb, and the minimum age is 8. The trek page recommends 4 to 6 weeks of regular exercise as preparation.
How high is Dayara Bugyal?
Dayara Top is at 3,749 m (12,300 ft). The camp at Gui is at 2,936 m (9,630 ft) and Raithal is at 2,256 m (7,400 ft).
How cold is Dayara Bugyal in winter?
From December to March, days are about 4°C to 11°C and nights about -10°C to -2°C. Tents and sleeping bags are provided, and Free Trekking Gear includes a -10°C jacket.
Where is the last ATM and mobile network for Dayara Bugyal?
Bhatwari, about an hour before Raithal, has the last ATM and the last reliable signal. Carry enough cash for the whole trek.
How much does the Dayara Bugyal trek cost with Trekkaro?
₹7,800 + 5% GST, which is ₹8,190 per person, Raithal to Raithal, with Free Trekking Gear. The shared cab from Dehradun is about ₹6,500 per vehicle each way, paid separately.
