Quick answer: December is a lovely month for the Dayara Bugyal trek. The first proper snow of the season usually settles on the meadows during the month, the skies are clear, and days are pleasantly mild at about 4°C to 11°C, with nights of about -10°C to -2°C. It is a 4-day trek from Dehradun, graded Easy, which makes it one of the best December snow treks for beginners and families.
If you want your first snow trek this December but don't have a week off, Dayara Bugyal is the answer. It fits into a long weekend, it costs less than most winter treks, and it ends on a huge open meadow with Bandarpoonch and Black Peak lined up across the horizon. Here is what December on Dayara is really like.
What December brings
- Snow arriving: early December can still be partly green on the lower meadows; snow usually builds through the month, and the upper meadows and Dayara Top are the first to turn white.
- Crystal-clear skies: December is one of the clearest months for views of Bandarpoonch, Black Peak and Draupadi ka Danda.
- Mild days: warmer walking days than January, which first-timers appreciate.
- Christmas and New Year magic: a white meadow is a special place to spend the holidays.
Snowfall changes every year, so nobody can promise exact snow on your dates. As a rule, the later in December you go, the more snow you'll see.
How cold is Dayara Bugyal in December?
| Where and when | Typical temperature |
|---|---|
| On the trail, during the day | About 4°C to 11°C |
| At camp (Gui), at night | About -10°C to -2°C |
Pack for cold nights: thermals, a fleece, an insulated jacket, gloves and a warm cap. On Trekkaro batches you sleep in -20°C sleeping bags and get a free -10°C Decathlon jacket as part of Free Trekking Gear. See our winter trek packing list.
Your 4 days on Dayara Bugyal in December
- Dehradun to Raithal: about 180 km (8–9 hours) through the Garhwal hills to the village of Raithal. Night in a guesthouse or homestay.
- Raithal to Gui: about 5 km, 3–4 hours, through oak, pine and rhododendron forest to your first campsite, with sunset over the snow peaks.
- Gui to Dayara Top (about 12,300 ft) and back: about 10 km, 8–9 hours. Across the vast Dayara meadows to the top for 360° views, then back to Gui. This is the big day; take it steady.
- Gui to Raithal and drive to Dehradun: an easy 5 km descent (2–3 hours), then the drive back, about 7–8 hours.
December week by week
| Dates | Snow | Crowds |
|---|---|---|
| 1–10 December | Snow on the upper meadows and Dayara Top; lower meadows may be partly clear | Quiet |
| 11–22 December | Snow usually building across the meadows | Moderate |
| 23 December–1 January | Often the first deep snow of the season | Busiest; book early |
Why Dayara is perfect for a December first trek
- Only 4 days: a long weekend plus a day off.
- Graded Easy: no steep, technical summit climb; just one long meadow day.
- Great for families and anyone unsure about their fitness.
- The lowest trek fee of our winter treks, with free gear.
December tips for Dayara Bugyal
- Book Christmas–New Year dates early; they fill first.
- Reach Dehradun the evening before the 8–9 hour drive to Raithal.
- Carry an insulated bottle so water doesn't freeze at Gui.
- Wear UV sunglasses on the snow-covered meadows.
- Train for Day 3: 10 km and 8–9 hours is the longest day.
What it costs
Dayara Bugyal with Trekkaro is ₹7,800 + 5% GST, including stays, meals, permits, the trek leader and Free Trekking Gear, with EMI from about ₹402/month. For the full breakdown and how Trekkaro compares with other operators, see Dayara Bugyal trek cost.
See Dayara Bugyal December dates and book | Kedarkantha in December | Best winter treks for beginners
Frequently asked questions
Is there snow on Dayara Bugyal in December?
Usually yes, on the upper meadows and Dayara Top, and it generally builds through the month. Early December can still be partly green lower down. Exact snow varies each year.
How cold is Dayara Bugyal in December?
Days are about 4°C to 11°C and nights at camp about -10°C to -2°C.
Is Dayara Bugyal good for beginners in December?
Yes. It is graded Easy, takes just 4 days, and has no technical summit climb. Be ready for one long day of about 10 km on Day 3.
Dayara Bugyal or Kedarkantha in December?
Dayara Bugyal is shorter (4 days), easier and costs less; Kedarkantha is 5 days and has a classic summit sunrise. See Kedarkantha in December.
How much does Dayara Bugyal cost?
With Trekkaro, ₹7,800 + 5% GST per person, including Free Trekking Gear. From Delhi by bus, the whole trip is about ₹13,590.
