Discover the wide-open alpine meadows of Dayara Bugyal, one of Uttarakhand’s most scenic Himalayan trekking destinations. Set against the dramatic peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas, this trek takes you through forest trails, peaceful campsites and rolling grasslands with expansive mountain views.
Starting from the Himalayan village of Barsu, the trail climbs through oak and rhododendron forests towards Barnala before opening into the beautiful meadows of Dayara Bugyal. The journey continues to Dayara Top at approximately 3,750 metres, where the surrounding mountain panorama makes the effort worthwhile.
Dayara Bugyal offers a different experience in every season. Winter can bring snow-covered meadows and a classic Himalayan winter-trek atmosphere, while the warmer months reveal greener landscapes and open walking trails.
Graded Easy and suitable for fit beginners, this four-day trek is a rewarding introduction to the Himalayas. Participants should be prepared for several hours of walking each day, changing mountain weather and the demands of uneven terrain.
Note: Prices mentioned are applicable for Indian passport holders. For foreign passport holders, the cost may vary. Please connect with the Boots & Crampons team for clarity.
Note: An indemnity document will be shared before the trek. Signing it is mandatory.
Distance: Approximately 180 km
Driving Time: 6–7 hours
Arrive in Dehradun early in the morning for the scheduled departure to Barsu at 7:00 AM. The scenic drive takes you through the Garhwal region, following mountain roads alongside rivers, valleys and traditional Himalayan settlements.
Upon arrival in Barsu, check into your pre-arranged guesthouse or homestay. Spend the evening settling in, exploring the village or enjoying a short walk nearby. Your trek leader will brief the group on the upcoming trek and preparations for the following day.
Overnight Stay: Guesthouse or homestay in Barsu.
Distance: Approximately 4 km
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
After breakfast, begin your trek from Barsu towards Barnala. The trail ascends gradually through beautiful oak and rhododendron forests, with peaceful woodland surroundings and occasional clearings along the way.
As you gain altitude, the trail opens up towards Barnala, a scenic campsite surrounded by forest and mountain landscapes. After reaching camp and having lunch, you can explore the nearby Barnala Tal, subject to weather and trail conditions.
Spend the evening at camp, enjoy a warm meal and rest before the following day’s trek to Dayara Bugyal and Dayara Top.
Overnight Stay: Tented campsite at Barnala.
Distance: Approximately 8 km round trip
Trekking Time: 6–7 hours
Maximum Altitude: Approximately 3,750 m / 12,300 ft
Start early after breakfast for the most scenic day of the trek. The trail leads through forest paths and opens into the expansive alpine meadows of Dayara Bugyal. These rolling grasslands offer beautiful views of the surrounding Garhwal Himalayas.
Continue towards Dayara Top, the highest point of the trek, at approximately 3,750 metres. On clear days, enjoy panoramic views of prominent Himalayan peaks, including Bandarpoonch, the Gangotri range and Srikanth, depending on visibility.
After spending time at the summit area and taking in the scenery, begin the descent towards Barnala. Return to camp for a well-earned meal and an evening of rest.
Overnight Stay: Tented campsite at Barnala.
Trekking Distance: Approximately 4 km
Trekking Time: 2–3 hours
Driving Distance: Approximately 180 km
Driving Time: 6–7 hours
After breakfast, begin the descent from Barnala to Barsu. Enjoy the final stretch through the forest trail before reaching the village, where your vehicle will be waiting for the return journey to Dehradun.
The drive takes approximately 6–7 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions. Arrival in Dehradun is expected by evening, although delays are possible on mountain roads.
Please allow a buffer of at least 3–4 hours before booking onward travel from Dehradun.
Trek Ends: Dehradun.
Pick-up and drop-off from the designated reporting point to the trek start and end points, as specified in the itinerary.
Guesthouse, lodge or homestay accommodation in Barsu, as arranged.
Twin-sharing tented accommodation during the trekking days.
Sleeping mattresses and dining tents during the camping section.
All meals during the trek, starting with dinner on Day 1 and ending with breakfast on the final trekking day, as per the itinerary.
Nutritious vegetarian meals, including breakfast, lunch, evening snacks or soup, and dinner.
Morning and evening hot beverages, including tea.
Experienced and certified Boots & Crampons trek leaders and guides.
Support staff for trek and camp operations, including:
Expedition cook
Kitchen helpers
Camp setup team
Porters or mules for carrying camping equipment and supporting group logistics.
Expedition-grade tents and sleeping mattresses.
Dining tents, kitchen equipment and cooking supplies.
First-aid medical kit where required, as per the operator’s safety arrangements.
Applicable forest permits, camping fees and other required permissions.
Applicable government charges related to the trek.
Exclusive participant discount on Fast&Up nutrition products.
Trek completion certificate, where applicable.
Travel expenses between your hometown and the designated reporting point, including return travel.
Any transportation not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
Personal trekking equipment, including:
Trekking shoes
Trekking poles
Personal clothing and other individual gear.
Porter services for carrying personal luggage; these may be arranged at an additional cost.
Bottled water, snacks, additional beverages and personal purchases.
Personal toiletries and medication.
Personal travel and trekking insurance.
Emergency evacuation and associated costs, if required.
Tips and gratuities for guides and support staff.
Additional expenses arising from weather delays, natural disasters or a participant’s decision to leave the trek early.
Please read carefully before registering.
The Dayara Bugyal Trek is graded Easy and is suitable for fit beginners who want to experience the Himalayan mountains. Although the route does not require technical mountaineering skills, participants should be prepared for several hours of walking each day, uphill and downhill trails, changing weather and uneven terrain.
Good preparation will help you enjoy the trek more comfortably and contribute to a safer experience for the entire group.
Be comfortable walking for approximately 4–6 hours a day, with breaks as required.
Build cardiovascular endurance through brisk walking, jogging, cycling or other regular aerobic activities.
Gradually increase your walking duration and include uphill routes or stair climbing in your routine.
Include basic leg-strength exercises such as squats, step-ups and lunges.
Work on core strength and balance to help you move more confidently over uneven terrain.
Practise walking with a light backpack before the trek.
Carry suitable trekking shoes with good grip and ankle support.
Pack warm layers, a waterproof or windproof outer layer, gloves and a warm cap.
Carry a daypack with water, snacks, sun protection and essential personal items.
Refer to the Things to Pack checklist for the complete equipment list.
Mountain weather can change quickly. Temperatures may drop, and rain, snow or slippery trails may affect walking conditions, particularly during winter.
Follow the trek leader’s guidance and be prepared for changes to the day’s plan when conditions require them.
Begin training well in advance, particularly if you are not regularly active.
Inform the Boots & Crampons team about relevant mobility limitations or other concerns that could affect your participation.
Carry your personal medication and any essential items you need during the trek.
Stay hydrated, maintain a comfortable pace and communicate with your trek leader if you feel unwell.
Trekking involves patience, adaptability and consideration for fellow participants. Be prepared to walk at a steady pace, follow instructions from the trek leader and respect the local environment.
A little preparation goes a long way. Arriving with suitable fitness, the right equipment and realistic expectations will help you make the most of your Dayara Bugyal experience.
For rental bookings and additional equipment support, visit our contracted business partner — Summit Yak Official Website
The trek reaches approximately 3,750 metres (12,300 feet) at Dayara Top, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Garhwal Himalayas.
Our listed itinerary is four days, including road transfers between Dehradun and Barsu, the trek to Barnala, the visit to Dayara Bugyal and Dayara Top, and the return journey. Please refer to the itinerary for the day-by-day schedule.
The trek is graded Easy. The trail includes forest paths, gradual ascents, uneven terrain and open alpine meadows. Participants should be reasonably fit and comfortable walking for several hours a day.
Yes. It can be a good introduction to Himalayan trekking for fit beginners. No previous mountaineering experience is required, but participants should prepare physically and follow the trek leader’s instructions.
Our scheduled departures are designed to offer the Himalayan winter-trek experience, when snow may cover the meadows and surrounding trails. Snowfall and trail conditions vary each year. Please check the scheduled departure dates for the experience expected during your trek.
You should be comfortable walking for several hours, including uphill and downhill sections on uneven terrain. Regular brisk walking, stair climbing and basic leg-strength exercises can help you prepare.
As outlined in the itinerary, the programme includes a guesthouse or homestay at Barsu and tented accommodation during the trekking section, subject to the confirmed arrangements.
Meals are provided during the trek according to the inclusions and itinerary, beginning with dinner on Day 1. Please check the inclusions section for the exact meal arrangements.
Carry suitable trekking footwear, warm layers, waterproof protection, a daypack, water bottles, personal medication and sun protection. Please refer to the Things to Pack section for the complete checklist.
No previous trekking experience is required. However, good basic fitness, suitable clothing and footwear, and a willingness to follow mountain safety instructions are important.
Selected trekking equipment may be available through Summit Yak. Please check the available equipment and rates before your trek.
After registration, a dedicated WhatsApp group is created for preparation and coordination. Briefing sessions may be conducted to explain the itinerary, equipment requirements and other practical details.
Mountain weather can affect the itinerary and walking conditions. The trek leader may adjust plans when necessary to prioritise participant safety. Allow sufficient buffer time for your onward journey from Dehradun.
Dayara Bugyal is a scenic, accessible Himalayan trek that’s perfect for those who enjoy wide-open meadows and mountain panoramas. With the right preparation and pacing, it’s an unforgettable experience.
Boots & Crampons staff of highly trained professional guides is here to make your journey as safe and secure as possible. All of our trekking guides are medically certified and have abundant experience using their training in mountainous environments.
Our safety standards are based on the experiences of our founder, managing risk in some of the world’s most hostile environments.
While we advise our trekkers to carry light, our guides are always prepared with:
Be it queries about the trek, customization or anything else, our team is eager to assist you.
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