How Difficult is Dayara Bugyal Trek | Beginners Guide, Altitude, Terrain, Distance, & More

Welcome to one of the most scenic and beginner-friendly treks in Uttarakhand — Dayara Bugyal. Nestled in the heart of the Garhwal Himalayas, this high-altitude meadow trek is a perfect escape for families, solo trekkers, beginners, and nature lovers alike. Whether you are a first-timer or someone who just wants a relaxing trail with majestic views, Dayara offers just the right mix of comfort and wilderness.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the difficulty level, the route, best seasons, and why Dayara Bugyal is totally worth your bucket list.

What is Dayara Bugyal?

The term Bugyal refers to alpine meadows that are spread over high altitudes ranging from 3,300 to 4,000 meters. Uttarakhand is home to many such meadows, but Dayara Bugyal stands out — thanks to its lush grasslands, easy approach, and breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks like Mt. Bandarpunch, Black Peak, Srikanth, Draupadi Ka Danda, Janoli, and the Gangotri range.

Located near the village of Raithal in Uttarkashi, this trek is well-preserved as part of a fragile Himalayan ecosystem. The best part? It’s accessible, beginner-friendly, and welcomes everyone with its gentle terrain.

Best is to explore Dayara Bugyal with a reputed tour operator. It helps in arrangements of permit, food, accommodation etc.

How Difficult is Dayara Bugyal Trek?

• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Let’s get this straight — Dayara Bugyal is one of the easiest high-altitude treks in India. With an altitude of around 3,780 meters (12,400 ft) at its highest point (Bakaria Top), it doesn’t pose the usual challenges of acclimatization or technical climbs. The trail involves gradual ascents and is well-marked, making it suitable for children, senior citizens, families, and even first-time trekkers.

Yes, it’s a mountain trek, and you’ll need basic fitness. But there’s no need to fear altitude sickness, tricky terrains, or exhausting climbs. If you start preparing at least a month or two in advance with simple walks or jogs, you’re good to go.

Trek Snapshot

• Base Camp: Raithal Village (Accessible from Dehradun/Uttarkashi)
• Maximum Altitude: 3,780 m (Bakaria Top)
• Total Distance: 18–22 km round trip
• Duration: 3–5 Days
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Best Season:

• Spring (March–April): Blooming rhododendrons, fresh greenery
• Summer (May–June): Clear skies, warm weather
• Autumn (September–November): Crisp air, golden landscapes
• Winter (December–February): Magical snow trek, perfect for beginners

Dayara Bugyal Trek Route Overview

The trek begins from Raithal, a scenic village known as “Goat Village,” where you can explore ancient sites like the 500-year-old Panch Pura, and temples of Bhagwati Devi and Someshwar Devta. Every August, the village hosts a unique Butter Holi Festival dedicated to Lord Krishna — a must-see if you happen to visit around that time.

From Raithal, the trail winds through dense oak, maple, and rhododendron forests. After a few kilometers, you’ll reach Gui Lake Campsite, a peaceful meadow near a calm alpine lake, offering jaw-dropping views of Srikanth, DKD, and other peaks.

Raithal Village

The next day, you ascend past the treeline (around 3,350 m) and step into the vast meadows of Dayara Bugyal. A short climb beyond takes you to Dayara Top and further on to Bakaria Top — the highest point of the trek — where the view just explodes in beauty.

Suggested 4-Day Itinerary

Here’s a practical and widely followed itinerary that balances comfort, altitude gain, and scenic experience:

Day 1: Arrive at Raithal (Base Village)

• Altitude: 2,250 m
• Travel: 8–9 hours drive from Dehradun (180–190 km)
• Highlights: Explore Raithal, acclimatize, visit Panch Pura and local temples
• Stay: Homestay or guesthouse

Day 2: Raithal to Gui Campsite

• Trek Distance: ~4.5 km
• Altitude: 2,950 m
• Time Taken: 3–4 hours
• Terrain: Gradual ascent through forest
• Highlights: Stay beside the alpine Gui Lake, enjoy stunning views of Srikanth and DKD
• Stay: Campsite

Day 3: Gui to Dayara Bugyal and Optional Bakaria Top

• Trek Distance: ~6–8 km (round trip if including Bakaria Top)
• Altitude: Dayara Top – 3,600 m; Bakaria Top – 3,780 m
• Time Taken: 5–6 hours
• Terrain: Bugyal walk, open slopes; steep climb if doing Bakaria
• Highlights: Vast meadows, panoramic mountain views, sunrise/sunset photography
• Stay: Return and camp again at Gui or move slightly back to Barnala if required

Day 4: Gui to Raithal – Depart

• Trek Distance: ~4.5 km
• Time Taken: 2–3 hours
• Post Trek: Drive back to Dehradun or extend your stay in Raithal
• Tips: Keep the day relaxed to avoid fatigue after the downhill

Optional Add-ons:

You can extend this itinerary by exploring towards Dodital, Gidara Bugyal, or Surya Top if you're seeking more adventure or an offbeat experience.

Trek Terrain Overview

The Dayara Bugyal trek terrain is a balanced mix of forest trails, gradual ascents, stone-paved paths, and wide-open alpine meadows. It’s what makes the trek not only scenic but also extremely beginner-friendly.

Forest Trail: The initial part of the trail moves through dense oak, rhododendron, and maple forests. You’ll walk on well-marked trails, mostly packed soil, with occasional rocky sections and stone-paved steps.

Meadow Ascent: As you gain altitude, the tree line vanishes, and you walk across gently undulating grassy slopes that form the iconic Bugyals.

Snow Terrain (in Winter): In the winter months, the entire route may be covered in snow, including forest sections. The snow remains manageable, although microspikes and gaiters are recommended.

Summit Push (Bakaria Top): The final climb to Bakaria Top is relatively steeper and can take longer in snow conditions. The trail is safe but can be energy-demanding.

In short, there’s no technical climb, no risky ridges, and no sections that need rope support. Just a consistent, enjoyable walk through nature.

Total Distance and Elevation Details

• Total Trekking Distance: 18 to 22 kilometers (round trip) (This varies slightly based on how far you explore within the meadows.)
• Maximum Altitude: 3,780 meters / 12,400 feet (Bakaria Top)
• Starting Altitude (Raithal): 2,250 meters / 7,380 feet
• Altitude Gain: Approx. 1,500 meters / 5,000 feet
• Trek Duration: 3 to 5 days depending on pace, weather, and acclimatization needs

Why You Should Trek Dayara Bugyal

1. Gui Lake Campsite

Your only campsite — but one of the most beautiful you’ll come across. A pristine lake surrounded by forest and mountains, with direct views of the Garhwal giants. Morning tea never tasted this scenic!

2. Magical Forest Trails

Oak, rhododendron, and maple forests dominate the lower trail. These forests are alive with birds, occasional wildlife like hares and monals, and hidden Himalayan views peeking through the trees.

3. Vast Green or Snowy Meadows

Depending on the season, the meadows of Dayara can either be velvet green or blanketed in sparkling white. You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into another world — peaceful, quiet, and completely free of noise.

4. Bakaria Top (3,780 m)

An optional but highly recommended climb that takes 30 minutes in summer and 2–3 hours in snow conditions. The views here are unmatched — Mt. Bandarpunch and Black Peak look stunningly close, and the landscape opens up in all directions.

5. Birdwatching Paradise

Spot Himalayan monal, blue magpies, long-tailed shrikes, treepies, francolins, and more. If you're a birder, pack your binoculars and patience.

Dayara for Everyone

Trek for Children

Children as young as 7–8 years have done this trek with ease. It’s a great way to introduce kids to the outdoors and encourage physical activity and curiosity about nature.

Trek for Families

Want a Himalayan vacation that doesn’t demand extreme fitness or adventure skills? Dayara Bugyal is perfect. You walk short distances daily, have safe trails, and plenty of time to bond.

Trek for Senior Citizens

Age is just a number here. With decent fitness, you can complete this trek without pressure. The rewards — nature, silence, joy — are soul-satisfying.

Want more than the standard trail? Try these:

• Dayara Bugyal to Dodital Circuit
• Dayara with Gidara Bugyal
• Dayara from Gorsali via Bakaria Top
• Dayara to Surya Top and Devkund (the most thrilling)

Let your operator know in advance to plan these routes.

Fitness Tips

• Though easy, you still need to be active. Aim to:
• Walk/jog 4–5 km daily in under 45 minutes
• Do squats, stretches, and basic cardio
• Practice stair climbing

A little prep will go a long way in making your trek enjoyable and stress-free.

Final Words

So, is Dayara Bugyal trek difficult?

Not at all — if you’re reasonably fit and well-prepared. This trek is more about experience than endurance. Whether you want your child to see their first Himalayan peak, or your parents to touch snow for the first time, or you just want to start your own trekking journey — Dayara Bugyal is the gateway.

From the cozy forests to the wide-open meadows, and from bird calls to snowy landscapes, Dayara is Uttarakhand’s gift to all who wish to connect with the mountains.

Now the only thing left is — are you ready?