Dayara Bugyal Trek Itinerary — Day by Day Route

Detailed Route

Dayara Bugyal Trek Itinerary — Day by Day Route & Camps

Dayara Bugyal Trek is a 5-day loop from Barsu, with the vast 28km² alpine meadow plateau reached on Day 3.

Standard RouteThis is the standard mountain pacing for this trek. Specific operators may add an acclimatization day or alter the starting point. Check individual operator schedules for their exact logistics.

Duration

6 Days

Total Distance

28 KM

Max Altitude

12,100 FT

Trek Type

circuit

Day by Day Breakdown

Day 1
8 Hrs
185 KM
drive

Camp Alt

7,100 ft

Day Gain

+5,000 ft

Drive to Raithal

DehradunRaithal

Pick up from Dehradun Railway Station at 7:00 AM. The drive passes through Mussoorie and follows the Bhagirathi river near Uttarkashi. Raithal is one of the most beautiful heritage villages in Uttarakhand. Night stay in a homestay to experience local Garhwali culture and food. Last reliable ATM at Uttarkashi.

Key Landmarks

MussoorieSuwakholiChambaUttarkashiBhatwariRaithal Heritage Village

The road journey links the from the plains into the Bhagirathi river valley.

Paved Road
Day 2
4 Hrs
5 KM
trek

Camp Alt

9,500 ft

Day Gain

+2,400 ft

Reach Gui Campsite

RaithalGui

The trail starts directly from the village. It is a well-paved stone path that soon enters a thick forest. The ascent is very gentle and consistent. Gui is a sheltered campsite in a forest clearing. You can see the Bandarpoonch peaks on a clear evening from here. Tents pitched on a level forest clearing.

Key Landmarks

Village stone stepsOak & Rhododendron ForestGui Shepherd HutsHimalayan Monal viewpoints

Staying At

Gui

The trail follows the mountain river corridor through a narrow, forested gorge, moving past traditional settlements into increasingly dense dense forested valleys.

Trail
Day 3
3 Hrs
3 KM
trek

Camp Alt

10,500 ft

Day Gain

+1,000 ft

Reach Chilapada

GuiChilapada

A very short 'E-Z' day designed for acclimatisation. You move higher into the forest, getting closer to the edge of the Dayara meadows. Chilapada has a small perennial stream. The afternoon is spent resting or exploring the nearby forest trails. This saves energy for the large meadow exploration tomorrow.

Key Landmarks

Upper Oak ForestBarnala Bugyal junctionChilapada streamMt. Shrikhand Mahadev view

Staying At

Chilapada

Crossing the high-altitude pass bridges two distinct watershed systems, shifting the expedition over the glaciated divide and down into a new river basin.

Stream CrossingTrail

Field Notes

KEY ACTIONRiver Crossings

Plan to cross early in the day before snowmelt swells the water levels. Unclip backpack waist belts before crossing.

Day 4
7 Hrs
9 KM
mixed

Camp Alt

9,500 ft

Day Gain

-1,000 ft

Today's Objective

🏔 Summit Dayara Top

ChilapadaGui (return)

The 'Big Bugyal' day. As you exit the forest at Chilapada, the massive meadows of Dayara open up. It’s like an endless green (or white in winter) carpet. Trek to the highest point (Dayara Top) for an panoramic view of the Greater Himalayas. Spend 2-3 hours just relaxing on the grass before heading back down to the sheltered Gui campsite.

Key Landmarks

Dayara Bugyal (28 sq km)Bakaria TopGidara Bugyal junctionBandarpoonch Massive (20,722ft)Black Peak

Staying At

Gui

Crossing the high-altitude pass bridges two distinct watershed systems, shifting the expedition over the glaciated divide and down into a new river basin.

Trail
Day 5
3 Hrs
5 KM
trek

Camp Alt

7,100 ft

Day Gain

-2,400 ft

Reach Raithal

GuiRaithal

Easy descent back to the base village. You'll reach Raithal by lunch. Afternoon free to explore the village architecture and talk to the locals. Raithal is famous for its sustainable homestay model. Hot shower and a warm bed today!

Key Landmarks

Old Forest trailsRaithal HomestaysVillage Temple

The high alpine meadows narrow into forested river terraces as tree line vegetation reappears in the lower mountain river corridor.

Trail
Day 6
8 Hrs
185 KM
drive

Camp Alt

2,100 ft

Day Gain

-5,000 ft

Drive to Dehradun

RaithalDehradun

Return drive. Reach Dehradun by 6:00 PM. Highly recommended to book your onward travel after 8:00 PM.

Key Landmarks

BhatwariUttarkashiTehri Dam reservoirDehradun

The mountain valley topography transitions back into the lower foothill river plains.

Paved Road

Trek Extensions & Add-ons

Bakaria Top Peak Hike

+1 Day

Short extension to the highest point of the meadow for 360-degree Himalaya views.

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Step 4: Cost & Logistics

You understand the route.

Now see what services, permits, and logistics actually cost.

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