If you’ve ever dreamt of walking on vast snowy meadows with towering Himalayan peaks around you, the Dayara Bugyal Winter Trek is exactly what you’re looking for. It’s a short, beginner-friendly trek in Uttarakhand that feels nothing less than magical during the winter months. I did this trek myself, and in this guide, I’ll share everything about the route, duration, and overall experience in a straightforward way, so you know what to expect before packing your bags.
Where Exactly is Dayara Bugyal?
The Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India is home to Dayara Bugyal. “Bugyal” means alpine meadow, and Dayara is one of the most stunning ones you’ll find in the Himalayas. Sitting at around 11,800 feet, it’s surrounded by peaks like Bandarpunch, Srikanth, and parts of the Gangotri range.
In winter, the entire meadow is covered in soft, powdery snow, making it feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
Route to Dayara Bugyal
The trek usually starts from Raithal village, a small but welcoming hamlet about 7–8 hours’ drive from Dehradun. Raithal is the base camp where trekkers rest before starting the hike.
Here’s the typical route:
Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Raithal (~180 km, 7–8 hours). Stay overnight.
Day 2: Trek from Raithal to Gui campsite (~4 km). This is a gradual climb through forests of oak and rhododendron.
Day 3: Trek from Gui to Dayara Bugyal (~6 km). This is when the views really open up, and you enter the vast meadows.
Day 4: Explore Dayara Bugyal and trek back to Raithal.
The trail is relatively easy to follow, even with snow, and it’s one of the few winter treks where the path is not too steep or technical.
Duration of the Trek
The trek takes around 4 days, making it perfect for a long weekend getaway or for beginners who don’t want something too demanding.
4 days is ideal if you want to enjoy the meadows, acclimatize properly, and not feel rushed.
Some people complete it in 3 days, but I’d suggest not hurrying—it’s worth taking that extra day to soak in the scenery.
If you want to stretch it a bit, you can add an extra day at the top just to wander in the Bugyal and photograph the peaks.
For most people, 4 days is the sweet spot.
Experience on the Trek
This trek feels like a blend of different landscapes—dense forests, snow patches, frozen streams, and finally, those wide-open meadows that make Dayara famous.
Here are the highlights from my own experience:
Forests in Snow: The first stretch through oak and pine trees was magical, especially with snowflakes covering the branches. Walking here felt like being inside a snow globe.
Camping Under Stars: At Gui, I camped under one of the clearest skies I’ve ever seen. Winter nights are cold, but the stargazing is unbeatable.
The Meadows: Reaching Dayara Bugyal itself was surreal. Imagine walking on an endless white carpet with massive peaks like Bandarpunch standing in the backdrop.
Beginner Friendly: Even though the altitude goes up to 11,800 feet, the trek is not too tough. With basic fitness, anyone can do it, which makes it perfect for first-timers.
What I loved most was how the landscape kept changing every day. It never felt repetitive, and each step brought something new.
Best Time to Do the Dayara Bugyal Winter Trek
The trek is open almost year-round, but winter is when it turns into a snowy paradise.
December to February is peak winter, when the meadows are fully covered in snow.
March and April still have snow but also blooming rhododendrons in the forests.
If you want the full white, snowy experience, I’d recommend late December to mid-February.
Do keep in mind that temperatures can drop to -5°C to -7°C at night in winter, so good warm layers are a must.
Why I Suggest Going with a Trek Company
While the trek is easy to moderate, winter brings its own challenges—snow-covered trails, freezing nights, and carrying all the camping gear. This is why I recommend going with a professional trekking company.
I personally went with The Searching Souls, and it made the whole experience smooth. They arranged transport, food, tents, and also had trek leaders who knew the trail well. Having experts around gave me peace of mind, especially when the trail was slippery with snow.
It never felt like a commercial trip—they focus on eco-friendly trekking, keeping the meadows clean, and even teaching trekkers how to reduce waste. That really stood out for me.
You could do the Dayara Bugyal trek on your own if you’re experienced, but for most people (especially in winter), having guides and proper equipment makes a huge difference.
Final Thoughts
The Dayara Bugyal Winter Trek is short, scenic, and incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about reaching a point; it’s about experiencing a variety of landscapes in a short span of time. For me, the trek felt like stepping into a painting—the snowy forests, the clear skies, and finally, the vast Bugyal opening up like a stage in front of the Himalayas.
If you’re someone who’s been wanting to try a snow trek but doesn’t want to push into something extreme, this is hands down one of the best options. Just prepare with the right gear, go with a reliable group, and enjoy the journey.
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