Deep in the heart of the Garhwal Himalayas lies the Dayara Bugyal Trek which is known for its sprawling alpine meadows and panoramic views of the iconic snowcapped peaks. In the winters the beauty of this Himalayan destination grows tenfold as the white snow transforms it into a wonderland. 

Located in Uttarkashi District of Uttarakhand, at around 12,000 ft, the Dayara Bugyal is easy to reach and beginner-friendly, it offers incredible experiences like snow camping, frozen lakes, and starry nights. If you are planning your first Dayara Bugyal Winter Trek, here’s everything you need to know.

Quick Facts – Dayara Bugyal Trek

• Location: Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand

• Altitude: ~12,000 ft (3,658 m)

• Base Camp: Raithal village (~7,400 ft)

• Duration: 5–6 days (round trip from Dehradun)

• Trek Distance: ~22 km total

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (beginner-friendly)

• Best Season:

• Winter (Dec–Feb): Snow trek & camping

• Summer (Apr–Jun): Green meadows & flowers

• Autumn (Sep–Nov): Clear skies & golden fields

• Temperature in Winter: Day: 8°C to 2°C | Night: -5°C to -10°C

• Highlights: Snow meadows, Barnala Tal (frozen lake), views of Bandarpunch, Black Peak & Gangotri range

Why Dayara Bugyal is Famous

The word ‘Bugyal’ means “high-altitude meadow” in the Garhwali language. The Dayara Bugyal is amongst the largest alpine meadows in India spreading over a distance of 28 square kilometers.

Here’s why the Dayara Bugyal Trek is so special in the winter season:

• Snow Everywhere: The vast meadows turn into a winter wonderland that stretches as far as the eyes can see.

• Big Himalayan views: You will get to see the beautiful Himalayan peaks like the Bandarpunch, Black Peak, Srikanth, and Gangotri, surrounding the meadow where you camp

• Frozen Barnala Tal: A small alpine lake that freezes during the winters and adds to the winter charm of the trek.

• Less crowded: The Dayara Bugyal Trek as of yet remains relatively unknown compared to other winter treks like Kedarkantha, and remains peaceful, giving you a calm and personal experience with nature.

The Dayara Bugyal Trek Itinerary

The Dayara Bugyal Winter Trek usually takes 5–6 days starting from Dehradun. Here’s a simple day-wise route:

1. Dehradun to Raithal (base village): A 7–8 hour drive through mountains and valleys brings you to Raithal, a peaceful Garhwali village at around 7,400 ft. This is the starting point of the trek.

2. Raithal to Gui (3–4 hours trek): The trail passes through oak and rhododendron forests. In winter, the forest paths are dusted with snow, creating a fairy-tale feel.

3. Gui to Barnala Tal: A short trek takes you to a frozen alpine lake surrounded by pine trees.

4. Barnala Tal to Dayara Bugyal (12,000 ft): This is the highlight of the Bugyal trek. The snow-covered meadow stretches endlessly, offering perfect spots for snow camping and photography.

5. Return Journey: Trek back to Raithal and drive to Dehradun.
   

Snow Camping at Dayara Bugyal

The open meadows of the Dayara Bugyal are perfect for camping under the starlit sky and to see the wide meadow covered with a thick white blanket to create a perfect campsite that feels peaceful and magical.

What Makes Snow Camping Special?

• 360° Views: From your tent in the meadow you will wake up to see the snowy and towering Himalayan peaks like Bandarpunch, Srikanth, and Black Peak.

• Starry Nights: The sky is crystal clear in winters, which means that you will see the stars shining brightly at night. You will also get to see the Milky way

• Golden Sunrises: The first rays of sunlight fall on the towering mountain peaks and paint them in golden colors, all visible from your tent in the meadow.

• Silence of the Snow: The Dayara Bugyal is calm, you will not find many tourists on the trail. The only sound you hear is of the swift wind and the crunching of snow below your feet.
  

How Comfortable is Snow Camping?

Even though the temperatures drop to -5°C or below at night, snow camping is made comfortable with:

• Warm sleeping bags and insulated mats provided by trek organizers

• Hot meals served fresh at the campsite

• Layered clothing to keep your body heat trapped

• A cozy tent that protects you from the cold winds

The Experience

After a full day of trekking and climbing the steep trail one feels exhausted. Imagine sitting on the green patch of the alpine meadow with your group and enjoying hot tea as you share your experience and look around at the white snow fields and the glowing peaks. As the sun begins to set you clear up the snow to pitch your tents and light a bonfire to warm your body and spirit. Under the starlit sky you share food and tales before a warm and much needed sleep.

In the morning, unzipping your tent and seeing the snow sparkle in golden sunlight is one of the most memorable parts of the Dayara Bugyal Trek.

If you want to experience this beauty in the safest and most comfortable way, join the Dayara Bugyal Winter Trek with Himalayan Daredevils — their expert guides, quality gear, and warm hospitality make snow camping in the Himalayas an unforgettable adventure.