Does the cold breeze also touch your face quite often, and cold chills also run throughout your body during nights, and your body has also grown an unknown tendency for tea, then this means – winter has already knocked on your door. Are these reasons not enough to start planning for a trip somewhere or at least contemplate on the idea. But if you are wishing to enjoy these winters a little different than before and maybe, you are contemplating on the idea of experiencing a winter trek, then Dayara Bugyal trek should be on your priority list because there is no other mesmerizing journey than this one that lets you experience the wonders of Himalayas and also, make you feel safe.
Dayara Bugyal lets you cherish the journey through the beautiful landscapes of Uttarakhand and watch the sun setting behind the greatness of the Himalayas.
Dayara Bugyal, as the name sounds different – the different is its meaning. Bugyal is a Himalayan word that is often used by Garhwali’s of Uttarakhand for a lush and fecund grassy upland area that is tucked away in a mountain’s embrace where local people take their sheep to graze during summers. Dayara is the lesser-known or you could assume, a little untouched Bugyal of Uttarakhand where locals take their sheep to graze during summers and travelers enjoy trekking during the arrival of the winters.
Wrapped up in the high and mighty embrace of the Himalayan mountains, Dayara Bugyal is scenic pastureland located in the hills of Uttarkashi in the state of Uttarakhand. The grassy upland region is nestled at a staggering height of 12,100 ft above the ground near Barsu village. And to climb this gorgeous upland region, one has to trek through several open lands and thick forests of oak and maple to finally reach a vast expanse of lush green meadows where you could witness the stillness of alpine lakes and the trickle of low streams.
Dayara Bugyal will be the best trekking journey for all those beginners looking for an amazing adventure that is safe to climb and may not demand much mountaineering knowledge. And upon reaching the rich grassland area, you get to witness several picturesque Himalayan peaks like Shrikhand Mahadev, Srikanth Peak, Bandarpoonch Peak, Black Peak, and set of many Gangotri Peaks. Apart from this scenic view of Dayara Bugyal, you will also get to wander upon a world of tranquility where you will catch a glimpse of the sun setting behind the silent hills. And you will also get a chance to click some amazing images of the untouched beauty of these mountains and the gorgeous expansive grassland area.
Other Famous Places You Can Visit near Dayara Bugyal
We all know, Dayara Bugyal is famous for its lush green meadows and amazing skyline. But one can also visit the nearby Barnala Tal located only a few kilometers away from Barsu village and surrounded by the soothing views of deep valleys.
You can also opt for a short trip to the unexplored valley of Harshil and can also pay your homage at the Gangotri temple.
Day 01 – Dehradun – Uttarkashi – Barsu – Trek to Barnala Tal
For Uttarkashi, you will have to hop on an early morning bus from Dehradun that usually starts at 8:00 am. The drive will let you pass through the Mussoorie bypass road from where you can witness the aerial beauty of Dehradun. On your journey to Uttarkashi, you will also get to watch the unmanned beauty of the decades-old Tehri Dam and also the new Tehri Dam.
Upon reaching Uttarkashi, you will take another one-and-a-half-hour bus journey to Barsu, and Barsu will be the place from where your trekking adventure will start.
Upon reaching Barsu, you will harness your trekking essentials on your back and get ready to hike up a mountain region for 4 km that gradually ascends towards a high altitude. After a 3-4 hours journey, you will reach the rich meadows of Barnala, and only a few meters away from Barnala Tal/Lake, you can set up your camps for the nights and enjoy your overnight stay.
Day 02 – Barnala Tal – Dayara Bugyal
Dayara Bugyal is located only about 5 km away from Barnala Tal, but you will find the local settlement only about 4km away from Bugyal. And as per advisory, travelers set up their campsite around these settlements during winters so as to avoid any misadventure. Because beyond this settlement, the route to Dayara Bugyal is covered with 2-3 ft of thick ice, and walking on these ice stamps is highly risky for any human being.
But if you set foot for this adventure during summers, you can trek beyond this settlement and can enjoy camping in the grassy upland regions of Dayara Bugyal outlined with alpine meadows from all sides.
Day 03 – Dayara Bugyal – Barsu: 9 km, 5-7 hours
After witnessing the surreal sunrise from Dayara Bugyal, you can get ready to retrace the whole journey back to Barsu. Trekking back to Barsu will make you walk about 9 km and can only be done in under 7 hours’ time. And as per many travelers’ reviews, you would not wish to travel beyond Barsu for today and set up the campsite over here. And enjoy the picturesque view of Dayara Bugyal for one last time.
Day 04 – Barsu – Uttarkashi – Dehradun
Upon witnessing another great sunrise from your campsite, you will get ready to ride back home today. You will take an early morning bus from Barsu to Mussoorie and will get another chance to relive the journey and reminisce about your every step.
Since Dayara Bugyal is really an offbeat adventure and tucked away in the deep arms of Uttarakhand ranges, you may not get many staying options like hotels, resorts, or Guest Houses. For this journey, you will have to get many trekking essentials like camping tents, sleeping bags, chairs, etc. And you have to erect the tents on the camping site on your own.
Since the area is settled around the old traditions of the Himalayas, you may not get an expansive range of food availability. So, it is your own duty to carry rations and food items on your back during this trek and prepare your own food. You may ask the local vendors for food but food options will be limited to Maggi, tea, and Parathas.
For this adventure, you first need to travel down to Dehradun because from here, your actual journey begins. There are several ways you can reach Dehradun –
By Air:
If you are wishing on taking a really comfortable and short-traveled journey then, you can book yourself a flight ticket to Dehradun from Delhi.
By Train:
N number of trains run from Delhi to Dehradun, but if you wish to experience a comfortable and luxurious journey then, you can book a ticket in either Nandadevi Express or Dehradun Express.
By Bus:
You can get many traveling options from Kashmere Gate, a number of AC buses and non-AC buses run from Delhi to Dehradun. You can either book an overnight bus or you can hop on an early morning bus to reach Dehradun.
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