About Dayara Bugyal
Dayara Bugyal (bugyal = high-altitude alpine meadow) is a vast rolling grassland at 3,048 metres in Uttarkashi district — one of the most beautiful bugyals in Uttarakhand, offering sweeping 360° views of the Gangotri, Bandarpunch and Kala Nag ranges.
The meadow stretches for several square kilometres at the treeline, transitioning from dense oak and rhododendron forest below to open, rolling grassland above. In summer (May–October) the bugyal is covered in green grass and wildflowers, and grazed by Gujjar shepherds with their sheep and cattle. In winter (December–March) the entire meadow is buried under deep snow, making it one of Uttarakhand's natural skiing grounds.
The panorama from Dayara Bugyal includes Bandarpunch (6,316m), Kala Nag (6,387m), Draupadi Ka Danda, and on clear days, distant peaks of the Gangotri group including Shivling. The wide-open grassland gives an unobstructed view that few Himalayan viewpoints can match.
Trek Route: Barsu to Dayara Bugyal
Drive from Uttarkashi to Barsu village (2,740m) — about 1 hour. Barsu is the main base for the Dayara trek. Accommodation and guides available here.
Well-defined trail through dense oak and rhododendron forest. The trail opens dramatically onto the rolling meadow at the treeline. Steady climb with forest cover for most of the route.
Walk across the meadow for panoramic views. Optional: climb to Bakaria Top (3,180m) for higher elevation views of Bandarpunch and Kala Nag.
Skiing at Dayara Bugyal
Dayara Bugyal transforms into a natural ski slope from December to March when the entire meadow is buried under 2–4 metres of snow. The gentle gradient and open terrain make it ideal for skiing, and it has long been used by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) for winter ski training camps.
Unlike commercial ski resorts, Dayara offers a raw, uncrowded Himalayan skiing experience. Ski instructors from GMVN or private operators in Uttarkashi can arrange guided ski trips in the season. The snow conditions are usually excellent in January–February.
Best Time to Visit
Rhododendrons bloom. Snow patches on upper meadow. Clear mountain views. Ideal for trekking and photography.
Post-monsoon. Crystal clear skies. Autumn golden grass. Best panoramic visibility. Highly recommended.
Deep snow. Skiing season. Access needs snowshoes or snow experience. Stunning winter landscapes.
Monsoon. Wet trails, limited visibility. Not recommended for trekking.
How to Reach
Drive from Uttarkashi to Barsu village on a motorable road. Local jeeps and taxis available from Uttarkashi town. Trek starts at Barsu (2,740m).
Rishikesh → Uttarkashi by bus (5 hrs) → Barsu by local taxi (1 hr). Total: 6–7 hours from Rishikesh.
Trek Tips
- The trail from Barsu to Dayara Bugyal is clearly marked — a guide is optional but helpful for first-timers
- Carry warm layers even in May — wind on the open meadow can be sharp
- Basic camping and homestay available at Barsu village — book in advance in peak season
- Start the trek early (7–8 AM) to reach the bugyal in morning light and return before afternoon clouds
- For skiing, contact GMVN Uttarkashi or Tour Venture India to arrange ski camps and equipment
Nearby Attractions
FAQs
Can Dayara Bugyal be done as a day trip?
Yes — Dayara Bugyal is one of the few Himalayan bugyals accessible as a day trip. Drive to Barsu (26 km from Uttarkashi), trek 5 km to the meadow, spend 2–3 hours at the top, and return. Total 8–9 hours from Uttarkashi.
Is Dayara Bugyal good for beginners?
Yes — the trek from Barsu to Dayara Bugyal is rated easy to moderate. The 5 km trail has a well-defined path through forest and gains about 300m elevation. Suitable for fit beginners with no special equipment needed in summer.
Is skiing available at Dayara Bugyal?
Yes — December to March. GMVN and private operators run ski camps at Dayara Bugyal. Contact Tour Venture India at +91-8057146497 for ski package arrangements from Uttarkashi.
What is the best viewpoint at Dayara Bugyal?
The meadow itself offers 360° views. For the best angle on Bandarpunch and Kala Nag, climb to Bakaria Top (3,180m) — a 30-minute walk from the main bugyal. On clear days (October–November) you can see peaks across 200+ km of the Garhwal range.