Dayara Bugyal
Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, India • 30.95°N, 78.50°E
📖 About Dayara Bugyal
- ✦Alpine meadow at 4,246m (13,931 ft) spreads across 28 sq km at treeline
- ✦January lows hit -21.9°C (-7.4°F), snowpack supports skiing from December to March
- ✦Base camps at Barsu village require 6 km trek gain 1,200m elevation to meadow
- ✦No mobile connectivity beyond Raithal, carry cash for all three trek days
The trek to Dayara Bugyal covers 6 km one-way from Barsu village at 3,050m, climbing through oak and rhododendron forests to open meadows at 4,246m (13,931 ft). You gain 1,200m elevation over gentle switchbacks, making this one of the easier high-altitude treks in Uttarkashi district. The meadow stretches 28 sq km with direct views of Bandarpoonch (6,316m), Srikanth (6,133m), Draupadi ka Danda (5,716m), and Gangotri peaks. Winter snowfall turns the bugyal into a beginner-friendly ski slope, drawing skiers from December through March when snow depth reaches 3-4 feet.
Gujjar shepherds graze livestock here from May to October, setting up temporary settlements called deras across the meadow. The bugyal sits between two forest zones - oak and rhododendron below 3,500m, then birch and juniper up to the treeline at 4,100m. Locals from Barsu and Raithal villages have used these grazing grounds for generations, and you will see stone huts and livestock pens scattered across the upper meadow. The area falls under the Garhwal mandal division, with the Forest Department managing trekking permits and campsite allocations at designated zones near Barnala Tal, a small lake 1 km before the main meadow.
The trek suits beginners comfortable with three days of walking and camping above 3,000m. Altitude headaches affect many trekkers on summit day, so carry Diamox if you have not acclimatised above 3,500m before. The nearest ATM sits in Uttarkashi, 42 km from Barsu trailhead, and mobile networks fail completely beyond Raithal village.
🎯 Things to Do in Dayara Bugyal
The first day covers 4 km from Barsu village (3,050m) through oak forests to Barnala Tal campsite at 3,650m. You gain 600m elevation over 3-4 hours on a well-marked trail with Forest Department signboards every kilometre. Most trekking groups camp at Barnala Tal, where a small seasonal lake appears during monsoon months, though it dries up completely by October.
The final 2 km push from Barnala Tal to Dayara Top at 4,246m crosses open meadow with 360-degree views of the Garhwal peaks. Early morning starts at 5 AM catch sunrise over Bandarpoonch, with temperatures around -5°C (23°F) even in May. The treeless meadow offers no shade, so sunburn hits hard above 4,000m despite the cold.
From December to March, the meadow converts to a natural ski slope with 3-4 feet snowpack and gentle 15-20 degree gradients. Local operators in Barsu rent basic skiing equipment for Rs 500-800 per day, and ski instructors charge Rs 1,500-2,000 for beginners (confirm locally — rates vary by season). The ski season peaks in January when temperatures drop to -21.9°C (-7.4°F), though February sees more stable weather with fewer blizzards.
Bakaria Top sits 3 km east of the main bugyal at 4,120m, reachable as a day hike from Barnala Tal camp. The trail follows the ridgeline with closer views of Draupadi ka Danda's north face and fewer trekking groups. Most guided tours skip Bakaria to maintain the standard two-night itinerary, so you will need to arrange this as an extra day.
Between May and October, Gujjar families set up temporary settlements with 20-30 people and hundreds of sheep across the upper meadow. The deras sit 1-2 km scattered from the main camping zones, selling fresh milk and curd to trekkers for Rs 50-100. These families migrate down to Raithal and Barsu villages before the first heavy snowfall in late November.
📅 Best Time to Visit
| Month | Low °C | High °C | Rain (mm) | Humid % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 🌤️ | -21.9 | 1.5 | 43 | 66% |
| Feb | 🌤️ | -21.1 | 3.6 | 42 | 70% |
| Mar | 🌤️ | -16.8 | 7.1 | 53 | 74% |
| Apr | 🌤️ | -10.9 | 10.3 | 42 | 69% |
| May | 🌤️ | -5.1 | 13.9 | 59 | 69% |
| Jun | 🌦️ | -1.5 | 16.4 | 90 | 74% |
| Jul | 🌧️ | 3.1 | 16.8 | 229 | 87% |
| Aug | 🌧️ | 3.4 | 15.7 | 208 | 88% |
| Sep | 🌦️ | -0.3 | 14.2 | 111 | 80% |
| Oct | 🧊 | -7.2 | 11.1 | 19 | 65% |
| Nov | 🧊 | -11.5 | 7.5 | 9 | 55% |
| Dec | 🧊 | -17.8 | 5.0 | 12 | 53% |
📡 Data Source: NASA POWER
Climate figures are 11-year averages from NASA POWER satellite data. Values represent conditions for the broader Uttarkashi region, not exclusively Dayara Bugyal. Actual conditions at this specific location may vary due to local elevation and terrain. Always check a local forecast before travel.
🚗 How to Reach Dayara Bugyal
💡 Visitor Tips
Pack for temperatures from -5°C (23°F) at night in May to 16.8°C (62.2°F) daytime in July, with January nights hitting -21.9°C (-7.4°F). Carry a four-season sleeping bag rated to -10°C, insulated jacket, thermal layers, waterproof trekking pants, and sunglasses with UV400 protection for the high-altitude glare.
Book campsites through registered trekking operators in Dehradun or Uttarkashi at least 15 days ahead during May-June and September-October peak seasons. The Forest Department limits daily permits to 150 trekkers to prevent meadow degradation, and weekend slots fill up a month in advance.
The Barsu approach road from Uttarkashi remains open April to November but requires a high-clearance vehicle for the final 12 km single-lane stretch. Shared taxis from Uttarkashi to Barsu charge Rs 150-200 per person, departing only when full with 8-10 passengers (confirm locally — rates vary by season).
Uttarkashi town, 42 km from Barsu trailhead, has the nearest ATMs and the last reliable mobile connectivity on BSNL and Jio networks. UPI and card payments do not work beyond Raithal village, so withdraw enough cash for guide tips, porter fees, and emergency supplies before starting the trek.
Most trekkers stay in Barsu village guesthouses the night before starting the trek, with basic rooms costing Rs 400-800 per night and homestays charging Rs 600-1,000 including dinner and breakfast (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Camping on the meadow requires sleeping in tents at Forest Department designated zones near Barnala Tal.
📍 More Places in Uttarkashi
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
📚 About This Page
This travel guide for Dayara Bugyal covers key information for visitors including best time to visit, how to reach, things to do, and practical tips. Dayara Bugyal is located in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, India at an elevation of 4246 metres above sea level. Climate data on this page is sourced from NASA POWER and represents 11-year regional averages.