Dayara Bugyal is one of the largest high-altitude meadows (bugyal) in Uttarakhand, spread across a broad shoulder at about 3,400 m in the Uttarkashi district. The trek starts from the villages of Raithal or Barsu on the Bhagirathi side, about 40 km beyond Uttarkashi, and climbs through oak, maple and rhododendron forest to open slopes facing Bandarpoonch, Srikanth and the Gangotri group.
In winter the whole meadow turns into a smooth snowfield, and the daily walks are short (often 5-6 km), which is why Dayara is often called the easiest snow trek for first-timers. In May and June the same slopes are green and full of grazing flocks.
The Butter Festival of Dayara
Every August, villagers from Raithal and nearby hamlets climb to the meadow for Andhudi (Anduri) Utsav, better known as the Butter Festival. Instead of colours, people smear and throw butter and buttermilk to thank the local deities for the summer's milk and the safety of their herds, before bringing the cattle down for winter.
Why do the Dayara Bugyal trek
The easiest snow trek
Short daily walks and gentle slopes make it a safe first taste of Himalayan snow.
Big meadow, big views
Rolling open slopes with Bandarpoonch, Srikanth and the Gangotri peaks across the valley.
Frozen lakes and forest
Gui and Barnala lakes freeze in peak winter, and the forest trail is quiet and snow-laden.
Raithal or Barsu: which route?
Raithal route
Longer, more variedClimbs from Raithal (about 2,150 m) through forest to Gui, Gidara or Chilapada camps and on to the meadow.
- Gentler gradient
- Forest camps and Barnala lake
- Passes through village fields
- One day longer
- More forest walking before the views
Barsu route
Shorter, steeperStarts from Barsu village and climbs past Barnala Tal to the meadow in fewer days.
- Shorter
- Reach the meadow sooner
- Good for a long weekend
- Steeper first day
- Less forest camping
Dayara Bugyal in 6 days (Raithal route)
Dehradun to Raithal
About 190 km and 7-8 hours via Uttarkashi. Overnight in a homestay or base camp.
Raithal to Gui
About 4-5 km and 4 hours through oak and rhododendron forest to a camp near Gui.
Gui to Chilapada
About 4-5 km past Barnala Tal to a high camp near the edge of the meadow.
Dayara Bugyal and Dayara top
Early walk across the meadow and up to Dayara top (about 3,600 m) for the Gangotri views, then back to camp or down to Gui.
Descend to Raithal
About 6-8 km, mostly downhill through forest.
Raithal to Dehradun
Drive back, arriving by evening.
Distances to Raithal
Dayara Bugyal trek cost (rough)
| Item | Rough cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard group trek | ≈ ₹7,000-₹12,000 per person | Usually Raithal to Raithal with camps, meals, guide and permits |
| Transport from Dehradun | Extra or included | Shared pick-up is often offered for an extra fee |
| Gear on rent | ≈ ₹1,000-₹2,500 | Down jacket, boots, sleeping bag, microspikes |
| Porter for your backpack | ≈ ₹1,500-₹2,000 | For the full trek |
Rough ranges from operator prices for the 2026-27 season. Compare what is included before you book.
Before you go
- You should be able to walk 4-5 hours a day on gentle hills with a day pack.
- Nights at the upper camps fall to about -6 to -10°C in January.
- In snow, the meadow has no marked trail; never wander off alone.
- Carry all your rubbish back down.
- Comparing winter treks? See Kedarkantha and Brahmatal.
Dayara Bugyal Trek FAQs
How difficult is the Dayara Bugyal trek?
It is rated easy to moderate, and is often called the easiest winter snow trek in Uttarakhand. Daily walks are short; the summit day to Dayara top is the hardest.
What is the best time for the Dayara Bugyal trek?
December to February for snow, and May to June for green meadows. Avoid the monsoon (July to mid-September).
What is the altitude of Dayara Bugyal?
The meadow is at about 3,400 m, and Dayara top is roughly 3,600 m.
Should I start from Raithal or Barsu?
Raithal is gentler and a day longer, with forest camps and Barnala lake. Barsu is shorter and steeper.
How do I reach Dayara Bugyal?
Drive from Dehradun via Uttarkashi to Raithal or Barsu, about 190 km and 7-8 hours. Shared and private taxis run from Dehradun and Uttarkashi.
How much does the Dayara Bugyal trek cost?
Standard group treks cost roughly ₹7,000-₹12,000 per person from Raithal, plus transport and any gear you rent.
What is the Butter Festival of Dayara Bugyal?
A summer festival in August when villagers celebrate on the meadow by smearing butter and buttermilk instead of colours, to thank their deities before bringing their herds down.
