Gidara Bugyal is a hidden alpine wonder perched deep in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarkashi. A massive high-altitude meadow that rivals even the famed Bedni Bugyal in size, Gidara is rarely visited and remains one of the most untouched bugyals in the region. The name "Bugyal" in Garhwali refers to "high-altitude meadow," and Gidara embodies that in its purest form — rolling green ridgelines, dwarf rhododendron slopes, and skies that open wide to some of the tallest Himalayan peaks.
The trail begins from the quaint Bhangeli village, cutting through thick oak and pine forests, crossing hidden ridges and glacier-fed streams. As you ascend, the meadows stretch for kilometers, dotted with wildflowers, grazing sheep, and signs of ancient shepherd trails. The bugyal is also deeply woven into local folklore, once said to be frequented by sages in search of solitude. Due to its remoteness and limited accessibility, Gidara has stayed under the radar for most commercial trekking groups, making it a paradise for those seeking silence, solitude, and expansive natural beauty.
Unlike the more touristy treks, here you might camp for days without seeing another group. The views from Gidara Ridge are magnificent, offering a sweeping arc from Bandarpunch and Gangotri range to Kala Nag and Srikanth. The campsite under clear skies makes it perfect for stargazing and night photography.
This trek is ideal for those who want to step up from beginner treks and taste the raw grandeur of the Himalayas without venturing into technically demanding terrain. Gidara Bugyal remains an untouched, poetic corner of the Himalayas — and you could be among the few to witness its full charm.
Day 1
Drive from Dehradun to Bhangeli
Drive Distance: ~190 km
Time Taken: 8–9 hours
Elevation Profile: 2,100 ft to 7,200 ft
You begin early from Dehradun and drive through the lush valleys of Uttarkashi, crossing towns like Uttarkashi and Gangnani. The road is scenic with river views and terraced fields. By late afternoon, you reach the quaint Himalayan hamlet of Bhangeli. Nestled on the hillside, this small village is the basecamp for the Gidara Bugyal trek. After a warm welcome by the locals and trek team, you settle into homestays or guesthouses and get a briefing for the days ahead
Day 2
Bhangeli to Rikoda Campsite
Trek Distance: ~5 km
Time Taken: 4–5 hours
Elevation Profile: 7,200 ft to 9,200 ft
The trek starts with a gradual ascent through dense oak, pine, and rhododendron forests. As you climb, the trail weaves past small clearings and animal grazing grounds. The forest canopy is thick and alive with birdsong. You stop for lunch near a small stream and continue toward Rikoda, a secluded clearing surrounded by thick foliage and perfect for camping. The campsite is quiet and sits just below the tree line, offering beautiful sunset views.
Day 3
Rikoda to Dokrani Thatch
Trek Distance: ~6 km
Time Taken: 4–5 hours
Elevation Profile: 9,200 ft to 11,200 ft
You leave the last of the dense forests behind and move into alpine pastures. The trail opens into expansive highland meadows where sheep and goats graze in summer. You begin to see distant ridgelines and snow peaks. As you approach Dokrani Thatch, the views of Bandarpunch and Srikanth peaks become prominent. Dokrani is a shepherd settlement and your camp is set near their seasonal huts. Expect a quiet night with wide skies.
Day 4
Dokrani to Gidara Bugyal Ridge Camp
Trek Distance: ~6.5 km
Time Taken: 5 hours
Elevation Profile: 11,200 ft to 12,800 ft
This is one of the most scenic days. You walk along undulating ridges that gradually open up into the vast Gidara Bugyal. The meadow seems to stretch endlessly — green in the post-monsoon season, golden in autumn, and occasionally dotted with snow in early summer. The ridge walk is magical, with 360-degree views of Gangotri range, Bandarpunch, Draupadi ka Danda, and even peaks of Yamunotri. You camp at a protected ridge offering stunning sunset views and unparalleled silence.
Day 5
Exploration Day (Gidara Top and back)
Trek Distance: ~8 km round trip
Time Taken: 4–5 hours
Elevation Profile: 12,800 ft to 13,800 ft and back
Today is for exploration. With just a daypack, you trek towards the highest ridge point — Gidara Top. The ascent is gradual, across wide meadow lands, seasonal flowers, and the occasional icy patch. From the summit ridge, you witness a surreal panorama of the Gangotri peaks to the north and Yamunotri valley to the south. After spending time at the top and lunch on the trail, you return to camp for a restful evening.
Day 6
Gidara Ridge to Dokrani Thatch
Trek Distance: ~6.5 km
Time Taken: 4 hours
Elevation Profile: 12,800 ft to 11,200 ft
You retrace your route down to Dokrani Thatch. The descent is relaxed, and you get another chance to photograph the meadows under different light. The slopes feel friendlier and the views more familiar now. Back at Dokrani, you camp once more near the shepherd grounds, reflecting on the incredible views you’ve just witnessed.
Day 7
Dokrani to Bhangeli
Trek Distance: ~11 km
Time Taken: 6 hours
Elevation Profile: 11,200 ft to 7,200 ft
This is a long but gradual descent. The trail passes through forests, small shrines, and quiet bends that feel like the final pages of a good story. You stop for breaks at earlier rest points and reach Bhangeli by late afternoon. Rest and freshen up in the village — it’s your last night in the mountains.
Day 8
Bhangeli to Dehradun
Drive Distance: ~190 km
Time Taken: 8–9 hours
Elevation Profile: 7,200 ft to 2,100 ft
Begin your return journey after breakfast. The drive winds along the Bhagirathi River and through picturesque valleys. With stops for meals and chai, you reach Dehradun by evening, carrying a quiet contentment and a memory of a truly untouched Himalayan trek.
Our Expectations from the participants
- Carry a backpack no heavier than 8 kg
- Follow trek leader instructions and maintain group pace
- Practice Leave No Trace ethics — pack out all waste
- Respect the local customs, people, and nature
- Remain adaptable to weather or route changes
Minimum Fitness Requirement
This is a moderate trek with sustained altitude gain. Participants must be comfortable with walking 6–7 hours a day with a backpack. Prior trekking experience is not mandatory, but a reasonable level of cardiovascular fitness is expected.
Recommended preparation:
- Brisk walking or jogging at least 90 minutes in one session at Zone 2
- Stair climbing with a loaded backpack
- Leg and core strengthening exercises
Expedition Behaviour
- Carry a backpack no heavier than 8 kg
- Follow trek leader instructions and maintain group pace
- Practice Leave No Trace ethics — pack out all waste
- Respect the local customs, people, and nature
- Remain adaptable to weather or route changes
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₹17799 per person
