Dayara Bugyal Under a White Blanket

Dayara Bugyal via Barsu

Uttarakhand

Trip Highlights

One of the largest high altitude meadows in the Garhwal Himalayas, spread across rolling grassland at over 11,000 ft
Uninterrupted views of Bandarpunch, Draupadi ka Danda, Srikanth, Jaonli, Black Peak, and the Gangotri range
A gentle route for first time trekkers, without giving up on the scale and reward of a proper Himalayan trek
Dense oak, deodar, and rhododendron forests along the approach from Barsu
Traditional Garhwali village life in Barsu, one of the more untouched base villages in Uttarkashi
A trek that works as well in early summer meadows as it does in a fresh blanket of winter snow

Dayara Bugyal doesn't try hard to impress you. It just opens up, meadow after meadow, until you forget there was ever a forest behind you.

The trek begins in Barsu, a quiet Garhwali village in Uttarkashi district that still runs on its own rhythm, largely untouched by the tourist traffic further up the Gangotri highway. From here, the trail climbs steadily through forests of oak and deodar, the kind of shade that makes the first day of any trek feel manageable. Rhododendrons also show up along the way, depending on the season.

By the time the trees thin out, you're standing in grassland that keeps going. Dayara is often spoken of in the same breath as Bedni Bugyal, and for good reason. The meadow rolls out for kilometres, framed by a wall of peaks that includes Bandarpunch, Draupadi ka Danda, Srikanth, Jaonli, and Black Peak, with the Gangotri range showing up further along the ridge. Local shepherd communities have grazed cattle here for generations, and in winter the same slopes turn into one of the more reliable snow stretches in the region.

This isn't a trek that demands technical skill or brutal fitness. It rewards people who want a real high-altitude meadow experience without needing months of preparation. That's exactly why it works so well as a first Himalayan trek, and why seasoned trekkers keep coming back to it anyway.

Day 1 Drive from Dehradun to Barsu via Uttarkashi

Drive Distance: 175 km

Time Taken: 7 hours

Start early from Dehradun and settle in for a long, scenic drive along the Bhagirathi valley. The road runs through Mussoorie, Chamba, and Uttarkashi before climbing up to Barsu, a small village that serves as the base for the trek.

Once you arrive, spend the rest of the day acclimatising, exploring the village, and getting a feel for the mountains you'll be walking into. Overnight stay in a guesthouse or homestay.

Day 2 Barsu to Barnala

Trek Distance: 6 km

Time Taken: 6 hours

The trek proper begins today. The trail leaves the village behind and climbs through forests of oak and deodar, gaining height steadily rather than in one hard push. It's a good first day to find your trekking legs and settle into a pace.

Barnala is a forest clearing with enough space to camp comfortably, and the first real mountain views start showing up here. Overnight in tents.

Day 3 Barnala to Dayara Bugyal

Trek Distance: ~4 km

Time Taken: 3–4 hours

A short climb today. The forest thins out, the trees give way to open grassland, and Dayara Bugyal unfolds in front of you, meadow after meadow, with Bandarpunch and the Gangotri peaks lining the horizon.

We set up camp in the meadow and spend the afternoon resting, exploring, and acclimatising.

Day 4 Dayara Bugyal to Dayara Top, and back to the Bugyal

Trek Distance: ~4 km

Time Taken: 3–4 hours

The high point of the trek. We climb across the upper meadow to Dayara Top, where views open up over Bandarpunch, Draupadi ka Danda, Srikanth, Jaonli, Black Peak, and the Gangotri range.

After time at the top, we walk back to our camp on the Bugyal for a second night under the open sky. In February, expect snow across the meadow. Microspikes and gaiters are provided.

Day 5 Dayara Bugyal to Barsu

Trek Distance: ~10 km

Time Taken: 6–7 hours

The longest walk of the trek, but mostly downhill. We leave the meadow behind and descend through the oak, deodar and rhododendron forest back to Barsu for a warm final night in the village.

Day 6 Barsu to Dehradun

Drive Distance: Approx. 175 km

Time Taken: 7 hours

Retrace the drive back through Uttarkashi and Mussoorie to Dehradun, arriving by evening. Plan onward travel for late evening or the next day.

Minimum Fitness Required

Dayara Bugyal is a gentle trek, but in February you’ll be walking in snow at over 11,000 ft, with long days on the meadow and cold nights. To enjoy it rather than just get through it, you need a consistent fitness routine leading up to the trek, one that includes:

Aerobic training: walking, running, cycling or stair climbing

Strength training: legs and core in particular

Mobility work: ankles, knees and hips

Never trekked before? Talk to us. We’ll help you build a training structure that gets you ready.

Our Expectations from Participants

Respect the mountains and the meadow. Strictly follow Leave No Trace principles.

Be open to a simple lifestyle on the trail. Shared tents, basic toilets, and simple, wholesome meals.

Listen to your Instructors and work as part of the group.

Stay hydrated, stay warm, and keep your energy up through changing weather.

Inclusion

Accommodation: Guesthouse or homestay in Barsu on Days 1 and 5, and twin-sharing tents on the trekking days.

Meals: All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6, freshly cooked by our kitchen team.

Trek Team: WFR-certified Odyssey Program Instructors, experienced local guides, and a kitchen and support team.

Safety: Oxygen cylinder, first aid and medical kit carried throughout the trek.

Technical Gear: Microspikes and gaiters for the snow sections.

Camping Equipment: Tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, dining tent and kitchen setup.

Permits: All forest permits and local village permissions.

Logistics: Mules or porters carry common equipment: tents, rations and the kitchen.

Exclusion

Transport: Travel to and from Dehradun, and the drive from Dehradun to Barsu and back. We help coordinate shared vehicles; the cost is split among participants.

Offloading: Available at ₹500 per bag per day (maximum 9 kg) if you’d prefer not to carry your backpack.

Insurance: Trek insurance is not included. We strongly recommend one that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.

Rental Gear: Trekking shoes, jackets and poles. Available on request.

Meals in Transit: Meals and snacks during the drives.

Personal Expenses: Tips, phone charging, snacks and anything personal.

Unforeseen Costs: Any costs from weather, roadblocks, evacuation or itinerary changes beyond our control.

Anything not listed under inclusions.

How cold does it get at night?

In February, nights at Barnala drop to around 0°C to -4°C, and on Dayara Bugyal they can go down to -6°C. Our sleeping bags and tents are rated to -10°C, and together with your own layers they’ll keep you warm. We also keep the dining tent warm in the evenings so the group has a comfortable space to gather.

Will there be snow?

Yes. February brings snow to the meadows and Dayara Top, but never so much that the trek can’t go ahead. Microspikes and gaiters are included for the snow sections.

Will my phone work on the trek?

You’ll lose network a little above Barsu. You may pick up signal at a few spots along the trail and on the meadows, but don’t count on it. Let your family know before we start walking.

Where can I charge my phone?

Barsu is the last place to charge. Carry a power bank for the days on the trail.

Why Dayara in February, rather than another winter trek?

At Odyssey, we believe humans are wired to engage with life, and the outdoors brings us closer to that. In February, Dayara transforms. The rolling meadows disappear under a white blanket, the peaks stand sharp against clear winter skies, and the silence on the Bugyal is something you feel as much as hear. It’s one of the most beautiful winter landscapes in the Garhwal Himalayas, and a gentle enough trek that you can take it all in.

What are the sharing arrangements?

Tents are twin-sharing, with similar arrangements in Barsu. We plan the sharing around the group’s gender ratio.

Are there toilets at the campsites?

Yes. Every campsite has dry toilet tents.

What happens if someone can’t continue?

We always keep enough support staff to get anyone back safely to camp or to Barsu. As a rule, we trek with one guide for every three participants.

How do I reach Dehradun?

Dehradun has direct flights from most major cities. Alternatively, fly into Delhi and take a bus, cab or train to Dehradun. We’ll share the exact pickup point and time before the trek.

Can I offload my backpack?

Yes. Offloading costs ₹500 per bag per day, and the bag should weigh no more than 9 kg.

How do I prepare? Will you send a packing list?

We’ll send a detailed gear checklist well in advance. We also hold a video call with the whole team at least 20 days before the trek.

What is the cancellation policy?

Our cancellation policy is on the website: https://outonodyssey.com/policy/odyssey-cancellation-policy

₹ 14,999 + 5% GST

Trip Category :

treks

Difficulty Rating :

Altitude :

11700 ft

Pickup & Drop :

Dehradun- Dehradun

Solitude Rating :

Distance :

24 km

We’re here to help. If you have any questions, call 928-639-2846 or contact us.

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2027-February

Feb 06 - Feb 11, 2027

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