Dayara Bugyal is Uttarakhand's most beloved alpine meadow — a vast, sweeping grassland at 3,408m that transforms into a spectacular snow canvas in winter. Spread over 28 square kilometres, this meadow offers some of the most dramatic 360-degree Himalayan views in India, including the iconic Bandarpoonch and Black Peak.
In winter (December to February), 1–3 feet of powder snow blankets the entire meadow, creating a magical white world. The trek is graded Easy, making it the perfect first winter Himalayan experience. Short daily distances, gradual ascent, and a stunning payoff at the top make this unmissable for winter trekking beginners.
28 sq km Alpine Meadow
India's largest accessible alpine meadow — a white, snow-carpeted expanse that seems to go on forever.
Bandarpoonch & Black Peak
Breathtaking views of these iconic Garhwal peaks from the meadow — best seen at sunrise.
1–3 ft Powder Snow
Perfect snow depth — enough to be magical, not so deep as to be dangerous for beginners.
Ideal for First-Timers
Short daily treks (5–8km), manageable altitude, and easy terrain — zero prior experience needed.
Snow Camping under Stars
Camp in the open meadow on a bed of snow with an infinite Himalayan night sky above you.
Rhododendron & Oak Forests
Trek through spectacular snow-laden rhododendron forests — stunning winter photography opportunities.
Dehradun / Rishikesh to Barsu Village (2,300m)
Drive from Dehradun (6–7 hrs) via Uttarkashi to Barsu — the base village for Dayara Bugyal. Arrive by afternoon, settle in guesthouse, short orientation walk in the snow-covered village.
Barsu to Dayara Bugyal Edge (3,200m)
First trek day through magnificent rhododendron and oak forests knee-deep in snow. Gain altitude gradually to the lower edge of Dayara Bugyal. First glimpses of the meadow and Bandarpoonch peak.
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast at Barsu guesthouse
- 8:30 AM: Trek begins through oak forest
- 10:30 AM: Enter snow zone — crunch underfoot!
- 12:30 PM: Packed lunch at the treeline
- 2:30 PM: First meadow views — stunning!
- 3:30 PM: Arrive camp at meadow edge
- Evening: Sunset walk on the snow meadow
Explore Full Dayara Bugyal (3,408m)
The main day — traverse the full 28 sq km snow meadow at 3,408m! Panoramic views of Bandarpoonch (6,316m), Draupadi ka Danda, and Black Peak on all sides. Camp overnight on the meadow itself.
- 6:00 AM: Sunrise at the meadow — unmissable!
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast, pack for full meadow traverse
- 9:00 AM: Begin the full meadow exploration
- Views of Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, Srikanth
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at high point (3,408m)
- 3:00 PM: Return to camp on meadow
- Evening: Hot chocolate, stargazing on the snow
Dayara → Barsu — Farewell to the Meadow
One last morning at the snow meadow before descending back through the forest to Barsu. Overnight at the guesthouse — warm dinner, bonfire and sharing stories from the meadow.
Barsu → Dehradun — Journey Home
Post-breakfast drive back to Dehradun / Rishikesh. Arrive by evening. The snow meadow, the white peaks and the starlit nights stay with you — this trek plants a Himalayan seed in every first-timer.
Included
Not Included
My first ever trek and they chose the perfect one for me. Standing on 28 sq km of unbroken white snow with those massive peaks all around — I had zero words. Cried a little. The guide was endlessly patient with us beginners. MilesNPeople, take a bow.
We were a complete couple of desk workers with zero trekking experience. This was ideal — manageable distances, incredible reward at the top. Sleeping in a snow camp under the Milky Way was the most extraordinary night of our lives. Already planning our next winter trek!
100% yes! Dayara Bugyal is rated India's best winter trek for first-timers. The daily trekking distance is short (5–8km), altitude gain is gradual, and the overall terrain is beginner-friendly. Min age 12 years. Even people with minimal walking fitness can do this with some preparation.
Daytime: 0°C to +8°C (warm when sunny). Nights at the snow camp: -10°C to -15°C. We provide sleeping bags rated to -15°C. Layering is key — bring thermals, a good down jacket, warm gloves and balaclava. You'll be comfortable with the right gear.
Essentials: 2–3 thermal base layers, fleece mid-layer, down jacket, waterproof shell jacket, waterproof trekking boots (ankle support), warm gloves (inner + outer), balaclava or ski mask, sunglasses, SPF50+ sunscreen. Keep pack light — 30–35L backpack. We provide sleeping bags and tents.
On clear winter days, the views are extraordinary: Bandarpoonch (6,316m), Srikanth (6,133m), Draupadi ka Danda II (5,670m), Black Peak (6,387m) and Gangotri peaks are all visible from the meadow. Winter skies are crystal clear — far better visibility than the monsoon summer season.
Barsu is about 200km from Dehradun via Uttarkashi (6–7 hrs drive). Our pickup is from Dehradun railway station or bus stand at the assembly time (usually 6 AM). Dehradun has excellent train/bus connections from Delhi (overnight Volvo ~6 hrs). Nearest airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun.