Dayara Bugyal Trek Distance and Complete Travel Guide
A scenic Himalayan trek with cultural charm and easy trails

Dayara Bugyal
The Dayara Bugyal trek is one of the most scenic and peaceful treks in India. Located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, this trek is famous for its wide green meadows, snow-capped mountains, and clear views of the Himalayas. If you love nature and are looking for a short and easy trek, this one should be on your list. In this guide, we will focus on the Dayara Bugyal trek distance, travel details, best time to visit, and the unique Butter Festival celebrated in this region.
Introduction to Dayara Bugyal
Dayara Bugyal is a high-altitude grassland in the Garhwal Himalayas. The word "Bugyal" means meadow in the local language. At an altitude of about 11,800 feet, it offers wide open views of snowy peaks like Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, and Srikanth. These meadows are surrounded by forests of oak, maple, and rhododendron trees.
This trek is not just beautiful but also easy to moderate in difficulty. That makes it a perfect choice for beginners and families. The trail passes through forests, streams, small villages, and open meadows. You can do this trek in summer to enjoy greenery or in winter for a snow-covered experience.
If watching the Butter Festival stirs something in you, it’s time to be part of it — join us to Dayara Bugyal
The total trekking distance for the Dayara Bugyal trek is about 20 to 22 kilometers. This distance can change a little based on the route you take. There are mainly two starting points for the trek:
Barsu Village
Raithal Village
Let us look at both options in detail.
If you start your trek from Barsu, the distance to Dayara Bugyal is around 9 kilometers one way. This route is slightly steeper in the beginning but gives beautiful views of forests and streams. Many trekkers prefer this route for its peaceful and less crowded path.
If you choose Raithal as your starting point, the trek becomes slightly longer, around 10 kilometers one way. However, this route has a more gradual climb. It is good for those who want a slower and easier ascent.
Both villages are connected by road and can be reached from Dehradun or Rishikesh by car or shared taxi. The final choice depends on your comfort level and time available.
Most people complete the Dayara Bugyal trek in 4 to 5 days. Here is a sample itinerary:
Day 1: Travel from Dehradun to Raithal or Barsu (around 180 kilometers)
Day 2: Trek from base village to Gui or Chilapada campsite
Day 3: Trek to Dayara Bugyal and return to campsite
Day 4: Trek back to the base village
Day 5: Return to Dehradun
You can also shorten the plan to 3 days if you are an experienced trekker.
The best time to visit Dayara Bugyal depends on the experience you want.
From May to October, the meadows are covered with fresh green grass and wildflowers. The weather is pleasant and the skies are mostly clear. This is also the time when the famous Butter Festival is held.
From December to February, Dayara Bugyal turns into a snow-covered field. This is a great time for snow lovers and people who want to enjoy a white winter trek. The snow is fresh and soft, and the landscape looks magical.
One of the most unique events in Dayara Bugyal is the Butter Festival, also known as Anduri Festival. This festival is celebrated by the local people of Raithal and nearby villages every year in August.
The Butter Festival is a celebration of nature, cattle, and traditional life. Villagers gather in Dayara Bugyal and thank nature for its blessings. They wear traditional clothes, dance to local music, and take part in friendly games.
One of the main highlights is people playfully applying butter and buttermilk to each other. It is a symbol of joy, love, and community spirit. Local dishes are served, and tourists are warmly welcomed to join the celebration.
If you plan your trek around the month of August, you can attend this colorful and joyful festival. It is a great way to learn about the local culture and connect with people who live in the hills. It also makes your trek more memorable.
Here are the ways to reach the starting point of the trek:
You can take a taxi or bus from Dehradun, Rishikesh, or Haridwar to Uttarkashi. From Uttarkashi, local transport will take you to Raithal or Barsu village.
The nearest railway station is Dehradun Railway Station. From there, you can take a taxi to the base village.
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. It is connected to major cities like Delhi and Mumbai. From the airport, you can hire a taxi to reach the base village.
To stay safe and comfortable, here is a list of items you should carry:
Good quality trekking shoes
Warm jackets and thermals
Woolen gloves and socks
Raincoat or poncho
Water bottle and snacks
First-aid kit and medicines
Flashlight with extra batteries
Camera or phone with charger
Identity proof
Make sure you pack light but keep all essentials with you.
There are many reasons why this trek is loved by people:
Short distance of 18 to 20 kilometers
Easy to moderate level suitable for beginners
Great views of Himalayan peaks
Meadows covered with flowers or snow
Clean and peaceful environment
Cultural experience with the Butter Festival
Less crowded compared to other treks
It is a perfect getaway for weekend adventurers, nature lovers, and families looking for a peaceful break.
The Dayara Bugyal trek distance of around 18 to 20 kilometers makes it ideal for a short adventure in the mountains. Whether you go in summer to see the green meadows or in winter to enjoy the snow, this trek gives you unforgettable memories. And if you can plan your trip during the Butter Festival in August, you will get a chance to experience the rich culture of the region.
This trek offers everything you need for a perfect mountain holiday – beauty, peace, adventure, and tradition.
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