Some treks test your limits. Others soothe your soul. The Ali Bedni Bugyal trek did both for me. I had read about alpine meadows, about grasslands so vast they touched the sky. But no photograph, no travel blog had prepared me for what I was about to experience. This was more than just a trek—it was an awakening.

Starting Out: The Call of Uttarakhand’s Hills

The idea of trekking to Ali and Bedni Bugyal, two of the highest meadows in Asia, had been on my mind for a while. When a week-long window finally opened in my calendar, I took the chance. I booked my ticket to Rishikesh and joined a small group headed toward Lohajung—the base village for the trek.

Lohajung, nestled at 7,600 ft, is a sleepy Himalayan village with charming wooden houses, warm smiles, and the kind of silence that city life can’t comprehend. From there, the Ali Bedni Bugyal trail begins its slow but steady ascent into a world untouched by noise and rush.

The Climb Begins: Through Oak Forests and Mountain Paths

Our first day took us from Lohajung to Didna village. The trail wound through dense oak and rhododendron forests, with the occasional birdcall and distant waterfall punctuating the silence. We passed small mountain homes, wheat fields, and villagers who waved as we trudged by.

What struck me early on was how alive everything felt—the leaves rustling in rhythm with the wind, the forest floor cushioned under our boots, and the occasional sunlight streaming through the trees like a blessing.

By the time we reached Didna, we were tired but energized. The view of the snow-capped peaks on the horizon gave us a hint of the grandeur that awaited.

Ali Bugyal: The Meadow That Took My Breath Away

Day three was when the magic truly began. We ascended from Didna to Ali Bugyal, and the transformation was surreal. One moment we were walking through thick pine forests, and the next, the trees parted, revealing a rolling expanse of green that stretched out endlessly in every direction.

Ali Bugyal is like something out of a fantasy novel. Set at an altitude of around 11,500 ft, this vast alpine meadow feels almost otherworldly. Wild horses grazed lazily in the distance, and the sky seemed lower, almost close enough to touch. Trekking across this massive grassland with views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti in the distance gave me goosebumps.

We stopped here for a long break—none of us wanted to leave. I lay down in the grass, watching clouds drift lazily above me, and realized I hadn’t checked my phone in two days. And I didn’t miss it one bit.

From Ali to Bedni: Meadows, Myths, and Mountain Spirits

The trail from Ali Bugyal to Bedni Bugyal is a gentle one, skirting ridgelines and offering panoramic views of the Garhwal and Kumaon ranges. Bedni Bugyal sits a bit higher than Ali and has its own charm—quieter, more spiritual.

Here, the landscape changes slightly. While Ali is lush and open, Bedni Bugyal feels sacred. You’ll find a small lake called Bedni Kund and a nearby temple where locals offer prayers during the annual Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra. Legend says this meadow was once the campsite for Goddess Nanda Devi on her way to her marital home.

Sitting by the lake, I felt a deep sense of calm. The clouds rolled over the meadows, changing light and color every few minutes, like nature painting a new canvas each time you blinked.

The Descent and the Reflection

After spending the night at Bedni, we began our descent back toward Wan village. The trail down was steep but offered some of the most beautiful views of the entire trek—pine forests, distant waterfalls, and tiny villages nestled in valleys.

As we made our way back, my body was tired, but my heart was full. There’s something about walking for days with only nature for company that changes you. It strips away the unnecessary noise and brings you back to what’s real.

Why the Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek Is Unforgettable

The trek to Ali Bedni Bugyal isn’t the toughest out there. But it’s one of the most rewarding. Unlike the crowded trails of Kedarkantha or Roopkund, this one is quieter, more meditative. The landscapes change dramatically—forests, streams, meadows, ridges, and alpine lakes—all in just six days.

But beyond the scenery, it’s the feeling this trek leaves you with. The stillness of the meadows. The awe of snow-capped peaks greeting you each morning. The simplicity of village life. And the joy of walking for hours with only your thoughts and the sound of your breath.

Final Thoughts: The Meadows That Moved Me

If you’re someone looking to reconnect—with nature, with yourself, or with the joy of simply walking under the open sky—then the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek is your calling. Don’t wait for the “perfect time.” Just go.

Trust the trail. Watch the sun rise over the meadows. Sleep under a sky full of stars. Let the mountains remind you how small your worries really are.

When I returned to the city, I carried no souvenirs—just dusty boots, a sunburnt nose, and a heart full of stories. And sometimes, that’s all you need.