Rohini Bugyal
Published on November 28, 2025
Rohini Bugyal: The Whispering Meadow of the Garhwal Himalayas – The Complete Story (2025)
Hidden like a secret garden in the dense oak and rhododendron forests of Chopta Valley, Rohini Bugyal is not just another high-altitude pasture. At 3,300–3,800 meters, it is a vast, undulating carpet of emerald grass where the wind carries the faint echo of ancient shepherds' flutes, and the first rays of dawn turn the snow peaks into liquid gold. Named after the celestial apsara "Rohini" (the rising moon), this bugyal is a birdwatcher's dream and a trekker's quiet reward on the journey from Deoria Tal to Chandrashila.
This is the full story of Rohini Bugyal—its location, myths, trails, and why, in 2025, it remains one of Uttarakhand's most unspoiled sanctuaries.
Exact Location & How to Reach (2025)
- District: Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand (Garhwal Himalayas)
- Altitude: 3,300–3,800 m (10,800–12,500 ft)
- Nearest town: Ukhimath (14 km from base) or Chopta (8–10 km from end of trek)
- Base village: Sari Village (2,000 m) for the Deoria Tal-Rohini route
- Trek distance: 11–14 km one way from Sari/Deoria Tal (6–8 hours); full Deoria Tal to Chopta via Rohini: 16 km (8–9 hours)
- Road access: Black-topped highway to Sari (sedans OK); from Delhi: 430 km (10–12 hrs via NH334 & NH7)
- Nearest railhead: Rishikesh (190 km); airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun (220 km)
- Best time: April–June (rhododendron bloom) & September–November (clear skies); winter snow magic (Dec–Mar) needs gear
The bugyal lies between Deoria Tal and Chopta, offering a natural bridge between two iconic treks. In 2025, a new eco-trail marker system (with QR codes for bird calls) makes navigation foolproof.
The Great Myth: Rohini, the Apsara Who Danced for Shiva
According to Garhwali folklore rooted in the Shiva Purana, Rohini was a celestial nymph (apsara) in Lord Shiva's divine court. During Shiva's meditation at Tungnath (nearby Panch Kedar site), the demon king Andhaka attacked the Himalayas to disrupt the penance.
Rohini descended to earth, disguised as a shepherdess, and used her enchanting dance to lure Andhaka's army into the meadows. As they chased her illusions, Shiva awakened, slaying the demon with his trident. Grateful, Shiva blessed the spot: "Here, where Rohini's grace turned battle to beauty, let eternal meadows bloom for the weary souls."
The bugyal's gentle undulations are said to be the footprints of Rohini's dance, and on full-moon nights (Rohini Nakshatra), locals claim you can hear faint anklet chimes in the wind— a call for Shiva's devotees to camp and meditate.
The Second Legend: The Shepherd's Eternal Flock & the Lost Stars
A tender Kumaoni tale speaks of a humble shepherd named Rohan who tended his flock near Deoria Tal. One stormy night, his goats scattered into the forests, and in despair, he prayed to the stars (Rohini constellation, symbolising abundance).
The goddess Rohini appeared in a dream, guiding him to a hidden valley where his flock had multiplied a thousandfold. But to keep the gift secret, she turned the stars into fireflies that lit the path only for pure hearts. When greedy villagers followed, the fireflies vanished, leaving only endless grass.
Today, the bugyal's firefly-like bioluminescent fungi (visible in June monsoons) are called "Rohini's lost stars," and shepherds still leave milk offerings at a small stone shrine (Rohini Devi ka Thaan) on the eastern edge, believing it ensures bountiful herds.
The British Cartographer's Shadow (A Colonial-Era Whisper)
In 1892, British surveyor Lt. Col. W. H. Murray camped at Rohini Bugyal while mapping the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. Locals warned him of "Rohini's wrath" against those who disturb the soil with metal tools. Ignoring them, he drove iron pegs to mark trails.
That night, a freak mist rolled in, erasing his maps and leading him astray for days. He was found delirious, muttering of "dancing shadows" that stole his compass. The pegs were mysteriously uprooted by dawn. Since then, trekkers report seeing a lone figure with a theodolite (survey instrument) at dusk, vanishing like mist— a reminder to tread lightly on sacred ground.
The Bird Symphony: Nature's Untold Story
No myths here, but a living legend: Rohini Bugyal is a migratory crossroads. In April–May, it hosts over 150 Himalayan species—monal pheasants strutting like royalty, koklass calling from oaks, and rare cheer pheasants blending into the grass. Ornithologists in 2025 call it "Uttarakhand's Whispering Aviary," with new acoustic sensors (installed by WWF) recording dawn choruses that sound like a celestial orchestra.
Practical Information & 2025 Updates
- Trek Itinerary (Deoria Tal to Chopta via Rohini – 3 Days)
- Day 1: Sari to Deoria Tal (2.5 km, 1 hr) – Camp by the mirror lake.
- Day 2: Deoria Tal to Rohini Bugyal (11 km, 6–7 hrs) – Cross Jhandi Dhar ridge for Chaukhamba views; camp amid bird calls.
- Day 3: Rohini to Chopta (5 km, 3 hrs) + optional Tungnath-Chandrashila (5 km round).
- Difficulty & Essentials
- Moderate (gentle ups/downs, no steep climbs); fit for beginners with 1-day prep. Carry 3L water (scarce post-Jhandi), rain gear, microspikes for winter.
- Stay & Food
- Alpine camps at Rohini (₹1500–3000/person with meals, book via GMVN or local co-ops).
- Chopta bases: Magpie Tents, GMVN (₹2000+). Try rhododendron sherpa tea & pahadi thali (mandua roti, wild greens).
- New in 2025
- Solar-powered eco-camps with composting toilets.
- Bird app integration: Scan QR for real-time sightings.
- Drone-restricted zone (fines ₹5000) to preserve silence.
- Permits & Costs
- Forest entry ₹150/person; camping permit ₹150/tent (online via uttarakhandforest.in). Full 3D/2N package: ₹5000–8000/person (excl. travel).
A Quiet Warning from the Local Shepherds
"Walk softly on Rohini's back—she dances only for those who listen, not conquer. Never chase the fireflies; they lead lost souls astray. And at dawn, face the peaks in silence— the apsara watches who bows first."
Rohini Bugyal is not a destination. It is a pause in the Himalayan symphony, where myths bloom like rhododendrons and every chirp tells a story older than the oaks. Trek here in spring, camp under stars that once guided apsaras, and let the meadow whisper its secrets.
Rohini Bugyal – Trek Routes & All Possible Ways to Reach (2025)
Rohini Bugyal can be approached from 5 different directions. Here is the complete list with distance, time, difficulty, best season, and current status (as of Nov 2025):
| Route No. | Starting Point | Distance to Rohini Bugyal | Total Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty | Best Season | Remarks / 2025 Updates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sari Village → Deoria Tal → Rohini | 2.5 km + 11 km = 13.5 km | +1,700 m | 6–8 hrs | Moderate | Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov | Most popular & beautiful route. Well- marked trail, camps at Deoria Tal. Night stay at Deoria Tal is recommended. |
| 2 | Chopta → Baniya Kund → Rohini | 8–9 km one way | +900 m | 4–5 hrs | Easy–Moderate | Year-round (snow in winter) | Shortest & easiest approach. New 2025 eco-trail with wooden signboards. Many do it as a day hike from Chopta. |
| 3 | Duggalbitta → Koteshwar → Rohini (via new forest trail) | 12 km one way | +1,400 m | 6–7 hrs | Moderate | Apr–Nov | Opened fully in 2024 by the forest department. Very scenic, passes small waterfalls. Less crowded. |
| 4 | Mandal Village → Ansar → Rohini | 15 km one way | +1,800 m | 8–9 hrs | Moderate–Hard | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | Longest but most offbeat. Passes through dense forests & Gujjar settlements. Rarely done. |
| 5 | Ukhimath → Jhandi Dhar Top → Rohini (ridge route) | 14 km one way | +1,900 m | 7–9 hrs | Hard | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | High ridge walk with 360° views. Only for experienced trekkers. No water source after Jhandi Top. |
Most Popular Combinations (Multi-Day Treks)
| Trek Name | Days | Route Summary | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deoria Tal – Rohini – Chopta | 2–3 | Sari → Deoria Tal (night) → Rohini (camp) → Chopta | Mirror Lake + vast meadow + Tungnath option |
| Chopta – Rohini – Deoria Tal (reverse) | 2–3 | Chopta → Rohini (camp) → Deoria Tal → Sari | Best for those already in the Chopta/Tungnath area |
| Full Chopta – Deoria Tal Crossing | 3–4 | Chopta → Rohini → Deoria Tal + optional Chandrashila & Tungnath | Complete mini Kartik Swami to Kedarnath traverse |
| Rohini Bugyal Winter Snow Trek | 2 | Chopta → Rohini (snow camp) → back | Full white carpet, fireflies replaced by snow glow |
Quick Recommendation Chart (2025)
| Your Preference | Best Route to Choose |
|---|---|
| First-timers/families | Route 2: Chopta → Rohini (short & safe) |
| Want lake + meadow combo | Route 1: Sari → Deoria Tal → Rohini |
| Love solitude & offbeat trails | Route 3 or 4 (Duggalbitta or Mandal side) |
| Experienced & want ridge walk | Route 5: Ukhimath → Jhandi Dhar → Rohini |
| Short on time (1 day) | Route 2 from Chopta (8–9 km round trip possible) |
| Winter snow & photography | Route 2 from Chopta (Dec–Mar) |
Mandatory Permits & Guides (2025)
- No permit required from the Chopta side
- ₹150 forest entry + ₹150 camping fee from Sari/Deoria Tal side
- Guide compulsory in winter (₹2000–3000 per day)
- Local co-operative camps only (no private tents allowed inside bugyal to protect grassland)
Choose any of these five doors — Rohini Bugyal opens the same magical meadow from every side. The apsara is waiting.
| No. | Starting Point | Distance to Rohini Bugyal | Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty | Best Season | Remarks / 2025 Updates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sari Village → Deoria Tal → Rohini | 2.5 km + 11 km = 13.5 km | +1,700 m | 6–8 hrs | Moderate | Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov | Most popular & scenic route. Well-marked trail, camps at Deoria Tal. Recommended night halt. |
| 2 | Chopta → Baniya Kund → Rohini | 8–9 km one way | +900 m | 4–5 hrs | Easy–Moderate | Year-round | Shortest & easiest. New 2025 eco-trail with signboards. Best for day hikes. |
| 3 | Duggalbitta → Koteshwar → Rohini | 12 km one way | +1,400 m | 6–7 hrs | Moderate | Apr–Nov | Fully opened in 2024. Very scenic, passes waterfalls. Less crowded. |
| 4 | Mandal Village → Ansar → Rohini | 15 km one way | +1,800 m | 8–9 hrs | Moderate–Hard | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | Longest offbeat route. Dense forest & Gujjar settlements. Rarely attempted. |
| 5 | Ukhimath → Jhandi Dhar → Rohini | 14 km one way | +1,900 m | 7–9 hrs | Hard | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | High ridge trail with 360° views. No water source after Jhandi Top. For experienced trekkers only. |
Most Popular Multi-Day Combinations
| Trek Name | Days | Route Summary | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deoria Tal – Rohini – Chopta | 2–3 days | Sari → Deoria Tal (night stay) → Rohini (camp) → Chopta | Mirror Lake, vast meadow, optional Tungnath |
| Chopta – Rohini – Deoria Tal (Reverse) | 2–3 days | Chopta → Rohini (camp) → Deoria Tal → Sari | Best for those already in the Chopta/Tungnath area |
| Full Chopta – Deoria Tal Crossing | 3–4 days | Chopta → Rohini → Deoria Tal + optional Chandrashila & Tungnath | Complete mini Kartik Swami → Kedarnath traverse |
| Rohini Bugyal Winter Snow Trek | 2 days | Chopta → Rohini (snow camp) → return | Complete white snow carpet; magical winter views |
Quick Recommendation Chart (2025)
| Your Preference | Best Route to Choose |
|---|---|
| First-timers / Families | Route 2: Chopta → Rohini (short & safe) |
| Want lake + meadow combo | Route 1: Sari → Deoria Tal → Rohini |
| Love solitude & offbeat | Route 3 or 4 (Duggalbitta or Mandal) |
| Experienced & want ridge walk | Route 5: Ukhimath → Jhandi Dhar → Rohini |
| Short on time (1 day) | Route 2: Chopta → Rohini |
| Winter snow lovers | Route 2 (Dec–Mar) |
Mandatory Permits & Guide Rules (2025)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Permit from the Chopta side | Not required |
| Forest Entry (Sari/Deoria Tal side) | ₹150 per person |
| Camping Fee (Sari/Deoria Tal side) | ₹150 per tent |
| Guide Requirement | Mandatory in winter (₹2000–3000/day) |
| Camping Rules | Only local co-operative camps allowed; private tents not allowed inside Rohini Bugyal |
Rohini Bugyal – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Updated November 2025
Q1. Where exactly is Rohini Bugyal located? A: At 3,300–3,800 m in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand. It lies between Deoria Tal and Chopta, inside Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary.
Q2. How many routes are there to reach Rohini Bugyal? A: 5 confirmed routes (Sari–Deoria Tal, Chopta, Duggalbitta, Mandal, and Ukhimath–Jhandi Dhar). The two most popular are Sari → Deoria Tal → Rohini and Chopta → Baniya Kund → Rohini.
Q3. Which is the easiest and shortest route? A: Chopta → Baniya Kund → Rohini (8–9 km one way, 4–5 hrs, easy–moderate). You can even do a round trip in one day.
Q4. Which is the most beautiful route? A: Sari → Deoria Tal (night stay) → Rohini → Chopta (2–3 days). You get the mirror lake reflection + vast meadow + bird sounds.
Q5. Can I do Rohini Bugyal as a day trek? A: Yes, only from the Chopta side (8–9 km one way). Start at 6 AM, reach by 10–11 AM, return by 4 PM. All other routes need at least one night of camping.
Q6. Is camping allowed inside Rohini Bugyal? A: Yes, but only in designated local co-operative camps (4–5 fixed sites). Private tents are strictly prohibited to protect the grassland.
Q7. How much does camping cost? A: ₹1500–3000 per person per night (includes tent, sleeping bag, all meals, bonfire). Booking via GMVN Chopta or Sari homestay owners.
Q8. When is the best time to visit? A:
- April–June: Rhododendron bloom, green carpet, birds everywhere
- September–November: Clear views, golden grass
- December–March: Full snow, magical but needs a guide + microspikes
Q9. Is the trek open in winter? A: Yes. The Chopta–Rohini route is the safest in winter. Snow depth 1–3 feet. Guide compulsory.
Q10. Are there water sources on the way? A: Plenty till Jhandi Dhar top. After that only one seasonal stream inside Rohini. Always carry 2–3 litres.
Q11. Is the mobile network available? A: Jio & Airtel 4G works till Baniya Kund and some high points. Inside the bugyal – mostly no network (enjoy the digital detox!).
Q12. Can families and kids do this trek? A: Yes, from the Chopta side (Route 2) – many families with 8+ year kids do it. From Deoria Tal side – only if kids are used to 10+ km walks.
Q13. Are there toilets? A: Eco dry toilets at all four local camps. No toilets on the trail – follow Leave No Trace.
Q14. Do I need a guide? A:
- Summer/monsoon/post-monsoon: Not compulsory (trails well marked)
- Winter (Dec–Mar): 100% compulsory
Q15. Any permit required? A:
- From the Chopta side: No permit
- From Sari/Deoria Tal side: ₹150 forest fee + ₹150 camping fee per person
Q16. Can I see snow in May–June? A: Yes, patches remain on northern slopes and under trees till mid-June.
Q17. Is Rohini Bugyal crowded? A: Never like Tungnath or Deoria Tal. Maximum 30–50 people on weekends in peak season. Weekdays are often empty.
Q18. Best month for bird photography? A: April–May (Himalayan monal, koklass, cheer pheasant, warblers in full breeding colours).
Q19. How much does a 3-day Deoria Tal–Rohini–Chopta trek cost in 2025? A: Budget: ₹5500–7500 per person Comfort (good camps + guide): ₹9000–12000 per person
Q20. Final question everyone asks – Is Rohini Bugyal really worth the effort? A: Ask anyone who has camped there on a full-moon night with zero light pollution, Chaukhamba glowing silver, and a million fireflies (or snowflakes) dancing around. They’ll just smile and say: “It’s not a trek… It’s therapy.”
Go once. The meadow will call you back every year. Jai Rohini Bugyal!