Q1. Where exactly is Dayara Bugyal?
A: Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. One of the largest and most beautiful high-altitude meadows in India. Main entry points: Raithal village (most popular) or Barsu village.
Q2. What is the altitude of Dayara Bugyal?
A: The meadow spreads between 3,000 m to 3,700 m. Highest point (Bakaria Top) is 3,810 m (12,500 ft).
Q3. How many days is the Dayara Bugyal trek?
A: 4 days / 3 nights is standard (Raithal → Gui → Dayara → Barnala → Raithal). Can be done in 3 days if very fit.
Q4. Which is the best route?
A: Raithal route (most scenic, gradual climb) – 90% people choose this
- Barsu route (shorter but steeper)
- New 2025 route: Sangamchatti → Maneri (offbeat, longer)
Q5. How difficult is Dayara Bugyal trek?
A: Easy to Moderate. Perfect for first-time trekkers and families with kids 10+ years. No technical sections.
Q6. When is the best time to visit?
A:
- May–June: Green carpet + wildflowers
- September–November: Golden grass + clearest views
- December–March: Full snow trek (most beautiful, needs microspikes)
Q7. How much snow in winter?
A: Dec–Feb: 3–8 feet snow. One of the best winter treks in India after Kedarkantha. Snow remains till mid-April.
Q8. Can we do Dayara Bugyal as a day trek?
A: No. Minimum 2 nights camping required. Nearest you can reach in one day is Gui camp (2,900 m).
Q9. What peaks are visible from Dayara/Bakaria Top?
A: 180° view – Bandarpoonch (6,316 m), Black Peak, Draupadi Ka Danda, Srikanth, Gangotri I, II, III, Jaonli – on super clear days even Nanda Devi.
Q10. Where do we stay on the trek?
A:
- Gui (Day 1)
- Dayara Bugyal top (Day 2) – camping on the meadow itself
- Barnala Tal (optional Day 3) All camps are alpine tents with sleeping bags (₹1500–3000/person/night with meals).
Q11. Is there mobile network?
A: Jio & Airtel 4G at Raithal & Barsu. Inside the meadow – only Jio works at Bakaria Top (very strong signal!).
Q12. How much does the full trek cost in 2025?
A:
- Budget with local operators: ₹6,500–8,500 (ex-Dehradun)
- Premium (IndiaHikes, Bikat, TH): ₹9,500–12,000 Includes food, tents, guide, permits.
Q13. Is permit required?
A: Yes – Govind Wildlife Sanctuary entry ₹150/person + ₹200 camping fee per night (handled by operator).
Q14. Best month for photography?
A:
- May (green + flowers)
- October (golden + blue sky)
- January (pure white snow + bluebird days)
Q15. Final question everyone asks – Dayara Bugyal vs Kedarkantha: which one is better?
A:
- Want bigger meadows & better views → Dayara Bugyal
- Want summit feeling + Swargarohini → Kedarkantha Most people who have done both say: “Kedarkantha is beautiful, Dayara is breathtaking.”