Dayara Bugyal Trek

• Start/Finish: Dehradun (640 m) → Raithal (~2,050 m / ~6,725 ft)
• Drive time: 7–9 hrs (approx. 185–200 km via Uttarkashi)
• Road: Dehradun → Mussoorie Bypass/Chamba (or Vikasnagar route) → Uttarkashi → Bhatwari → Raithal
• Stay: Homestay/GMVN in Raithal (preferred) or Barsu (alternative base)
• What to do:
  • Permit & forest entry formalities (usually handled at Raithal check-post; carry ID).
  • Gear check, trek briefing, AMS basics, waste policy.
  • Short acclimatization walk in village.
• Notes: ATMs last at Uttarkashi. Signal: Jio/Airtel usually okay in Raithal. Nights can be cold year-round.

• Trek distance/time: 4–5 km | 3–4 hrs
• Altitude gain: ~500–700 m (gradual)
• Terrain: Well-marked forest trail (oak, maple, rhododendron); steady, not steep
• Water: Seasonal streams around midway (carry 2L; treat all water)
• Camp: Barnala/Gui (~2,600–2,800 m). Nearby Barnala Tal (pond) is a landmark—do not use it as a water source
• Highlights:
  • Classic Garhwal forest walk, birdlife (Himalayan Monal calls at dawn).
  • Clearings near Barnala with first meadow views if weather allows.
• Tips: Slow, even pace; this is your real acclimatization day. Warm layers needed after sunset.

• Trek distance/time: 5–7 km | 4–5 hrs
• Altitude gain: ~400–700 m depending on camp spot
• Terrain: Treeline exit → rolling meadows; final approach opens to wide alpine pastures
• Water: A few seasonal trickles at treeline; then dry meadow sections—start with 2–3L
• Camp: Dayara Bugyal (~3,300–3,450 m / ~10,800–11,300 ft) at a wind-sheltered shoulder
• Highlights:
  • 270°–360° panorama if clear: Bandarpoonch, Kalanag (Black Peak), Draupadi-ka-Danda, Srikanth, Gangotri side ranges.
  • Sunset over ridgelines is spectacular—golden hour on the grass/snow.

Trail notes: Wayfinding is easy in clear weather; in mist/snow, stick to GPX/guide—meadows can be disorienting.

• Option A (common): Summit + descend to Barnala
  • Distance/time: 10–12 km total | 6–8 hrs (incl. summit side trip)
  • Altitude: Bakaria Top ~3,730–3,760 m (~12,200–12,330 ft)
  • Notes: Start early (pre-7 am). From camp, a gentle but steady climb on meadow ridges to the high point; return to camp, quick brunch, descend to Barnala.
• Option B (fast exit): Summit + long descend to Raithal
  • Distance/time: 14–16 km total | 8–9+ hrs
  • Use only if team is fit and weather is stable; knees will feel the long descent.
• Water: None on ridge—carry 2–3L. Refill back at camp or at treeline.
• Highlights: Full amphitheater view of the Bandarpoonch–Swargarohini–Gangotri side on a clear day.

Safety: In snow/wind-slab conditions, stick to established tracks; avoid corniced edges.

• Trek distance/time: 4–5 km | 2–3 hrs (Barnala → Raithal)
• Drive: Raithal → Dehradun 7–9 hrs (or break at Uttarkashi)
• Buffer: Keep evening/next-day buffer for weather/road delays.
• Wrap-up: Deposit waste, return rentals, collect any permits/clearance slips if required.