Dayara Bugyal Winter Trek- Uttarakhand, X’mas Trek

Overview

Dayara Bugyal trek is perhaps one of the shorter hikes on the Himalayas although nothing in short to produce high rewards. The enchanting views of snow capped peaks, sprawling meadows and encom- passing thrill of a summit. Dayara an alpine meadow, locally called “Bugyal” is surrounded by dense alpine forest, elevated and spread above 11000 ft. Location wise it is in the district of Uttarkashi, Garhwal division, Uttarakhand. In the summer and monsoon the stretch of the lush meadow is dot- ted with myriads of tiny flowers. During winters the meadow is covered with fresh snow. The crest of the Bugyal is a top called Bakriya top offering a magnificent 360° panoramic view. In addition of Gangotri region peaks, you can also see the of mighty Himalayan peaks of Bhilangana range. Some of the notable are Bandarpoonch, Jaonli, Rudragaira, Srikanth, Gangotri– I, II and more. No wonder that Dayara Bugyal is an enchanting trail and adored by amateur and veteran trekkers alike.

Short Itinerary

Day	Date	Altitude	Itinerary
1	Dec 23, 2024	7100 ft	Drive from Dehradun to Raithal (190 Kms/8 hrs), Pick up time : 6:00 AM
2	Dec 24, 2024	9600 ft	Trek from Raithal to Gui (4 Kms - 4/5 hrs)
3	Dec 25, 2024	10450 ft	Trek from Gui to Chilapara (3 Kms/3 hrs)
4	Dec 26, 2024	11850 ft	Trek from Chilapara to Nayata via Dayara Top (10 Kms/7 hrs)
5	Dec 27, 2024		Trek from Nayata to Raithal (9 Kms/4/5 hrs) and Drive back to Dehradun (190 Kms/7 hrs). Drop time : 9:00 PM

Detailed Itinerary

Day	Date	Itinerary
1	Dec 23, 2024
		Drive from Dehradun to Raithal (7,300 ft.) ( 190 kms /8 hrs)
		We all gather at the pre decided spot which will be the parking area of the Railway station and start the drive to our trek base Raithal. The route follows Bhagirathi River to Uttarkashi town. From here Raithal is another 45 Km via Bhatwari town. All the major mobile networks have connectivity here.
		Night stay in Guest House/Lodge.
2	Dec 24, 2024
		Trek from Raithal to Gui (9,750 ft.) (5 Kms/5 hrs)
		We start the trek post breakfast. The ascend starts right after Raithal and continues through dense alpine forest. The trail is well paved till Odari, where the local villagers go to collect leaves & fire- wood. It doesn’t take more than an hour to reach this place from Raithal. The forest starts to get denser after Odari. Raithal keeps peeping occasionally through the immense green of the surround- ing. After three hours of gradual ascend we reach Gui. A few shepherd huts are built in this small opening inside forest by the side of the small lake known as Guital.
3	Dec 25, 2024
		Trek from Gui to Chilapara (10,650 ft.) (4 Kms/3 hrs)
		The forest starts to change after we cross Gui. Major number of Pine and Oak begins to appear. More we proceed towards Dayara, steeper the trail gets. It takes around two to three hours to climb this short but steep ascend to Chilapara.
		The meadow starts from here and as if the forest comes to a halt all of a sudden. A line of shepherd huts mark the place. Look beyond and the meadow vanishes crawling up and down into unknown uncertainty. Beyond the reaches of the meadow mighty peaks like Draupadi ka Danda I, II, Bandar- poonch, Srikanth, Jaonli stands tall at a distance.
		You have got the whole day for yourself to reach out the corners and explore around this vast magi- cal meadow. Get back before it gets dark. have an early dinner and sneak inside your sleeping bags as soon as possible.Your body needs rest. We have considerable long day tomorrow.
4	Dec 26, 2024
		Trek from Chilapara to Nayata (9100 ft) via Dayara Top (11850 ft.) (10 Kms/7 hrs)
		Summit day is finally here. Today you will go all the way to the Dayara top and return to the campsite. It’s an easy to moderate trail. Carry enough water for the way as there is only one water source near the top. With the first few steps under the forest, the trail gradually opens up leading to vast meadows.
		Hereafter, you will find yourself trudging on the meadows blossomed with colours. Walking on such beautiful terrain with stunning views of Bandarpoonch and other peaks, you won’t even know that you are finally closer to the top. You might also spot a sparsely filled water stream. The final climb is steep but it is worth the physical strain because you will end up witnessing stunning views of the Dodital range. The trail then takes you to the Gidara pass that distinguishes ways to Pichkiya and Gidara Bugyal. Give yourself some time to savour in the serenity of the landscape, to return to the campsite thereafter. There’s packed lunch for the way. Spend the night at Nayata campsite.
5	Dec 27, 2024
		Trek from Nayata to Raithal (9 Kms/4 hrs) and Drive back to Dehradun (190 Kms/7 hrs)
		The journey amidst the mountains of Dayara Bugyal come to an end today. Wake up early to get packed up to descend back to Raithal. Throughout the trail, you can relive the fond moments from the ascent days. It will take us 4 hours to reach Raithal. Here, you will have a delicious hot lunch.
		After taking a memorable group picture, get into the cab that will take you back to Dehradun. This will be a 7-hour long ride.

Note:-

• In case you do not wish to carry your backpack, porters/mules will carry your backpack along with the other trek logistics. It is an extra chargeable service. For this trek, charges per bag are INR 1600 for the entire trek. Bag shouldn’t weigh more than 10 kgs. Backpack should have waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys bags will not be allowed.
• Trek Difficulty: Simple - Moderate
• Nearest Airport:  Dehradun Railway station
• Nearest Railway station: Dehradun
• Our recommendation: Try to reach one day before and take good rest before starting the Journey.
• If you reach one day before you can visit the following places in Dehradun: Robber's Cave, Tapkeshwar Temple, Forest Research Institute (FRI), Mindrolling Monastery
• If  you have more time, you can visit Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mussoorie
• If you plan early we can help in arranging the trip

Package Inclusions

• Accommodation at a basic Guest house/Homestay at Raithal and tents on the trek: Stay will be arranged at a local guesthouse/homestay in Raithal on a triple/quad/dorm-sharing basis. During the trek, accommodation will be in sturdy, all-weather tents on a double-sharing basis. Tents are equipped with ground insulation to ensure warmth and comfort.
• Transport from Dehradun to Raithal and back to Dehradun as per the itinerary: Non-AC Tempo Traveller or Bus will be provided for group transport as per the trek itinerary. This includes both pick-up and drop-off at designated points in Dehradun.
• Meals (Veg & Egg): Nutritious vegetarian meals, including occasional eggs, will be provided throughout the trek. This includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening snacks at the campsites. All meals are prepared by experienced trek cooks with hygienic cooking standards.
• Trek logistics: The trek includes all necessary logistical arrangements, such as 1) Kitchen tent: A separate tent will be set up for cooking. 2) Dry pit toilet tents: For sanitation in remote areas. 3) Sleeping tents, sleeping bags, and mattresses: Two-person shared tents with insulated sleeping bags suitable for high-altitude temperatures, along with sleeping mats for comfort.
• All necessary permits and entry fees (Indian citizens): All required forest permits, entry fees, and camping charges for Indian citizens are covered. For non-Indians, refer to exclusions.
• Basic first aid kit: The trek will be equipped with a basic first aid kit, including common medicines, bandages, and other medical essentials. An oximeterwill be used to monitor oxygen levels, and an oxygen cylinder and stretcher will be available for emergencies.
• Climbing rope and Ice Axe: The trek leader will carry a climbing rope and an ice axe as part of safety precautions. The rope may be used to fix secure routes for trekkers in difficult sections or to create a stretcher in case of an emergency. The ice axe will be used to break through hard snow or ice, as well as serve as an anchor for added stability on icy terrain.
• Well-qualified and experienced Trek Leader with support staff: A certified and knowledgeable trek leader will accompany the group, along with friendly and experienced local staff, including guides, cooks, and helpers, ensuring safety and enjoyable experiences on the trail.
• 4:1 Trekker-to-Guide Ratio for Safety: To ensure the highest level of safety and personalized attention during the trek, we maintain a 4:1 trekker-to-guide ratio. This means for every four trekkers, there will be one guide or support staff member. This allows for close monitoring of trekkers' health, quick response in case of emergencies, and better guidance on tricky sections of the trail. It also ensures that experienced guides are readily available to assist with any challenges, ensuring a safe and enjoyable trekking experience for all participants.
• Cloakroom facility at Raithal: You can leave items such as clothes or shoes at the cloakroom in Raithal before heading for the trek if they are not needed during the trek. The cloakroom will securely store these items until your return. Please note that only clothes and shoes are allowed; no valuables, including money, jewellery, laptops, or breakable items, should be left in the cloakroom. If you choose to leave any such items, it is your responsibility, and the company will not be liable for any damage or loss that may occur.

Package Exclusions

• Personal expenses: Any expenses of a personal nature, such as additional food items, snacks, souvenirs, or extra services not included in the package, are not covered.
• Campfire: Campfires are not allowed on the trek due to environmental regulations and the risk of forest fires. This ensures the protection of the local ecosystem.
• Bottled water/cold drinks: While the trek provides access to fresh water, bottled water, soft drinks, or any packaged beverages are not included. You should carry your own reusable water bottle.
• Insurance: Travel insurance, personal accident insurance, and medical insurance are not included. It is recommended to purchase appropriate insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergencies.
• Accommodation not listed in the itinerary: Any additional accommodation that is not mentioned in the itinerary, such as extended stays in Dehradun or Raithal, will need to be arranged separately and paid for by the trekker.
• Expenses due to mishaps: Any unforeseen circumstances such as medical issues, weather disruptions, landslides, political unrest, or strikes are not covered. Any extra expenses incurred in such situations will be borne by the trekkers as per actual rates.
• Emergency evacuation charges: Costs related to emergency evacuation due to injury, illness, or any other unforeseen circumstances are not included in the package and will be charged at actuals if needed. Additionally, any vehicle transportation, mule services, or accommodation utilized at Raithal before the scheduled itinerary will also incur separate charges. This includes any transport arrangements made outside of the planned trek schedule or any accommodations booked prior to or after the trek dates. It is essential to understand that these expenses are not covered by the trek package and will be the trekkers' responsibility.
• Permits and entry fees (Non-Indian citizens): Non-Indian trekkers are required to pay any necessary permits and entry fees separately, as these are not included in the package for foreign nationals.
• Bag offloading: We offer a bag offloading service for trekkers at an additional charge of INR 1600 (Raithal to Raithal) to enhance your trekking experience. Trekkers can offload a bag weighing a maximum of 10 kgs, which will be carried by mules or porters. Bags weighing more than 10 kgs will incur double the actual cost. We recommend using rucksacks as they are easier for porters to carry; duffle bags are also acceptable but may not be as convenient. Please note that trolley bags are not allowed, as they can be easily damaged during transfer on mules. Trekkers opting for bag offloading service should only carry a lightweight daypack, ideally between 20 to 25 liters, containing essential items such as extra layers of clothing, snacks, a headlamp or torch, personal first-aid supplies, and a water bottle etc. Additionally, please avoid placing laptops or any breakable items in offloaded bags. By utilizing this service, trekkers can walk more comfortably and enjoy the breathtaking scenery without the burden of heavy luggage. This not only helps reduce fatigue but also allows trekkers to remain more active and engaged with their surroundings, making for a more enjoyable and memorable trekking experience.
• Anything not specifically mentioned under the section “Tour Inclusion”

Note:

• Any additional costs due to weather / unforeseen situations, will have to be borne by the traveller.
• Team Leader/Guides word is the final one, all team members need to follow this..
• Our team reserves the right to change the plan in case there is accidents involved for the group or whenever the trek leader deem it necessary.
• Trek changes/cancellation due to bad weather or natural calamity or Political/Law and order Situations will be non- refundable.
• Bag Offloading: In case you do not wish to carry your backpack, porters/mules will carry your backpack along with the other trek logistics. It is an extra chargeable service. For this trek, charges per bag are INR 1600 for the entire trek. Bag shouldn’t weigh more than 10 kgs. Backpack should have waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys bags will not be allowed.