The short answer
Dayara Bugyal: what visitors should know first
Go if you are fit and want an open Himalayan meadow, not a temple. It is a trek, not a roadside stop. Use a registered operator and choose spring, early summer or autumn for the best walking.
Useful facts
Dayara Bugyal facts at a glance
- Location
- Raithal and Barsu, about 40 km from Uttarkashi
- Sport
- Meadow trekking, camping
- When to go
- April to June; September to October
- Access
- Operator-led; confirm rules locally
- Altitude
- Meadow about 2,600–3,500 m; peak about 3,639 m
Why it matters
Why Dayara Bugyal is worth your time
Dayara Bugyal gives Uttarkashi a contrast to its temple town identity. It is a broad, open meadow within reach of the town, with views across the high Garhwal ranges, and a grazing landscape used by village herders for generations.
For trekkers, it is one of the more accessible alpine meadows in the district. It also shows how local villages host and guide visitors, a part of the economy that most pilgrim itineraries never meet.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Open meadow
A wide grassland spanning roughly 2,600 to 3,500 m.
- 02
Seasonal colour
Rhododendron blooms in spring and snow cover in winter change the look completely.
- 03
Village base
Raithal and Barsu are the usual starting points and give a look at hill-village life.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
The meadow lies roughly 40 km from Uttarkashi, with the villages of Raithal and Barsu as the usual starting points. Treks are normally operator-led and run over two to four days, though routes and timings differ by operator.
The grassland spans roughly 2,600 to 3,500 m, and the highest point is about 3,639 m. In spring the slopes turn green with rhododendron flowers; in summer shepherds graze their animals, and in winter the area is covered in snow. The meadow is described as accessible all year, but conditions change sharply with the season.
Carry warm and waterproof layers, sturdy shoes and sun protection. Respect grazing areas, carry your waste out and follow the guidance of local guides.
Plan with confidence
Event-led places reward a little planning.
- Book a registered operator
- Carry warm and waterproof layers
- Choose your season carefully
- Carry out all waste
- Confirm access rules locally
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Raithal and Barsu villages, about 40 km from Uttarkashi
- Time needed
- 2–4 days round trip depending on route
- Best time
- April to June and September to October; snow in winter
- Walking level
- Demanding
- Senior comfort
- Reaching the meadow needs a climb on a mountain trail over a day or more, at altitude. It is not recommended for travellers with limited mobility; the base villages are easier visits.
- Tickets and access
- Entry and camping rules for the meadow change with season and authority; confirm with local operators and the forest department. Do not rely on old posts.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Dayara Bugyal
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Reaching the meadow needs a climb on a mountain trail over a day or more, at altitude. It is not recommended for travellers with limited mobility; the base villages are easier visits.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How far is Dayara Bugyal from Uttarkashi?
About 40 km from Uttarkashi town, with Raithal and Barsu as the base villages.
How high is it?
The meadow spans roughly 2,600 to 3,500 m, with a highest point of 3,639 m, per Wikipedia.
Is it open in winter?
Wikipedia describes the area as accessible year-round, but snow covers it in winter, so confirm conditions with local operators.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.