Dayara Bugyal Trek: A Mesmerizing Alpine Meadow Adventure

We start our drive from Dehradun to Barsu early in the morning. The drive is visually appealing as the route mixes changing mountain terrain with the colors of the holy river Bhagirathi as we go deeper into the valley. Our drive ends as we reach the village of Barsu. Barsu is a tranquil village frequented by trekkers as it serves as the base camp for the Dayara Bugyal trek. The locals are devotees of Nag Devta, and the village hosts a temple dedicated to this deity. The day ends with a relaxing dinner and an overnight stay in a homestay.

Trek: 4 Km
Time taken: 5 to 6 hours
The trek starts early in the morning after breakfast. The village fades behind the forest trail as we ascend from Barsu on a well-marked trail. This trail passes through an oak and rhododendron forest, eventually leading to a small meadow. This meadow is home to the beautiful Barnala Tal, a natural high-altitude lake, and the holy Nag Devta Temple at one corner of the lake. The day ends as we set up tents for an overnight stay

10 kilometers Time: 5 to 6 hours
The trek starts through the forest trail in the morning. As we ascend, leaving the forest trail behind, we are greeted with some shepherd huts known locally as Chani. As we pass the huts in the meadow, Dayara Bugyal welcomes us with the backdrop of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. This lush green expanse of 28 square kilometers hosts streams and rivers that originate in this alpine meadow. The majestic Himalayan peaks, including Srikanth, Gangotri, Draupadi ka Danda, Jaonli, Bandarpunch, and Swargarohini, are visible from the meadow. In summer, we trek through green grass and flowers, while in winter, the trail is covered with a thick blanket of snow. We spend our time at Dayara Top and, after relaxing, trek back to Barnala Tal, our campsite for the night.

The trek starts early in the morning as we descend from Barnala Tal to the village of Barsu. The local community in Barsu is involved in agriculture, but over recent years, Barsu has seen a surge in tourism. This has led to the development of several guesthouses, providing employment opportunities. Locals also work as guides, cooks, and porters. The day ends as we drive from Barsu to Dehradun, filled with the memories of the beautiful Dayara Bugyal.