Dayara Bugyal, the most spellbinding destination in Uttarakhand, is set to captivate tourists with its otherworldly charm. Not only beginners visit here, but seasoned trekkers keep circling back for its dreamlike landscape of rolling meadows and mist-kissed peaks.
Yet many first-time visitors often ask, “How to reach Dayara Bugyal?” To ease this, our experts have rolled out a well-detailed travel guide that covers all possible routes, journey durations, distances, and other essential details. Let’s get started!
Your Ultimate Guide on How to Reach Dayara Bugyal
Reaching Dayara Bugyal is not as difficult as it seems; it’s just the extensive journey that requires proper planning and a bit of endurance. With the right route and awareness of the local transport timings and availability, you can begin your adventure with ease and confidence.
This Dayara Bugyal travel guide covers all travel routes (by air, train, and road), access to the base village, and local transport details.
Dayara Bugyal: Why Is This a Must-Do Trek?
Dayara Bugyal is a must-visit trek for its captivating vistas, with broad, extensive meadows and dense alpine forests. The place is an authentic visual delight for nature aficionados, offering true serenity.
Talking about the name, Dayara Bugyal, it is derived from the Garhwali language, where ‘Dayara’ means expansive open land, and ‘Bugyal’ translates to high-altitude Meadow. Together, they refer to a vast alpine meadow in the mighty Himalayas.
This captivating meadow remains dense and green throughout the summer, turning into a gorgeous snowland in winter. Locals often describe Dayara Bugyal as the “meadow of heaven”, reflecting both its striking natural beauty and cultural charm. Though this trek is better suited to beginners, its breathtaking views captivate even seasoned travelers.
How to Reach Dayara Bugyal from Major Cities
Dayara Bugyal is located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, where access is quite simple. Situated at an altitude of about 10,000-12,000 feet (3,000-3,600 meters), Dayara Bugyal begins near the charming villages of Barsu and Raithal, both of which serve as the primary bases for the trek.
Since there is no one-way direct route, below is a well-curated and detailed layout on how to reach Dayara Bugyal from different routes and travel modes:
By Air
Traveling to Dayara Bugyal by air will be a time-saving option. Tourists will have to take a flight to the nearest airport, which is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, located about 185-190 km from the base villages of Raithal and Barsu in Uttarkashi district.
Upon arrival at the airport, tourists can immediately begin their road journey to Uttarkashi in private taxis or shared jeeps, depending on their preferences and comfort. The journey will cover approximately 150 km and take 6-7 hours. From Uttarkashi, the remaining 40-45 km drive to Raithal or Barsu takes about another 1.5-2 hours, depending on road conditions.
Please note: Taking state-run buses from Uttarkashi is also a cost-effective option.
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By Train
Those preferring to travel to Dayara Bugyal by train will have to take a train to either Haridwar Junction (about 210 km away) or Dehradun Railway Station (around 185 km away). These railheads are the largest railway hubs in Uttarakhand, serving a well-connected network to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chandigarh.
People will first have to reach either Haridwar or Dehradun, then take a private taxi or a shared jeep to Uttarkashi, which will take around
- 180-190 km from Dehradun
- 200-210 km from Haridwar
After reaching Uttarkashi, tourists will again have to take a shared jeep or state-run bus to the base villages. This road journey will take tourists through several scenic spots, including Chamba, Dharasu Bend, and Bhatwari, along with stops at some small eateries for refreshment breaks. After reaching the base villages, the trek to Dayara Bugyal will begin.
By Road
Below is a detailed Dayara Bugyal travel guide by road, which will be an adventure in itself.
1. Dayara Bugyal route from Delhi
The distance from Delhi to Dayara Bugyal is long, but the journey offers a visually rewarding experience. The total distance is about 450 km, and the trip typically takes 12-14 hours in total.
The most common route that follows is:
Delhi → Haridwar/Rishikesh → Uttarkashi → Barsu/Raithal
This route provides both convenience and excellent road connectivity. The best, expert-recommended route is to take an overnight bus or taxi to Rishikesh or Haridwar, which are readily available. After reaching early in the morning, travelers are allowed to continue their road trip toward Uttarkashi. From there, another 40-45 km drive will take you to the base villages of Raithal or Barsu.
2. Dayara Bugyal from Dehradun
This is one of the most scenic road journeys, taking travelers through pine-covered hills, beautiful villages, and the glowing Bhagirathi River. Dayara Bugyal’s distance from Dehradun is about 180- 190 km and takes 7-8 hours to reach by road.
It will follow the following route:
Dehradun → Mussoorie Bypass → Suwakholi → Uttarkashi → Bhatwari → Raithal/Barsu
Dehradun is a preferred starting point for countless trekkers to reach Dayara Bugyal. This major city is well-connected and can be reached by air, train, and road. After reaching here by the choice of your travel, you will have to take a road trip to first Uttarkashi and then to the base of the Dayara Bugyal trek, which is either Raithal or Barsu village. Road travel options from Dehradun include private taxis, shared jeeps, and a few state transport buses.
Please note: Those opting to travel from Dehradun to Uttarkashi by bus should be prepared for a longer journey, as buses make several stops along the way, increasing overall travel time compared to shared jeeps and taxis.
From Uttarkashi, it will take approximately 40-45 km to reach the base villages, taking 1.5-2 hours.
3. Dayara Bugyal from Rishikesh or Haridwar
This route is often preferred by those traveling to Dayara Bugyal from other parts of the country. Rishikesh or Haridwar usually serves as the gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas, with a distance of 200-210 km to the base villages, Raithal/Barsu.
The most preferred route is as follows:
Rishikesh/Haridwar → Narendra Nagar → Chamba → Uttarkashi → Bhatwari → Raithal/Barsu.
Rishikesh and Haridwar are well connected by frequent trains, buses, and taxis from Delhi and other major cities. After reaching here, travelers can take a local, driver-controlled shared jeep, a private taxi, or a state-run bus to Uttarkashi, followed by another local taxi or jeep journey to the base villages.
The journey will be a complete visual delight, taking you through the Tehri Dam and the Bhagirathi valley. Moreover, this route is convenient for those traveling by train or bus, as both cities serve as major transit hubs into the Himalayas.
Please note: No matter which travel mode you pick, the journey will be intensive, especially from Uttarkashi. Those who prefer a slow, relaxed pace of travel can stay overnight in Uttarkashi before heading to the base village the next morning.
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Local Transport Tips for a Smooth Journey
Here are some essential details regarding transport for the Dayara Bugyal trek, ensuring a smooth, worry-free journey.
1. It is best to start your journey early and avoid any delay, as public transport options from Uttarkashi to Raithal or Barsu are limited and primarily operate in the morning.
2. Raithal and Barsu are small villages, and ATM availability is limited. Therefore, it is suggested to carry cash for seamless payments.
3. Experts suggest pre-booking the return rides as the connectivity is limited in remote areas, and confirming the return before you start your trek will be a wise option.
4. For those preferring to self-drive by their own vehicle till Base villages, it is best to get their tanks re-fueled at Uttarkashi, as there are no petrol pumps near the base villages.
5. From Uttarkashi, it is best to take shared jeeps and local taxis, as these are the most reliable way to reach the base villages, as buses are infrequent and may not run daily.
Other Essential Travel Tips to Keep in Mind
There are a few essential travel tips that you should know before planning your trip to Dayara Bugyal:
- Since Dayara Bugyal is a high-altitude region, it is wise to always check the weather and road conditions before traveling.
- The roads at Dayara Bugyal are winding, making it challenging for people with motion sickness. Do not forget to carry essential medicines, such as Dramamine and Scopolamine.
- It is best to start early to avoid nighttime mountain driving (which is considered risky).
- It is essential to respect local driving and parking rules at base villages. Do not attempt to park your car anywhere.
With this easy-to-understand and well-laid-out Dayara Bugyal travel guide, you have access to all the essential information to help you embark on a seamless trekking journey. Why wait any longer? Contact JustWravel to book your Dayara Bugyal Trek tour package and get ready to experience one of Uttarakhand’s most fascinating high-altitude meadows.
Frequently Asked Questions
A well-laid-out Dayara Bugyal how-to-reach guide covers all essential information about the location, weather, possible routes to reach the destination, important tips, and other details such as age limits, itineraries, etc., to ensure a worry-free trip.
Before heading to Dayara Bugyal, it is best to keep some cash on hand, as ATMs are limited beyond Uttarkashi.
Yes, you can drive your own car to the base villages of Raithal or Barsu. Both villages are well connected by motorable roads and have available parking facilities.
The best time to visit Dayara Bugyal is from April to June and September to December. During this time, the roads are clear, the weather is pleasant, and it is safe to drive and enjoy views of green meadows. However, winter (December–February) is ideal for snow trekking.
Raithal and Barsu are the base villages to reach Dayara Bugyal. Both villages are located 180–190 km from Dehradun and 200–210 km from Rishikesh. The drive will take approximately 7 to 9 hours, depending on the pace, road conditions, and weather.
To reach Dayara Bugyal from Mumbai, you will first have to take a flight to the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. After this, you have to take a shared jeep or a private taxi to reach Uttarkashi, and then to the Dayara Bugyal’s base villages. Those preferring the train route can reach Haridwar/Rishikesh railway stations first, followed by the same road route to the base villages.