Dayara Bugyal

Dayara Bugyal is one of the most striking high altitude alpine meadows in India, sprawling across 28 square kilometers at an elevation of 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. Gently undulating across endless green ridges framed by towering Himalayan giants, this alpine grassland offers unmatched 360 degree panoramic vistas of Bandarpoonch (6,316 m), Kala Nag (Black Peak), Draupadi Ka Danda, and Srikanth peak.

The classic trek starts from the traditional Garhwali stone village of Raithal, climbing 9 kilometers through dense oak, rhododendron, and walnut forests before opening onto the shimmering waters of Barnala Tal and the vast highland meadows. In late August, the local shepherd community celebrates the unique Butter Festival (Anduri Utsav), applying fresh milk butter and buttermilk to one another across the meadow slopes in thanksgiving to nature.

Truth is, walking barefoot on soft emerald turf while colossal snow pyramids reflect against deep blue skies feels entirely otherworldly. During winter, these velvet slopes transform into premier natural skiing and snowshoeing terrains in Uttarakhand.