India is home to mesmerising meadows colloquially called Bugyals in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Bugyals or meadows are alpine pastures found at higher altitudes. Uttarakhand alone offers an array of options to explore some of the prettiest Bugyal treks. Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Kashmir are home to some of the prettiest and spectacular meadows. The grasslands spread like a lush green carpet for as far as your eyes can see. If Kashmir is home to the prettiest valleys of grasslands, Uttarakhand has meadow treks for both the rookies and the seasoned trekkers.
The meadows in Kashmir are dreamy, and you have to witness them with your naked eyes to absorb their beauty. While the prettiest meadows of Kashmir are found when you explore the treks here, the famous tourist destinations in Kashmir are also meadows. The famous Gulmarg translates to meadows of flowers, while Sonmarg means meadows of gold. A less explored Yousmarg translates to meadows of Jesus. The legend has it that Jesus Christ passed through the meadow hence the name Yousmarg. The other version of its nomenclature suggests that Yousmarg was originally called Roosmarg or meadows of musk deer, and over the years it came to be known as Yousmarg.
Here are some of the spectacular meadows or Bugyal Treks to explore in India:
- Dayara Bugyal Trek
- Bagji Bugyal Trek
- Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek
- Phulara Ridge Trek
- Deoriatal-Rohini Bugyal Trek
- Gidara Bugyal Trek
- Meadows of Kashmir
- Meadows of Kashmir Great Lakes
1. Dayara Bugyal Trek
Location – Uttarakhand
Duration – 4 days/3 nights
Difficulty Level – Easy
Altitude – 11,870 ft./3,617m
Dayara Bugyal is one of the most beginner-friendly Bugyal treks in India. If there is one trek we suggest to beginners of all ages, Dayara Bugyal tops the list. For a trek that is easy to moderate, Dayara Bugyal Experience in Uttarakhand offers you a platter full of breathtaking views of peaks, and verdant valleys. The alpine meadows of Dayara are the epitome of perfection. The wildflowers cover the meadows in spring, turning the grasslands into a pristine landscape. During winter, the meadows embrace the white blanket of snow and become a winter wonderland.
This experience will offer you splendid views of majestic peaks, walks on beautiful alpine meadows, and the true essence of the mountaineering culture.
Apart from the meadows, the experience offers a majestic view of the mighty mountains. Gangotri ranges, Draupadi ka Danda and Mt Shrikanth are some of the mountains you will encounter on the trek.
Dayara Bugyal trek starts from the ancient village of Raithal. The village gives you glimpses of rich Himalayan culture, the local tradition, and their minimalistic style of living.
2. Bagji Bugyal Trek
Location – Uttarakhand
Duration – 6 Days/5 Nights
Difficulty Level – Moderate
Altitude – 11,100ft./3,383m
Best Time – Winter
Bagji Bugayal translates to the meadow of tigers. Legend has it that some 60-70 years ago, the Bugyal was frequented by tigers. This is how the meadow derived its name, Bagh in the local Garhwali dialect means tiger, and Bugyal translates to meadows.
Bagji Bugyal, adjacent to Bageshwar and Chamoli remains untouched by the maddening crowd. The Bugyal is spread over an area of around 4 km and situated at an altitude of 11100 ft. above sea level. Its unending meadows spread like a lush green carpet in spring with wildflowers adding a riot of colors. The same meadow embraces autumn hues in October and turns into shades of golden. The trail remains secluded, with hardly any trekkers on the way.
Bagji Bugyal takes you through unexplored forests, picturesque campsites, and a trail full of small streams. The route is decorated with coniferous forests and offers you an absolute wilderness.
Bagji Bugyal trek offers you majestic views of view of Mt. Satopanth (7075 m), Mt. Chaukhamba (7138 m), Mt. Trishul (7120 m), and Mt. Nanda Ghunti (6309 m). The mountains present a crisp view as the sky remains clear during autumn.
For the Bagji Bugyal experience, you have to reach its base camp in Ghes village. The base camp is around 293 km and is a 10- 11 hrs drive from Dehradun.
3. Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek
Location – Uttarakhand
Duration – 6 Days/5 Nights
Difficulty Level – Moderate
Altitude – 11,700ft./3,566m
There are very few high-altitude Bugyal treks in India, and the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek stands out as a trek with the most awe-inspiring views. The lush green meadows with the majestic view of Mount Trishul right in front of you, and an unforgettable trail through a dense and quaint forest are what define this trail.
Ali Bedni Trek is what we call a trek that offers postcard-perfect views. The trek with Rhododendron and Oak trees along with the trail transports you to a fairyland, offering the splendour of mountain peaks. The verdant grassland spreads like a green carpet welcoming you. The vastness of the grassland piques you to find its end, and all you discover is undulated meadows, one after another. Walking barefoot on these soft grass-covered meadows is an experience of a lifetime.
At 7120m above sea level, the towering Trishul Parvat stands like a guarding deity. The grandeur of the mountain peaks welcomes you to the breathtaking wilderness of Ali Bugyal. One of the largest meadows in Asia, the Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek is perfect for beginners to start their outdoor journey.
Ali Bedni Bugyal is in the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand, with its base camp in Lohajung. The base camp is around 293 km and is a 10- 11 hrs drive from Dehradun.
4. Phulara Ridge Trek
Location – Uttarakhand
Duration – 6 Days/5 Nights
Difficulty Level – Moderate
Altitude – 12,127ft./3,696m
Best Time – September and November
Pushtara Bugyal is on the way to the Phulara Ridge trek, one of the rare ridge crossing experiences in India. The meadow of Pushtara is a less explored beauty located in the Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand. The meadow appears on day three of the Phulara Ridge experience. Pushtara Bugyal and the meadow of Bhoj Gadi are two of the most beautiful campsites where you will enjoy the vastness of verdant valleys. During the summer months, the meadows are covered with colourful wildflowers. Experiencing the meadows that roll out like a green carpet is an unforgettable encounter.
The Pushtara Bugyal Trek can be done as a part of the Phulara Ridge trek. The trek offers exclusiveness on the trail. You will walk past the virgin forests. The trail offers an ample opportunity to immerse in the wilderness.
In autumn, the colours of Pushtara bugyal are breathtaking. The lush green carpet embraces golden brown shades. The experience is a must if you are seeking wilderness and serenity away from the crowded trail. The trail to Pushtara Meadow is moderate and can be considered by beginners as well.
Pushtara Bugyal starts from a popular basecamp village of Sankri. The Phulara Ridge Experience is in Uttarakhand, and the Basecamp of Phulara Ridge is Sankri. Sankri, a village in Uttarkashi, is perched at an elevation of 1,900 meters. This hamlet in the Garhwal region is a base for other popular treks like Harki Dun, and Kedarkantha. The village is a starting point for trekkers’ escape to the wilderness.
Around 200 km away from Dehradun, it takes roughly 9-10 hours of exhilarating drive through the meandering mountain roads to reach the base camp.
5. Deoriatal-Rohini Bugyal Trek
Location – Uttarakhand
Duration – 3 Days/2 Nights
Difficulty Level – Moderate
Altitude – 9,020ft./2,749m
Rohini Bugyal is a hidden gem tucked away in the Chopta Valley in Uttarakhand. The best part of trekking to Rohini Bugyal is it can be clubbed with the Deoriatal and Tungnath Chandrashilla treks. It is one of the most beginner-friendly bugyal treks perfect for first-time trekkers.
Deoriatal Trek is a perfect spot to enjoy the mountain views and soak in the serenity of nature. On a clear day, Mt Chaukamba’s reflection on the pristine lake of Deoriatal is awe-inspiring.
The serene Bugyal is a perfect place to immerse in the calmness of nature. You will enjoy a majestic view of Kedarnath Peak, Chaukhamba, Nilkantha, Thaly Sagar, and Kedar Dome.
The lush green meadow of Rohini Bugyal offers you a variety of Himalayan birds. The Bugyal remains hidden amidst the forest and is a perfect playground for migratory birds. Rohini Bugyal is a favourite place for bird watchers and photographers owing to its perfect settings.
The Bugyal adorns a riot of colours during spring when Rhododendron blooms in different shades. Come winter, the Bugyal is covered in a white sheet of snow.
Deoriatal- Rohini Bugyal is in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, with its base camp in Sari village. The base camp is around 226 km and is a 9- 10 hrs drive from Dehradun
6. Gidara Bugyal Trek
Location – Uttarakhand
Duration – 8 Days/7 Nights
Difficulty Level – Moderate
Altitude – 13,900ft.
Best Time – June and September
Gidara Bugyal in Uttarakhand is one of the remotest yet prettiest meadow treks in the country. The meadows of Gidara are known for their unmatched beauty. The verdant meadows of Gidara sprawl without any end to it. You will be traversing on the Bugyal for almost two days. The virgin meadows of Gidara Bugyal remain untouched. The meadows are enwrapped in vibrant wildflowers during spring, making the Bugyal a dreamy escape.
The trail to Gidara Bugyal is less crowded and you rarely find other groups. The Bugyal and the enchanting forest is for you to soak in. Bugyal Trek also offers a rare experience of ridge walking as you move from one end of the meadow to another.
Gidara is a moderately difficult trek. You tackle a few tricky patches accompanied by some steep ascents and descents. Bugyal is at an elevation of 13,900 ft above sea level.
Apart from the enchanting meadows of Gidara, the trek offers exclusive views of Draupadi Ka Danda, Gangotri ranges, Bandarpooch, Jaoinli, and Srikanth. The mountains look grander from Gidara Bugyal.
Gidara Bugyal Trek starts from Raithal in Uttarkashi, around 180 km from Dehradun.
7. Meadows of Kashmir
Kashmir is home to some of the most beautiful and verdant valleys. Renowned for its pristine valley and spectacular landscape, trekking in Kashmir takes you through lush green valleys surrounded by snowcapped mountains and dense forests.
Unlike Uttarakhand, treks in Kashmir are not exclusive meadows or bugyal treks. Kashmir boasts beautiful glacial lakes treks and verdant valleys and meadows come along on the way. Be it the grassland of Lidderwart on your way to Tarsar Marsar or of Toshmaidan, Kashmir has abundant meadows.
The best part of experiencing meadows in Kashmir is the full bloom of wildflowers in varying colours. As the trekking in Kashmir starts during summer and monsoon, the valleys are covered with flowers in white, red, lavender, and yellow and colours that fill your heart.
8. Meadows of Kashmir Great Lakes
The Great Kashmir Lakes trek lets you experience lush green meadows on almost every day of the trek. The meadows you will discover in Kashmir only get beautiful as you hop from one valley to another. The meadows on the trek connect through high passes, and as you climb from one pass to discover the other side, the beauty amplifies.
In the Nichnai campsite, the lush green spread of huge meadows welcomes you. The view in front of you compels you to forget the long trail you walked through. Then there is Gadsar Valley with dramatic landscapes, surrounded by mountains. Grassland blooming with wildflowers enhances the beauty.
The adventurers trek in Kashmir to experience the turquoise water of the glacial lakes. However, many are unaware that Kashmir’s meadows are greener and bigger and are accompanied by picture-perfect landscapes.
When should you plan your Bugyal Trek?
The bugyal treks in Uttrakhand remain accessible all year round except during monsoon season. Kashmir meadows come to life during summer and monsoon seasons as snow recedes at the higher altitudes.
These are some of the most beautiful meadows you can explore in the country. However, there are many unexplored and untouched meadows in our country. If you have explored any meadow treks, comment below and share them with the rest of the outdoor enthusiasts.
