A single-day hike to one of Uttarakhand's most beautiful alpine meadows. No camping needed.
Dayara Bugyal is one of Uttarakhand's largest alpine meadows at 3,400m. A gentle hike through oak forest opens onto a vast grassland, 28 square kilometres of rolling green in summer, a snowfield in winter. Bandarpunch and Srikanth peaks form the backdrop. You can do it as a day hike from Barsu village, no camping required. Perfect for a first Himalayan experience or a quick weekend escape.
Your guide meets the group at Dehradun in the morning and the drive begins, climbing from the Doon valley into the Garhwal hills. The road winds through Mussoorie and Purola, past apple orchards and pine forests. Barsu village arrives in the evening, a cluster of stone houses with the forest rising behind. The guesthouse is warm and simple. After dinner, your guide lays out tomorrow's plan, a short hike to one of Uttarakhand's largest alpine meadows. Sleep comes early.
The trail climbs through oak forest, the gradient steady but never punishing. After about two hours, the trees thin and the meadow opens, a vast grassland at 3,408 metres that stretches to the horizon in all directions. Bandarpunch and Srikanth peaks rise directly ahead, their glaciers catching the morning light. You walk across the meadow to Barnala Tal, a small lake at the edge, then find a patch of grass to sit on and eat packed lunch. The descent takes half the time. You're back in Barsu by late afternoon with the evening free.
Morning departure after breakfast. The drive retraces the route through the hills, the Dayara meadow receding behind you. Arriving in Dehradun by early afternoon, the trek ends with the memory of the vast grassland, Bandarpunch on the horizon, and the walk through oak forest that started it all.
A vast meadow used by shepherds for centuries. In winter: snowfield stretching to the horizon, skiable. In summer: green grass, wildflowers, grazing sheep. Bandarpunch dominates the view.
Drive from Dehradun to Barsu village (190 km, 7-8 hrs). The trail starts from Barsu. Day hike option: trek up, spend time on the meadow, descend same day.
Easy hike suitable for anyone who can walk 5 km. Max 3,408m. Well-established trail through forest. Children 8+ can do this. Winter: light snow, no technical difficulty.
Can families with kids do this?
Yes, children 10+ can comfortably do this hike if they're reasonably active. The meadow is a reward that's visible from the first clearing.
Meeting point
Dehradun Railway Station, Uttarakhand
Trip ends
Dehradun Railway Station, Uttarakhand
Minimum age
10 years
Fitness required
Minimal, comfortable walking 5 km uphill
Starting from
₹7,500
per person, all inclusive
from ₹7,500