Gidara Bugyal Trek 2023

Gidara Bugyal Trek The Unexplore Meadow in the Himalayas

Gidara Bugyal Trek is a hidden gem in the Uttarkashi region of Uttarakhand. Being one of the largest high altitude meadows in this country, the Gidara Bugyal is twice as big as Dayara Bugyal and Ali and Bedni Bugyal. It takes almost 2 days to traverse the entire length of the Bugyal but surely one of the most stunning experiences. Gidara Bugyal trek is located near to Dayara Bugyal and is at a higher altitude. The trek takes you through undulating meadows, grasslands, diverse flora and fauna, near-zero footsteps of other travelers due to its pristine and offbeat nature and mesmerizing campsites. Even though this is an easy trek best suited for both beginners and experienced trekkers, for a novice it is recommended to be in good physical shape due to steep and treacherous sections of the trail. The ridge walk to Gidara Top at 4240 meters in one of the highlights of this trek as you are presented with uninterrupted views of the mighty peaks of Gangotri, Jogin, Srikanth and DKD on a clear day. The best time for Gidara Bugyal trek is in the pre-monsoon months of May and June and in the post-monsoon months of September and October. Stay on this page for more information on the Gidara Bugyal Trek..

Gidara Bugyal Trek – Gidara Bugyal lying at an elevation of 13,802 feet is perfect for trekkers in Uttarkashi district.

The highlight of this trek is that it is larger than the well-known pristine Dayara Bugyal and is wider than the two fable Ali and Bedni Bugyal! Most probably, it can be traversed in 2 days.

Despite being the perfect trekking destination, it is highly secluded. Very few people are aware of these meadows.

The first campsite of Gidara Bugyal Trek is Rikoda and the only settlement spotted there are of shepherds.

Spot high mountains from there and enjoy being the only group trekking and camping in these lone meadows!

The Rewards in Gidara Bugyal Trek

The distance from Gidara to Dayara is 15 km and Gidara lies at a little higher altitude.

It rewards you with the grand views of Bandarpunch, Gangotri (I) (II), Draupadi Ka Danda, Jaonli and Srikanth.

Get fascinated by the close views of these lofty Himalayan peaks from a different angle.
The terrain isn’t easy becuase the ascents and descents are steep.

So, prepare well for this trek because of its moderate gradient. It turns out to be best for adventure lovers!

The Highlights of Gidara Bugyal Trek

Adventurous Ridge Walk

traversing the ridge to reach Gidara Top is the best part of this trek.

If the weather is clear then the panorama view of mountains will leave you enticed.

The Gangotri group of peaks stands in front and Srikanth peak stands tall amongst all.

Towards the left Bandarpunch is seen touching the sky and the full view of the Gidara meadows is clearly visible.

Trek to forest

When you head towards the first campsite of Gidara Bugyal trek i.e. Rikoda, you go through the dense forest area under the shade of trees.

The trail is steep and on the way are Gujjar huts. Glance of their lifestyle is a delight of this trek.

Hot Springs of Gangnani

The hot springs of Gangnani lies on the path to Bangeli. Take a short break here and spot devotees refreshing themselves while going to Gangotri.
The pure hot water springs are maintained well which makes it a perfect rejuvenating spot after the treacherous trek.

Why to choose Gidara Bugyal Trek?

Before heading towards the itinerary, it is really essential to perceive the reason behind choosing Gidara Bugyal trek.

See firstly, the trekking distance is a total of 37 km which is to be covered into 7 days. Yet, it comes under moderate level of easy to moderate because of the things that this trek has to offers. These are:

The trail is not that abrupt and sheer as compare to other treks. So, beginners can easily do this trek. And family

You got to see so many heavenly bodies at one place like the panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges, meadows, lakes, pine forests, different variety of flora and fauna surpassing through bona fide Garhwali heritage and culture Gangotri range.

During winter season, this fascinating Gidara Bugyal remains covered in snow and the white sheet of snow makes it look like a magical wide snow-land.

And, in summers, the valley turns totally different and amusing because of meadows, wildflowers and woods blooming in different colors.

Day 1- Arrive at Bhangeli

Today we arrive at Bhangeli, a small hamlet located in the Uttarkashi district. Bhangeli is 190 km from Dehradun and if you opt for a transport from us then we will pick you up at Dehradun ISBT by 7am and drive to Bhangeli which will take about 8 hours. Overnight in guesthouse/homestay in Bhangeli.

Day 2 - Bhangeli (2300 m) to Rikoda (3310 m) - 5 km

Today we start our trek from Bhangeli village and make our way to Rikoda campsite. You will cross the village temple and reach the forest on a dirt trail with maple and oak trees forming a canopy. We will cross several small streams and waterfalls along with diverse flora and fauna. The trail is nearly untouched as the villagers are the only one using this. Thus making the beginning of the trek already pristine. Suddenly the treeline disappears and you get to see the greater Himalayan mountain ranges in the distance, notably the Gangotri group and Srikanth peaks. We will camp on the beautiful meadows of Rikoda for the night. Overnight in tents.

Day 3 - Rikoda to Dokrani (3720 m) - 3.5 km

Today we trek on the trail towards Dokrani campsite. There is a gradual increase in the slope towards the Thirya river and then there is a steep increase through ok and bhojpatra forests to reach a clearing which is the Dokrani campsite with stunning views of the Gangotri massif opposite to your campsite. Relax and retire for the night. Overnight in tents.

Day 4 - Dokrani to Thalotya (3700 m) via Dokrani Bugyal (3930 m) - 2.5 km

Today's trek is a relatively easy one with an hour of gradual ascend will take us to Dokrani bugyal from the Dokrani campsite. You will see amazing views of Gangotri, Jogin, DKD and Srikanth peaks on one side and the Dokrani meadows on the other side. Spend some time soaking in the stunning views and then we continue to trek through undulating meadows to reach the Thalotya campsite filled with rhododendron flowers located alongside a stream in a narrow valley. Overnight in tents.

Day 5 - Thalotya to Thirya (3260 m) via Gidara Top (4240 m) - 10 km

Today is a long and arduous day so we start our trek early. We will cross the stream and after a small ascend we will reach the starting point of Gidara meadows. After an hour of ascent on the meadows, you will get the first glimpse of the Gidara Bugyal and it is endless. In early May and June you can still find snow on this part of the bugyal. The bugyal is absolutely huge. We will continue our trek and reach a ridge from where you get epic views of the mountain ranges. The ridge walk is easily one of the highlights of the trek. We will reach the Gidara top which is the highest point of the trek. We then continue on the ridge and descend down towards Dokrani Bugyal. We will take a deviation towards a steep trail through dense forest to reach the campsite of Thirya. Overnight in tents.

Day 6 - Thirya to Bhangeli (2300 m) - 7 km

From Thirya campsite we will cross the river and trek towards the Rikoda campsite and then retrace our steps to Bhangeli village. Overnight in homestay/guesthouse.

Day 7 - Depart from Bhangeli

Today we will descend for about 30 mins to the roadhead at Bhangeli and then depart for Dehradun.

Pick up Point

Rishikesh 6 AM

Drop Point

Rishikesh 4 PM

INCLUDED

What is Included In This Trek?

Forest Permit and entrance fee

Accommodation in tents and Lodge on share basis

All meals: breakfast,lunch, tea, dinner

Good Experience Trek Leader guide and Technical guide

Medical Kit

Crampons and Gaiters

NOT INCLUDED

What is Not Included In This Trek?

Personal Insurance

Medical Certificate

Personal toiletry Items and Personal Medicine kit

On first day En Route to base camp the Breakfast and Lunch are Not Included

Last Day En Route Lunch and Dinner are Not Included

Mandatory Documents

Please carry the documents given below

Original and photocopy of government photo identity card- (Aadhar Card, Driving License, Voters ID, etc,
Passport and Visa important to foreigners
Medical Certificate (First part should be filled by the Doctor and Second part by the Trekker)
Declaration Certificates

Note: – Many trekkers commit the same mistake of carrying unnecessary items on a trek which only makes the backpack heavy. It is important to know the right items to carry.
It differs from season to season if you are trekking in summers then carry less layers of warm clothing and if you are trekking in winters carry enough layers to protect yourself against chilly cold.

Necessary Items for trekkers

Rucksack/Backpack (40 to 50 Litre) & Rucksack cover (Waterproof).

Daypack- one small day pack (15-20 L) with you during the walk.

Trekking Shoe- A good quality rubber sole shoe..

T-shirt Dry fit/Quick dry type.

Warm Jacket-Warm Fleece Jacket/Synthetic fill.

Windproof Jacket/Wind Cheater.

Thermal wear.

Trek pants.

Raincoat/Poncho

Woolen cap

Hat/Bandanna

Under garments/Inner wear.

Warm Socks.

Woolen gloves.

Waterproof gloves.

Walking Sticks/Trekking Poles.

Water bottle/Hydration pack.

Sunglasses -UV protected.

Torch/Head Lamp with extra batteries.

Sunscreen lotion.

Sanitizer

Wet tissue paper.

Small Towel

Camera with extra cells

Medications and a first-aid kit

Gidara Bugyal Trek

Trekking in Gidara Bugyal