Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas lie meadows at high altitudes in Uttarakhand. These vast meadows are called Bugyals in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions of Uttarakhand. These bugyals are known for their lush greenery in summer, and a blanket of snow covers them during the winter. Here we’ve curated a list of the Top 10 Must-Visit Bugyals in Uttarakhand for you to have a look at.
1. Dayara Bugyal
Located in the Birsu village of Uttarkashi in the Uttarakhand district lies a green alpine meadow known as Dayara Bugyal. A very famous bugyal is often loved by tourists and nature lovers. It is situated at an altitude between 10000-12000 above sea level. On the way to Dayara Bugyal you can explore other places nearby like Harshil and Gangotri. Its one of the best bugyals from the list of Top 10 must-visit Bugyals in Uttarakhand.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-March to April, May to June for trekking, and Snow activities are best done in December to February.
Nearby attractions:
- Raithal Village: This village is the base camp for the Dayara Bugyal trek. Famous for its rich culture and views of the surroundings.
- Barsu Village: Another base for Dayara Bugyal trek. It’s a hamlet offering a rich cultural heritage, showcasing its wooden houses.
2. Ali Bugyal
Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state is a mesmerizing bugyal, which is situated at an altitude of 3300 metres. It is accessible via the Ali and Bedni bugyal trek and offers panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and trekking lovers, where you can camp and stargaze over the vast meadows.
Best Time to Visit: December to June.
Nearby attractions:
- Roopkund Lake: Also called the mystery lake it has skeletal remains of ancient times. To reach here you’ll have a challenging trek.
- Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve: Its a UNESCO World heritage and is beautifully covered with rich flora and fauna.
3. Khatling Bugyal
Nestled in the heart of the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 3800 meters lies Khatling Bugyal, surrounded by a Himalayan view. It is part of the famous Khatling Glacier trek. The trek is considered challenging and leads you through dense forests and meadows
This place is ideal for a campsite.
Best time to Visit: For pleasant weather, visit during May to October, excluding monsoon months, and december to February for snow activities.
Nearby attractions:
- Khatling Glacier: It’s a major source of the Bhilanga River and a top attraction near Khatling Bugyal.
- Masar tal: A glacial lake near Khatling is a picturesque lake offering stunning views.
4. Panwali Bugyal
A lesser-known Bugyal is located in the Gangotari-Kedarnath route in Chamoli district at an altitude of 3299 metres. While exploring the bugyal, you get a glimpse of snow-clad mountains surrounding it, which adds to the beauty of the place. From here you can spot famous peaks like Trishul, Chaukhamba, and Neelkanth peaks. During summer, the bugyal turns into a carpet of vibrant flowers all over the meadows, giving it a scenic look.
Best time to visit: May to October for excellent mild weather. Avoid during monsoon, though.
Nearby attractions:
- Kedarnath Temple: A pilgrimage site famously known as one of the Char Dham, is a hindu temple and a top attraction near Panwali Bugyal.
- Guptkashi: Known for its small village charm and the Vishwanath temple.
5. Gorson Bugyal
Gorson Bugyal is situated at an altitude of 3150 metres. It is located near Auli in Chamoli district. To reach here, you can either trek from Auli or take a cable car ride and enjoy the views of the Nanda range from here. A haven for winter sports activities, and during summer, the place is good for trekking and camping.
Best time to Visit: May to June and September to October if you love light weather, while December to February are best for snow activities.
Nearby attractions:
- Auli Artificial Lake: One of the largest man-made lakes offers mesmerizing views of the surroundings.
- Chattarkund lake: A small lake with clear, crystal water near Gorson Bugyal.
6. Khullara Bugyal
Khullara Bugyal is located in the Chamoli district along the trek to Kuari Pass. The bugyal is surrounded by oak and rhododendron forests, offering stunning views of peaks like Nanda Devi, Kamet, and Dronagiri. Here you can experience the diverse landscape of the Himalayas from dense forests to open meadows.
Best time to Visit: June to October, avoid during monsoons.
Nearby attractions:
- Kuari Pass: Kuari Pass is a high-altitude trekking destination and one of the most famous trekking destinations in the state.
- Tapovan: Famous for its hot springs, Tapovan is a major tourist attraction near Joshimath.
7. Bedni Bugyal
This is one of the largest and open alpine meadows of the state. It is located in the Chamoli district at an altitude of 3354 meters. Bedni Bugyal is surrounded by snow peaks like Trishool and Nanda Ghunti. During summer, the meadows are beautifully painted with flowers all over it, making it a nature’s paradise for nature lovers.
Best time to visit: May to June and September to October for the vibrant, clear sky and atmosphere, and December to February for snow activities.
Nearby attractions:
- Wan Village: Base for the Bedni Bugyal trek. Wan village is a small village offering a rich cultural heritage.
- Neel Ganga River: The bedini bugyal trek leads you through the Neel ganga river flowing. You can pit stop here to get refreshed.
8.Kedarkantha Basecamp Bugyal
Kedarkantha Basecamp bugyal is situated in Uttarkashi district at an altitude of 3800 meters. It offers stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges like Swargarohini and Bandarpoonch. It is part of the famous Kedarkantha trek. The trek to this bugyal is ideal for beginners, and that makes it an accessible place for all.
Best time to visit: All year round except for the monsoon period. It’s ideal for snow activities in the winter, and during summer it shines the brightest, and you can enjoy the surroundings.
Nearby attractions:
- Juda ka talab: A picturesque lake that stays frozen for most of the year.
- Sankri Village: It’s a base for the Kedarkantha trek, and the village is quite peaceful, offering old Himalayan charm and great views.
9. Saptrishi Bugyal
Situated in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand amidst the Saptrishikund, also known as Sahastra tal lie Saptrishi Bugyal. It holds major significance in Hindu mythology, making it a perfect place to seek peace and solitude for nature lovers and spiritual lovers too. The bugyal is adorned with beautiful wildflowers all over the meadows. The bugyal is accessible through the Saptrishikund trek.
Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to October, and if you want to experience snow then December to February are the best months to enjoy snow activities.
Nearby attractions:
- Vasuki Tal: It’s a high-altitude lake with clear, crystal water offering stunning views of Chaukhamba peak.
- Kedarnath temple: One of the famous Char dham in Hindu mythology offering stunning views of snow ladder peaks in its surroundings.
10. Aali Bugyal
Situated at an altitude of about 3200 metres in the Garhwal region near Joshimath lies the Aali Bugyal a lesser-known Bugyal. It is beautifully surrounded by oak and rhododendron trees. The trek to Aali bugyal takes you through meadows and dense forests. From here, you can spot Nanda Devi peak. During spring, the meadows come alive and look vibrant with all the wildflowers and greenery all around.
Best Time to Visit: All year round, but avoid during monsoons.
Nearby Attractions:
- Kalu Vinayak Temple: Near to Aali bugyal enroute to Roopkund is a temple named kalu vinayak which is dedicated to lord Ganesha.
- Lohajung: Base for the Aali bugyal trek Lohajung is a small town offering mesmerizing of the Himalayan landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which is the largest Bugyal in Uttarakhand?
Bedni Bugyal is the largest Bugyal in Uttrakhand.
- What are Bugyals?
Vast green meadows are called bugyals in Uttarakhand. Bugyal means meadow, and a meadow is called bugyal in the local Kumaon and Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand.
- What is the major difference between grassland and bugyals?
Bugyals are high-altitude meadows, while grasslands are available at low altitudes and can be found anywhere. Bugyals are typically found between 3300 meters- 4400 metres altitude.
Conclusion: Top 10 Must-Visit Bugyals in Uttarakhand
These were the must-visit bugyals of Uttarakhand that offer a mix of adventure, trekking experience, and natural beauty. If you are looking to take a break from your routine and don’t know where to go, consider these options and travel up north. From famous bugyals offering stunning views of Himalayan landscapes to lesser-known bugyals offering vibrant atmosphere and stunning views of several peaks, Uttarakhand has something to offer for every kind of wanderer. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready to explore the wilderness of such places in the state. For more such articles, don’t forget to follow Uttarakhand Magazine!
