Gidara Bugyal 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 is located near to Dayar 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Today we will descend for about 30 mins to the roadhead at Bhangeli and then depart for Dehradun.
