The Bugyals (Meadows) of Uttarakhand :

Uttarakhand’s beautiful and distinctive landscape includes the astonishing Bugyals or meadows that certainly adds to the charm of this surreal state. Mostly situated in high altitude destinations, Bugyals in Uttarakhand are mostly preferred as camping destinations. Enclosed by the sky-kissing Himalayan Mountains, these lush green patches look no less than an attraction created by the hands of God.

Bugyal, when literally translated, means meadow. A Bugyal is high altitude grassland that makes for an excellent grazing ground. These Bugyals remain covered with snow in the winter months but come to life with colors at the advent of summer season.

1. Bedni Bugyal :

Situated at the border of Garhwal and Kumaon in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Bedni Bugyal offers the majestic views of the Trishul Parbat. It is situated at an altitude of 11,000 feet. The trek to Bedni starts from Loharjung and is ranked easy on the difficulty level, since one mostly passes through villages to reach this lush meadow. On route to Bedni, Wan is the last village that you cross.

 Strategically located en route the famed Roopkund trek, these scenic meadows perfectly represent the unspoiled and pristine beauty of Uttarakhand. Bedni Bugyal has great religious importance as its Bedini Kund is the stopover for the famed pilgrimage of Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra that is held once in every 12 years. 

2. Auli Bugyal :

The Auli Bugyal is a meadow (Bugyal means Meadow), which lay sprawling in the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand. Auli, which is situated at a distance of 15kms from Joshimath (An important halt for Badrinath pilgrimage) has been bestowed with an extensive treeless meadow that has undulating slopes and is carpeted with flower-strewn grass patchworks (in summer). The gorgeous-looking meadow is situated at an elevation of about 2744m above the sea level and offers a spectacular vista of Nanda Devi, Kamet and Dunagiri Peaks. Be it skiing (in winter season), camping, trekking or holiday getaway, the verdant meadow adds to the charm making it just the right place to visit.

3. Dayara Bugyal  :

Dayara Bugyal is a full-fledged 7 days trek that again is rated easy. At an altitude of 12,000 feet, Dayara is easily among the top 2 most beautiful high altitude meadows in the Himalayas. It is breathtakingly serene and looks like the most ideal setting for a fairytale. It can be reached from Haridwar via Barsu, and Barnala meadows are where Dayara begins. It is a moderate 5 kms trek from Barnala to Dayara through dense forests.

Vast stretches of lush green captivate your senses from the word go! The end of the climb gives way to undulating meadows with the Himalayas making for the perfect backdrop. From the top one can get mesmerizing views of the Gangotri I, II, III, Srikanth, Rudregaira, Black Peak and many other unnamed Himalayan peaks. The highest point of the Dayara Bugyal Trek is Bakaria Top that offers 360 degree panoramic views of the Greater Himalayas.

4. Panwali Bugyals :

 Located between Gangotri and Kedarnath, Panwali Bugyals are at heights ranging from 9,000 feet to 13,000 feet. These refreshing grasslands lie on the old pilgrim trail from Gangotri to Kedarnath and hence can be reached from both the sides. For those taking the Gangotri route the starting point is Mala which is 2 kms from Bhatwari. While traveling from the other side, the starting point is Triyuginarain. The nearest railhead is at Rishikesh from where there is a road travel of 154 kms to Ghuttu.

5. Kushkalyani Bugyal :

Kushkalyani is situated on the Gangotri-Kedarnath old route near a place called Belak. The extensively sprawling meadow is the part of the Khatling Sahastra Tal trek in Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand. Kushkalyani is amongst the most scenic alpine meadows of Garhwall Region.

6. Gorson Bugyal :

A short distance from Auli is the verdant meadow of Gorson, which is locally called Gorson Bugyal, ‘Bugyal’ being the Garhwali term for meadows. The extensive and lush meadow is an ideal winter trekking destination in Garhwal that enjoys visit of adventurists from around the world. About 3kms from Auli, the Bugyal is situated at an altitude of 3056m above sea level and is surrounded by the oak forests and the hulking high mountain peaks, which further add to the beauty of this small a must-visit in Uttarakhand.

These naturally manicured gardens of the Himalayas are enveloped with velvety grass and seasonal alpine flowers. Since bugyals are nature’s own garden and are considered to be fragile ecosystems; they need proper attention and conservation.