The Best-Kept Secrets of the Dayara Bugyal Trek
The Dayara Bugyal trek is a favourite among our beginner trekkers and children at Trekup India. This is the trek that attracts the most first timers. We often get to hear from our first-time trekkers that they are here because they saw online that this is the ideal high-altitude Himalayan Trek for beginners. While that is definitely true; the well-laid out trails ensure that this trek has no tricky sections.
This is why we recommend the Dayara Bugyal trek to everyone. It does not matter if you’re a complete beginner, a seasoned trekker or someone who has started trekking very late in their lives; this trek will make you fall in love with the Garhwal Himalayas.
However, we often get surprised by the fact that seasoned trekkers don’t come on the Dayara Bugyal trek because they think that a lack of challenge means that there is nothing here that will appeal to them. We at Trekup India strongly believe that this is that one trek that offers most beautiful experiences with the least effort.
Therefore, in this article, we bring to you the best kept secrets of the Dayara Bugyal Trek that no trekking organisation talks about a lot.
Srikanth: A Peak that washes off your sins every time you look at it
I still remember my first time at the Dayara Bugyal Trek in April. We were at our homestay in Raithal, the base camp for the trek. During the briefing, after explaining everything about safety procedures and what to expect the next day, our trek leader pointed to the Gangotri ranges in front of us and asked us to spot the Srikanth peak.
As we looked in that direction, we could spot a beautiful mountain that was slightly distinct yet blended perfectly with the Gangotri range. While we were still soaking in the beauty of our surroundings, our trek leader smiled and said, “now all our sins have been washed away!” Everyone looked at him in confusion; you see, we had read everything about the altitude and what to pack, but this never popped up on our Google searches. We all stared at him in confusion as he explained that the locals believe looking at Srikanth is just as sacred as bathing in the holy Ganga, capable of washing away all our sins.
So the next time you feel that urge to wash off your sins but at the same time Haridwar feels too crowded, just book a trek to Dayara Bugyal; that might just do it :).
The Wish Granting Tree
As we walked through one of the thick forests on the Dayara Bugyal Trek, I stumbled upon something that seemed that seemed somewhat weird. There, in the midst of the tall trees, stood a tree that was different from any other I had ever seen. Its trunk was filled with coins, probably jabbed in there by other trekkers and locals. It was referred to as a “wish-granting tree,” a theory based on local folklore. The practice was straightforward: insert a coin into the tree, and your wish would come true. Our trekking leader, however, pointed something out. Although the tree was a part of culture and held deep meaning, he also explained that inserting metal into trees would eventually be damaging to them. It was a good intentioned tradition, but one which he did not recommend. Instead, he asked us to pause for a moment to appreciate the tree for what it was, paying it respects in a manner that honored the forest and its people.
So, we stood, in silence.
We didn’t leave a coin, but we showed gratitude otherwise, by staying, by enjoying the moment, and by acknowledging all that the world had provided us on this journey.
Even though I am not religious at all, in that moment, in the clean air of the spectacular forest, for the first time in my life I felt like I was connected to a higher power.
Raithal: The Jewel of Uttarkashi
What if I told you that one of Dayara Bugyal trek’s best-kept secrets is its base camp itself?
Raithal’s peaceful beauty and lively village culture are sure to entice anyone who sets foot in this village for the first time. Situated in the midst of the towering Gangotri, Kala Nag, and Srikanth peaks, it’s a hiker’s and nature lover’s ultimate retreat. Though Raithal is referred to as the base for the Dayara Bugyal Trek, few know that the villagers not only earn their livelihood through agriculture but also by providing homestays, operating community programs, and serving as trekking guides, porters, and honey collectors.
Raithal’s rural beauty is aptly captured in its traditional houses, which reflect the area’s rich heritage of architecture. They include the earthquake-resistant multi-storey buildings, inspired by the “Koti Banal” style, which are meant to counter the vagaries of Uttarkashi’s disaster-prone terrain. These ancient houses still fascinate tourists, making them a favourite in their own right. While fears of these architectural wonders disappearing, many of them have been converted into homestays. One of the highlights on the tourist trail is the 500-year-old Raithal Homestay. Providing a serene getaway from the chaos of urban life, this homestay not only serves as a retreat but also offers a chance to learn about its earthquake-resistant nature.
Harshil Valley: A must in your itinerary of the Dayara Bugyal Trek
The final morning of the Dayara Bugyal Trek was dreamlike. The fog was creeping away from the meadows, and the sun, still gentle, caressed the tops of the Garhwal Himalayas. The air was fresh, and I could already sense the ache in my legs from the ascent. But there was a feeling of stillness that suffused me as I stood there, drinking in the vastness before me. This hike had been all I’d dreamed of; a breathtaking, demanding trip that I had made my way through, one step at a time.
As we descended, our trek leader said something about Harshil Valley being close at hand, and I couldn’t help but feel a flash of interest. We had arrived at Raithal and it dawned on me that being so close to Harshil Valley was another secret of the Dayara Bugyal trek. It wasn’t in the itinerary, but a visit there on our return seemed like a great finale to this fantastic trek.
The journey to Harshil was tranquil. As we moved away from the familiar trails of the trek, the landscape started changing. The forests gave way to green meadows, and the sight of the Himalayas appeared to become even more grand from here. The valley was as beautiful as it was peaceful, a region where no noise of the world seemed to pervade. It seemed like a secret treasure hidden from the normal tourist routes.
The instant I entered Harshil Valley, the entire world seemed to come to a halt. The peace of the environment enveloped me, and I couldn’t help but admire the beauty of it all, the vast, open grounds, the plain, friendly villages, and the soft flow of a stream close by. It was a serene, simple scenery, and it seemed just the right place to sit and ponder the walk that we had undertaken. With every step of this valley, I felt I was continuing from the journey that I had embarked on at Dayara Bugyal, but somehow, it was an entirely new experience.
The proximity of Raithal to Harshil Valley made the trek even more memorable. It wasn’t what I was expecting, but it was a stunning find that opened up a new dimension to the adventure.
I tell this to anyone going on the Dayara Bugyal trek that they must explore the Harshil Valley on their way back. You may just explore a side of the Garhwal Himalayas that many miss.
Why choose Trekup India for your next Himalayan trek to Dayara Bugyal?
I learned about the traditions and folklore of the region, including the history of the wish tree, due to the experienced guides of Trekup India. They were locals and thus familiar with everything about the flora, fauna, floklores, and mythology of that region. Trekup India is exceptional for its knowledge in leading trekkers across the stunning landscapes of the region. Their knowledge of local areas ensures that every trek is an experience, as well as an adventure. On top of that, they focus on safety, ensuring all details of the trek, be it weather conditions or navigation, are strictly organized. For anyone looking for a complete, secure, and unforgettable Himalayan experience, Trekup India is the way to go.
About Author
Suhani
I’m Suhani, a third-year law student, freelance content writer, and social media lead with a deep love for trekking. I’m currently a part-time content writer at Trekup India, where I combine my passion for adventure with my writing skills. I’ve worked with marketing and design agencies as a freelancer, crafting impactful brand stories and social media strategies. I’ve also contributed to the growth of an upcoming EdTech platform, adding to my diverse experience in content creation and digital marketing. This is everything I can tell you about myself in a few words. It's a work in progress, as we all are 🙂
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