5 Best High-Altitude Treks in Uttarakhand for Stunning Bugyal Views

Uttarakhand is home to some of the most beautiful high-altitude meadows in India, known locally as bugyals. These vast grassy landscapes come alive with wildflowers in summer and turn into snow-covered stretches in winter, offering a different kind of beauty in every season.

Trekking through a bugyal is one of the best ways to truly experience the peaceful and open charm of the Himalayas. The sound of wind across the grass, wide blue skies, and distant snow peaks make these trails unforgettable. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trekker, Uttarakhand has a wide range of treks that take you through these stunning alpine pastures.

In this list, we bring you ten of the best high-altitude treks that are perfect for anyone looking to walk across open meadows, enjoy mountain views, and spend a few quiet days in nature.

Dayara Bugyal Trek

Dayara Bugyal is one of the most rewarding high-altitude meadow treks in Uttarakhand. Located in the Uttarkashi district, this trek is well-known for its vast, open grasslands and peaceful natural setting. It gives you the chance to walk through endless rolling pastures surrounded by thick forests and distant peaks.

Whether it's the bright green of summer or the thick white snow of winter, the charm of Dayara lies in its quiet beauty. The landscape feels untouched, and the wide-open spaces make every step feel calming and slow-paced.

This trek is often recommended for beginners because of its easy-to-moderate trail and short duration. The route starts and ends at Raithal, a small village that serves as the basecamp. Over three to four days, you cover around 22 kilometers in total, although the distance may vary slightly depending on the route.

The trail climbs steadily through oak and rhododendron forests before reaching the open meadows, where the true magic of the trek begins. Walking across the bugyals feels like stepping into a quiet, green world away from everything else.

What makes the Dayara Bugyal Trek truly special is the view it offers. From the higher points of the meadow, you can see some of the most iconic peaks in the Garhwal Himalayas Mt. Bandarpunch, Black Peak, Srikanth, and Draupadi Ka Danda standing tall in the distance. On clear days, even the Gangotri range appears on the horizon, adding to the beauty. It's a great choice for anyone looking for a peaceful high-altitude escape with wide open meadows and stunning mountain views.

Brahmatal Trek

The Brahmatal Trek is a winter favorite, taking trekkers through forest trails, snowy slopes, and peaceful high-altitude meadows. What makes this trek stand out is its two beautiful alpine lakes Bekaltal and Brahmatal surrounded by stretches of silent forest and open bugyals. The trail offers constant views of some of the tallest peaks in Uttarakhand, including Trishul and Nanda Ghunti, with moments when the mountains feel almost close enough to touch.

This trek also starts from Lohajung and takes around five to six days to complete, covering about 24 kilometers. It is perfect for those looking for an easier Himalayan experience without missing out on big views. The route climbs gradually through forests of oak and rhododendron before opening up into alpine grasslands.

These bugyals are often snow-covered in winter, adding a magical layer to the scenery. The calm, wide meadows are the best places to sit, breathe, and take in the raw beauty around you.

The main viewpoint on this trek gives a wide-angle view of the Garhwal range, including peaks like Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, and Kamet in the distance. Add to that the frozen Brahmatal lake sitting quietly below the mountains, and it becomes a scene straight out of a painting. If you’re looking for a mix of quiet forest trails, snowy paths, and wide meadow views, Brahmatal is a rewarding winter journey into the Himalayas.

Kush Kalyan Bugyal Trek

Kush Kalyan is a hidden gem among Uttarakhand’s high-altitude treks, offering wide-open meadows that feel untouched and remote. Unlike some of the more crowded trails, this one remains offbeat, giving trekkers a more peaceful and raw experience. The bugyals here stretch for miles, surrounded by distant ridgelines and snowy peaks. It's a beautiful trail that’s perfect for those who enjoy solitude, soft grass underfoot, and endless sky above.

The trek usually begins from Malla village near Uttarkashi and takes about five to six days to complete. The total distance is roughly 30 kilometers, and though the trail isn’t too difficult, it requires a basic level of fitness due to the steady climb and long stretches. The route passes through thick forests, small shepherd settlements, and eventually opens up to the large Kush Kalyan meadows. These bugyals are rich with wildflowers during summer and turn into golden pastures in autumn.

From the high points of the trek, you can see peaks from the Gangotri range, along with views of Bandarpoonch and Black Peak in the distance. The open meadows let you walk freely, breathe deeply, and enjoy long, quiet hours surrounded by mountain views. For trekkers looking to avoid the crowds and explore a lesser-known trail with rich bugyal beauty, Kush Kalyan offers the perfect escape into nature.

Kedarkantha Trek

Kedarkantha is one of the most popular high-altitude treks in Uttarakhand, loved for its clear trails, snowy landscapes, and wide-open meadows. Though it's known as a winter trek, its beauty stretches through all seasons. The trail gives you stunning views of lush pine forests, frozen lakes, and alpine bugyals that open up to breathtaking mountain scenery.

It offers a great mix of snow-covered patches and meadow walks, making it a favorite for those looking to experience all that the Himalayas offer in a short time.

The trek usually starts from Sankri village in Uttarkashi and takes around five to six days to complete. The total distance is about 20 kilometers, and the trek is considered beginner-friendly because of its gradual ascent and well-marked route.

Along the way, you pass through forest clearings and small campsites surrounded by wide bugyals where you can pause, rest, and take in the view. These open pastures give you a sense of space and calm, especially in the early mornings and late evenings.

From the summit, you get 360-degree views of famous peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, and ranges stretching far into the distance. The mix of open meadows and surrounding snow-capped peaks creates a perfect setting for photography, silence, and deep connection with nature. If you want a high-altitude trek that’s easy to access and delivers stunning views, Kedarkantha is a clear choice.

Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek

Ali Bedni Bugyal is one of the most beautiful alpine meadow treks in Uttarakhand. It takes you through two vast high-altitude grasslands Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal both known for their breathtaking views and peaceful atmosphere. These meadows are set against the grand backdrop of Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti, making the scenery unforgettable.

The trek offers wide green fields in summer and snow-covered white expanses in winter, making it a year-round destination for nature lovers.

The trek starts from Lohajung, a small village in the Chamoli district, and takes about six to seven days to complete. The trail covers around 30–35 kilometers, passing through oak and rhododendron forests, small mountain villages, and clear streams.

The climb is steady, and although the trek is considered moderate in difficulty, the well-marked path makes it suitable for fit beginners. Walking through the quiet forests and then suddenly stepping onto the vast bugyals feels like moving between two different worlds.

What stands out most on this trek are the meadows themselves. The size and openness of Ali and Bedni Bugyal leave a lasting impression. You can walk across them for hours with nothing but the sound of wind and distant birds. At sunrise and sunset, the peaks glow orange and pink, giving you moments that are hard to forget. If you're looking for a peaceful but truly grand Himalayan experience, this trek brings together the best of mountain charm and meadow beauty.