The Queen of Winter treks
4 NIGHTS/5DAYS
3849 Meters
Easy to Moderate
20 KM
Nov-March
20
Start your adventurous journey to Kedarkantha Trek, a beginner-friendly trek nestled in the ridge peak of the Tons River valley, accessible year-round. Located at an altitude of 3800 meters within Govind Pashu National Park and Sanctuary, Kedarkantha Trek offers an unparalleled winter trekking experience in Uttarakhand, resembling a fairytale gateway to a magnificent and remarkable summit.
The name Kedarkantha, translating to “Throat of Lord Shiva,” carries a tale that resonates through the ages. It embodies the belief that Uttarakhand is a haven for a mystical, harmonious, and natural lifestyle. The name itself is derived from “Kedar,” one of the names of Lord Shiva, and “Kantha,” meaning throat. This peak holds a storied past; legend has it that Lord Shiva meditated here in solitude, evading the Pandavas. It is said that during his meditation, the sound of a calf led Lord Shiva to realize the proximity of civilization, prompting him to move to Kedarnath, the holy shrine of Chota Char Dham.
The Kedarkantha Trek is less exhaustive yet visually stunning, offering a plethora of changing landscapes within the national park area. The journey begins with an enchanting trail through pine and rhododendron forests, past lands once cultivated for potatoes and apples by the locals. As you ascend, you will encounter Juda Ka Talab, a sacred lake surrounded by densely forested pine trees, offering breathtaking views in any weather condition. This lake is steeped in mythology, and believed to have been created from a droplet that fell from Lord Shiva’s hair bun.
The ascent culminates at Kedarkantha Trek, where a flat summit provides a majestic 360-degree view of the Himalayan snow-capped mountains, including Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, and many others. Reaching the kedarkantha peak might leave you in awe, as if entering a new realm of existence, with the vast Himalayas draped in a snowy blanket. If you live for moments like this, the Kedarkantha trek offers profound insights and breathtaking vistas.
For those seeking an unforgettable winter trekking experience, Kedarkantha is a perfect choice, featuring rich vegetation and diverse landscapes, from serene lakes to snow-covered peaks. The best time to visit kedarkantha peak is from mid-December to early April, when the trail is blanketed in fresh snow and the views are at their most magical.Join us on this incredible adventure and create memories that will last a lifetime in the heart of the Himalayas.

Barsu

Prince Chowk, Dehradun Railway Station

Dehradun

Jolly Grant Airport

(Summers-25° Max/ 10° Min) (Winters-18° Max/ -5° Min

In Barsu:BSNL, Idea and Vodafone Sketchy Networks of BSNL, Idea and Vodafone are available during the trek from Barsu to Dayara Bugyal.

Barsu Village is the last point that has electricity. Note: Most of the electricity is extremely intermittent and can be absent for most part of the day during winter/late summer (when monsoon starts to set in)

Uttarkashi, on the way to Barsu has last ATM Note: Most of time ATM in hilly regions are not functioning. So withdraw cash before you start your journey to Barsu
Day 1 – Dehradun to Barsu
We start our drive from Dehradun to Barsu early in the morning. The drive is visually appealing as the route mixes changing mountain terrain with the colors of the holy river Bhagirathi as we go deeper into the valley. Our drive ends as we reach the village of Barsu. Barsu is a tranquil village frequented by trekkers as it serves as the base camp for the Dayara Bugyal trek. The locals are devotees of Nag Devta, and the village hosts a temple dedicated to this deity. The day ends with a relaxing dinner and an overnight stay in a homestay.
Day 2 – Barsu to Barnala Tal
The trek starts early in the morning after breakfast. The village fades behind the forest trail as we ascend from Barsu on a well-marked trail. This trail passes through an oak and rhododendron forest, eventually leading to a small meadow. This meadow is home to the beautiful Barnala Tal, a natural high-altitude lake, and the holy Nag Devta Temple at one corner of the lake. The day ends as we set up tents for an overnight stay.
Day 3 – Barnala Tal to Dayara Top and back to Barnala Tal
The Dayara bugyal trek starts through the forest trail in the morning. As we ascend, leaving the forest trail behind, we are greeted with some shepherd huts known locally as Chani. As we pass the huts in the meadow, Dayara Bugyal welcomes us with the backdrop of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. This lush green expanse of 28 square kilometers hosts streams and rivers that originate in this alpine meadow. The majestic Himalayan peaks, including Srikanth, Gangotri, Draupadi ka Danda, Jaonli, Bandarpunch, and Swargarohini, are visible from the meadow. In summer, we trek through green grass and flowers, while in winter, the trail is covered with a thick blanket of snow. We spend our time at Dayara Top and, after relaxing, trek back to Barnala Tal, our campsite for the night.
Day 4: Barnala Tal to Barsu and Drive to Dehradun
The trek starts early in the morning as we descend from Barnala Tal to the village of Barsu. The local community in Barsu is involved in agriculture, but over recent years, Barsu has seen a surge in tourism. This has led to the development of several guesthouses, providing employment opportunities. Locals also work as guides, cooks, and porters. The day ends as we drive from Barsu to Dehradun, filled with the memories of the beautiful Dayara Bugyal Trek.
Basics Gears
Clothes
Accessories
Others
Mandatory Documents
Cancellation Policy
Refund Policy
The following refund shall be payable to the user in case of valid cancellation as per the guidelines
Note: The above-mentioned refunds are subjected to deductions for any expenses that may have been incurred for hotel booking or transport etc. Refunds are applicable on the total cost and not on the advance amount.Also take care of LEAVE NO TRACE policy.
What makes Dayara Bugyal special?
Dayara Bugyal is one of Uttarakhand’s most beautiful high-altitude meadows, offering breathtaking views of peaks like Bandarpoonch, Srikanth, and Gangotri. The lush green pastures in summer and snow-covered landscapes in winter make it a year-round trekking destination.
What is the base camp for the Dayara Bugyal trek?
While many companies operate this trek from Raithal Village. Team Mountainiax operates the trek from Barsu Village, which is less crowded and offers mesmerizing views of Barnala Tal.
Is this a family trek or suitable for children ?
The Dayara Bugyal Trek is a easy trek suitable for families and children aged 8 years and above, as well as older adults up to 50-62 years, provided they are physically active.
Is camping allowed at Dayara Bugyal?
No, overnight camping at Dayara Bugyal is currently not allowed. A High Court order bans overnight stays in alpine meadows across Uttarakhand to protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
What is the best time to do the Dayara Bugyal trek?
The trek is best year-round, except during monsoon. Spring brings blooming meadows, summer offers pleasant weather, autumn has clear skies with stunning Bandarpunch views, and winter turns it into a snowy wonderland
What nearby places can we explore after the Dayara Bugyal Trek?
After the Dayara Bugyal Trek, you can explore nearby places like Harsil Valley or Gangotri. While these are not included in the regular itinerary, Mountainiax can arrange visits in private batches upon request.
What are the accommodation types during the Dayara Bugyal Trek?
During the Dayara Bugyal Trek, accommodation includes a homestay in Barsu Village at the start, offering a cultural and comfortable experience. During the trek, you will stay in camps, which provide basic facilities for a closer connection with nature.
Our goal is to encourage sustainable tourism in offbeat destinations of the Himalayas. We want more people to get out of the main trekking hubs & experience themselves and the planet on a new more meaningful level.
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