Mukta Top Trek

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

ON REQUEST

DURATION

5 NIGHTS/6 DAYS

MAX ELEVATION

3657 Meters

GRADIENT

Moderate

DISTANCE

27 KM

BEST MONTH

Sep-March, March- June

GROUP SIZE

Mukta Top Trek - Overview

Mukta Top is an untouched trek in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarkashi district, sitting at an elevation of 3,608 m. A hidden jewel and a virgin trail, it offers a respite from crowded treks, delivering promising elegance and landscapes throughout. This trek serves as an excellent alternative to other populated winter treks like Kedarkantha, Brahmatal, and Nag Tibba. Unlike any other trek, Mukta Top offers a spectacular view that will captivate your senses with a variety of flora—pine, maple, bamboo, rhododendron—and fauna, including a diverse range of birds, which makes it unique among treks. The wilderness is also home to several wildlife species such as barking deer, grizzly bears, and swamp deer, which abound in these forests.

Mukta Top is one of the few treks that offers a two-day journey through forest trails, including the rare experience of trekking through bamboo forests. The path is a paradise for all forest enthusiasts, as the journey into the forests is dense and mysterious. Mukta Top is a delightful adventure for both beginners and experienced trekkers who are looking for a less crowded trek during the winter. The voyage offers diverse beauty in topography with vast forest trails, stunning meadows, and panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges. The summit provides an astonishing view of snow-capped Himalayan ranges such as Bandarpunch, Gangotri, Jaonli, Kalanag, and Nag Tibba.

The trek level is easy to moderate, making it ideal for beginners as a winter trekking trail from December to March. It is also favorable from April to May and October to November when the temperatures are comfortable and the mountains are in full bloom. If you enjoy secluded, peaceful trails, and unmapped treks, then the Mukta Top Trek is a must-try. You will surely fall in love with this abode of nature.

Mukta Top Trek - Complete Information

Quick Facts

Short Itinerary

Day 1: Dehradun to Barsu | Distance: 186 km | Drive Time: 8 Hours
Day 2: Barsu to Barnala Tal | Trek: 4 km | Trek Time: 3 Hours
Day 3: Barnala Tal to Dayara Top and back to Barnala Tal | Trek: 10 km (Round Trip) | Trek Time: 6 Hours
Day 4: Barnala Tal to Barsu and Drive to Dehradun | Trek: 4 km, Drive: 186 km | Trek Time: 3 Hours, Drive Time: 8 Hours

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Dehradun to Barsu

Drive: 186 Km
Time Taken: 8 Hours

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

Trek: 4 Km
Time Taken: 3 Hours

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

Trek: 5+5 Km
Time Taken: 6 Hours

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

Trek: 4 Km – Drive: 186 Km
Time Taken: 8 Hours

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.

Things To Carry

Basics Gears

Backpack
Trekking Shoes
Trekking Pole
LED Torch
One Water Bottle (one litre)
Lunch Box
Basic Medications (or prescribed if any)

Clothes

Trekking Jacket
Warm Layers
Two trek pants
Full sleeve dry-fit T-shirts
Thermals (1 pair)

Accessories

Sunglasses
Sunscreeen Lotion (SPF 50/70)
Lip Balm (SPF 30)
Synthetic hand gloves
Woolen Cap
Three pair of Socks
Raincoat/Poncho is a must

Others

Daypack (Recommended), for summit Day
Plastic cover (for wet clothes in winters and rainy season)

Mandatory Documents

Original and photocopy of government photo identity card- (Passport, Aadhaar Card, Driving license or voters ID

Inclusion Exclusion

Transport support from Dehradun to Dehradun.
All vegetarian meals starting from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day.
Professional guide, cook and support staff.
Rent for camping equipment.
Clean sleeping bags and mats.
Good quality ¾ or 4 season ‘A’ shaped or dome tents
– Kitchen tents, common tents, toilet tents.
Forest entry charges for Indian nationals – For non-
Indian passport holders; there will be an additional charge.
Porter and mule support to carry camping equipment and NOT personal luggage.
Triple sharing Tent accommodation throughout the trek.
Homestay accommodation on 1st Day.
All applicable taxes

Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
Any transport support during the trek apart from what is included above.
Any cost or services not mentioned in the Inclusions.
Accommodation in Dehradun.
Cost arising due to unforeseen incidents like bad weather, medical evacuation, road blocks etc.
Porter/mule charges to carry personal luggage – Can be arranged at an additional cost of INR500 per day (1 soft bag per person < 12 kg).

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy

- We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel, reduce, or amend a guaranteed reservation, please do so by 12 noon, 15 days prior to arrival to avoid cancellation charges. Any cancellation made within 15 days of arrival will be 100% non-refundable. Bookings made under non-cancellable or non-amendable packages or rates cannot be canceled or amended, and the full amount of the advance paid will be treated as the cancellation fee. The same terms apply if guests do not show up.

- For all bookings other than non-cancellable ones, if the guest does not show up, the complete booking will be non-refundable. If the guest chooses to check out early, one night’s room rate, including taxes, will be charged. No cancellations will be accepted over the phone or via WhatsApp message. Please reply to the email confirmation you received at the time of booking to request a cancellation.

- No refunds will be provided in case of problems arising due to government orders, harsh weather conditions, protests, landslides, or other unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, we usually have a backup plan ready and will proceed with that. Sometimes, we may have to cancel activities mentioned in the itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control.

- If a trek is called off at the last moment due to natural calamities or unforeseen circumstances (such as rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strikes, or bandhs), participants will be provided with a travel voucher for the same amount. This voucher can be used within 365 days of the issuance date for any package of equal value, subject to availability.

- If a trek or trip has to be aborted midway due to natural calamities or unforeseen circumstances, no refund will be provided. Mountainiax will not bear any extra expenses due to such natural calamities or unforeseen circumstances.

Refund Policy

The following refund shall be payable to the user in case of valid cancellation as per the guidelines

- Cancellations up to 21 days prior to departure date – 70% refund

- Between 21 days to 14 days prior to departure – 50% refund

- Between 14 days to 10 days prior to departure- 30% refund

- Less than 10 days of departure – No refund or you can transfer
  your trek (same batch date & same trek) to your dear one.

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.

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FAQ's

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.

Mukta Top Trek