Dayara Bugyal, Gangotri, Uttarakhand India

A Bugyal is a high altitude alpine grass lands, or meadows, in Uttarakhand, India. They are locally referred to as 'nature’s own gardens'. They can be flat or sloped, and are carpeted with green grass and seasonal flowers. These provide an excellent grazing ground and pastures for tribal herdsmen. At elevations ranging between 3300 metres and 4000 metres, these alpine meadows remain snow covered in winter. In the summer, the meadows burst into a multitude of beautiful flowers and grass. The basins of Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Bandarpunch have extensive bugyals. Bugyals have very fragile ecosystems, and hence need to be carefully managed.

During winter it provides excellent ski slopes over an area of 28 sq. Kms. The panoramic view of the Himalayas from here is breathtaking. There is a small lake in the area and to camp by this side is a memorable event. From this spot one can trek down to Dodi-Tal which is about 22 Kms. away, through dense forests.