There are many treks to rejuvenate your body, but there are only few like Ali Bedni Bugyal trek that revives your soul.
India has only few meadow treks all across; however, the trek to Bedni and Ali Bugyal stands out among all. With vast stretches of greenfield, dense forest, quaint hamlet, giant peaks and more; the trek to Ali and Bedni Bugyal is among the most beautiful alpine meadows in Uttarakhand.
Also Read: Trekking in Uttarakhand
The 6D/5N trek to this velvety grassland is a pleasant combination of natural and Uttarakhand beauty. However, it’s not just the meadows that categorize this trek as a must-do trek. But, there are many unseen charms lying in the way that most trekkers don’t know about.
Grand Mountain Views
The peak views from the campsites is truly a rewarding experience. Vast meadow with mighty Nanda & Trishul peak jetting out right in front of you, is a moment of pure bliss. Watch the entire view of Trishul (6,000ft. – 7,000ft.) with glistening snow in the sunrays. A view that you will find, only at Bedni Bugyal and not any other meadow trek in India.
P.S: Do take a look at the sunrise and sunset from these meadows. It’s an awe-inspiring light show of nature that happens on the Trishul Peak right in front of you. It’s something you must-see when hiking to Ali Bedni Bugyal.
A Forest Hike To Remember
Trekking through the dense forest is another charm in this location. A captivating moment for not just everyone, especially nature admirers and photographers. Most of the trees here are 1000 years old and what’s even more fascinating is that the trail does not actually journeys on the ground. But instead on the roots covered with green moss. It’s an outworldly experience of meandering through these forests. And wait till the sunlight hits. The view suddenly shifts to a cinematic shot of light & shadow, which is a perfect moment for any photographer to capture while crossing these dense forest routes.
Apart from these, the meadows display the views of Mt. Chaukhamba, Hathi Ghoda, Mt. Neelkantha, and other great ranges facing behind Nanda Devi & Trishul Peaks.
How difficult is this trek?
The trek is moderately difficult. There are no technical sections, but you will find steep ascent and steep descent from day 1 of the hike. Not many are warmed up for their first day, which is why hikers are advised to make some initial preparation to level up their endurance. The ascend is gradual and gains 3,500ft. till you reach the meadows from Lohajung which is at 7,300ft. Due to the gradual ascent, there haven’t been any altitude-related troubles in this trek.
Also Check: Roopkund Trek
What’s the best time for Bedni-Ali Bugyal trek?
One determined to cover the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek distance should make this trek in summer. To be precise, try Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek in March (Onwards). It is at this time of the year, the meadow blooms with lush greenery and wildflowers in abundance. One could find the best of this in June.
The Ali Bedni Bugyal hike is also enjoyable in the post-monsoon season. The skies are squeaky clean when the monsoon clouds have passed, and only these months provide the greatest views of the Alps. Choose the post-monsoon season if you want to photograph the region’s large mountains.
Wondering about the weather?
The weather remains relatively cool during the summers, ranging between 6° C to 15° C. However, those who are opting to make a winter trek to these meadows, must travel with an extra set of bodywarmers as the temperature at Bedni Bugyal remains between – 2°C to – 5°C during winter.
Apart from all of the above, the trek is a treat to its viewer. So come along on this most enchanting meadow trek of Ali and Bedni Bugyal. Now, with your favorite trekking stop, Moustache Escapes.
Itinerary
Day 1: Kathgodam/Rishikesh to Lohajung
Drive: 250 km (10 hours drive)
Altitude: 7,650 ft
Stay: Stay at a guest house/homestay on a sharing basis.
Meal: Dinner
- Start your beautiful drive to Lohajung, you’ll pass through Bhimtal, Almora, Kausani.
- The drive will take approximately 9-10 hours to complete, the route will mostly be covering the riverside area.
- During the drive, enjoy the great views of peaks like Nanda Ghunti, Trishul, Nanda Devi and others.
- You reach Lohajung, a small village with basic amenities. Head to your stay. Take your meal and rest for the day.
Day 2: Lohajung to Didna Village
Trek: 6.5 Km(4-5 hours)
Altitude: 7,650 ft. to 8,100 ft.
Stay: Stay in tents/homestay on a sharing basis
Meal: Breakfast – Lunch – Evening Snacks – Dinner
- Wake up, have breakfast and start your trek over a well marked path to Raun Bagad.
- You walk through the mixed forests, moderately which will take around 2-3 hours.
- You will cross the iron bridge across the Neel Ganga River towards Didna.
- Now the trail starts to get a little tough and you’ll get tired soon. Reach Didna, pitch your tents, take your meal and retire for the day.
Day 3: Didna Village to Khobal Tal, via Ali Bugyal
Trek: 10.5 km (7-8 hours)
Altitude: 8,100 ft. to 11350 ft.
Stay: Stay in tents on a sharing basis
Meal: Breakfast – Lunch – Evening Snacks – Dinner
- Wake up, have breakfast, start your trail to Tolkaan north way.
- The meadow trek will pass through various switchbacks and grassy oak mountains and reach Tolkaan.
- Take a sharp left towards the south and keep steering through the ridge and reach out to the forest of Ali Bugyal.
A couple of hours more into the trek you reach Khobal, pitch your tents here, have your breakfast and rest for the day.
Day 4: Khobal Tal to Patar Nachauni via Bedni Bugyal
Trek: 7 Km (4-5 hours)
Altitude: 11350 ft to 10500 ft
Stay: Stay in tents on a sharing basis
Meal: Breakfast – Lunch – Evening Snacks – Dinner
Wake up, have your breakfast, start your trail to Patar Nachauni, an easy straight trail for about 4 km.
The trail will keep ascending gradually, till Bedni Bugyal. Also the trek will bring you to the other side of the ridge.
Enjoy the mesmerizing sight from the ridge, a couple of more kms into the trek you will reach the campsite for the day.
Patar Nachauni is a beautiful campsite, offering great views all around. Have your meals and retire for the day.
Day 5: Ghairoli Patal to Lohajung, via Wan
Trek: 7 km (5-6 hours)
Altitude: 10500 ft. to 7650 ft.
Stay: Stay in a guest house on a sharing basis
Meal: Breakfast – Lunch – Evening Snacks – Dinner
Wake up and have your breakfast, start your journey back to Lohajung via Wan.
You will cross the oak forest and the scenic beauty will amaze you. Enjoy great views of Mt. Trishul on your way back from Bedni Bugyal.
Keep descending and enjoy the Rhodederon forest, spend enough time at every stop.
You reach the river area and from there it’s just 1 hour to Wan, from there return to Lohajung.
Day 6: Lohajung to Kathgodam/Rishikesh
Meal: Breakfast
Drive: 210 km
Wake up, have your breakfast, start your drive back to Kathgodam/Rishikesh..
Trek ends here!!
Things To Carry
1. Shirts / T-shirts –2/3, Jeans / Trekking Pants -2
2. Windproof jacket of decent quality (no flimsy wind cheaters please!) preferably with a hood
3. Warm and thick Fleece / Full-sleeve Woollen sweater
4. Thermal inner wear (upper & lower), Scarf/muffler (optional)
5. Woollen cap, Woollen gloves, Woollen socks & regular socks (3-4 pairs)
6. Comfortable Trekking/Hiking shoes (Waterproof shoes with a thick sole are recommended)
7. Lightweight floaters/sandals/slippers
8. Raincoat / Poncho, Small quick dry towel
9. Water bottle (sturdy ones, no empty Bisleri bottles!!)
10. Cap / Hat to keep the strong sun away from your face
11. Sun glasses (polarized/UV Protected), Walking stick / Trekking pole
12. Sunscreen Lotion, Lip Balm, Torch / Flashlight (with extra batteries)
13. Medicines, if requiring any specific medication
14. Personal toiletries
15. Day pack/small bag in case if you are planning to offload your regular backpack
16. Hand Sanitizer
17. Extra face masks
