RM
Rahul Mehta
October 2025
“The moment we stepped onto Ali Bugyal, it felt like the mountains had no end. I've done a few Himalayan treks, but spending so much time on the meadows made this one unforgettable.”
Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek
Garhwal Himalayas, Chamoli, Uttarakhand
“Walk across Uttarakhand's grand twin alpine meadows beneath Trishul and Nanda Ghunti, with forests, camps, and endless Himalayan horizons.”
Altitude
12550 ft
Duration
6 Days
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
Best time
Mar – Jun Sep – Dec
Standout Experiences
- Spend hours walking across the enormous twin meadows of Ali and Bedni Bugyal instead of just passing through them.
- Watch Trishul and Nanda Ghunti stay in view almost the entire trek, growing larger with every step.
- Experience the same historic trail that once continued towards Roopkund, complete with Bedni Kund and traditional shepherd routes.
- Visit in different seasons and the trek feels completely new—from rhododendron forests in spring to golden autumn grasslands and snowy winter slopes.
Overview
Updated 10 Aug 2026
- The Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek is one of the finest meadow walks in the Indian Himalayas. Starting from Lohajung, the trail climbs through old oak and rhododendron forests before suddenly opening into the enormous grasslands of Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal. Standing here at around 11,000–12,500 feet, the massive faces of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti dominate the skyline so closely that they seem to rise straight out of the meadows. It's one of those rare Himalayan treks where the journey is every bit as memorable as the destination.
- What makes this trek unforgettable is how much the landscape changes with every season. In spring, rhododendrons bloom across the forests and patches of snow linger on higher slopes. By May and June, the meadows turn bright green and fill with wildflowers. After the monsoon, September and October bring crystal-clear mountain views and golden grasslands, while winter transforms the trail into a peaceful snow-covered landscape that's ideal for first-time snow trekkers.
- The route follows a historic section of the old Roopkund trail and passes shepherd camps, the sacred Bedni Kund, and centuries-old mountain traditions that still survive in these high-altitude villages. Days are spent walking over rolling meadows with uninterrupted Himalayan panoramas, while evenings end at quiet campsites beneath star-filled skies. Despite the dramatic scenery, the gradual climb makes the trek approachable for fit beginners who want their first real Himalayan adventure without tackling technical terrain.
Trek essentials
Max altitude
12,550 ft
Duration
6 Days
Total distance
27.2 km
Elevation gain
5,000 ft
Trek type
Point-to-point
Starting point
Lohajung
Trail type
Oak forest, rhododendron forest and alpine meadow trail
Average cost (indicative)
₹8,500–₹12,500 per person
Temp. range (°C)
-5°C to 18°C
Snow months
December to March
Rain risk
High during July and August; avoid peak monsoon
Nearest Railway Station
Rishikesh (YNRK)
Nearest Airport
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Base Camp Altitude
7,550 ft
Best Seasons
March–June and September–December
Trek Route
Detailed Itinerary
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- Meet around 5:30–6:00 AM in Rishikesh and begin the scenic 10–11 hour drive into the Garhwal Himalayas, following the Alaknanda valley for most of the journey.
- The road passes the famous confluences at Devprayag and Karnaprayag before climbing through Tharali and Deval, with plenty of mountain villages and river views along the way.
- Stop for breakfast and lunch at roadside dhabas before the final winding climb to Lohajung through dense pine forests.
- Reach Lohajung by early evening, settle into the guesthouse, complete a short briefing and enjoy your first views of Nanda Ghunti if the skies are clear.
Packing List
Must Have
Trekking Boots
backpack
50L Backpack
layers
3-Layer Clothes
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Down Jacket
thermostat
Thermal Layers
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Gloves
Woolen Socks
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Headlamp
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Hydration
timeline
Trekking Pole
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First Aid Kit
Good to Have
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Power Bank
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Action Cam
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Quick-dry Towel
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Winter Gloves
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Trek Gaiters
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Hydration Bladder
Technical Overview
terrain
A classic meadow trek with changing landscapes
The trail begins through dense oak and rhododendron forests before opening into the vast twin meadows of Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal. Most paths are well defined with forest soil, grassy slopes and occasional rocky stretches. Descents toward Wan are steep in places and can become slippery after rain. The route is ideal for fit beginners but still demands steady walking for several hours every day.
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Gradual altitude gain helps acclimatization
The trek starts around 7,550 ft at Lohajung and gradually climbs to 12,550 ft at Bedni Top over multiple days. This slow ascent significantly lowers the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness compared to faster high-altitude treks. Even so, trekkers should stay hydrated, avoid rushing uphill and immediately report headaches, nausea or unusual fatigue to the trek leader.
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Different seasons completely transform the trail
Spring brings blooming rhododendrons and clear mountain views, while May and June cover the bugyals in lush green grass and wildflowers. After the monsoon, the skies become exceptionally clear, offering panoramic views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. Winter blankets the forests and meadows with deep snow, making the landscape one of Uttarakhand's most beautiful snow treks.
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Rich Himalayan forests and alpine ecosystem
The lower trail passes through ancient oak and rhododendron forests where Himalayan monals, woodpeckers, langurs and various mountain birds are frequently spotted. As the trail climbs above the tree line, wide alpine grasslands become grazing grounds for sheep and horses. Visitors should avoid disturbing wildlife and carry back every piece of waste to preserve these fragile bugyals.
When to Visit
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Rhododendrons and Fresh Meadows
March – April
Melting snow gives way to fresh green slopes and blooming rhododendron forests. Days stay pleasant while nights remain cold, making this one of the most colourful times to visit.
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Wildflower Season
May – June
The meadows become lush green with blooming alpine flowers and comfortable daytime temperatures. Long daylight hours make this a favourite season for first-time trekkers.
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Golden Grasslands and Clear Views
September – November
After the monsoon, the skies clear and the Himalayan peaks look exceptionally sharp. The meadows turn golden, creating some of the best photography conditions of the year.
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Snow-Covered Meadow Trek
December – February
Snow blankets the forests and bugyals, turning the trek into a peaceful winter landscape. Expect colder temperatures, slower trekking days, and a magical snow experience.
Other Information
Logistics & inclusions
- check_circleReach Rishikesh a day before departure to avoid missing the early morning pickup.
- check_circleDrive from Rishikesh to Lohajung takes about 10–11 hours via Devprayag, Karnaprayag, Tharali and Deval.
- check_circleLocal jeeps are used between Lohajung and Wan where the trekking trail begins.
- check_circleLeave extra luggage at the base camp; carry only essentials in your trekking backpack.
- check_circleForest entry formalities are completed at the check post before entering the trekking route.
- check_circleMobile connectivity is generally available only around Lohajung and becomes unreliable on the trek.
Permits
Required: Yes
Forest entry permission is mandatory and is generally arranged by registered trek operators. Carry a government-issued photo ID and a few passport-size photographs for verification.
Safety
Risks
- Slippery forest sections after rain or snowfall
- Cold temperatures and wind exposure above the tree line
- Altitude-related discomfort near Bedni Top
- Steep descents that can strain knees
Precautions
- Maintain a slow and steady pace throughout the ascent.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid dehydration.
- Use trekking poles during long descents.
- Carry proper layered clothing and waterproof gear.
- Inform the trek leader immediately if you experience symptoms of AMS.
Emergency
The nearest primary healthcare facility is at Deval, while larger hospitals are available at Gopeshwar. Most organized trekking groups carry first-aid kits, oxygen cylinders and trained trek leaders.
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
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