Shakti's Musings & Travelogue

Dayara Bugyal is hands down the most amazing trekking destination for anyone who has a soft spot for lush green mountains and snow—basically, a nature lover’s winter wonderland! Nestled in Uttarakhand, this place is a trekker’s dream come true. I went on a trek with a bunch of kids for a school adventure; the only question is who was the real adult here! Now, “Bugyal” in the local lingo means “high altitude pasture land,” but let’s be real, we were just high up trying not to eat snow! We went in April and, lo and behold, got a surprise snowfall that blanketed the whole place overnight! Picture this: we were all in tents, and when the snow fell, we were kept awake, fighting a losing battle to push the snow off the top of the tent. Why? Because apparently, tons of snow can freeze your tent real fast.

The local communities are masters of the traditional lifestyle. Visitors get to dive headfirst into the local culture and hospitality, assuming they can keep up with the villagers while trekking. Let’s be honest, mountain folks in any country could win awards for their humility, kindness, and that uncanny ability to make a mean cup of tea. The trails are so well-marked, even a blindfolded goat could navigate them, guiding you through stunning forested areas and charming villages that seem to pop out of a fairy tale—just keep an eye out for those mischievous squirrels!

One can enjoy panoramic views of several prominent Himalayan peaks, including Bandarpoonch and Black Peak, while contemplating how on earth these majestic mountains got their names—seriously, who names a mountain ‘Black Peak’? Is there a ‘White Peak’ nearby that we don’t know about? The expansive views and open skies make it a favorite of photographers and nature enthusiasts, who are always ready to capture the perfect shot (including me 🙂 —because, let’s be honest, no one will believe you climbed a mountain unless you have photographic evidence!