+91-82404-85234 | [email protected]
Birati, Kolkata 700051
Vast Alpine Meadows

Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek

Walk through the largest high-altitude meadows in Asia with panoramic Himalayan views.

uttarakhand 5 Nights, 6 Days 3354m easy Spring / Autumn
3354m
Max Altitude
42 km
Trail Distance
5 Nights, 6 Days
Duration
easy
Difficulty
13
Max Group
Rishikesh
Pickup

About the Trek

Ali Bedni Bugyal is a stunning high-altitude meadow trek in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The bugyals (alpine meadows) of Ali and Bedni are among the largest in Asia, sprawling across vast expanses at around 3,354 metres. These rolling green carpets offer unobstructed views of peaks like Nanda Ghunti, Trishul, Chaukhamba, and Kamet.

The trail passes through dense oak and rhododendron forests that burst into crimson blooms during spring. The meadows themselves are dotted with wildflowers in summer and turn golden-brown in autumn, offering a different character in every season.

This trek is ideal for beginners and families looking for a gentle Himalayan experience without extreme altitude challenges. The Bedni Bugyal also holds religious significance — it is believed to be the site where the legendary Raj Jat Yatra congregation takes place every 12 years.

Trek Highlights

  • Vast rolling meadows of Ali and Bedni Bugyal — among the largest in Asia
  • Panoramic views of Nanda Ghunti, Trishul, Chaukhamba and Kamet
  • Rhododendron forests ablaze with colour in spring
  • Visit the sacred Bedni Kund lake at 3,354m
  • Gentle, family-friendly trail through Garhwal Himalayas

Day-by-Day Itinerary

A 6-day journey from Rishikesh through charming Garhwal villages and dense forests to Asia's largest alpine meadows.

Drive Distance: 250 km
Driving Time: 9–10 Hours
Altitude: 2,350 m (7,710 ft)

Your journey begins from Rishikesh with a scenic drive into the Garhwal Himalayas. The road follows the holy Alaknanda River and passes through Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Tharali, and Debal before reaching the peaceful mountain village of Lohajung. Throughout the drive, enjoy spectacular views of deep valleys, terraced farms, rivers, and traditional Himalayan villages.

Lohajung is the base camp for several famous Himalayan treks and offers magnificent sunset views of Mt. Nanda Ghunti and Trishul. After reaching the village, check into your guesthouse or campsite, meet your trek leader, complete the briefing session, and prepare your gear for the adventure ahead.

Highlights

  • Scenic Himalayan road journey
  • Views of Devprayag and Panch Prayag valleys
  • Beautiful sunset over Nanda Ghunti Peak
  • Overnight stay at Lohajung

Trek Distance: 7–8 km
Trek Duration: 5–6 Hours
Altitude: 2,450 m (8,038 ft)

After breakfast, begin your trek from Lohajung. The trail gradually descends through dense forests before crossing the Raun Bagad bridge over the Neel Ganga River. From here, the route climbs steadily through charming oak and rhododendron forests to the traditional Himalayan settlement of Didna Village.

Didna is a picturesque mountain village with stone houses, terraced fields, and warm local hospitality. Surrounded by forests and mountain scenery, it provides an authentic glimpse into the simple lifestyle of the Garhwal Himalayas. Spend the evening relaxing while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding valleys.

Highlights

  • Forest trail through oak and rhododendron trees
  • Crossing the Neel Ganga River
  • Traditional Himalayan village experience
  • Local Garhwali culture and hospitality

Trek Distance: 10 km
Trek Duration: 6–7 Hours
Altitude: 3,350 m (10,990 ft)

Today’s trek is one of the most rewarding sections of the journey. After leaving Didna, the trail climbs through dense oak forests before gradually opening into the vast alpine meadows of Ali Bugyal. The transition from thick woodland to endless green grasslands is truly breathtaking.

Ali Bugyal is one of the largest and most beautiful alpine meadows in Asia. During spring and summer, the meadow is covered with lush green grass and colorful wildflowers, while autumn offers crystal-clear Himalayan views. On clear days, trekkers are rewarded with spectacular panoramas of Mt. Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, and other snow-covered peaks.

Enjoy the peaceful surroundings before settling into your campsite beneath a sky filled with stars.

Highlights

  • Trek through dense oak forests
  • First panoramic views of the Himalayan range
  • Expansive alpine meadows of Ali Bugyal
  • Magnificent sunset over Trishul and Nanda Ghunti
  • Overnight camping at Ali Bugyal

Trek Distance: 10–12 km (Round Trip)
Trek Duration: 6–7 Hours
Maximum Altitude: 3,800 m (12,467 ft)

Wake up to a magical Himalayan sunrise before trekking across the rolling grasslands towards Bedni Bugyal. The trail is gentle and incredibly scenic, offering uninterrupted views of snow-covered Himalayan giants.

Upon reaching Bedni Bugyal, visit the sacred Bedni Kund, a small alpine lake believed to hold great religious significance. Nearby stands the ancient Bedni Temple, associated with the famous Nanda Devi Raj Jat pilgrimage.

Spend ample time exploring the meadow, photographing the Himalayan landscape, and enjoying one of the finest high-altitude grasslands in India before returning to your Ali Bugyal campsite via the same route.

Highlights

  • Walk across Asia’s largest alpine meadows
  • Visit sacred Bedni Kund
  • Explore Bedni Temple
  • Spectacular Himalayan panorama
  • Return to Ali Bugyal campsite

Trek Distance: 13–14 km
Drive Distance: 12 km (Wan to Lohajung)
Trek Duration: 6–7 Hours

Begin your descent through the beautiful forests leading toward Wan Village. The trail passes through ancient oak forests, wooden bridges, streams, and peaceful Himalayan landscapes before reaching Wan, one of the oldest villages in the region.

Wan is famous for its centuries-old Latu Devta Temple and traditional wooden architecture. After reaching the village, board your vehicle for a short drive back to Lohajung.

Spend the evening celebrating the successful completion of your trek while enjoying the peaceful mountain atmosphere.

Highlights

  • Scenic forest descent
  • Ancient oak and rhododendron forests
  • Visit traditional Wan Village
  • Latu Devta Temple
  • Drive back to Lohajung
  • Overnight stay in Lohajung

Drive Distance: 250 km
Driving Time: 9–10 Hours

After breakfast, begin your return journey to Rishikesh. The drive once again follows the scenic Himalayan roads through Chamoli district, passing picturesque valleys, mountain villages, and the sacred confluences of the Alaknanda River.

Reach Rishikesh by evening with unforgettable memories of walking across the magnificent meadows of Ali and Bedni Bugyal, experiencing authentic Himalayan culture, and witnessing some of the finest mountain views in Uttarakhand.

Highlights

  • Scenic drive through the Garhwal Himalayas
  • Views of river valleys and mountain landscapes
  • End of an unforgettable Himalayan adventure with Trishul Adventures

What's Included

  • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Accommodation — Hotel / Homestay / Tents on triple sharing
  • All necessary entry fees and permits
  • Professional trek leader, guide, cook and support staff
  • Camping equipment — sleeping bags, blankets, mats, toilet tents
  • Safety equipment — medical kit, oximeter, crampons & gaiters

What's Not Included

  • Meals during the road journey
  • Any kind of insurance
  • Mules or porter to carry personal luggage (can be arranged at extra cost)
  • Medical / evacuation expenses (assistance provided in emergencies)
  • Any expense of personal nature
  • Any expense not specified in inclusions

Things to Carry

Essentials
  • Backpack (50-60 L) with rain cover
  • Day pack (20 L)
  • Trekking shoes with ankle support
  • Headlamp / torch with spare batteries
  • Water bottles (2 L)
  • Personal medication
Clothing
  • Thermal innerwear (top + bottom)
  • Fleece jacket
  • Waterproof outer shell / rain jacket
  • Woollen cap, gloves, neck gaiter
  • Trekking pants x 2
  • Quick-dry t-shirts x 3
Documents
  • Government photo ID (Aadhaar / Passport / DL)
  • Two passport-sized photos
  • Medical fitness certificate
Optional
  • Trekking poles
  • Sunglasses (UV protection)
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
  • Power bank
  • Energy bars / dry fruits

How to Prepare

This is an Easy grade trek. If you can walk 5 km comfortably and have a basic level of fitness, you're good to go. A little preparation will make the experience much more enjoyable.

Fitness — Start 2–3 Weeks Before
  • Walk daily: 3–4 km brisk walk, gradually increasing to 5 km
  • Jog: Aim to jog 2–3 km without stopping by departure week
  • Stairs: Climb 5–6 floors daily — builds the legs you'll need on inclines
  • Stretching: 10 minutes post-walk — calves, hamstrings, quads, hip flexors
Strength (3x per week)
  • Bodyweight squats — 3 sets of 15
  • Lunges — 3 sets of 12 each leg
  • Planks — hold 45 seconds, 3 sets
  • Calf raises — 3 sets of 20
Diet & Hydration
  • Drink 3–4 litres of water daily starting 2 weeks before the trek
  • Increase carbs and protein in the final week — your body needs fuel reserves
  • Avoid alcohol for at least 3 days before departure
  • Carry electrolyte sachets (ORS) for the trail
Good to Know
  • Most easy treks stay below 3,500 m — altitude sickness is rare but stay hydrated
  • Rental trekking shoes and jackets are usually available — but own shoes are always better
  • Break in your shoes at least a week before the trek if they're new
  • Your trek leader will brief you on Day 1 — ask every question you have

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, this is one of the most beginner-friendly treks in Uttarakhand. The trail is gentle with moderate altitude gain, making it perfect for first-time trekkers.

May to June for rhododendron blooms and September to November for clear skies and golden meadows. Avoid the monsoon months of July and August.

You may get patchy BSNL signal at Lohajung. Beyond that, there is no mobile connectivity on the trail.

Temperatures at Bedni Bugyal can drop to 2-5 degrees Celsius at night even in summer. Carry warm layers and a good sleeping bag.
You might also like

Similar Treks

Ready to walk into the snow?

Talk to our trek planners and reserve your spot on Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek

WhatsApp Us Now