The two massive alpine meadows of Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal will astound you. It’s almost as if you’ve walked into the famous Windows XP wallpaper. Throughout the trek, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti.
Overview
There are very few high-altitude meadow treks in India, and the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek stands out as a trek with the most magnanimous and awe-inspiring views. The lush green meadows with the majestic view of Mt Trishul (7120m) right in front of you, and an unforgettable trail through a dense and quaint forest are what define this trail. This trek offers postcard-perfect views!
We will take a train to the foothills of the Kumaon region in the northern state of Uttarakhand. Leave behind the charming town of Kathgodam and drive to Ranikhet, a cantonment town in the hills. Visit a Women cooperation working for the upliftment of village women and carry on driving through picturesque narrow roads to Loharjung, your base camp for the trek.
The trek goes through deep virgin forests, gurgling brooks, breath-taking campsites, before bursting into miles of undulating meadows – Ali Bedni Bugyal, India’s largest high-altitude meadows. Located at an altitude of 3454 meters, the meadows offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Greater Himalayan peaks, with vast expanse of green pastures dotted with a plethora of wildflowers, such as Brahma Kamal, Blue Poppy, and Cobra Lily, making it a paradise for nature lovers and botanists alike.
The trek will finish at Wan, a quaint village with traditional houses still intact. We’ll drive to the foothills of Garhwal region and spend couple of nights next to River Ganges at Himalayan Hideaway Retreat. Experience Yoga, Meditation & Ayurveda massages there. Take an adventurous white water rafting session & visit the Holy town of Rishikesh, before we head back to Delhi.
Highlights
- The twin alpine meadows full of wildflowers.
- Witness the grandest views of Mt. Trishul I (7120m) and Mt. Nanda Ghunti (6309m)
- Visit a women’s cooperation working for upliftment of village women.
- Yoga & Meditation on couple of days by the river Ganges.
- Walk in the most pious and celebrated place in Hindu Mythology - Rishikesh
- Dense and ancient Oak & Rhododendron forests on the trail, with 1000 years old trees.
- Charming hamlets of Wan & Didna. Soak in the local culture of this region.
- White water rafting & kayaking on Ganges.
Itinerary
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Accommodation on Twin/Dbl share basis.
- Transportation in SUV's for overland journey.
- Services of Local English speaking women guide.
- Acitivities & Sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary.
- Flight ticket from Del/Leh/Delhi.
- Women Tour Leader for groups.
- All permits & monument fee.
Cost Excludes
- Any additional expenses incurred on the tour, due to unforeseen circumstances, weather conditions, sickness, natural disasters, riots etc.
- Any tip/gratuity to trekking staff, drivers, guides, hotel staff etc.
- Liability for or insurance against injury, loss of life, accidents or loss of goods.
- Sleeping bag & Trekking pole.
- Any camera fee where applicable.
- Anything NOT mentioned in the “Inclusions”.
FAQs
This trek is considered an Easy-Moderate level trek. The trail involves gradual ascents and descents and the altitude gain is manageable. The walks on Meadows are easy and the total distance of the trek makes it an easy Himalayan trek.
Prior trekking experience is not needed if the trekkers have moderate level of fitness, which will make the trekking experience enjoyable.
This trek involves some manageable ascents and descents, walking on uneven terrain, boulders & crossing streams. You must be physically fit in order to enjoy the trek.
To prepare for this trek, you must be able to run 04 km in 30 minutes consistently for at least 02 weeks (04 times/week) before the tour begins. This will help you build your stamina. This trek requires at least 2-3 weeks of preparation. Hill walking on rocky terrain with a daypack in variable weather conditions is also recommended.
In DELHI your accommodation will be in a 4 star hotel. At RANIKHET, you’ll be accommodated in a heritage hotel. At RISHIKESH, you’ll stay in a comfortable Lodge, next to the Ganges.
During the trek for 05 nights, campsites will be set up by our team, which will include Dining tent, kitchen tent, Toilet tents, changing tent & Dome tents. You will be accommodated on twin share basis in Dome tents with inflatable mattresses & pillows. Guests are requested to get their own sleeping bags.
Yes, this is a fully supported trek, guided by experienced & First-aid qualified woman trek leader & Mountain guide. Support staff includes Cook & helpers. Camping equipment & luggage will be carried on ponies during the trek.
All safety measures are taken during the trek. We’ll be carrying the following equipment:
- Walkie-Talkies
- First aid kit
- Oxygen cylinder & Oxymeter
- Stretcher
- Ropes, Carabiners, Ice axe (if required)
You will be woken with a cup of tea/coffee brought to your tent, followed by a small bucket of warm water for washing. Before breakfast, you pack your gear into your rucksack, which is to be carried by the ponies or porters and will not be available to you until you reach the next campsite by afternoon.
After a wholesome breakfast, you’ll start your day’s trek with packed lunch. You’ll reach the campsite by afternoon. Your tents will already be setup by the time you arrive, for you to rest. You’ll be given afternoon tea/coffee with some cookies & snacks in the Dining tent.
From then until dinner there is time to rest or explore the surrounding area. Dinner is usually served between 6‑7 pm. Trekking evenings afford some of the best memories of your trek, whether it is talking, playing cards, chatting with the crew or joining them in some singing and dancing. You’ll be given hot water bottles in your tent for the night.
This trek can be done either in Spring, Summer or Autumn.
Spring months (Mar & April): Rhododendrons in forest & wildflowers on meadows will be blooming at this time. The day temperature would be around 10-15 degrees Celsius and at night, the temperatire will drop to 0-5 degrees Celsius
Summer months (May & June): The daytime temperature would be around 15-20 degrees Celsius. At night, the temperature may drop to 5-10 degrees Celsius.
Autumn months (September to November): The daytime temperatures hover around 10-15 degrees Celsius. But at night the temperature could drop to sub-zero levels, especially at the higher campsites.
The last place you’ll find a mobile phone signal is Lohajung. There will be no mobile network during the trek.
The campsite will have Solar emergency charging ports for the guests, where you will be able to charge your phone.
But we recommend you to carry additional batteries for your cameras and a power bank with more than 10,000 mAh to last you the entire trek.
During the course of your trip, we will use a variety of vehicles, all of which are fit for purpose and the road conditions encountered. It should be noted that laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country. Vehicles with seatbelts are provided throughout, except for any local transportation that we have to use on dirt roads, close to the base camp.
It is possible that a route change may become necessary due to inclement weather, inaccessibility through the mountain passes due to heavy snow, condition of the trail and physical fitness of the clients, political restrictions and other cause beyond human control. The trek leader will take the final call on route change.
This trek is in Uttarakhand state, where the closest private hospitals are available at Dehradun, Ranikhet & Haldwani. During the hike, basic professional medical help will be available. But in case of emergency, arrangements will be made for the guest to be taken to Dehradunor Haldwani.
The trek leader, has done first aid course and is competent to give first-aid if and when required. We’ll be carrying First aid kit & portable oxygen cylinders during the trek.
In case the guest have an existing medical condition, like heart problem or disability they must consult their doctor before making a booking. It is their responsibility to ensure that they are in good health and physically & mentally fit to join the trek.
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