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.
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
You’ll be met on arrival at Indira Gandhi international airport by the trek leader. Transfer to the hotel in central Delhi. Rest of the day at leisure, giving you the chance to take-in the sights and sounds of bustling Delhi.
Later in the evening, a short walk to Agrasen ki Baoli - one of the oldest surviving ancient stepwells in central Delhi, followed by welcome dinner.
This morning, we will board an early morning train to the foothills of Himalayas. The train journey will last for 5 hours. Once you reach Kathgodam, board the awaiting cars and drive to Ranikhet, a cantonment town in the hills, evoking images of India's colonial past. We will stay at an old British era bungalow, located in the middle of Oak and Cedar forest. We’ll get the first glimpse of Mt. Nanda Devi (7816m), the part of greater Himalayas.
Visit a local cooperative, working for the upliftment of village women in this area. They are trained for Hand knits and Hand weaves and are able to give a better life to their families by being a part of this cooperative.
TRAIN : 05 hrs
DRIVE : 80 km/ 3 hrs
ACCOMMODATION: Colonial Bungalow
Today’s drive will take you through picturesque narrow roads to Lohajung, your base camp for this trek. This small village sits on the crest of a hill and offers a beautiful view of the Niagara valley. Situated at 2300m, this village will dazzle you with its vibrant sights.
After freshening up, we will get sufficient time to walk in the market and get acclimatized.
Overnight in a homestay.
ALTITUDE: 2300m
DRIVE: 140 km / 06 hrs
ACCOMMODATION: Guest house / Homestay
Our trek starts today morning. We will descend through villages, through the fields, till we reach the river bed of Neel Ganga. From here we ascend through sub alpine evergreen forest. The ascent is a moderately steep one and ends at the village of Didna (2450m).
Arrive at the campsite and settle down. Later we will visit the village and interact with villagers.
ALTITUDE: 2500m
TRAIL LENGTH : 09 km / 05 hrs
ACCOMMODATION : Camping (Dome tents)
Today in a relatively easy day with about 3 hours of walk through a forest with gradual ascent. Didiyana Chak, a small clearing in the forest, is a Shepard settlement close to a stream.
Overnight in Alpine tents.
ALTITUDE: 2700m
TRAIL LENGTH : 04 km / 02-03 hrs
ACCOMMODATION : Camping (Dome tents)
Today morning we ascend for 2 km, through a temporary settlement of the shepherds called Tolpani. The trail consists of thickly vegetation of Oak, Birch and Rhododendron trees. Once we approach the top of this mountain face, the tree line recedes and the grassy slopes start from here. A wide vista opens up and we are on one of the most beautiful meadows of Indian Himalayas called Ali Bugyal (3450m). We slowly walk on the gentle rolling slopes of the meadow and after crossing it, we descend to our campsite at Khobal tal.
ALTITUDE : 3200m
TRAIL LENGTH : 06 km / 05-06 hrs
ACCOMMODATION : Camping (Dome tents)
The easiest day of the trek and the most beautiful one too. You will start your journey from Khobal Tal to Bedni Bugyal, a 3km ascent descent while walking through the Asia’s largest meadow. Throughout the walk, the mighty Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghungti will be in front of your eyes. The beautiful landscape along with the stories will take you to the heavenly land. Bedni is the place where the Vedas (religious texts of ancient India) actually originated. After spending some time at the meadow, we will descent to Gairoli Patal, our campsite for the night.
The campsite is surrounded by dense oak forests and a clear view of The Mighty Trishul.
ALTITUDE : 3150m
TRAIL LENGTH : 06 km / 05 hrs
ACCOMMODATION : Camping (Dome tents)
A day of descent for almost 2500ft. At Wan you will visit Laatu devta temple situated in the village. This temple is famous for its unique way of worshiping. No one is allowed to see the Deity at the temple. Even the priest covers his eyes during worship ceremonies.
From here we’ll take local jeeps to take us to Lohajung, where our cars will be waiting to drive us to Rudraprayag.
We will reach the resort late evening, followed by dinner.
ALTITUDE : 690m
TRAIL LENGTH : 07 km / 04 hrs
DRIVE DURATION: 135 KM / 05-06 hrs
ACCOMMODATION : Resort
In the morning, we will visit the confluence of two major rivers, Alaknanda & Mandakini. Drive-on to the Holy city of Rishikesh, famous for Yoga & Meditation.
We’ll check in at a Hideaway resort, next to river Ganges, to relax & rejuvenate after the long trek.
Rest of the day at Leisure. You can indulge in Ayurveda massages or relax by the river Ganges.
DRIVE: 130 km / 04 hrs
ACCOMMODATION : Lodge
Morning Yoga session with guided meditation by the River Ganges.
Post lunch, after a thorough safety briefing for white water rafting, we drive for about 30 minutes to the put-in point for an exhilarating rafting experience on the mighty river Ganges. (2 ½ hrs duration). You’ll be provided with life jacket, helmet, wet suit and paddles. Each raft will be accompanied by experienced guides and a safety kayak. We’ll be going through grade III & IV rapids.
The rafting session will end at Rishikesh, where you’ll be provided with a changing tent & hot tea/coffee.
We’ll walk in the most pious and celebrated place in Hindu Mythology - Rishikesh. We visit the Ashrams and marvel at the Sadhus and Monks who have made this heavenly place their holy abode. We attend the “Ganga Aarti” the reverence to the holy Ganges.
Drive back to our resort and overnight stay.
ACCOMMODATION : Lodge
Morning Yoga session with guided meditation by the beach.
Later early afternoon we’ll check out of the retreat and drive to Jolly grant airport to board our flight back to Delhi. Check in at Delhi hotel and evening at leisure.
DRIVE: 31 km / 1.5 hrs
FLIGHT : 01 hr
ACCOMMODATION : Hotel
After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, covering Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. You will walk in the narrow lanes of Old Delhi to experience the hustle and bustle of an ancient Mughal city.
After your visit to the mosque, you will continue your walk through narrow lanes to a tucked-away Haveli of Lala Chunnamal (1848). The Haveli consists of 128 rooms, and spread over an acre of land- a must-visit historic buildings. The present generation of the family that owns it still lives here! We will have tea/coffee with the family and savor the Indian snacks that are prepared locally, while listening to their stories of the by-gone era.
Evening is free for some final shopping. The Group Leader will arrange a farewell dinner, where you can look back over the trip.
ACCOMMODATION : Hotel
Morning after breakfast, you’ll be given a transfer to the international airport to board your flight back home.
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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