A direct, secluded circuit through one of the largest alpine meadows in the Himalayas. Summits, glaciers, and front-row views of Bandarpoonch and the Gangotri group.
The Gidara Bugyal Trek via Bhangeli offers a direct, secluded, and pristine route into one of the largest alpine meadows in the Himalayas. Starting from the apple-orchard village of Bhangeli near Harsil, this circuit eliminates the crowded approach trails, taking you straight through ancient oak and pine forests into the dramatic glacial bowls of the Garhwal range.
The trek navigates steep ascents, high valleys like Dokhariani, and the majestic 13,973-foot Gidara Top for unparalleled, close-up views of Mt. Bandarpoonch, Srikanth, and the towering Gangotri massif. With kilometres of uninterrupted high-altitude grassland, this is a trekkers' trek: demanding, beautiful, and far from the beaten path of Uttarkashi.
The summit of the trek: a 360-degree panorama of the entire Garhwal Himalayan range, with front-row views of Bandarpoonch, Srikanth, and the Gangotri group.
A quieter, steeper, and highly uncrowded entry into the Gidara meadow system that bypasses the commercial trails and delivers you straight into wild country.
Camp in a pristine alpine basin surrounded by towering ridges and crystal streams: one of the most beautiful high-altitude campsites in Uttarakhand.
Walk for kilometres across sweeping, untouched high-altitude grasslands where the horizon is nothing but snow peaks and sky.
Bandarpoonch (6,316 m), Srikanth, and the Gangotri group dominate the skyline in a dramatic wall of ice and rock visible from the upper bugyal.
Begin and end in Bhangeli, a charming village of apple orchards and warm Garhwali hospitality near the Harsil valley.
Seven days from Rishikesh to Gidara Top and back through the Garhwal highlands.
Drive: 220 km · ~8 hrs · Trek: 1 km · 1 hr
Pickup from your Rishikesh hotel at 7:00 AM. Drive along the winding Bhagirathi River through Uttarkashi up to the Bhangeli roadhead. Complete a short, introductory 1 km trek into the peaceful apple-orchard village of Bhangeli. Overnight in a guest house or homestay.
Trek: 5.85 km · 6 hrs
A steady, steep climb through dense oak and pine forests. The trail gains significant altitude, opening up to reveal colder alpine air as you reach the forested clearing of the Rikhod campsite. Overnight in tents.
Trek: 3.05 km · 4 hrs
A shorter but demanding day of steep mountain ascents. Break past the tree line into the striking, high-altitude valley of Dokhariani, framed by rugged Himalayan ridges and crystal streams. Overnight in tents.
Trek: 2.10 km · 3 hrs
Climb gradually into the rolling alpine expanses of Dokhariani Bugyal, reaching 12,933 feet. After soaking in the high-altitude meadow views, make a short, calculated descent to establish camp at the peaceful valley floor of Thalotya. Overnight in tents.
Trek: 9.8 km · 10–11 hrs
The ultimate summit day. A challenging climb leads to Gidara Top for mind-blowing, close-up panoramas of the snow-capped peak giants. Cross the sprawling alpine desert of the upper bugyal before launching into a long, knee-jarring descent to the camp at Thirya. Overnight in tents.
Trek: 6.8 km · 5 hrs
Re-enter the forest zone, trekking downhill along pristine mountain streams and passing through changing vegetation zones. Arrive back at the comforting mountain culture of Bhangeli village by afternoon. Overnight in guest house or homestay.
Trek: 1 km · 40 min · Drive: 220 km · ~8 hrs
A quick morning walk down to the roadhead. Board your vehicles for the return journey through the mountains, arriving back in Rishikesh by evening where your mountain adventure concludes.
A serious meadow trek with serious mountain views. Enquire for dates, fitness guidance, and the full Bhangeli circuit itinerary.