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.
- Early morning departure from Rishikesh
- Drive along the Alaknanda river valley through Karnaprayag and Dewal
- Arrive at Lohajung village by evening
- Briefing by trek leader and gear check
- Overnight stay at guesthouse in Lohajung
- Begin the trek through oak and rhododendron forests
- Gradual ascent with beautiful views of the surrounding hills
- Pass through small shepherd settlements
- Reach Ghairoli Patal campsite by afternoon
- Overnight in tents
- Continue ascending through dense forest
- Tree line breaks open to reveal the vast Ali Bugyal meadow
- First glimpse of the Himalayan panorama — Trishul, Nanda Ghunti
- Explore the meadow at leisure
- Camp at Ali Bugyal
- Walk across the sweeping Ali meadow towards Bedni Bugyal
- Visit the sacred Bedni Kund lake
- 360-degree views of Chaukhamba, Kamet, Hathi Parbat and Trishul
- Explore the Nanda Devi Raj Jat trail markers
- Camp at Bedni Bugyal
- Descend via an alternate route through Tolpani village
- Pass through beautiful farmland and terraced fields
- Reach Wan village and continue to Lohajung
- Celebratory dinner at guesthouse
- Overnight stay at Lohajung
- After breakfast, board the vehicle back to Rishikesh
- Drive through scenic Garhwal hills
- Reach Rishikesh by evening
- Trek ends — departure
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
Photo Gallery
Photos from the trail. More coming soon — follow us on Instagram for daily updates.
Gallery photos will be added soon. Binoy is preparing the best shots from the trail.
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.