Uttarakhand
Pindari Glacier Trek
18-May-2025
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Max Altitude
- 3750 m
- Trail
- 70 km
- From
- ₹19,500
At Himalaya Trekkers (HT) we offer the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek as a bespoke, modular experience tailored to your pace and interests. Below is your Complete Guide to Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek for 2026.
Ali and Bedni “Bugyal” two adjacent alpine meadows form one of the most eye soothing and peak view rich trail, Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal trek. Literally you will be spending almost 2 days on the vast expanse of the alpine meadows , locally called Bugyal. Be it summer, autumn, winters or spring you can walk on this rolling stretch of meadow, sometimes shades of green, yellow, or perhaps golden brown. During the peak winter months expect a white blanket covered with snow. Here is some photographic evidence.






You can even try this trail in monsoon, when meadows are covered with myriads of wild flowers. Meadows are greenest during monsoon or just after monsoon in September. In a nutshell, it’s truly a year-round trek.

What else you may ask, additionally if you are surrounded by high mountains, from Kumaon and Garhwal Himalayas? Straight ahead are Trishul, Nandaghunti and Mrigthuni unfolding their gigantic massifs. Aerially these are very close to you, not more than 5 Km as the crow flies!
For those who want to push a step forward, there is a climb to Bedni Bugyal Top some ~ 300 m/1000 ft . From Bedni top and Bedni Bugyal meadows, you will get panoramic views of Garhwal heartland i.e. Chaukhamba region. Stretching from Neelkanth and surrounding peaks in Badrinath valley to Kedarnath, Mandani peaks in east, magnificent Chaukhamba pillars (I,II,III, IV) are definitely the central attraction.




Weather is unpredictable on mountains, especially on Bugyals. There is a saying locally that “Mumbai ka fashion aur Bugyal o ka mausam“, implicating that the weather keeps changing on meadows frequently. While mornings are normally clear with outstanding mountain views, afternoons are misty. Snowing naturally occurs from December to February during winters, but it may snow as late as early May as well.




Two campsites on this trek are nothing short of brilliant. Ali Bugyal Forest camp is on the fringe of the forest and grassland with high mountain views. Gahroli Patal is a sweet camping spot nestled inside Oak and conifer forest.




Day 1: Drive from Rishikesh (6 a.m.) to Lohajung (~2320 m/7600 ft) – 250 Km by car – 10/11 hours . Lodge accommodation (3/4 sharing).
Day 2: Trek to Didna village (~2480 m/8135 ft) – 10 Km – 5 hours. Homestay on a sharing basis.
Day 3: Trek to Abin Kharak camp beside Ali Bugyal (~ 3350 m/11000 ft) – 8 Km – 5/6 hours . Twin sharing tent.
Day 4: Climb to Bedni Top (~3800 m/12500 ft) and descend to Bedni Bugyal meadows – explore (Bedni Kund, Nanda Devi temple etc) – lunch – trek down to Gahroli Patal (~ 3200 m/10500 ft) – 8 Km – 6/7 hours total hike. Twin sharing Tent.
Day 5: Descent to Wan village – 9 Km – 4/5 hours – drive to Lohajung – 15 Km – 45 mins. Lodge (3/4 sharing).
Day 6: Drive from Lohajung to Rishikesh– 250 – 10/11 hours. Dehradun airport or Haridwar is another 1 hour from Rishikesh.
Below is a pictorial representation of the trail profile. You can estimate the relative gradient for ascent or descent on each day.

As already said, you can visit Ali and Bedni Bugyal throughout the year. Every season has its uniqueness and charm. Here is a season and month wise breakup.
Summer (May – June): Bugyal starts changing to green. During morning weather remains clear for good mountain views. Afternoons are cloudy or may have occasional pm showers.
Monsoon (Jul – Aug): For people who love wild flowers and don’t mind to walk in rain or mist. Monsoon peaks during mid July to mid August. Meadows remain rich and profuse.
Post Monsoon/Autumn (Sep to Nov): Residual rain in first half of September. Bugyals are green and some flowers remain till end of September. From October grass will turn into yellow and golden. After monsoon this season offers clear views of the mountain without haze.
Winter (Dec to Feb): Clear views of the mountains. Snowing starts from late December and continues till end of February. Bugyals are yellow-golden to brownish during this time.
Spring (Mar-Apr): Residual snow normally in March, although snowfall may occur even in April. Clear mountain views. You will get some Rhododendrons on your way.
Easily accessible winter treks are often crowded, typically during mid December to late January. It is hard to find respite or solace in any of the popular winter treks. No matter how small is your group, there will be many other groups trekking along and literally huddling around as campsites during winters are limited.
Many of you who are experienced trekkers or even the newbies often prefer a less crowded and moreover a serene atmosphere as one should be expecting on a hiking trail. Not being a popular winter trekking destination (doesn’t mean it’s not beautiful though!) this trail will give you a chance to get close to nature with abundance of beauty and “views”.

If your foremost priority is to get snow on this trail, then choose this trek between late December to mid of February. This area is bordering with Kumaon region and usually snowfall starts later than the winter trekking trails located in western Garhwal. January gives you a better chance to walk on snow. Also being very close to the Brahmatal trail (basically the trails are on the opposite sides of the valley) you should get snow on either trail at any given time.
Apart from the scenic meadows with fascinating high peak views there are other takeaways from this trek. Your first days trek is till Didna which is picturesque village on the shoulder of a mountain ridge. You will get good amount of time in the afternoon to explore Didna and surroundings. Its a charm to meet the friendly local people, and observing their simple lifestyle. Similarly the trek ends at Wan village, a fairly large village in context to Himalaya. You may also visit Latu Devta temple, a blessed one locally.
This trail is a part of the famous Roopkund trek which was once crowded in peak trekking season. Due to camping ban order on meadows and Bugyal now Roopkund trek is closed/not possible. So it is also a nice opportunity for you now to spend your trekking days on a serene and calm trail what it used to be 15 years back 😎





As this trek can be done almost all year, temperatures will vary accordingly. Usually the minimum temperature is attained for a place during the mid-night to early morning hours. On the other hand, temperatures are normally on the higher side from late morning to early afternoon.
Additionally, there will be wind chill factors in the mountains. A steady 15 to 20 Km per hour wind can bring the “feels like” temperature significantly lower.
From December to February during winter the daytime remains cool and nights are pretty cold.
Lohajung: 2° to -5°C;
Didna: 0°C to -5°C
Ali Bugyal Forest camp: -5°C to -10°C
Gahroli Patal: 0°C to -8°C
Note that the temperature will be around 6° to 8°C warmer at a given place inside the tent, and still, the temperature inside the tent can be freezing. Keep adequate warm layers with you.
Day time weather remains warm and pleasant. It can be as high as 25°C during mid day in the lower altutude. Night and early morning temperatures at camp sites range between 10°C (lower camps) to 5°C (higher camps). From November onward, nighttime temperatures will start to drop and may reach freezing by the middle of the month.
It is important to carry proper clothing on this trek. Three layers of clothing are recommended at the campsite in the early morning or evening while you are outside your tent.
Note that we don’t have any gear renting facilities, although at some bases, you may get a few on the spot. You may read our opinion on whether should you buy or rent your trekking gear to get a broader understanding.
Check a comprehensive List of things to carry in a himalayan trek or download the PDF. Also read how to choose right trekking gear before purchasing any gear.
We may arrange a pickup from Rishikesh to Lohajung and return. This will be on a cost to cost basis and shared by the availing team members. You pay directly to the driver, sharing equally. The fare is ₹ 7500 for a Tata Sumo, one way and can accommodate 5 to 6 people. Whereas a Tempo Traveller charges ₹ 10500 (10 to 12 seats) one way. Approximately, ₹ 2500 per person when you avail both ways. This cost is not included in the TREK FEE.
Or else you may reach Lohajung independently and join us here. Here is a road map with major points en route to Lohajung.

| Expertise: | 10 years on ground experience |
|---|---|
| Support staff: | Qualified local & office staff |
| Group size: | Small groups up to 15 |
| Insurance: | Travel insured trek and tour itinerary |
| Easy Bookings: | 25% Booking Deposit |
Duration: 4 days of trek; Rishikesh to Rishikesh in 6 days.
Prerequisite: Ideal for experienced, good for physically fit beginners.
Highest Point: Bedni Top ~ 3810 m/12500 ft.
Grade: Moderate
Physicality: 6/10
Trail Length: 35 Km
Seasons: March to May (Spring-Summer/Snow), June to September (for greener meadows), December to February (Winter/Snow)
Further Option: Continue trekking from wan, via Tilburi reach Brahma Tal and descent to Lohajung. 7-8 trekking days.
Access: Trek starting point (trek base) is Lohajung, 250 Km from Rishikesh.
Rail station: Rishikesh (STN Code: RKSH, YNRK); Haridwar STN Code: HW, Rishkesh is 1 hour from here, 25 Km)
Airport: Dehradun (Code: DED) or Delhi
Map:
| DEPARTURE LOCATION | Rishikesh |
| REPORTING TIME | 6:00 AM for a prompt departure to Lohajung (Day 1) |
| RETURN LOCATION | Rishikesh |
| RETURN TIME | Approximately 6 to 7 PM (Day 6) |
Rail station: Rishikesh (STN Code: RKSH, YNRK); Haridwar STN Code: HW, Rishkesh is 1 hour from here, 25 Km)
Airport: Dehradun (Code: DED) or Delhi
We will arrange a pick up and drop from Kathgodam to Lohajung and back. This will be shared equally by the team members on actual basis. You pay directly to the driver/transporter. The fare is Rs 5500 for a Tata Sumo/Mahindra Maxx one way. These can accommodate 6 to 8 people. Similarly a Tempo Traveller charges Rs 9000 which can accommodate 12 people. This is NOT included in the TREK FEE and to be payable directly to the driver/owner.
If you wish to reach our Trek Base Lohajung on your own by public transportation:
For the treks in Kumaon or in the bordering area of Garhwal, one has to reach Kathgodam/Haldwani normally. Lal Kuan is just 20 Km and Haldwani is 5 Km before Kathgodam. Bus, shared taxi and private cars are available.
You can fly or by train reach New Delhi as per your convenience from any part within India. Reach Delhi accordingly that you have enough time for transit withing Delhi.
There are direct trains from Kolkata to Kathgodam(KGM)/Lal Kuan(LKU)
BAGH EXPRESS – Train No. 13019 (ONLY book when you stay the night at Kathgodam, DON’t book this train when you plan a long onward journey immediately in the morning)]
HWH LKU EXP – Train No. 12353 – Lalkuan Express (runs only on Friday, you need to stay at Kathgodam for the night, only 20 Km away)
Avoid booking wait listed (WL) tickets in AC classes (1A/2A/3A) or Chair Car (CC). Book Sleeper class (SL)/Second Sitting class (2S) tickets which have normally more seats/berth and hence much better chance to get confirmed.
Following trains are good to reach Kathgodam and run daily.
RANIKHET EXP – Train No. 15013 (best option, runs overnight, arrives KGM early morning @ 5 am. Board from Delhi(DLI)/Old Delhi Junction station)
UTR SAMPRK K EX – Uttaranchal Sampark Kranti Express – Train No. 15035 (good option when you stay the night @ Kathgodam and travel next morning)
ANVT KGM SHT – Anand Vihar Kathgodam Shatabdi Express – Train No. 12040 (Arrives KGM in the morning @ 11:40 am, alternate choice when you stay the night in Kathgodam and travel by car next morning)
Always avoid booking wait listed (WL) tickets in AC classes (1A/2A/3A) or Chair Car (CC). Book Sleeper class (SL)/Second Sitting class (2S) tickets which have normally more seats/berth and hence much better chance to get confirmed.
Govt. Road Transport (Roadways of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana etc) buses are frequently available in day time and night from Anand Vihar ISBT Tickets are available on board for these regular type buses. Some of the state transport companies offer online reservation for Volvo/A.C Luxury buses. Check these Govt. operated state bus services for online booking:
https://www.upsrtconline.co.in/#
From Delhi Airport or Station you can reach ISBT Anand Vihar via Delhi Metro service (http://www.delhimetrorail.com/metro-fares.aspx).
For privately operated bus, you can book online from different portals (http://www.redbus.in). Select a boarding point suitably. Overnight Volvo/A.C/Push back bus service.
For night stay in Kathgodam:
Trekkers reaching on the previous day before the journey to the actual trek base need to stay the night in Kathgodam. There are few options in Kathgodam for spending a night while staying in Standard accommodation.
State run KMVN (Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam) operates Tourist Rest House at Kathgodam just opposite to the railway station (beside Bus stand). This is a reliable and a decent choice for Standard accommodation. Check the following for reservation of the above
http://www.kmvn.gov.in/contacts/index/23
There are privately run hotels/lodges near Kathgodam railway station & Haldwani Bus terminus.
Normally you reach from trek base to Kathgodam by 5/6 pm in the evening. You can take any train after 7 pm or regular bus service as mentioned above to reach Delhi or directly to your homeward journey.
Note: After pandemic we suggest to start from Rishikesh and drive to Lohajung. This is due to two reasons: 1) Dehradun airport is only 1 hour drive from Rishikesh. 2) Road conditions are relatively better from Rishikesh to Lohajung than Kathgodam.
Pickup from Kathgodam in the morning and reach Lohajung (~ 2320 m/7600 ft) which is 220 Km away. The journey may take around 10 hours with a break or two. The road is through the Kumaon region and mostly goes along wide spread valleys of Shivalik Himalaya. We cross Almora and Kausani on our way. From Gwaldam onward the road enters in the Garhwal administrative region and the road is gradually winding and goes through the conifer forest.

The last stretch of the journey from Deval to Lohajung has considerable height gain. Lohajung has one GMVN tourist lodge, one Tourist Rest House and few private hotels. All the major mobile networks have connectivity here. The sunset from Lohajung needs a special mention indeed. Warm colours on Nandaghunti massif is bound to make you speechless. The night accommodation in Tourist Rest House/Lodge.
Today morning we start our return journey and this time to Haridwar. We follow the same route till Tharali and turn right towards Karnaprayag following the turquoise Pindar river. From Karnaprayag we follow Alaknanda river till Rudraprayag where another tributary Mandakini meets. Following the river valley at Devprayag, two main sources Alaknanda and Bhagirathi river form the holy river Ganga. Rishikesh is another two hours journey from here. Finally we reach Haridwar completing our journey. Trip ends here.

Note that it is also possible to return to Kathgodam like you reached Lohajung.
P.S.: Distances and altitudes are approximate and may not be exact.
Notes:
Inclusions:
2 night’s accommodation at Lohajung (Day 1 & Day 5) in a lodge on a sharing basis (3 to 4 persons).
Stay in a tent on twin sharing basis during the trek.
All meals during the trek. Regular Indian style nutritious vegetarian food during the trek (including occasional eggs), breakfast packed/hot lunch (depending upon the time you reach a campsite), light refreshment/snack in the evening and dinner along with coffee/tea/soup.
Excellent Trekking Guide, who will be a local to this particular area having profound knowledge of the trekking trails around.
Specialised Cook, Support staff, Porters/Packed Animals for carrying the central logistics of the trek.
Camping equipment like Sleeping bag, Carry mattress, Gaiters, Micro spikes/Crampon. (Bring your own sleeping bag if you have a high altitude specific personal Sleeping Bag. This is always better for hygienic reasons.). You need to bring your personal equipment (clothing, shoes etc.).
Kitchen tent, dining tent and toilet tent as required during the trek.
All permit fee, camping charges, forest levy required for the trek.
Car drop from trek end point Wan to Lohajung on Day 5.
Basic Medical & First Aid kit.
Travel cum medical insurance covering high altitude trekking tours (For Indian nationals it is included in the TREK FEE, up to 60 years of age). It covers your trek as well as your return journey to Rishikesh for a duration of 7 days.
Exclusions:
Transportation from Rishikesh to Lohajung and back. ₹ 7500 for a Tata Sumo and ₹ 10500 for a Tempo Traveller, one way. Approximately ₹ 3000 per person for pick up and drop when shared by 5 persons. You pay directly to the driver, sharing equally. Otherwise you may reach Lohajung independently.
We assume that you will carry your personal Rucksack/Backpack with all your personal belongings. If you want to offload your Rucksack and be carried by horse then you need to pay an additional ₹ 1800 per rucksack for the entire duration of the trek. The Rucksack should weigh within 10 Kg.
₹ 2500 + 5% GST per person additional charge for foreigners towards various permits and levies.
Any tip/gratuity to the HT supports staff.
Anything that is NOT mentioned in the “Inclusions” or personal in nature.
If you need more clarifications write in to [email protected]
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Tour Reviews
Very well planned and organized treks. Went to Ali Bedni Bugyal with Himalaya Trekkers. Rhik is very quick to respond to any queries. Sapta is great at coordination. Good guest houses at Lohajung and Didna. Camping gear, Tents, Sleeping Bags were of excellent quality, clean and well maintained. Dev Singh & Jayveer were excellent trek leads. Food was well cooked and served in time. And they care about the participants!
This trek has so much to offer you, not just views but so many experiences. This was my first solo trek. I was very anxious about the whole thing but I also didn’t want to back out.
Saptarshi was kind enough to help me get out of this indecisive phase. I still remember bugging him so many times with my doubts on how to reach the base camp and how to travel safely alone from Chhattisgarh to lohajung. He made sure to make me feel safe with the itinerary and kept checking up on me the day I left my hometown as I was travelling alone.
Our guide Dev Singh Ji is the best guide one could have for this trek. He’s so experienced and full of fun stories and history. Coincidentally, I was the only girl in this trekking group but I never felt that way cause of the comfort level he tried to provide.
For any female solo trekker, THIS is the ultimate experience. You’re going to love it. Don’t think a lot about it, just talk to Saptarshi he’ll make sure to get you on board!
I recently did my first Himalayan trek – Ali Bedni Bugyal (6 days) with HT and it was one of the best experiences of my life. The trek was very well organised and coordinated by their team. There was proper communication and planning by the backend team throughout the trek. Saptarishi and Rick are very friendly and supportive towards any query or help that you might require.
Our guides, Dev Singh and Bhuwan Bisth are locals from the neighbouring villages and they were exceptional in the way they engaged with us during the trek. We were impressed by their vast knowledge about the mountains and their humble behaviour. Our head chef Munna Bhai needs a special mention for his elaborate menu of delicious dishes. He made sure to cook some special ‘jain food’ for my friend during every meal. The homestay at Didna village and camping sites at Ali Bugyal and Gairoli Pathal were perfect.
All in all, a great trek; organised meticulously by team Himalaya Trekkers. Thank you!
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