Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek: Walking Through the Meadows of Heaven

The first time I heard the name “Ali Bedni Bugyal,” I didn’t know what to expect. I had done Himalayan treks before—some snow-filled, some rocky, some even brutal. But this one? It turned out to be something entirely different. A trek through rolling green meadows, soul-stirring mountain views, and villages frozen in time—all set against the mighty backdrop.

How I Found the Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek

After my Sar Pass adventure, I was looking for something quieter, less commercial, and ideally, something that would show me the softer, more poetic side of the Himalayas. A friend casually mentioned Ali and Bedni Bugyal, calling them “the most beautiful meadows in India.”

That was all it took. I signed up for a group departure organized by a local trekking agency based in Uttarakhand, and within a few weeks, I found myself packing my thermals and trekking poles once again.

Getting to the Base – The Long, Scenic Drive

Our trek began from Lohajung, a small village perched at 7,700 ft in Uttarakhand. It took almost 10 hours to reach Lohajung from Rishikesh, but the drive was anything but boring. Twisting mountain roads, gurgling rivers, and the sight of terraced farms—it felt like the perfect buildup to what lay ahead.

We spent our first night acclimatizing in a simple homestay, with warm food, woolen blankets, and the buzz of trekkers sharing stories under starlit skies.

Day 1: Lohajung to Didna Village

We started early, walking through charming oak forests and crossing bubbling streams. The trail was mostly downhill and then a steep uphill climb to Didna Village, a sleepy hamlet with just a handful of stone houses and smiling pahadi kids chasing each other around.

That night, we camped under a clear sky, with stars that looked like someone had spilled diamonds across black velvet.

Day 2: Didna to Ali Bugyal – The Meadow of Dreams

This was the day everything changed.

As we left the treeline behind, the forest suddenly opened into a massive rolling grassland, and I just stood there, stunned. The air was fresh, the grass golden under the morning sun, and Mt. Trishul stood guard in the distance, majestic and unmoving.

Ali Bugyal looked like something out of a fairy tale—a high-altitude pasture that stretched as far as the eye could see. Horses grazed lazily, wildflowers peeked through the grass, and the wind hummed a song of its own.

We pitched our tents in the middle of this paradise. No network, no noise—just the soft rustling of the grass and the occasional chirp of a Himalayan bird.

Day 3: Ali Bugyal to Bedni Bugyal and Back

The next morning, we walked to Bedni Bugyal, which sits just beyond Ali. If Ali Bugyal felt dreamy, Bedni was pure magic. Slightly more elevated, with a perfect campsite and a small pond called Bedni Kund, this place had a calm, almost spiritual vibe.

We sat near the edge of the ridge and watched clouds drift over Mt. Trishul like slow-moving waves. It’s the kind of place that makes you forget cities even exist.

Why This Trek Stole My Heart

• Meadows at 11,000 ft – Not rugged, not icy—just green carpets for days.
• Stunning mountain views – Mt. Trishul (7,120 m) and Nanda Ghunti are always in sight.
• Perfect for nature photography – The play of light over the grasslands is unreal.
• Less crowded – Unlike Kedarkantha or Hampta Pass, this trail still feels untouched.

Best Time to Do the Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek

The best months are:

• May to June – Meadows are lush green, skies are clear.
• September to October – Post-monsoon clarity, golden meadows, and crisp weather.

Avoid monsoon (July–August) due to slippery trails and leeches, and winters if you're not up for snow trekking.

Where to Stay and What to Eat

Lohajung has homestays and small guesthouses with basic but comfortable amenities. Once on the trail, it’s all about camping—under the stars, surrounded by nature.

Meals are simple—dal, rice, sabzi, and hot tea—but after a long day of trekking, they taste like heaven.

Tips for First-Time Trekkers

1. Pack light – It’s not the toughest trek, but long climbs can still be exhausting.
2. Waterproof your gear – Weather can change fast; rain covers are a must.
3. Respect the land – These meadows are sacred grazing grounds; leave no trace.
4. Start slow – Let your body acclimatize. It’s not a race.
5. Talk to the locals – Their stories and hospitality add soul to your journey.

FAQs About the Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek

Q: How difficult is the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek?

A: It’s a moderate trek, perfect for beginners with decent fitness. The altitude is manageable, and the trails are well-defined.

Q: How many days does the trek take?

A: Typically 5–6 days, including travel from Rishikesh or Kathgodam.

Q: Is it safe for solo travelers?

A: Yes, especially with a group or a reputed trekking company. The region is safe and the locals are incredibly welcoming.

Q: What’s the highest altitude on this trek?

A: Around 12,000 ft near Bedni Bugyal.

Q: Are there washrooms on the trek?

A: In campsites, you’ll usually get toilet tents. Homestays in villages like Didna have basic washrooms.

Final Thoughts

The Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek is not about conquering peaks—it’s about walking through poetry written by nature herself. It’s where the silence speaks, the grass dances with the wind, and your soul finds a strange kind of stillness.

If you’re looking for a Himalayan trek that’s scenic, soulful, and unlike anything you’ve done before—this is it.

Trust me—you’ll leave a part of your heart in those meadows.