Of all the legends and tales in this world, the abominable snowman has stood the test of time. Mammoth quests have failed to find this legendary being but, with scattered claims of sightings, it refuses to be buried under the snow.

But this article is not about finding this elusive snow creature. Instead, we are urging you to actually become one. Here’s how – go for the breathtaking (literally!) Dayara-Bugyal Trek in Uttarakhand. Walk, pant, run, jump, play, trek, and go back with the experience of a lifetime.

Where is the trek?

The trek has two starting points – Raithal and Barsu. You can choose either of these points, depending on your convenience. Both Raithal and Barsu are small, sleepy villages in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Raithal is unrivaled in its beauty, and you can actually count more than 11 different types of mountains from any spot here. Barsu, on the other hand, offers spectacular sunsets.

Most trekkers start from one point – either Raithal or Barsu- and trek down to the other point. But going by the experiences of various trekkers, and our own team, we suggest you choose Raithal as your starting and ending point.

Getting ready for the trek

This is a winter trek in the mountains so you have to be prepared for severely cold temperatures. They will go below zero, even during the day, especially, if you’re in the shade. So, carry at least two sets of full thermals and a jacket which can keep you warm in temperatures of -10 and below. You can buy these jackets and thermals at Decathlon. In addition, you must equip yourself with gloves, winter socks (three pairs, at least), mufflers, a balaclava, and protective sunglasses. Trekking down could be a bit tough on your knees, feet, and ankles. So make sure you wear the right footwear, and carry knee and ankle guards.

How do you get there?

You can take a bus to Dehradun or Rishikesh if you are travelling from Delhi. From Dehradun, you can either book a private taxi, take a shared cab, or catch a bus till Uttarkashi. It takes around five hours to reach Uttarkashi from Dehradun. On the way, you will be in for a visual treat. The view of the jungle, the majestic mountains, and the stunning Tehri Dam will keep you mesmerised for the whole ride.

From Uttarkashi, you can take a taxi to Raithal or Barsu. It’s a 2-3 hour drive during which the view keeps getting better and better.

On the trekking trail

The trek to Dayara Bugyal from Raithal is about seven kilometres. This is a moderately tough trek, and it is advisable to take breaks while traversing the narrow, slippery, and snow-covered trails. The path winds through the dense jungle, steep rocks, and small meadows. During the winter, most of them will be buried deep in snow. You also get uninterrupted views of the pristine white Himalayan peaks, watching you as you discover this untouched land.

In the forest, you will hear a cacophony of birds, small animals, and often, foxes. Sit down, breathe, and listen to the sounds the city has drowned out. If you get tired, take a break and click a picture. If the trek feels too daunting, remember the reward waiting for you at the end – a magical lake, surrounded by snow, mountains, and deep solitude.

Look at the stars, look how they shine for you

Neither pictures, nor words can even begin to capture the untouched, unspoilt beauty at the end of this trek. The best part is that you can take your own sweet time appreciating the sights here. Set up camp at the lake, watch the sky darken, and admire the millions of stars, which elude us in the cities. You will have to look for a guide in Raithal or Barsu to carry your camping equipment. So if you want to camp at the lake, you will need to plan for it in advance.

Have you been on the Dayara Bugyal trek already? Tell us about your experience. If we’ve missed some information, do let us know.