Bedni Bugyal is a high alpine meadow in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, lying at about 3,354 m in the Garhwal Himalaya. It is one of India’s broadest grassland pastures, and trekkers walk up from Lohajung for two things above all: the still, sacred Bedni Kund lake in the middle of the meadow, and the wall of snow peaks — Mount Trishul and Nanda Ghunti — that rises straight behind it. The meadow also sits on the Roopkund trail and is a key camp of the twelve-yearly Nanda Devi Raj Jat pilgrimage.
Bedni Bugyal is an alpine meadow at roughly 3,354 m (11,004 ft) in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, on the Garhwal Himalaya’s Roopkund route. According to Wikipedia, it holds the holy Bedni Kund lake and a Nanda Devi temple, with Trishul and Nanda Ghunti visible across the grass. It is reached on foot from Lohajung via Didna or Wan.
Key takeaways
- Bedni Bugyal sits at about 3,354 m (11,004 ft) in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, in the Garhwal Himalaya, per Wikipedia.
- The meadow is reached only on foot: about 20 km from the roadhead at Lohajung via Didna and Ali Bugyal, or by a shorter, steeper line from Wan village.
- Bedni Kund, a holy lake also called Vaitarani, lies in the meadow beside an ancient Nanda Devi temple; Trishul and Nanda Ghunti rise directly behind it.
- Bedni Bugyal is an important camp of the Nanda Devi Raj Jat, a pilgrimage held once every 12 years that ends at Homkund near Roopkund, according to the Chamoli and Garhwal administrations.
- The Uttarakhand High Court restricted overnight stays in the state’s alpine meadows in 2018, so camp at designated sites below the bugyal, not on the grass (as reported by Down To Earth; reconfirm before travel, as of October 2026).
- Best visited April to June and September to October; winter brings heavy snow and the meadow is deep under it.
About Bedni Bugyal and Bedni Kund
Bedni Bugyal is a wide, rolling alpine meadow at about 3,354 m (11,004 ft) in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, within the Garhwal Himalaya. “Bugyal” is the Garhwali word for a high-altitude grassland pasture, grazed by shepherds in summer and buried in snow in winter. According to Wikipedia, the meadow is dotted with wildflowers in season, including the Brahm Kamal (Saussurea obvallata, a Himalayan flower sacred to local deities).
The centrepiece is Bedni Kund, a small lake in the middle of the grass that Wikipedia records as also being called Vaitarani (or Baitarni). It is treated as holy: devotees believe a bath purifies the soul, and pilgrims offer pindas (ritual rice-ball offerings to ancestors) on its banks. Beside the water stand an ancient temple to Nanda Devi, a small shrine to the local deity Latu, and other carved stones.
The reason people climb this far is the view. Across the meadow the peaks of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti fill the skyline, and on a clear morning the lake can mirror them. To be clear on the place: this is Bedni Bugyal in Chamoli district, part of the Ali–Bedni group of meadows on the approach to Roopkund, not a trailhead you can drive to.
Best time to visit Bedni Bugyal
The best time to trek to Bedni Bugyal is late spring to early summer (April to June) and the post-monsoon autumn (September to October), when the weather is settled and the meadow is open and green or golden. These windows give the clearest Trishul and Nanda Ghunti views and the firmest trail underfoot. The monsoon (July to mid-September) brings rain, leeches and landslide risk on the hill roads, and winter leaves the bugyal deep under snow.
| Season | Months | Conditions | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring/early summer | April–June | Mild days, cold nights, melting snow patches early on, green meadow | Clear peak views, wildflowers later |
| Monsoon | July–mid-Sept | Heavy rain, haze, leeches, landslide risk on the drive in | Best avoided |
| Autumn | Mid-Sept–Oct | Crisp, clear skies; golden grass; cold nights | Sharpest Trishul/Nanda Ghunti views |
| Winter | Nov–March | Deep snow, sub-zero nights, short days | Snow trekking (hard, for the experienced) |
If you want flowers, aim for the later part of the summer window; if you want the cleanest mountain light, autumn is usually best. Whenever you go, nights at this altitude are cold year-round, so plan warm layers even in June.
How to reach Bedni Bugyal and Lohajung
Bedni Bugyal is reached only on foot from the roadhead village of Lohajung; there is no motorable road to the meadow itself. Lohajung, in Chamoli district, is the standard base camp and is reached by road from either Kathgodam (the usual railhead, roughly 216–222 km, via Almora, Gwaldam, Tharali, Deval and Mundoli) or Rishikesh (roughly 260–280 km, via Karnaprayag, Tharali and Deval), according to trek operators and local transport guides.
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun, and the nearest railheads are Kathgodam on the Kumaon side and Yog Nagari Rishikesh (YNRK) on the Garhwal side. From Kathgodam, overnight trains such as the Ranikhet Express run from Delhi; from Rishikesh, Joshimath- and Badrinath-bound buses reach Karnaprayag in about 6–7 hours, from where shared jeeps run on to Deval and Lohajung. Reconfirm all train and bus timings live on IRCTC/NTES, as services change.
| From | Mode | Approx distance / time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun | Air + road | Nearest airport | Then long road transfer via Karnaprayag |
| Kathgodam (railhead) | Rail + road | ~216–222 km, ~10–11 hr | Via Almora, Gwaldam, Tharali, Deval |
| Rishikesh / YNRK (railhead) | Rail + road | ~260–280 km, ~10–12 hr | Via Karnaprayag and Tharali |
| Lohajung | Roadhead | Base camp | Last motorable point for the Didna route |
| Wan village | Road from Lohajung | ~15 km | Alternative, steeper trailhead |
If you are planning the wider region, our Uttarakhand travel guide sets out the main approaches from the plains and how the Garhwal and Kumaon hill roads connect to bases like Lohajung.
The Lohajung–Wan–Bedni trek route
From Lohajung, Bedni Bugyal is about a 20 km walk reached over two or three days, usually through Didna village and Ali Bugyal, according to Wikipedia. The classic loop combines two trailheads: trekkers often ascend by one line and descend by the other, taking in both the Ali and Bedni meadows. It is graded moderate — long days and real altitude, but no technical climbing.
On the Didna line, the trail drops to cross the Neel Ganga river, then climbs steeply to Didna village before opening onto Ali Bugyal and continuing across to Bedni. The Wan line, reached by a motorable road of about 15 km from Lohajung, is shorter but steeper; it too crosses the Neel Ganga and climbs past the forest campsite of Gairoli Patal (a commonly used stop named by trek operators) up to the meadows.
A typical itinerary runs over five to six days from Lohajung, including the onward option to Roopkund. Because night stays on the meadows are restricted (see below), most groups now camp at designated lower sites and walk up to the bugyal for the day. Give yourself an acclimatisation buffer and start each day early.
| Stage | Approx altitude | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Lohajung | ~2,300 m | Base camp, homestays, roadhead |
| Didna village | ~2,450 m | Via a descent to the Neel Ganga, then a steep climb |
| Ali Bugyal | ~3,350 m | Broad meadow adjoining Bedni |
| Bedni Bugyal & Bedni Kund | ~3,354 m | Holy lake, Nanda Devi temple, Trishul/Nanda Ghunti views |
| Gairoli Patal (Wan line) | forest camp | Designated campsite on the Wan approach |
Onward to Ali Bugyal and Roopkund
Bedni Bugyal sits on the trail to Roopkund, the high glacial lake that Wikipedia places about 12 km further on. From the meadow, the route climbs past Pathar Nachauni and Kalu Vinayak towards Bhaguwabasa and then to Roopkund, the “mystery lake” known for the old human skeletons found around it. This onward section is high and serious and should be treated as a separate, harder undertaking.
The adjoining meadow of Ali Bugyal, at a similar altitude of around 3,350 m, is usually walked on the same trek — the two are often billed together as the Ali–Bedni Bugyal trek. Many trekkers find the long, open traverse between Ali and Bedni the highlight of the route, with the peaks in view for hours.
Note that access to Roopkund itself has at times been affected by the alpine-meadow restrictions described below, so confirm the current position with the forest department before planning the full climb. If you want a gentler Garhwal high-altitude walk with a temple summit rather than a glacial lake, our Chopta, Tungnath and Chandrashila trek guide covers a shorter alternative in the neighbouring Rudraprayag district.
The Nanda Devi Raj Jat pilgrimage
Bedni Bugyal is one of the most important camps of the Nanda Devi Raj Jat, a Himalayan pilgrimage held once every 12 years, according to the Chamoli and Garhwal district administrations. The procession starts from Nauti village near Karnaprayag and travels for about three weeks up to the heights of Roopkund and Homkund, a sacred pond near Roopkund, with Bedni Bugyal falling on the route just before Homkund.
According to local belief, the Raj Jat is a farewell in which the goddess Nanda Devi, treated as a daughter of the hills, is escorted from her maternal home towards the home of her husband, Lord Shiva. Tradition holds that the procession is led by a four-horned ram, said to be born once in twelve years; at Homkund the ram is believed to carry the offerings onward and the pilgrims turn back. This is devotional tradition rather than documented history, and accounts of the yatra’s origin vary.
A smaller Raj Jat is observed in the intervening years and, according to Wikipedia, ends at the temples near Bedni Kund, where a fair is held around the lake with prayers, hymns and offerings. If you are trekking in a Raj Jat year, expect the meadow to be far busier; check the official Garhwal government and Nanda Devi Raj Jat Samiti notices for exact dates, which have shifted in the past (the 2013 edition was postponed after the Kedarnath floods).
Forest-department camping rules
Camping directly on Bedni Bugyal is restricted: the Uttarakhand High Court moved to end overnight stays in the state’s high-altitude alpine meadows in 2018, so you should camp at designated sites below the meadow rather than on the grass. According to Wikipedia, the court’s 2018 order banned overnight stays in these bugyals and directed the removal of permanent structures, including fibre huts for tourists; Down To Earth reported in September 2018 that the court declined to lift the night-stay ban.
The meadow lies within reserve forest, and the restrictions followed a 2014 public-interest petition arguing that trekking and night camping were damaging the Bedni and other bugyals through plastic waste and trampling. An earlier Allahabad High Court order in 1997 had already directed the removal of tourist camps over environmental harm, Wikipedia notes.
Because enforcement and the exact terms are set by the courts and the forest department and have changed over time, confirm the current position with the Chamoli forest division before you book any overnight on the hill. As of October 2026 the practical approach is to use authorised lower campsites and designated homestays, and to treat the bugyal as a day destination.
Where to stay
Most trekkers stay in homestays and guesthouses at Lohajung or Wan and camp at authorised lower sites on the trail, since overnight stays on the meadows are restricted. Lohajung has a cluster of family-run homestays and basic lodges near the roadhead, and Wan village has simpler rooms; a guided trek will usually arrange tents at permitted campsites along the route.
- Budget (indicative, reconfirm): Lohajung and Wan homestays and basic rooms, roughly ₹600–1,500 per room per night, often with home-cooked meals (planning estimate, as of October 2026).
- Mid-range (indicative, reconfirm): Better homestays and small guesthouses around Lohajung, roughly ₹1,500–3,000 per night.
- Guided camping (where permitted): Tents at designated campsites below the meadow, folded into a trek package rather than priced per night.
Book ahead for the April–June and September–October peaks, when Lohajung fills with Roopkund and Ali–Bedni trekkers, and far more so in a Nanda Devi Raj Jat year. The figures above are planning estimates only; confirm current rates directly with the homestay or operator.
Budget breakdown
A guided five-to-six-day Ali–Bedni Bugyal trek from Lohajung costs most travellers roughly ₹8,000–15,000 per person for the on-trek package, before reaching Lohajung. The table below is an indicative planning estimate as of October 2026; actual costs vary with group size, operator, season and how much you arrange yourself. Reconfirm every figure before you book.
| Item | Indicative cost | Assumptions |
|---|---|---|
| Transport to Lohajung (return) | ₹2,000–4,000 | Shared jeep/bus from Kathgodam or Rishikesh |
| Guided trek package (5–6 days) | ₹8,000–15,000 | Tents, meals, guide, permits on trail |
| Homestay at Lohajung (1–2 nights) | ₹600–3,000 | Before/after the trek, per night |
| Porter/mule (optional) | ₹600–1,200 per day | Shared, to carry group loads |
| Buffer / forest & eco charges | ₹500–1,000 | Local fees, tips, snacks |
Self-organised trekkers who hire a local guide and arrange their own stay and transport can spend less, while solo travellers pay more for want of sharing. A packaged trek usually folds the forest and campsite charges into one price.
Permits, guides and fees
No inner-line or special entry permit is needed for Indian visitors to trek to Bedni Bugyal, but the meadow lies in reserve forest, so forest-department and Van Panchayat (village forest council) rules apply and a forest entry or camping charge is usually collected at Lohajung or on the trail. The exact amount is set locally and was not verified for this guide; treat any figure you see as indicative and reconfirm on the spot (as of October 2026).
- Guides: A local guide is strongly advised and, in practice, usually required for the higher sections; routes can be hard to read in mist and above the treeline. Hire through Lohajung or a registered operator.
- Forest/Van Panchayat charges: A forest entry and/or camping fee is typically payable; carry cash, as there is no reliable digital payment on the hill.
- Night stays: Overnight camping on the meadows is restricted (see camping rules above); use designated lower sites.
- Foreign nationals: No special permit is indicated for this route, but confirm current requirements with the district administration before travel.
Rules, fees and any registration requirement change and are enforced locally, so verify the current position with the Chamoli forest division or a registered Lohajung operator rather than relying on older blog accounts.
Altitude, safety and practical tips
Bedni Bugyal is high country at about 3,354 m, and the onward Roopkund climb goes well above 4,000 m, so acclimatise properly and watch for signs of acute mountain sickness such as headache, nausea and breathlessness. Build in a rest or buffer day, climb gradually, drink plenty of water, and descend if symptoms worsen.
- Mobile network: Patchy around Lohajung and effectively absent on the meadows. Download offline maps and tell someone your plan.
- Cash and UPI: Carry enough cash from Kathgodam, Rishikesh or Karnaprayag; ATMs are scarce near Lohajung and UPI depends on a signal that often is not there.
- Health: The nearest sizeable medical help is well down the valley around Tharali, Karnaprayag or Gwaldam; carry a basic first-aid kit and any personal medication.
- Guides: Hire a local guide for the forest and above-treeline sections, especially in cloud; it also supports the Van Panchayat economy.
- Solo women: Lohajung and Wan homestays are family-run and the trek is well-used in season; as elsewhere, start early, keep to daylight hours on the trail, join a group for the higher sections, and share your plan with your host.
- Packing by season: Spring and autumn need warm layers, a windproof and good boots; expect sub-zero nights. For winter snow you need insulated layers, snow-ready boots and traction, and real experience.
- Eco rules: Carry out all waste, avoid single-use plastic, do not pluck flowers such as the Brahm Kamal, do not bathe in or pollute Bedni Kund, and keep to marked paths to protect the fragile meadow.
Nearby places
Bedni Bugyal pairs naturally with the other meadows and lakes of this corner of Chamoli, all reached from or near Lohajung. The table below lists the main options and why each is worth adding.
| Place | Approx distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Ali Bugyal | Adjoining meadow | Broad companion pasture, usually walked on the same trek |
| Roopkund | ~12 km on from Bedni | High glacial “mystery lake” with ancient skeletal remains |
| Lohajung | Roadhead / base | Homestays, guides and the start of the walk |
| Wan village | ~15 km from Lohajung | Alternative trailhead; Latu Devta temple |
| Brahmatal | Separate trek from Lohajung | Winter-friendly lake trek with Trishul and Nanda Ghunti views |
Frequently asked questions
Where is Bedni Bugyal and how high is it?
Bedni Bugyal is an alpine meadow at about 3,354 m (11,004 ft) in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, in the Garhwal Himalaya, according to Wikipedia. It lies on the Roopkund trail and holds the holy Bedni Kund lake and a Nanda Devi temple, with Mount Trishul and Nanda Ghunti rising behind it. It is reached on foot from Lohajung.
How do I reach Bedni Bugyal?
Reach the roadhead at Lohajung in Chamoli district, then trek about 20 km via Didna and Ali Bugyal, or by a shorter, steeper line from Wan. Lohajung is roughly 216–222 km from Kathgodam railhead and 260–280 km from Rishikesh by road. There is no motorable road to the meadow itself; the last stretch is always on foot.
Can you camp on Bedni Bugyal?
Camping on the meadow is restricted. The Uttarakhand High Court moved to end overnight stays in the state’s alpine meadows in 2018, as Down To Earth reported, and permanent huts were ordered removed. Trekkers now camp at designated sites below the bugyal and walk up for the day. Confirm the current rules with the Chamoli forest division before you travel.
What is the Nanda Devi Raj Jat and how is Bedni Bugyal connected?
The Nanda Devi Raj Jat is a Himalayan pilgrimage held once every 12 years, according to the Chamoli and Garhwal administrations, running from Nauti village to Homkund near Roopkund. Bedni Bugyal is an important camp on the route, just before Homkund, and a smaller yearly Raj Jat ends at the temples by Bedni Kund. The belief is devotional tradition.
What is the best time to trek to Bedni Bugyal?
The best times are April to June and September to October, when the weather is settled and the Trishul and Nanda Ghunti views are clearest. Avoid the July–mid-September monsoon, which brings rain, leeches and landslide risk on the drive. Winter buries the meadow in snow, suitable only for experienced, well-equipped snow trekkers.
Is the Bedni Bugyal trek suitable for beginners?
The Ali–Bedni Bugyal trek is graded moderate and is doable by fit first-time trekkers with some preparation. It involves long days, a steep climb from the Neel Ganga and real altitude above 3,350 m, but no technical climbing. Build in acclimatisation, hire a local guide, and treat the onward Roopkund climb as a harder, separate undertaking.
Last updated and sources
Go to Bedni Bugyal if you want one of Garhwal’s great meadow walks, with a sacred lake and a wall of snow peaks, and a living pilgrimage woven through it. Aim for a clear spell in April–June or September–October, go with a local guide, and always reconfirm forest and camping rules first.
Last updated: 16 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Wikipedia: Bedni Bugyal (altitude, Bedni Kund/Vaitarani, Nanda Devi temple, Trishul and Nanda Ghunti, Raj Jat stop, Roopkund ~12 km, Lohajung/Didna/Wan routes, 2018 High Court night-stay ban and 1997 order, Brahm Kamal); Garhwal / Chamoli district administration: Nanda Devi Raj Jat (12-year cycle, start at Nauti, up to Roopkund/Homkund, four-horned sheep, ~3 weeks); Down To Earth (Uttarakhand High Court upheld the alpine-meadow night-stay ban, September 2018; Bedni named in the 2014 PIL); road approaches to Lohajung from Kathgodam and Rishikesh via trek-operator and local transport guides — verify train/bus timings live on IRCTC/NTES. Accessed October 2026.
