Ali Bugyal Travel Guide
A 7 sq km alpine meadow at 3,700 m on the Roopkund trail — campsite for the trek and a panoramic platform facing the Trishul, Nanda Ghunti and Maiktoli massifs.
- Altitude
- 3,700 m
- Best season
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- From Dehradun
- ~275 km to Lohajung
- Category
- Trek
Why visit Ali Bugyal
- Vast 7 sq km meadow on the Roopkund trek — one of the largest and most open alpine plateaus in Garhwal
- Direct panoramic view of Trishul (7,120 m), Nanda Ghunti and Maiktoli from the meadow edge
- June wildflower bloom includes the sacred brahma kamal (Saussurea obvallata), Uttarakhand's state flower
- For many trekkers the meadow rivals the Roopkund skeleton lake above it as the emotional highlight of the trek
Ali Bugyal is a vast alpine meadow of approximately 7 sq km at 3,700 m in the Chamoli district, situated on the Roopkund trek route between the Bedni Bugyal camp (3,354 m) and the high camp at Bhagwabasa (4,100 m). It is one of the largest and most scenic high-altitude meadows in the Garhwal Himalaya, with direct sight lines to Trishul (7,120 m), Nanda Ghunti (6,309 m) and Maiktoli (6,803 m) on the southern wall of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. The meadow rolls across a gently tilted plateau with almost no trees — just grass, wildflowers and the distant peaks.
In June the meadow is carpeted with wildflowers — anemones, primulas, potentillas and brahma kamal (Saussurea obvallata, Uttarakhand's state flower). The camp at Ali Bugyal is a highlight of the Roopkund trek for many trekkers who feel the meadow itself outshines even the skeletal lake above. Because it sits between two well-established camps on the route, most trekkers pass through rather than camp here; those who do camp at Ali Bugyal report exceptional sunrise and sunset views. The meadow is also used as a grazing ground by Bhotiya and Gujjar shepherds in summer.
Explore around
Places near Ali Bugyal
First major meadow camp on the Roopkund route; sacred Bedni Kund lake
High camp at 4,100 m before the final push to Roopkund lake
Glacial lake at 4,800 m with historic human skeletal remains
What to do
Activities at Ali Bugyal
Trek camping
Camping at Ali Bugyal meadow edge is possible with advance arrangement through trekking operators — spectacular sunset and sunrise views
Wildflower walk
June carpet of brahma kamal, primula, potentilla and anemone — the meadow is at its most colourful this month
Photography
Trishul group at dawn from the meadow is the signature Ali Bugyal shot — clear skies give exceptional definition in October
Roopkund continuation
Ali Bugyal is a waypoint on the Roopkund trek; most groups pass through en route to Bhagwabasa and the lake
Book with us
Tours covering Ali Bugyal
Before you go
Ali Bugyal travel tips
- Ali Bugyal is at 3,700 m — ensure you have acclimatised properly at Lohajung and Bedni before pressing on; altitude sickness is a risk
- The meadow is exposed to wind and afternoon cloud — carry a waterproof layer even in summer
- Brahma kamal blooms in June and July; visiting before late June ensures the best flower display
- Do not camp outside designated areas — the meadow is ecologically sensitive and the Forest Department monitors camp placement
Getting there
How to reach Ali Bugyal
Rishikesh → Karanprayag → Tharali → Lohajung (275 km, 9–10 hrs). From Lohajung trek to Didna, Aligarha, Bedni Bugyal, then Ali Bugyal (approx 3 days). Shared jeeps from Karanprayag to Lohajung.
Nearest airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun (295 km). Taxi or bus to Karanprayag then shared jeep to Lohajung.
Nearest railhead: Haridwar or Rishikesh. Bus to Karanprayag (6 hrs) then shared jeep to Lohajung (3 hrs).
Where to stay in Ali Bugyal
- Ali Bugyal has no permanent infrastructure — tent camping with a trekking operator is the only option.
- Lohajung, the trek base, has guesthouses and homestays for the night before starting.
- Bedni Bugyal (4 km below Ali) has a few tea-and-tent operations in season; most groups camp there rather than at Ali.
Food & dining
- On the Roopkund trek all meals are provided by the trekking operator — no food stalls exist at Ali Bugyal or anywhere on the high-altitude route above Lohajung.
- Lohajung has basic dhabas; stock up on snacks in Karanprayag before the drive to Lohajung.
Background
History of Ali Bugyal
Ali Bugyal and the surrounding landscape form part of the sacred geography associated with the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra — the largest religious procession in the Himalayas, held once every 12 years and passing through these meadows on its way to the high Himalayan passes near Roopkund. The meadow has been a seasonal grazing ground for Bhotiya herder communities from the Chamoli district for centuries.
The Roopkund lake above Ali Bugyal became internationally famous in the 1940s when a British forest ranger discovered hundreds of human skeletons at the lake edge — later dated to the 9th century CE. The associated Raj Jat procession that passes through Ali Bugyal is believed by many scholars to be connected to the historical event that left those skeletons, though the exact circumstances remain debated.
Plan your trip
Suggested Ali Bugyal itinerary
- Day 1Drive to Lohajung (9–10 hrs). Overnight rest.
- Day 2Trek Lohajung → Didna → Aligarha (12 km, 6–7 hrs). Camp.
- Day 3Trek Aligarha → Bedni Bugyal → Ali Bugyal (8 km, 4–5 hrs). Camp at Ali Bugyal.
- Day 4Trek Ali Bugyal → Bhagwabasa → Roopkund → return to Bhagwabasa (12 km, 7–8 hrs). Camp at Bhagwabasa.
Common questions
Ali Bugyal FAQ
- Can I visit Ali Bugyal independently without a guided Roopkund trek?
- The Roopkund Forest Division requires all trekkers above Bedni Bugyal to be accompanied by a registered guide. Solo trekking without a guide is not permitted; most trekkers book a full Roopkund package including porter, guide and camping.
- What is the best month to see brahma kamal at Ali Bugyal?
- Mid-June to mid-July is the peak bloom period for brahma kamal (Saussurea obvallata). The flowers open at dusk and close by morning, so evening hours are best for viewing.
- Is Ali Bugyal the same as Bedni Bugyal?
- No — they are two separate meadows on the same route. Bedni Bugyal (3,354 m) is about 4 km below Ali Bugyal (3,700 m). Most trek itineraries camp at Bedni on the way up and may pass through Ali on the way to the high camp at Bhagwabasa.
- How difficult is the Roopkund trek?
- It is classified as moderate to difficult. The trail is long (approximately 53 km return from Lohajung), reaches 4,800 m, and involves steep boulder sections near the lake. Good fitness, prior trekking experience and proper altitude acclimatisation are required.
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