Bedni Bugyal Travel Guide
The first major alpine meadow camp on the Roopkund trek at 3,354 m — a sacred kund (lake) at its centre and rhododendron forests below.
- Altitude
- 3,354 m
- Best season
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- From Dehradun
- ~275 km to Lohajung
- Category
- Trek
Why visit Bedni Bugyal
- Sacred Bedni Kund lake at the heart of the meadow — a site of annual puja on the Nanda Devi pilgrimage route
- First expansive alpine meadow on the Roopkund trek — the point where the dramatic Himalayan panorama opens up for the first time
- Rhododendron forest on the approach from Wan village is spectacular in April–May bloom
- Accessible via the shorter Wan village trailhead as well as the main Lohajung route — offers flexibility for trekkers
Bedni Bugyal is the first major alpine meadow on the Roopkund trek, set at 3,354 m in the Chamoli district. The standard route from Lohajung reaches Bedni via Didna and Aligarha; the alternate route from Wan village (also a Roopkund trailhead) reaches Bedni in about 12 km. At the centre of the meadow is Bedni Kund, a small sacred lake ringed by a stone wall with a shrine — it is a site of puja by Nanda Devi devotees and is particularly revered during the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, held once every 12 years. The meadow faces the Trishul group and offers clear views on fair weather mornings.
Below Bedni Bugyal the trail passes through extensive rhododendron forest that is spectacular in April and May when the blooms are at their peak. The camp at Bedni is well established with several tea-and-tent operators during the trekking season. From Bedni the route continues upward to Ali Bugyal and then Bhagwabasa before the final push to Roopkund (4,800 m). Most trekking groups spend one night at Bedni as an acclimatisation camp before heading higher. The peaceful meadow and the sacred lake make Bedni a highlight of the trek independent of the destination above.
Explore around
Places near Bedni Bugyal
Higher meadow at 3,700 m; next camp on the Roopkund route
Alternate trailhead for Bedni with shorter approach from the road
Glacial lake with skeletal remains at 4,800 m
What to do
Activities at Bedni Bugyal
Meadow camping
Multiple camp operators in season at Bedni — the standard overnight on both the Lohajung and Wan trailhead routes
Bedni Kund puja
Visit the sacred lake at the meadow centre — Nanda Devi devotees perform puja at the kund during the Raj Jat and Nanda Ashtami
Wildflower photography
May–June wildflower season on the meadow: primulas, potentillas, anemones, and rhododendron below
Wan trailhead option
14 km direct trail from Wan village to Bedni — shorter than the Lohajung approach; popular for acclimatisation day hikes
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Tours covering Bedni Bugyal
Before you go
Bedni Bugyal travel tips
- The Wan village trailhead (14 km) is a shorter approach than Lohajung and increasingly used by operators for 5-day Roopkund schedules
- Bedni is an excellent acclimatisation camp — spend an extra night here rather than rushing to Ali Bugyal, especially if travelling from low altitude
- Bedni Kund is a sacred site — treat it with respect, do not swim or wash in the lake, and carry out all rubbish
- The camp area at Bedni can be muddy in early season (May) when snow is melting — waterproof tent footwear is useful
Getting there
How to reach Bedni Bugyal
Rishikesh → Karanprayag → Tharali → Lohajung (275 km). Trek 3 days via Didna and Aligarha to Bedni Bugyal.
Rishikesh → Karanprayag → Gwaldam → Wan village (260 km). Trek 14 km directly to Bedni Bugyal (1 day). Shared jeeps from Karanprayag to Wan.
Nearest airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun (~290 km). Taxi to Karanprayag then shared jeep to Lohajung or Wan.
Where to stay in Bedni Bugyal
- Tent camps at Bedni Bugyal are operated by local and Dehradun-based trekking companies during the May–June and September–October seasons.
- No permanent lodges exist at the meadow — all accommodation is tented.
- Wan village has a couple of basic homestays for trekkers starting the Wan route.
Food & dining
- All meals at Bedni Bugyal are provided by the trek operator — camp kitchen meals typically include dal, rice, roti, sabzi and hot drinks.
- No independent food stalls operate at the meadow; all provisions are carried up from the valley by the operator's support team.
Background
History of Bedni Bugyal
Bedni Bugyal is a node on the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra route — the 280 km processional pilgrimage held once every 12 years in honour of Nanda Devi, the presiding deity of the Chamoli Garhwal and Kumaon region. The Bedni Kund at the meadow's centre is considered one of the sacred stops on this route, and the puja performed here has been part of the Raj Jat tradition for centuries.
The meadow's use as a trekking destination developed alongside the growth of the Roopkund trek from the 1970s onward. Bedni became the standard first high camp on the Roopkund route, and the alternative Wan village trailhead was developed in the 2000s to offer a shorter approach for operators running tighter schedules. The Uttarakhand Forest Department now regulates camping at Bedni as part of the Roopkund Forest Division permitting system.
Plan your trip
Suggested Bedni Bugyal itinerary
- Day 1Drive to Wan village (260 km from Rishikesh, 8–9 hrs). Overnight at Wan homestay.
- Day 2Trek Wan → Bedni Bugyal (14 km, 6–7 hrs). Arrive afternoon. Explore Bedni Kund. Camp overnight.
- Day 3Rest and acclimatisation day at Bedni (optional). Short walk to the meadow edge for Trishul views. Prepare for next day's push to Ali Bugyal.
- Day 4Trek Bedni → Ali Bugyal (4 km) → Bhagwabasa (5 km more). Camp at Bhagwabasa for the Roopkund push.
Common questions
Bedni Bugyal FAQ
- Can I visit Bedni Bugyal without doing the full Roopkund trek?
- Yes — the Wan village trailhead gives access to Bedni in a 14 km day trek. Some operators offer a 3-day Bedni Bugyal trek that goes to Bedni and back without proceeding to Roopkund.
- What is Bedni Kund and why is it sacred?
- Bedni Kund is a small natural lake at the centre of the meadow. It is a sacred site on the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra route where puja is performed for the goddess. The lake is protected and no swimming or washing is permitted.
- Is Bedni Bugyal the same trek as Ali Bugyal?
- No — they are consecutive meadows on the Roopkund route. Bedni (3,354 m) is the lower and first major camp; Ali (3,700 m) is 4 km further up the trail.
- What is the trek permit situation for Bedni Bugyal?
- Trekking above Lohajung or Wan on the Roopkund route requires a Forest Department permit, which is arranged by your trekking operator. Solo trekking without a registered guide is not permitted in this zone.
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