Hiking through Ali & Bedni Bugyal: Roopkund’s Emerald Meadows in Full Bloom

🌿 If you haven’t read Part 1 –The Beginning of My Roopkund Trek: Into the Himalayan Rollercoaster of this incredible Himalayan journey, start there first to get the full experience!

Day 3: From Didna Village to Bedni Bugyal – Into the High-Altitude Grasslands

After a hearty breakfast of hot parathas and sabzi at Didna Village, it was time to lace up my boots and begin the steep forest trail. The same trail that would lead us to Ali Bugyal and eventually to Bedni Bugyal. What made today more exciting was the company—I had teamed up with fellow trekkers from the homestay next door. Thus, we were ready to tackle one of the most scenic sections of the Roopkund Trek.

🌲 The Grueling Forest Climb to Ali Bugyal

The sun was relentless, and though the dense alpine forest offered some respite, the heat made the ascent physically demanding. It took nearly three hours of climbing before we finally took a much-needed break at a quaint tea shop tucked away in the woods.

While sipping on warm chai and chatting with the shopkeeper, we learned about a hidden viewpoint nearby that offered panoramic views of the majestic Trishul range. Intrigued and slightly reenergized, we followed him on a 15-minute detour—and what awaited us was nothing short of magical.

🏔️ First Glimpse of Trishul – The Crown Jewel

Towering in the distance, Trishul and its neighboring peaks stood in regal silence. That one moment—where everything else faded and the Himalayan giants revealed themselves—made the trek feel truly special.

Ali Bugyal – Trekking Through the Windows XP Wallpaper

As we gained altitude, the trees thinned out until they disappeared altogether, replaced by a surreal expanse of undulating green meadows. We had officially entered Ali Bugyal, one of Asia’s largest high-altitude grasslands, perched at an elevation of 10,800 ft.

The scene was surreal—rolling green hills stretched endlessly before us, swaying gently in the mountain breeze. It genuinely felt like stepping into the iconic Windows XP wallpaper, only grander and more alive. The trail through Ali Bugyal was pure bliss—cool mountain winds cut through the sun’s harsh glare, and every step felt like a dream.

Wind Warnings and Wilderness Tales

As we neared Bedni Bugyal, our guide cautioned us about the ferocious winds common at this exposed meadow. He shared an eerie tale of tents being torn apart by gusts, and one even getting airborne—with a person inside! Fiction or not, it definitely made me tighten my tent flaps.

Camping at Bedni Bugyal – Beauty Meets Brutality

We reached the Bedni Bugyal campsite by 3 PM, with the sun still high and unforgiving. While the views were breathtaking, the altitude began to take its toll—some of my friends, including Nikhil and Kushal, started experiencing early symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Hydration, rest, and hot tea helped them recover just in time for the evening downpour.

🌩️ Thunderstorm Chaos

By 8 PM, as we huddled over steaming plates of dal and rice, the skies unleashed a fierce thunderstorm. Wind battered our tents with Hulk-like force, and sleep became a luxury. Between the howling storm, altitude-induced headaches, and creeping anxiety about the next leg of the journey, it was a restless night.

Day 4: Bedni Bugyal to Pathar Nachuni – A Soothing Trek After the Storm

The storm subsided by dawn, and with it, the fatigue washed away. A peaceful night’s sleep had worked wonders. After a rejuvenating breakfast, we continued our ascent toward Pathar Nachuni, a relatively short and gentle hike compared to the previous day.

🏞️ Scenic Yet Serene

The trail offered stunning views with only a mild initial incline. Oxygen levels were lower, but the beauty around more than made up for it. In just under three hours, we arrived at Pathar Nachuni—a quiet, windy paradise surrounded by snow-clad peaks.

Camping at Pathar Nachuni – Clouds, Stars & Silence

As evening fell, clouds rolled in and enveloped us. For a few minutes, we were standing inside a foggy realm—until strong winds swept the mist down into the valleys below.

Later that night, I witnessed a sight that felt straight out of a dream: a crystal-clear star-studded sky, complete with shooting stars, stretched above us. Meanwhile, thunder and lightning flashed across the valley below, creating a surreal dual-world of light and shadow. It was nature’s theatre, and I was lucky to have a front-row seat.

With that breathtaking scene etched in my memory, I drifted into sleep, grateful and geared up for the big day ahead.

🏕️ Final Thoughts – Why This Part of the Roopkund Trek Stands Out

• Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal are among the most picturesque alpine meadows in India.
  
• The contrast of meadows, snow peaks, and dramatic weather makes this stretch unforgettable.
  
• If you’re planning the Roopkund trek, this section is the one you’ll replay in your head long after it’s over.
  

🧭 Quick Tips for Trekking to Ali & Bedni Bugyal:

• 🥾 Fitness: Be prepared for steep climbs and long days on your feet.
  
• 💨 Weather: Expect sudden weather shifts—pack rain gear and wind protection.
  
• 🧃 Hydration: AMS symptoms are real—drink water and avoid overexertion.
  
• 📸 Photography: Keep your camera ready at Ali Bugyal—you’ll want to capture every frame.
  

🏕️ Stay Safe: Always secure your tents—mountain winds are no joke.

Next Up:

• Bhagwabasa & Beyond – My near summit at Roopkund Trek