Rishikesh to Wan Village
286 km
9–10 hrs.
Your adventure begins early in the morning from Rishikesh as you set out on a scenic drive towards the beautiful Himalayan village of Wan. The approximately 286-kilometre journey is long but rewarding, taking you through winding mountain roads, deep river valleys, charming villages, terraced fields, and forested hills. As you leave Rishikesh behind, the landscape gradually changes from the lower Himalayan region to the higher Garhwal mountains.
The route takes you through important Himalayan towns and landmarks, including Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, and Lohajung. Along the way, you can enjoy views of river valleys, traditional mountain settlements, terraced farms, and lush forested slopes. The journey through the Alaknanda and Pindar river valleys offers a beautiful introduction to the landscapes you will experience during the trek.
From Lohajung, the road continues towards Wan Village, where the Himalayan surroundings become quieter and more remote. Upon arrival, check into your guesthouse or campsite and take some time to rest after the long drive.
In the evening, you can relax with your fellow trekkers, enjoy a freshly prepared meal, and attend a trek briefing with your experienced trek leader. The briefing will cover the route, safety guidelines, weather conditions, and preparations for the trekking days ahead.
An overnight stay in Wan Village gives you an opportunity to rest and prepare for the beginning of your Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek the following morning with The Mountain Hike.
Wan to Gairoli Patal
4–5 km
4–5 hrs.
After an early breakfast, your trekking adventure officially begins from Wan Village. The trail first leads to the sacred Latu Devta Temple, where locals and trekkers traditionally seek blessings before venturing into the high Himalayas. Surrounded by ancient deodar and oak trees, the temple holds deep cultural and spiritual significance in the region.
From here, the trail descends towards the crystal-clear Neel Ganga River. The sound of rushing water, cool mountain breeze, and peaceful surroundings make this an ideal place to pause, refill water bottles, and enjoy a short break before beginning the day's ascent.
Crossing the river, the path gradually climbs through dense forests filled with towering oak, maple, and rhododendron trees. During spring, these forests burst into vibrant shades of red and pink as rhododendron flowers bloom, creating one of the most beautiful sections of the trek. The forest is also home to numerous Himalayan bird species, making it a delight for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
Although today's climb is steady, the distance is manageable, making it suitable even for first-time trekkers. As you gain altitude, occasional clearings offer your first distant views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, building excitement for the days ahead.
By afternoon, you'll arrive at Gairoli Patal, a peaceful forest campsite situated at around 10,560 feet. Surrounded by tall oak trees and open grassy patches, this campsite provides a tranquil setting to unwind after your first day on the trail. Enjoy a warm dinner prepared by the support staff before spending the night in comfortable alpine tents beneath a sky filled with countless stars.
Gairoli Patal to Ali Bedni Bugyal
6 km
5 hrs.
Wake up to the refreshing mountain air and enjoy a hot breakfast before beginning one of the most rewarding days of the Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek. Leaving behind the dense forests of Gairoli Patal, the trail gradually climbs higher, and with every step, the landscape begins to transform dramatically. The towering oak and rhododendron trees slowly give way to vast open grasslands, revealing the spectacular beauty of the Himalayan alpine meadows.
As you reach Ali Bugyal, you'll be greeted by rolling green meadows stretching endlessly across the mountainside. During the summer months, these meadows are covered with lush grass and colourful wildflowers, while in autumn they turn into golden fields under crystal-clear blue skies. The peaceful surroundings, fresh mountain breeze, and uninterrupted views create an unforgettable trekking experience.
One of the highlights of the day is the magnificent panorama of the Garhwal Himalayas. Towering peaks like Mt. Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Chaukhamba, and Neelkanth dominate the horizon, offering incredible opportunities for photography. Every turn on the trail reveals another breathtaking perspective, making this section of the trek one of the most scenic in Uttarakhand.
Continuing further, you'll reach Bedni Bugyal, another spectacular alpine meadow known for its immense natural beauty and cultural significance. Here lies the sacred Bedni Kund, a small high-altitude lake revered by local communities. Surrounded by lush grasslands and towering peaks, the lake adds a spiritual charm to the trek and serves as a peaceful place to pause and admire the Himalayan landscape.
After approximately five hours of trekking, you'll arrive at your campsite in Ali Bedni Bugyal. Spend the evening exploring the meadows, watching the changing colours of the mountains during sunset, or simply relaxing amidst nature. As darkness falls, the sky transforms into a brilliant canvas filled with countless stars, creating one of the most magical camping experiences in the Himalayas.
Enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by the support team before retiring to your tents for an overnight stay in the heart of the alpine meadows.
Ali Bedni Bugyal to Wan Village
9.5 km
5–6 hrs.
Wake up early to witness a spectacular Himalayan sunrise over the snow-covered peaks. As the first rays of sunlight illuminate Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti, the surrounding meadows glow with golden hues, creating one final unforgettable memory of Ali Bedni Bugyal.
After breakfast, begin your descent back towards Wan Village. The trail retraces your route through the expansive alpine meadows before gradually entering the dense oak and rhododendron forests once again. Walking downhill allows you to appreciate the diverse landscapes from a completely different perspective.
The descent is relatively comfortable but includes a few steep sections that require careful footing. Along the way, you'll pass through peaceful forest trails alive with birdsong, flowing mountain streams, and occasional glimpses of wildlife. The changing scenery—from wide-open grasslands to thick forests—beautifully showcases the ecological diversity of the Garhwal Himalayas.
Take short breaks to enjoy the cool mountain breeze and capture the final views of the surrounding peaks before leaving the alpine zone behind. If weather conditions are clear, this is another excellent opportunity for landscape photography.
By afternoon, you'll arrive back at Wan Village. After checking into your guesthouse or campsite, you can relax with a warm cup of tea, freshen up, and reflect on the incredible experiences of the past few days. The peaceful atmosphere of the village provides the perfect setting to unwind after the trek.
Enjoy your final dinner in the mountains with fellow trekkers while sharing stories and memories from the journey. Overnight stay at Wan.
Wan Village to Rishikesh
286 km
9–10 hrs.
After breakfast, bid farewell to the beautiful Himalayan village of Wan and begin your return journey towards Rishikesh. Although the trekking adventure has come to an end, the scenic drive provides one final opportunity to enjoy the spectacular landscapes of Uttarakhand.
The journey takes you through Lohajung and Karnaprayag, following winding mountain roads through forested slopes, deep valleys, terraced fields, and traditional Himalayan villages. As you gradually descend towards the lower Himalayan region, the landscape changes from the quieter mountain environment around Wan to the greener foothills closer to Rishikesh.
Along the way, the route passes through the river valleys associated with the Alaknanda and Pindar rivers, adding to the scenic beauty of the journey. Depending on the schedule and road conditions, you may take short breaks along the way for refreshments and rest.
Continuing through the Garhwal Himalayas, the drive eventually brings you back to Rishikesh. On arrival, your Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek with The Mountain Hike officially comes to an end.
As you depart, you carry memories of the beautiful alpine meadows, forest trails, Himalayan peaks, peaceful campsites, and unforgettable moments experienced during the trek. The journey may be over, but the experience of exploring the mountains will remain with you long after you return home.
