Youth Camp on Ali Bedni Bugyal
Adventure & Camping In The Himalayas For 15-16 Year Olds
Adventure & Camping In The Himalayas For 15-16 Year Old
At Indiahikes, we have taken over 8,000 children trekking through various outdoor programmes. Over the course, we have realised that trekking brings about remarkable changes in children’s behaviour. It makes them more confident and resilient, connects them with nature, and also imparts life values and lessons that can’t be taught in classrooms.
As a step forward, last year, we launched trekking summer camps for 8-14 year olds in the Himalayas. It was a hit. The reactions we got from parents made us realise the magnitude of the impact the summer camp had on children.
This year, we are going bigger with youth camps for 15-16 year olds. 15-16 is a crucial year in anyone’s life. The experiences young adults have and the exposure they get at this age go a long way in shaping their lives. The youth camp is designed to engage these young minds through hands-on experiences such as making fire, building shelter, and cooking some meals etc. They not only impart survival skills in the outdoors but also learn to work collaboratively,how to take care of themselves and nature, and resolve conflicts that may arise.
The youth camp is on the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek - the largest twin meadows in our country. The trail goes through remote Himalayan villages, dense forests, and finally vast meadows with stunning views of Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti. The climb to Bedni Top is challenging and brings a high sense of achievement. Out of the other meadow treks in our country — Dayara Bugyal, Gidara Bugyal, and Bhrigu Lake trek — Ali Bedni has the grandest of mountain views. That’s because of one thing — the sight of Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti jutting right out of the meadows.
Registering for the youth camp trek: Registering for a youth camp trek is slightly different from other treks. We are working on making the process easier for you; meanwhile, refer to these steps.
At Indiahikes, we have taken over 8,000 children trekking through various outdoor programmes. Over the course, we have realised that trekking brings about remarkable changes in children’s behaviour. It makes them more confident and resilient, connects them with nature, and also imparts life values and lessons that can’t be taught in classrooms.
As a step forward, last year, we launched trekking summer camps for 8-14 year olds in the Himalayas. It was a hit. The reactions we got from parents made us realise the magnitude of the impact the summer camp had on children.
Complete Information on the Ali Bedni Bugyal Youth Camp
We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.
Use this section to learn about the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.
Trek Map of the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek
Day 1
Reach Dehradun by 6.00 pm and drive to Rishikesh
If your child is travelling alone, make sure to book a flight that reaches Dehradun airport by 6.00 pm. We will have the pick-up arranged from the airport to Rishikesh.
If you are travelling along with your child, you can either choose to drop them off at Dehradun airport or directly at Live Free Hostel, Rishikesh.
Day 2
Drive from Rishikesh to Lohajung
Departure time: 6.30 am | Approx arrival at Lohajung: 4-5 pm
Reach the Indiahikes community campus at Lohanjung by vehicle (Non-AC).
Day 3
Drive from Lohajung to Wan. Trek to Gehroli Patal
Trek Distance: 6.3 km | Trek Duration: 6 hours | Altitude gain: 7,550 ft to 10,350 ft
Day 4
Explore around Gehroli Patal
Fun team-building activities and acclimatisation walks
Day 5
Trek from Gehroli Patal to Abin Kharak via Bedni Bugyal
Trek Distance: 5.6 km | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Altitude gain: 10,350 ft to 11,145 ft via 12,550 ft
Day 6
Explore around the Abin Kharak campsite, participate in nature journaling, and team-building activities
Day 7
Trek from Abin Kharak to Didna
Trek Distance: 9.3 km | Trek Duration: 5 hours | Altitude loss: 11,145 ft to 8,150 ft
Day 8
Trek from Didna to Lohajung
Trek Distance: 8 km | Trek Duration: 4-5 hours | Altitude loss: 8,150 ft to 7,550 ft
Day 9
Drive from Lohajung to Dehradun Airport
Drive distance: 260 km | Drive Duration: 10-11 hours | Drop off Time: 2 pm
The drive from Lohajung to Dehradun will be in a non-AC vehicle.
All trekkers will be dropped back at Dehradun Airport by 2 pm. Make sure you book return flights that depart only after 3 pm.
Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.
Trek Map of the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek
IMPORTANT POINTS
➤ Documents required: It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo ID for entry at forest check posts on the trek.
➤ Pick-up time and punctuality: Trekkers must be on time for the pick-up at Dehradun. Delays will not be entertained. It affects the whole day's plan. Please reach Dehradun the previous night, if required.
➤ Packing snacks for the trek: Trekkers will be given healthy food with a good variety, including plenty of trail snacks. Yet, if you're sending snacks along, ensure no plastic waste is generated. This is a plastic-free trek. Encourage zero-waste snacks.
➤ A note on staying facilities: Trekkers will be staying in tents throughout the youth camp. These are expedition-grade tents that keep them safe from all weather conditions. There is no bathing facility on the trek.
Day 1
Reach Dehradun by 6.00 pm and drive to Rishikesh
If your child is travelling alone, make sure to book a flight that reaches Dehradun airport by 6.00 pm. We will have the pick-up arranged from the airport to Rishikesh.
If you are travelling along with your child, you can either choose to drop them off at Dehradun airport or directly at Live Free Hostel, Rishikesh.
Day 2
Drive from Rishikesh to Lohajung
Departure time: 6.30 am | Approx arrival at Lohajung: 4-5 pm
Reach the Indiahikes community campus at Lohanjung by vehicle (Non-AC).
Day 3
Drive from Lohajung to Wan. Trek to Gehroli Patal
Trek Distance: 6.3 km | Trek Duration: 6 hours | Altitude gain: 7,550 ft to 10,350 ft
Day 4
Explore around Gehroli Patal
Fun team-building activities and acclimatisation walks
Day 5
Trek from Gehroli Patal to Abin Kharak via Bedni Bugyal
Trek Distance: 5.6 km | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Altitude gain: 10,350 ft to 11,145 ft via 12,550 ft
Day 6
Explore around the Abin Kharak campsite, participate in nature journaling, and team-building activities
Day 7
Trek from Abin Kharak to Didna
Trek Distance: 9.3 km | Trek Duration: 5 hours | Altitude loss: 11,145 ft to 8,150 ft
Day 8
Trek from Didna to Lohajung
Trek Distance: 8 km | Trek Duration: 4-5 hours | Altitude loss: 8,150 ft to 7,550 ft
Day 9
Drive from Lohajung to Dehradun Airport
Drive distance: 260 km | Drive Duration: 10-11 hours | Drop off Time: 2 pm
The drive from Lohajung to Dehradun will be in a non-AC vehicle.
All trekkers will be dropped back at Dehradun Airport by 2 pm. Make sure you book return flights that depart only after 3 pm.
Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.
IMPORTANT POINTS
➤ Documents required: It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo ID for entry at forest check posts on the trek.
➤ Pick-up time and punctuality: Trekkers must be on time for the pick-up at Dehradun. Delays will not be entertained. It affects the whole day's plan. Please reach Dehradun the previous night, if required.
➤ Packing snacks for the trek: Trekkers will be given healthy food with a good variety, including plenty of trail snacks. Yet, if you're sending snacks along, ensure no plastic waste is generated. This is a plastic-free trek. Encourage zero-waste snacks.
➤ A note on staying facilities: Trekkers will be staying in tents throughout the youth camp. These are expedition-grade tents that keep them safe from all weather conditions. There is no bathing facility on the trek.
Day 1: Reach Dehradun by 6.00 pm and drive to Rishikesh
If your child is travelling alone, make sure to book a flight that reaches Dehradun airport by 6.00 pm. We will have the pick-up arranged from the airport to Rishikesh.
If you are travelling along with your child, you can either choose to drop them off at Dehradun airport or directly at Live Free Hostel, Rishikesh.
If your child is travelling alone, make sure to book a flight that reaches Dehradun airport by 6.00 pm. We will have the pick-up arranged from the airport to Rishikesh.
If you are travelling along with your child, you can either choose to drop them off at Dehradun airport or directly at Live Free Hostel, Rishikesh.
Day 2: Drive from Rishikesh to Lohajung
Duration:10-11 hours |Drive distance:260 km
The drive: You drive along mountain roads, through forests. You also get glimpses of the Garhwal mountains in the distance on a clear day.
Lohajung is the base camp for the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek. The route, once you cross Nainital, is beautiful. You drive along mountain roads, and through forests. You also get glimpses of the Garhwal mountains in the distance on a clear day.
Once you reach Lohajung, you find yourself face to face with the beautiful Nanda Ghunti peak. If you reach before sunset, the colours of the peak will enthral you.
Lohajung is at the centre of 7-8 nearby villages. There are a couple of local stores where you can buy jackets, hand gloves, caps, shoes etc. if need be. However, it is advised that you carry all the required things for the trek beforehand and not rely on these shops. You will have a mobile network in most parts of Lohajung.
Lohajung, as the locals say, is the place where Goddess Parvati had a war (Jung) with the demon, Lohasur. Hence, the name translates to ‘War with Lohasur.’
Lohajung is the base camp for the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek. The route, once you cross Nainital, is beautiful. You drive along mountain roads, and through forests. You also get glimpses of the Garhwal mountains in the distance on a clear day.
Once you reach Lohajung, you find yourself face to face with the beautiful Nanda Ghunti peak. If you reach before sunset, the colours of the peak will enthral you.
Lohajung is at the centre of 7-8 nearby villages. There are a couple of local stores where you can buy jackets, hand gloves, caps, shoes etc. if need be. However, it is advised that you carry all the required things for the trek beforehand and not rely on these shops. You will have a mobile network in most parts of Lohajung.
Lohajung, as the locals say, is the place where Goddess Parvati had a war (Jung) with the demon, Lohasur. Hence, the name translates to ‘War with Lohasur.’
Day 3: Drive from Lohajung to Wan. Trek to Gehroli Patal
Trek Duration: 6 hours | Trek Distance: 6.3 km
Altitude gain: 7,550 ft to 10,350 ft
Difficulty: Moderate. This day is full of ascent from Wan to Gehroli Patal
Water sources: Carry sufficient water. You will cross streams intermittently where you can refill your water bottles.
You’ll start by taking a vehicle from Lohajung to Wan. It’s a drive of about 45 mins.
The initial trail from Wan is cemented through a cluster of houses. 15 minutes into your trek, you will find a cluster of centuries-old Cypress trees. It would take four people to circumvent the tree! Try hugging it.
From here, there are two trails you can spot. One goes straight ahead to the ridge. The second one acts as a deviation from the Latu Devta temple. Latu Devta is a local deity, who is believed to protect the area. The mountain folk pay obeisance to him before ascending higher on the Nanda Devi Jat Yatra. Ring the temple bell here for a safe trek before going back to the ascending trail to the ridge – Ranaka Dhar. It takes 30-45 minutes to ascend from Wan to Ranaka Dhar. At Ranaka Dhar, take in the view of Lohajung, Wan and the valley below!
From here, it is a short descent to the iconinc Neel Ganga. The bridge on Neel Ganga is an idyllic location to take a breather. Trees overhang the river and the water trips and fall over boulders in the shade. The water here is cool and refreshing.
From here begins the beautiful continuous ascent to the first campsite, Gehroli Patal. The trail now winds through Oak and Rhododendron forests and the path is strewn with dry leaves that crunch and crackle beneath your trekking shoes. There are walnut, pear, Himalayan roses and other flora you can find on this climb. You may even spot birds like a flycatcher, and magpies. Keep a lookout.
This is a trek of about 3 hours that brings you to a clearing with a green trekker’s hut and the welcome sight of Trishul. This is Gehroli Patal.
On a clear day, you get astounding views of Mt Trishul commandeering over the area. Set up camp here.
You’ll start by taking a vehicle from Lohajung to Wan. It’s a drive of about 45 mins.
The initial trail from Wan is cemented through a cluster of houses. 15 minutes into your trek, you will find a cluster of centuries-old Cypress trees. It would take four people to circumvent the tree! Try hugging it.
From here, there are two trails you can spot. One goes straight ahead to the ridge. The second one acts as a deviation from the Latu Devta temple. Latu Devta is a local deity, who is believed to protect the area. The mountain folk pay obeisance to him before ascending higher on the Nanda Devi Jat Yatra. Ring the temple bell here for a safe trek before going back to the ascending trail to the ridge – Ranaka Dhar. It takes 30-45 minutes to ascend from Wan to Ranaka Dhar. At Ranaka Dhar, take in the view of Lohajung, Wan and the valley below!
From here, it is a short descent to the iconinc Neel Ganga. The bridge on Neel Ganga is an idyllic location to take a breather. Trees overhang the river and the water trips and fall over boulders in the shade. The water here is cool and refreshing.
From here begins the beautiful continuous ascent to the first campsite, Gehroli Patal. The trail now winds through Oak and Rhododendron forests and the path is strewn with dry leaves that crunch and crackle beneath your trekking shoes. There are walnut, pear, Himalayan roses and other flora you can find on this climb. You may even spot birds like a flycatcher, and magpies. Keep a lookout.
This is a trek of about 3 hours that brings you to a clearing with a green trekker’s hut and the welcome sight of Trishul. This is Gehroli Patal.
On a clear day, you get astounding views of Mt Trishul commandeering over the area. Set up camp here.
Day 4: Explore around Gehroli Patal
This day, young minds will stay at Gehroli Patal campsite. It's a campsite nestled in the forest and is a perfect place to connect them with nature.
Young adults will explore forests around Gehroli Patal, participate in bird watching and nature journaling.
This day, young minds will stay at Gehroli Patal campsite. It's a campsite nestled in the forest and is a perfect place to connect them with nature.
Young adults will explore forests around Gehroli Patal, participate in bird watching and nature journaling.
Day 5: Trek from Gehroli Patal to Abin Kharak via Bedni Bugyal
Trek Duration: 4 hours | Trek Distance: 5.60 km
Altitude gain: 10,350 ft to 11,145 ft via 12,550 ft
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate. Short climb with rolling meadows followed by a slightly steep ascent to Bedni Top and a gradual descent to Abin Kharak.
Water sources: Carry sufficient water. No water sources on the way.
Start your day with a climb through the oak and Rhododendron forest. The trail takes a steep ascent and crosses the tree line, leading you straight to Bedni Bugyal. Far ahead, hundreds of meters is the famous Bedni Kund.
From here, just 800 metres away is the highest point on the trek, the Bedni Top. You get the best views from the top. Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti appear right in front of you.
The weather fluctuates in these parts and you can have moments of wild sunshine followed by anxious cloud cover. Keep your raincoat handy. Sometimes it rains for a few minutes leaving you frustrated, at times it could rain for a few hours.
From Bedni Top, descend down to the main trail. You need to stick to this main trail. This is the trail which takes one to the famous trek of Roopkund.
The opposite side is Ali Bugyal and takes the gradual descent. Takes a sharp turn on the ledge hugging the mountains.
Now leisurely walk your way to Ali Bugyal, 2 km away and more or less at the same level.
Clouds drift in from below, glide over the ridge and slide down either side, all in a slow, swift motion. You watch countless horses grazing on the bounty of nature. Foals tearing themselves across the turf in an uninhibited abandon, just being themselves.
From Ali Bugyal, Abin Kharak campsite is on the left side of the ridge and in a depression in the bugyal. Stay the night here.
Start your day with a climb through the oak and Rhododendron forest. The trail takes a steep ascent and crosses the tree line, leading you straight to Bedni Bugyal. Far ahead, hundreds of meters is the famous Bedni Kund.
From here, just 800 metres away is the highest point on the trek, the Bedni Top. You get the best views from the top. Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti appear right in front of you.
The weather fluctuates in these parts and you can have moments of wild sunshine followed by anxious cloud cover. Keep your raincoat handy. Sometimes it rains for a few minutes leaving you frustrated, at times it could rain for a few hours.
From Bedni Top, descend down to the main trail. You need to stick to this main trail. This is the trail which takes one to the famous trek of Roopkund.
The opposite side is Ali Bugyal and takes the gradual descent. Takes a sharp turn on the ledge hugging the mountains.
Now leisurely walk your way to Ali Bugyal, 2 km away and more or less at the same level.
Clouds drift in from below, glide over the ridge and slide down either side, all in a slow, swift motion. You watch countless horses grazing on the bounty of nature. Foals tearing themselves across the turf in an uninhibited abandon, just being themselves.
From Ali Bugyal, Abin Kharak campsite is on the left side of the ridge and in a depression in the bugyal. Stay the night here.
Day 6: Explore around Abin Kharak
Abin Kharak is a beautiful campsite located on extreme end of Ali Bugyal.
Set in the wide open, this campsite offers the best sunrise, sunset and a perfect place for stargazing too. There cannot be a better place for young minds to just roll on the meadows, spend the entire day bonding with each other and participating in various team building activities.
Abin Kharak is a beautiful campsite located on extreme end of Ali Bugyal.
Set in the wide open, this campsite offers the best sunrise, sunset and a perfect place for stargazing too. There cannot be a better place for young minds to just roll on the meadows, spend the entire day bonding with each other and participating in various team building activities.
Day 7: Trek from Abin Kharak to Didna
Trek Duration: 6 hours | Trek Distance: 9.3 km
Altitude loss: 11,145 ft to 8,150 ft
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate. A level walk on an undulating meadow to begin with and gradual descent through the forest setion.
Water sources: Carry sufficient water. You will cross streams intermittently where you can refill your water bottles.
Take some time in the morning to soak in the mesmerizing sight of the undulating meadows of Ali Bugyal. If you are tempted to take off your shoes and allow the feel of the carpet on your toes, just go ahead and do it!
You are on the top of a ridge that spreads in every direction. Acres and acres of green meadow scooped out of the mountainside.
Today's trek is all about descending from Abhin Kharak and reaching Didna.
Start your day and about 1.5 km later, the landscape suddenly opens up. Walk for about 1.5 - 2 km, you'll see Mt Chaukhambha behind you on the right. Though far away, you can identify the peak. Don't miss to turn back and see the view as you are trekking down. From here, you will further descend down to Tolpani. The forest continues to flaunt the trail on either side.
You reach Tolpani, a cluster of shepherds’ huts 3 km away and 1,000 ft lower. Continue to walk on the ridge through the forest section. You need to take the trail to the right.
The descent, however, is a good one through some of the densest oak and rhododendrons you’ll see. Under you is a never-ending brown carpet of leaves. The forest keeps changing every half an hour and perhaps is one of the most untouched sections until you reach Didna.
Didna is an ideal campsite with a clear stream running down to its right. This campsite gives you the experience of camping in one of the most remote villages of Uttarakhand. The campsite gazes across the valley. Lohajung, Kulling and Wan span left to right in a sweep.
Take some time in the morning to soak in the mesmerizing sight of the undulating meadows of Ali Bugyal. If you are tempted to take off your shoes and allow the feel of the carpet on your toes, just go ahead and do it!
You are on the top of a ridge that spreads in every direction. Acres and acres of green meadow scooped out of the mountainside.
Today's trek is all about descending from Abhin Kharak and reaching Didna.
Start your day and about 1.5 km later, the landscape suddenly opens up. Walk for about 1.5 - 2 km, you'll see Mt Chaukhambha behind you on the right. Though far away, you can identify the peak. Don't miss to turn back and see the view as you are trekking down. From here, you will further descend down to Tolpani. The forest continues to flaunt the trail on either side.
You reach Tolpani, a cluster of shepherds’ huts 3 km away and 1,000 ft lower. Continue to walk on the ridge through the forest section. You need to take the trail to the right.
The descent, however, is a good one through some of the densest oak and rhododendrons you’ll see. Under you is a never-ending brown carpet of leaves. The forest keeps changing every half an hour and perhaps is one of the most untouched sections until you reach Didna.
Didna is an ideal campsite with a clear stream running down to its right. This campsite gives you the experience of camping in one of the most remote villages of Uttarakhand. The campsite gazes across the valley. Lohajung, Kulling and Wan span left to right in a sweep.
Day 8: Trek from Didna to Lohajung
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Trek Distance: 8 km
Altitude gain: 8,150 ft to 7,550 ft
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate. Starts with a descent from Didna to Ramganga river followed by an ascent to Lohajung
Water sources: Carry sufficient water. You will cross streams intermittently where you can refill your water bottles.
Today's trek starts with a steep zig-zag descent from Didna.
Stick to the trail that goes around the village on the outer periphery — they lead directly from the Didna campsite, a clearing 200 ft below the village. The descent is steep and your legs can tire easily. Your next stop is to reach the iron bridge over the river. All along your walk to Raun Bagad, you hear the whistles of the thrushes and the soft chirps of the swallows among the rhododendrons.
This is Raun Bagad, a grassy bank on the river – a good place to camp. Below, the Wan river tumbles about as it rushes to meet the Bedni Ganga and seemingly out of the depths of the river, you’ll spot Lammergeiers, their massive wings stretched out catching the eddies. From the iron bridge, Lohajung is two hours away from here.
From here, you have one trail that goes to Kulling and the other one takes you to Lohajung.
The route of Kulling village is quite an ascent from the Wan river. This is a shortcut one can take. However, the trail is very much exposed and steep. You gain elevation very rapidly and you don’t like it. Kulling is a cluster of 20-odd houses set against the emerald green of stepped hills.
The other trail to Lohajung is a well-marked trail with a gradual ascend through mixed forests. Have lunch in one of the clearings on your way to Lohajung. This is a much more gradual ascent to reach Lohajung.
You are expected to reach Lohajung by 2 pm.
Today's trek starts with a steep zig-zag descent from Didna.
Stick to the trail that goes around the village on the outer periphery — they lead directly from the Didna campsite, a clearing 200 ft below the village. The descent is steep and your legs can tire easily. Your next stop is to reach the iron bridge over the river. All along your walk to Raun Bagad, you hear the whistles of the thrushes and the soft chirps of the swallows among the rhododendrons.
This is Raun Bagad, a grassy bank on the river – a good place to camp. Below, the Wan river tumbles about as it rushes to meet the Bedni Ganga and seemingly out of the depths of the river, you’ll spot Lammergeiers, their massive wings stretched out catching the eddies. From the iron bridge, Lohajung is two hours away from here.
From here, you have one trail that goes to Kulling and the other one takes you to Lohajung.
The route of Kulling village is quite an ascent from the Wan river. This is a shortcut one can take. However, the trail is very much exposed and steep. You gain elevation very rapidly and you don’t like it. Kulling is a cluster of 20-odd houses set against the emerald green of stepped hills.
The other trail to Lohajung is a well-marked trail with a gradual ascend through mixed forests. Have lunch in one of the clearings on your way to Lohajung. This is a much more gradual ascent to reach Lohajung.
You are expected to reach Lohajung by 2 pm.
Day 9: Drive from Lohajung to Dehradun Airport
Duration: 10-11 hours | Drive distance: 260 km
Leave the community campus at 7 am and reach Rishikesh by 2 pm. Please make sure to book return flights which depart only after 3 pm.
Leave the community campus at 7 am and reach Rishikesh by 2 pm. Please make sure to book return flights which depart only after 3 pm.
Moderate | Level 1
Suitable for Fit Beginners
At Indiahikes, while rating a trek difficulty we consider several factors. These include altitude gained every day, length of a trek every day, highest altitude, nature of the terrain, weather etc. Based on this we rate a trek as easy or difficult or somewhere in between.
Here are some difficult sections on the trek:
1. From Wan to Gehroli Patal : It's quite a bit of an ascent through age-old oak forest.
2. Climb to Bedni top
3. Steep descent from Didina to Lohajung
How we ensure youth safety
There could be sections of hard snow on the trail. In such cases, Indiahikes takes care of youth safety by giving them microspikes. The Trek Leader will tell the trekkers when to wear microspikes. Indiahikes technical team will lead in this section to make the footholds required for trekkers to step on.
In case of any steep sections, the Indiahikes team will fortify the section through ropes. If it is not steep enough for ropes, the Indiahikes teams will stand guard at the edge, and help young adults across the section.
At altitudes above 10,000 ft, the chances of being hit by Acute Mountain Sickness are real. There might be symptoms such as (a) Persistent headache (b) Feeling fatigued or weak (c) Feel nauseous or vomit (d) Feeling dizzy or lightheaded, often while sitting up or standing suddenly (e) You don’t feel like eating, you have a loss of appetite (f) You don’t sleep very well at night.
We ensure that we detect altitude sickness in its earliest stages, or we avoid it altogether. We do this by
1. Distributing the altitude gain over multiple days, to ensure slow, acclimatised ascent. This takes care of most AMS cases, cutting down the possibilities by almost 90%.
2. Safety Check-in: Checking oxygen and BP upon arrival. This way, we know the child is healthy and safe upon arrival.
3. Three-time time health check: Checking the saturation and pulse thrice a day for every child. This ensures the slightest symptoms are detected and treated immediately.
Exit Points
Weather plays a big role in your safety on the trek. Here are some of the weather-related issues that can play an important role in your Ali Bedni Bugyal trek.
At altitudes above 10,000 ft, snowfall can happen anytime. A spell of rain on the lower slopes almost usually leads to light or heavy snow in the upper regions.
It can rain or snow abruptly at any time at such high altitudes. A rainfall or snowfall that lasts more than four hours can change your trek plans. Rain can flood the trails or make them too slushy to walk safely on. Some normal sections can become very slippery.
On the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek, snowfall is a distinct possibility near Bedni Top Especially in the winter months. Snowfall can obstruct previously made paths. This means fresh tracks have to be cut on the snow.
The Indiahikes technical team along with the Trek Leader takes a call on when to proceed with the trek and when to stay back. A team may have to turn around from the highest camp if the weather turns worse.
What To Pack For Your Trek
These are documents required for legal purposes by Indiahikes and the forest department. Without any of these, you will not be allowed to trek.
- Original and photocopy of government photo identity card. Anything such as a driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or passport will do. This is required by the forest department for your identification.
- Disclaimer certificate. This is a legal requirement. Download the PDF, read carefully and sign it. This must be handed over to your Trek Leader during the registration at the base camp – Download the PDF
- Medical certificate. There are two sections in this. The first part must be filled by a practising doctor. The second part must be filled by you. Without the medical certificate, the forest department will not issue permissions for your trek. It is also a requirement by Indiahikes – Download PDF
Note: Please carry the above document with you. The document needs to be downloaded (PDF), filled in, signed, and handed over to the trek leader at the base camp. Please print these back-to-back on two sheets. Do not print separately and help in reducing paper usage.
PRO TIPS
Keep important documents in a clear plastic cover and slide them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack. This keeps them from getting wet. Please note there is no facility to get printouts and photocopies at Sari.
Before you purchase any gear, make sure you visit the Indiahikes rental store, where you can get custom-made high quality gear at 5% of the buying cost.
You can rent trekking shoes, backpacks, padded jackets, trekking poles, rainwear and headlamps for less than Rs 1400 for the entire duration of your trek. Visit the store here.
Here is a list of everything you need for your trek.
Shoes and backpack
- Trekking shoes with ankle support (Available on rent)
- Backpack with rain cover (Available on rent)
Warm Layers and Clothes
- Warm layers (Padded jackets available on rent)
- 3 layers if you're trekking in spring, summer and monsoon (1 woollen sweater, 1 fleece, 1 padded jacket)
- 4 layers if you're trekking in autumn (1 woollen sweater, 2 fleece, 1 padded jacket)
- 5 layers if you're trekking in winter (1 pair of thermals, 1 woollen sweater, 2 fleece, 1 padded jacket) - 3 Collared T-shirts (Wear one, carry two)
- 2 quick-dry trek pants (Wear one, carry one)
Accessories
- Sunglasses
- Sun cap with flaps (Available for purchase)
- Waterproof gloves
- Balaclava
- Woollen socks (2 pairs of Dry fit + 1 pair of Woollen)
- Headlamp (Available on rent)
- Trekking pole (Available on rent)
- Rain jacket + pants / poncho
Toiletries:
- Sunscreen
- Moisturiser
- Light towel
- Lip balm or vaseline
- Toilet paper (Wet wipes are strictly not allowed on our treks)
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Reusable plastic covers (for used clothes)
Cutlery:
- Steel lunch box, spoon and mug
- Two water bottles or Hydration Pack
Once you run through this list, don't miss this ultimate guide on what gear to take on a trek. It contains tips on what gear to choose, where to get it from and how much to spend on it.
Our only tip: Keep your backpack light. Indiahikes practices low impact sustainable trekking in every aspect of the trek. Carrying your own personal backpack reduces your impact on the mountains by 20%. We expect all our trekkers to carry their own backpacks unless they have a justifiable reason not to.
Bedni Bugyal is an alpine meadow in the state of Uttarakhand. It lies directly North of popular hill stations like Nainital, Kausani, Almora and Gwaldam. You’ll see these meadows at an elevation range of around 10,000 ft – 11,000 ft. These meadows are famous for being beautiful landmarks on the Roopkund trail.
It takes two days of climbing to reach Ali and Bedni Bugyal from Lohajung. If you’re approaching Ali and Bedni Bugyal from Didna, it takes slightly longer (a rough distance of 15 km). Being just south of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, these meadows have striking views of the peaks within the sanctuary — Mt Nanda Ghunti, Mt Trishul, Maiktoli and Mrigthuni. You also see the Chaukhamba massif from these meadows.
Bugyal (pronounced boog-yaal) is a Hindi word that refers to alpine pasture lands or alpine meadows that grow above around 10,500 ft and below 13,000 ft. These alpine meadows are always found above the treeline, so they’re vast open lands, usually with great scenic views of the mountains and valleys around them.
Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal are two of the most famous bugyals in our country. Dayara Bugyal and Gidara Bugyal are other examples of bugyals in India.
Ali Bedni Bugyal youth camp trek is a 9 day trek. You will be staying at our campus in Lohajung and in tents on other days of the trek. Each tent accommodates 3 trekkers.
Our campsites are pitched near water sources. For your day’s trek, two litres of water should be enough. On Day 2 and Day 5, you will find one water source to refill your water bottles. Your trek leader will brief you about these before starting the day’s trek.
You will get mobile signals at Lohajung for most networks. Signals will be intermittent in the mountains. So finish all your important calls at Lohajung and inform anxious family members about limited phone connectivity.
As per electricity, The last charging point would be at our basecamp in Lohajung. However, come prepared for the possibility of power cuts at Lohajung.
Since you will be starting and returning to the guest house at Lohajung, it is possible for you to leave some luggage behind, if required. However, make sure you do not leave any valuables - Indiahikes is not responsible for loss or damage to any belongings.
Yes. They won't carry their full backpack. They will carry only essentials with them. Water, food, sweater, rain jacket.
There are no charges for offloading. They need backpacks for their basic stuff. We will have kit bags for extra load of those who can't carry their full load.
We will have 5:1 ratio of team members on Youth Camps. For every 5 young adults, there will be one of Indiahikes team member to take care of them.
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What Young Minds Learn
Our youth camps are a mix of fun, adventure and learning. Through the course of the trek and the program design, young minds learn the basics of trekking, camping, and wilderness survival.
- Building a shelter out of bare minimum resources
- First aid skills through mock drills
- Navigation skills using maps and GPS tools
- Skills to identify and set up campsites in the outdoors
- Cooking in the wild
- Learning to cross streams
Given that youth are in the heart of some of the richest biodiversity in our country, they learn first-hand about forests, plants, birdlife, animals, and all-natural elements around them.
- See and feel the rich biodiversity of Himalayan forests
- Learn about birdlife and animals endemic to the region
- Learn about the stars and the Milky Way by experiencing it in real-life
- Nature journaling
- Experiencing the forest
- Witness big Himalayan ranges at close quarters and learn the stories associated with them
At Indiahikes, we are very conscious about how we trek and how we treat the outdoors. There’s a certain spirit of trekking we believe in — a minimal and sustainable way of trekking. These are imparted by our Green Trails initiative, which inevitably has a big impact on young minds.
- Learn a minimal way of living by exploring lifestyles in remote villages in the foothills
- Clean trekking trails and leave mountains better
- Understand the importance of saving natural resources
- Learn the basics of waste management — segregating and composting waste
- Understand how to make composting toilets in the outdoors
Other camping treks for children
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