Day 1 : Day 1: Drive Rishikesh to Lohajung

Day 2 : Day 2: Lohajung to Didna

Day 3 : Day 3: Didna to Ali Bugyal

Day 4 : Day 4: Ali Bugyal to Bedni Bugyal Top and back to Ali bugyal

Day 5 : Day 5: Ali Bugyal to Wan. Drive from Wan to Lohajung.

Day 6 : Day 6: Drive from Lohajung to Rishikesh.

Lohajung is the base camp for the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek. The best way to reach here is from Rishikesh. The route, once you cross Rishikesh, is beautiful. You drive along mountain roads, 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 12-15 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 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, which translates to ‘War with Lohasur.’

From Lohajung, just behind the bus stand is a trail that takes you to Raun Bagad, an iron bridge, just below Didna village. This is a well-marked trail descending through mixed forests. All along your walk to Raun Bagad/Kulling you hear the whistles of the thrushes, the soft chirps of the swallows among the Rhododendrons. 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. If you have taken the route on the road, Kulling village springs out on you at a bend (6 kms from Lohajung, 7,650 ft). Kulling is a cluster of 20 odd houses set against the emerald green of stepped hills. From the Kulling village, it is quite a descent to the Wan river. You lose elevation and you don’t like it, knowing in a while you’ll have to climb all the height lost on the other bank. If you have taken the trail through the mixed forest, then it is a gradual descent to the river and you don’t feel it. Two hours out of Lohajung, you reach an iron bridge over the river. This is Raun Bagad, a grassy bank on the river – a good place to camp. Think about this if you reach Lohajung early and looking for a homestay that gives you a head start. The trail starts to climb right after you cross the river. It is a zig-zag climb to Didna. The climb’s moderate but your legs tire easily. Breathing hard, you’ll reach Didna in about an hour and half’s time. Stretch it to two if your conditioning isn’t great. Didna village can be a bit confusing with many trails running into it. Stick to the trails that go around the village on the outer periphery — they lead directly to the Didna homestay, a clearing 200 ft above the village.

Didna is an ideal homestay with a clear stream running down to its right. The campsite gazes across the valley. Lohajung, Kulling and Wan span left to right in a sweep. Behind you through the Oak forest, high above is your highlight for the next part of the trek – the twin meadows of Ali and Bedni Bugyal. Start your day by walking towards Tolpani, a cluster of shepherd’s hut 3 kms away and a 1,000 ft higher. The trail to Tolpani moves away from the general direction of Ali Bugyal. The climb, however, is a good one through some of the densest oak you’ll see. Under you is a never ending brown carpet of leaves. Once you are on the ridge leading to the twin meadows, turn around start walking towards them. The forest continues to flaunt the trail on either sides. After walking for a shade under 3 kms, the landscape suddenly opens up. Soak in the mesmerising sight of the undulating meadows of Ali Bugyal. You are on the top of a ridge that spreads in every direction. Acres and acres of green meadow scooped out of the mountainside. Ali Bugyal campsite is series of climb right out of the forest, a depression in the bugyal. Stay at Ali bugyal campsite the night here.

Clouds drift in from below, glide over the ridge and slide down the 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. The climb over, leisurely walk your way to Bedni Bugyal, 5 kms away and more or less at the same level. 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! 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. A “L” in the folds of the mountain, and the Bedni Bugyal unfolds below you, a heavenly strip of green overlooking the western valley. Take the trail heading to back to Ali bugyal.

From Ali Bugyal, it is a steep ridge descent to the Neel Ganga. Take your time because you will rarely see a more wondrous stretch of forest cover. The bridge on the Neel Ganga is an idyllic location to wash the dirt and grime of the long trek. Trees overhang the river and the water trips and falls over boulders in the shade. The water is cool and refreshing. From the river it is a short half-hour climb to the ridge above Wan village. There are many routes to the bottom of the Wan village, and all roads eventually lead down to the road junction (Kasar Bagad) near the hydel project. It takes about an hour and half to get down to Kasar Bagad. It is a steep descent. There is an alternative longer route to get down to Wan. From the ridge top of Wan, take the main trail that runs to the right. Follow the trail until it reaches the Cyprus trees at the lower Wan village. Spend time looking at the Cyprus trees because they are centuries old! You’ll take a jeep from Wan to Lohajung. It’s a drive of about 45 mins.

You’ll leave for Rishikesh early in the day. You will reach Rishikesh between 7 pm and 8 pm. Check out the reaching time to rishikesh and plan accordingly your further journey.