GUI TREK
29 December 2025
After many months, during the New Year holidays, I finally planned a Himalayan trek with my cousin who joined me from Hyderabad. Since we were booking at the last minute, popular treks like Chandrashilla and Nag Tibba were already full. We finally chose the Dayara Bugyal trek, hoping to experience snow.
We booked the trek through Himalayan Dream Treks, and the experience was great. The team was prompt, transparent, and even informed us in advance that snow was uncertain, though snowfall was expected towards the end of December.
We started from Delhi on 27th December and reached Dehradun by evening. The journey was slow due to the cab’s speed limit, but the stay at Doon’s Pride was comfortable. The next day, we traveled by a 15 seater van (Force Traveller) to Raithal village, where we met fellow trekkers; they were 6 people. Raithal village is at the height of 6,900 ft above sea level. After refreshments and a detailed trek briefing, we enjoyed dinner followed by a warm bonfire, where I did night photography and captured the bonfire and Raithal village.
On 29th December, we began our trek to GUI Base Camp (9,000 ft) at 9:30 am. The trail was steep and exhausting, especially for me, but the sunny weather and a refreshing stop for local flower juice kept us going. Buransh juice, made from the bright red flowers of the Buransh (Rhododendron) tree, was especially refreshing. The 4 km trek took us around 5 hours. During the trek we took at least 5-6 times breaks/rest, which was very much necessary for us. GUI Base Camp was peaceful, offering scenic views of key mountain peaks; Bandarpunch I, Bandarpuch II, Kalanag and the Bhagirathi massif. At the GUI base camp, the basic facilities were managed by the trek organizers taking support from local villagers.
In the evening, we relaxed with tea, pakoras, photography, and another bonfire. Due to fatigue, cold, and confirmation that there would be no snowfall the next day, we decided to abort the trek the next day and return instead of continuing to Dayara Bugyal. That’s the reason, why this blog got the name GUI trek.
On 30 December, we descended back to Raithal, rested, and returned to Dehradun, followed by a comfortable drive back to Delhi the next day.
Budget Overview for the GUI Trek
In conclusion:
Although we couldn’t complete the Dayara Bugyal trek, the journey to GUI Base Camp was truly memorable. The steep trails, warm village hospitality, bonfires, photography, and shared stories made it a worthwhile experience. Please take a look at all the pictures from the trek.
References:
Himalayan Dream Treks: www.himalayandreamtreks.in
Hotel Doon’s Pride in Dehradun: 63 Gandhi Road Dehradun near Railway Station, Paltan Bazaar, 248001 Dehradun.
