Snowfields and a Bond Beyond Generations: Shripad’s Dayara Bugyal Trek

At the age of 63, Shripad did not expect that an innocent question from his grandson would take him to the snowy meadows of Uttarakhand. With a passion for books and a love for long morning walks, Shripad had never ventured beyond gentle hills. But one Sunday morning, his 15-year-old grandson, Param, handed him a brochure with snowy landscapes and bold letters: “Dayara Bugyal Snow Trek - Thrillophilia.”

“Have you ever walked on snow?” Param asked, wide-eyed with curiosity.

Shripad looked at the photograph of trekkers standing on a snowfield with the mighty Himalayas behind them. “No,” he admitted with a smile, “but it is never too late, is it?”

That moment planted the seed for a journey that would become a cherished memory for both the grandfather and the grandson.

From Dehradun to Raithal

It was peaceful in Dehradun early in the morning when Shripad and Param arrived. A driver from Thrillophilia welcomed them and joined other participants for the long and scenic drive to Raithal village in Uttarkashi.

As the road wound through pine forests, terraced fields, and sleepy mountain towns, Shripad felt the change. The chaos of city life faded with each curve and was replaced by silence and cool air. Param shared facts about glaciers and birds that he had learnt in his school books. Shripad simply smiled and enjoyed the mountain views.

Raithal greeted them with golden sunlight and a breeze that smelled of cedar and wildflowers. The homestay was modest and warm, and the hosts welcomed them like family. That evening, over steaming cups of chai, they met their trek leaders, Ashish and Kapil Rawat. Both of them were young, and full of energy.

“It is rare to see a grandfather-grandson duo on a snow trek,” Ashish commented.

Shripad laughed. “Well, this is my first snow trek. Let us hope I make it through.”

Kapil smiled. “With your spirit, sir, you might end up inspiring us all.”

Under a sky filled with stars, Param and Shripad stood silently outside their homestay. 

Through Forests to Gui

The trek began after a warm breakfast and a detailed safety briefing. The group of trekkers formed a loosely connected chain through the oak forests leading to their first campsite, Gui.

The trail was scenic, gentle, and surrounded by tall trees whose canopies filtered sunlight in patches. Shripad kept a steady pace while pausing in between to admire the mossy boulders and chirping birds. Param moved ahead with a camera to capture every squirrel, flower, and rustling branch.

“You are doing well,” Ashish remarked while walking beside Shripad.

“I am taking it slow,” Shripad smiled, “as I want to feel every part of this journey.”

After about four hours, the forest opened into the Gui campsite. It was a wide alpine meadow with rows of pitched tents and a breathtaking view of snow-draped mountains. The air was colder now. Campfire preparations were underway, and other trekkers were gathering with stories and laughter.

Later that evening, the group took a short acclimatisation walk. The path opened into smaller meadows where the sky seemed impossibly vast. The sunset painted the sky in shades of orange and pink and cast long shadows over the snow patches. Shripad watched Param race a mountain dog while the wind tugged at their jackets.

By the firelight, Shripad told a few stories from his young days. Param listened, and his eyes reflected both the fire and a growing respect for the man beside him.

Reaching Dayara Bugyal

The third day of the trek began with frost on the tents and silence broken only by the crunch of boots on frozen grass. It was the day of the main climb to Dayara Bugyal.

The trail from Gui to the top was steeper and colder, with snow making its presence felt early. As they climbed, trees began to thin into vast open stretches. Ashish and Kapil guided the group gently and ensured everyone kept pace and stayed hydrated.

For Shripad, every step was a conversation with his breath, the mountain, and the strength he did not know he still had.

The moment they reached Dayara Bugyal, the world seemed to pause. It was nothing short of a miracle.

Vast white meadows stretched endlessly with a glow under the sun, and snow sparkled like diamond dust. The Dodital range stood in the distance like ancient guardians of the land. Shripad stood still. 

The final push to Dayara Top was steep, which tested both stamina and spirit. Shripad hesitated once, but a voice called from above.

“You are almost there, Aajoba!” Param yelled.

With Ashish by his side and determination in every step, Shripad made it. At the summit, Param threw a handful of snow in the air and shouted, “We did it!”

Leaving with More Than Memories

That night back at Gui, the stars were brighter, and the fire warmer. Param and Shripad sat quietly while their boots were drying near the fire.

“Thank you for saying yes,” Param said softly.

Shripad smiled. “Thank you for asking.”

The next day, the final descent to Raithal began. It was easier now as it was less breathless and more familiar. Shripad walked steadily while exchanging occasional words with Kapil, who told him, “Sir, most people your age choose comfort. You chose courage.”

Shripad replied, “Sometimes, comfort is found in discovering what we are still capable of.”

Back in Raithal, the homestay seemed like home. After lunch, their vehicle awaited to take them back to Dehradun. Param fell asleep in the car.

And Shripad looked out one last time at the receding peaks. The mountains had given him a story of connection, resilience, and love that spans generations.

Read More:
Thrillophilia Trek Reviews