Gorson Bugyal

High alpine meadow 1.5 km from Auli, at 3,056 metres — a sea of wildflowers in summer

Gorson Bugyal is a high alpine meadow sitting at about 3,056 metres, just 1.5 kilometres from Auli's ski slopes, and it is one of the most beautiful easily accessible high-altitude landscapes in the Garhwal Himalayas. In summer (May to October), the meadow blooms with Himalayan wildflowers — brahmakamal, primulas, anemones, and dozens of other species that appear as soon as the snow retreats.

The walk from Auli takes about 45 minutes on a clear trail through rhododendron and oak forest before breaking out onto the open meadow. The views from the bugyal — south across the Garhwal valleys, north toward the Nanda Devi massif — justify the walk even if you turn back at the meadow edge. Longer routes continue from Gorson Bugyal to Kuari Pass and the high ridgelines beyond.

The meadow is grazed by shepherds in the pastoral season, and you may encounter their flocks and temporary shelters.

things to do sight wildlife
A story
"Bugyal" is a local Garhwali word for high-altitude meadow, and the bugyals around Auli are among the most extensive in the western Himalayas. Gorson Bugyal covers several square kilometres of open grassland above the treeline, grazed by local herders in summer and blanketed in snow in winter. The sheep and goats that move through here in the grazing season have used these routes for centuries.