Gorson Bugyal also spelled as Gurson Bugyal or Gurso Bugyal is a high meadow just above Auli, at about 3,050 m (10,000 ft). It is a gentle 3 km walk from the top of Auli's ski slopes through an oak and conifer forest. On a clear day you see Nanda Devi, Trishul, Dronagiri, Kamet and Hathi–Ghoda peaks from the open grassland.
It is one of the easiest Himalayan meadow walks in Uttarakhand. Families with children and first-time trekkers can do it in half a day.
Gorson Bugyal at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Altitude | About 3,050 m (10,000 ft) |
| Start point | Top of Auli slopes, near the chairlift end |
| Distance | About 3 km one way, 6 km return |
| Time needed | 3 to 4 hours return, with breaks |
| Difficulty | Easy (moderate in snow) |
| Best time | April–June and September–November; December–March for snow |
| Nearest town | Jyotirmath (Joshimath), 16 km by road |
| Extension | Tali Lake / Tali Top, about 2 km further |
What is a bugyal?
In Garhwali, a bugyal is a high-altitude grassland above the tree line. Shepherds bring their sheep and goats here in summer. In spring the meadows turn green and are dotted with small wildflowers. In winter they are covered in snow and become natural ski slopes. Gorson is one of the bugyals that surround Auli.
How to reach the Gorson Bugyal trailhead
Step 1: Reach Jyotirmath (Joshimath).
- From Haridwar or Rishikesh: about 270 km by road via Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag and Chamoli. It takes 9 to 10 hours.
- Nearest railway station: Rishikesh (Yog Nagari) or Haridwar.
- Nearest airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun, about 290 km.
Step 2: Jyotirmath to Auli.
Auli is 16 km from Jyotirmath by road, about 45 minutes by taxi. The famous Joshimath–Auli ropeway has been shut for long periods since 2023. Check our Auli ropeway status page before you plan around it.
Step 3: Auli to the trail start.
Walk up the main slope or take the GMVN chairlift (when it is running) to the top of the slope. The forest trail to Gorson starts from here.
The trail: what to expect
The trail climbs gently through a forest of oak, deodar and pine. The path is clear and well used. You will cross small streams in spring.
After about 2 km the trees thin out and the meadow opens up. The last stretch is a soft grassy climb onto the bugyal. From the top you get a wide 180-degree view of the Garhwal Himalaya.
Most people spend 30 to 60 minutes on the meadow for photos, tea from a flask and a picnic, then walk back the same way.
Extension to Tali Lake (Tali Top)
If you have energy left, continue about 2 km to Tali Lake. It is a small, quiet lake in a forest clearing. In winter it often freezes. Add 2 hours to your day if you go to Tali. Start early so you are back in Auli well before sunset.
Best time for the Gorson Bugyal trek
| Season | Months | What you see | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring and early summer | April to June | Green grass, wildflowers, rhododendrons in April | Families, first-timers |
| Monsoon | July to August | Lush but cloudy, slippery trail, landslides on the highway | Not recommended |
| Autumn | September to November | Clearest mountain views, golden grass | Photographers |
| Winter | December to March | Deep snow, frozen Tali Lake | Snow lovers with a guide |
Our pick: October and early November for the clearest views of Nanda Devi. Choose January and February if snow is your main goal.
Gorson Bugyal in winter
In winter the trail is under 2 to 4 feet of snow. The walk becomes a snow trek and takes longer. Go with a local guide, wear proper trekking shoes with good grip and use gaiters. Microspikes help on icy patches.
Do not attempt it alone after fresh snowfall. The trail markings disappear, and it is easy to lose the path in the forest.
Is any permit needed?
The walk is in a forest area. For a simple day walk you do not usually need a separate permit. Group treks, camping or overnight stays in the meadow may need forest department permission. Local guides and our team arrange this when needed. Rules can change, so confirm locally before you camp.
What to carry
- Trekking shoes with good grip (not sports shoes in snow)
- Warm layers: thermal, fleece and a windproof jacket
- Cap, sunglasses and sunscreen (the sun is strong at 3,000 m)
- 1 to 2 litres of water and dry snacks
- Rain jacket from May onwards
- A small first-aid kit and any personal medicines
- A bag to bring back all your waste
Where to stay
Most travellers stay in Auli (GMVN resort, private hotels and camps) or in Jyotirmath, which has more budget options. See our guide to the best places to stay in Auli.
Safety tips
- Start by 9 am so you are back by 2 pm, before clouds and wind come in.
- Tell your hotel which route you are taking.
- If anyone in your group gets a headache, nausea or breathlessness, rest and walk back down.
- Keep away from the edge of snow cornices in winter.
- Do not feed or follow animals, including stray dogs that often walk with trekkers.
Add Gorson Bugyal to your Auli trip
Gorson Bugyal fits into any Auli trip with one extra half day. Our Auli Chopta tour package and Auli–Chopta group tour can include it, with a local guide in winter. Contact us to plan your dates.
