Lyuti Bugyal, also written as Lwiti Bugyal, is a high-altitude meadow located on the way to Rudranath Temple in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. It lies at an altitude of about 2,800–2,900m and serves as one of the most important resting points on the Rudranath trek.
The bugyal is spread over open grassy slopes and offers wide views of the valleys and surrounding ridges. It lies just below Panar Bugyal and is considered the base point before the final climb to Panar and further towards Rudranath.
How to Reach Lyuti Bugyal
Via Sagar Village (Most Common Route)
The trek to Lyuti Bugyal usually begins from Sagar village near Gopeshwar. The trail passes through Pung Bugyal, Kalchant Bugyal, and Mauli Kharak before reaching Lyuti. This is the most popular route taken by both trekkers and pilgrims.
Via Toli Tal (Urgam Valley or Maikot)
Another route to Rudranath temple, connecting at Panar Bugyal, comes from Urgam Valley or Maikot through Toli Tal. From Panar, one can descend to reach Lyuti Bugyal as part of a longer circuit.
Via Mandal through Anusuya Devi
Trekkers starting from Mandal village through Anusuya Devi temple reach Rudranath first. On their return journey, they descend to Panar and then to Lyuti Bugyal before reaching the Sagar village.
Importance of Lyuti Bugyal
Lyuti Bugyal is one of the main padavs (halts) on the Rudranath route. Trekkers usually stay here overnight in camps before proceeding to Panar Bugyal the next morning. Since camping at Panar Bugyal is restricted, Lyuti has become the main camping site for the trail.
From Lyuti, trekkers get a clear view of Jhandi Top, the ridge where Panar Bugyal begins. Behind the meadow, a steep mountain slope forms the route towards Rudranath. In front of liyuti Bugyal, a deep open valley spreads out, adding to the scenic beauty of this campsite.
Local Saying
Trekkers often hear the local saying: “Rudranath ki chadhai aur German ki ladai”. This is said to come true once the steep climb begins after Pung Bugyal on the way to Lyuti, reflecting the difficulty of this section.
Places Near Lyuti Bugyal
Pung Bugyal – A meadow about 4 km from Sagar, where the doli of Rudranath ji halts during the kapat opening.
Kalchant Bugyal – A small meadow offering wide views of the valley.
Mauli Kharak – A rest point with dhabas and a natural water source.
Panar Bugyal – The vast alpine meadow just above Lyuti.
Best Time to Visit Lyuti Bugyal
The best time to visit Lyuti Bugyal is during the summer (April–June) and autumn (September–October) seasons. In summer, the trail is covered with blooming rhododendrons, while autumn offers clearer skies and sharp views of the Himalayan peaks. Monsoon months are less preferred due to slippery trails and fog.
