Shripad Joglekar’s Himalayan Journey to Dayara Bugyal with Thrillophilia
Shripad Joglekar never imagined his retirement years would lead him to snow-capped Himalayan meadows. But life, as it often does, surprised him through the innocence of a simple question from his grandson.
Shripad was sipping his tea and reading the newspaper when his 15-year-old grandson, Param, looked up from his tablet and asked, “Ajoba, have you ever walked on snow?”
Shripad smiled. “No, not yet.”
“Then let us go,” Param said without hesitation. “Let us walk on snow together.”
And just like that, we were ready for the Dayara Bugyal trek in Uttarakhand.
The Road to Raithal
On the first day, Shripad and Param arrived in Dehradun and were greeted by a smiling driver from Thrillophilia. Their car wound through lush mountain roads while climbing higher with every turn. Shripad admired the silence between the trees and the gushing of distant waterfalls.
The seven-hour drive ended at Raithal, a peaceful village above Uttarkashi. Shripad noticed how simple and grounded life was here. Their homestay was surrounded by terraced fields and quiet hills.
That evening, the trekkers gathered for an orientation led by Ashish and Kapil Rawat, two local guides who instantly warmed to Shripad’s story.
“A grandfather and grandson duo? That is rare,” Ashish remarked with a smile.
“I have always wanted to do something like this,” Shripad replied. “But I needed a nudge. This boy gave it to me.”
As the stars came out and the chill deepened, Param sat beside his grandfather and gazed up at the constellations. “We are really doing this, Aajoba,” he whispered.
Shripad smiled and patted his back. “Yes, my boy. Together.”
The Forest Trail to Gui
The next morning began with a delicious breakfast. Wrapped in thermals and layered clothing, Shripad adjusted his trekking pole and set off alongside Param. The group’s destination was the Gui campsite.
The trail wound through ancient oak forests, where sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, and birds sang from unseen branches. Shripad walked with measured steps while Param moved ahead, taking photos and chasing butterflies.
After nearly four hours of walking, the trees began to thin, and the landscape opened into a wide alpine meadow of Gui. The sight was mesmerising. Tents were pitched neatly in rows against the background of distant snow-capped peaks.
Shripad stood still for a moment.
In the evening, the group went for a short acclimatisation walk. As twilight painted the sky in pinks and purples, Shripad and Param sat near a small campfire with other trekkers. Stories were exchanged, and laughter echoed through the mountains.
The Magic of Dayara Bugyal
The morning of the third day brought a blanket of frost over everything. Steam rose from mugs of tea, and the air was filled with expectations. This was the day they would trek to Dayara Bugyal, one of the most stunning high-altitude meadows of Uttarakhand.
The trail from Gui was covered with snow. As they climbed higher, the forest slowly gave way to an open area of Dayara Bugyal.
Shripad stood silently and soaked in the vastness. The meadow stretched endlessly, covered in fresh snow that sparkled under the morning sun. In the distance, the Dodital range appeared majestic and eternal.
Param threw a snowball into the air and shouted, “We made it!”
Shripad laughed. “We certainly did.”
The final ascent to Dayara Top was steeper, and Shripad took it slow. Kapil stayed beside him to encourage him. At the top, Param was already waiting.
As Shripad reached the summit, he was breathless from the view. The mountains, valleys, sky, and snow merged into a scenery that was impossible to describe.
He hugged Param tightly. “Thank you,” he said softly. “For this day.”
They sat there for a long time without speaking, just enjoying the views.
The Walk Back
Back at Gui, the energy was quieter and deeper. Everyone knew the journey was coming to an end. Shripad and Param lay in their tent and recounted moments from the day, like slipping on snow and spotting wild hare tracks.
“I will remember this forever,” Param said.
“So will I,” Shripad replied.
The next morning, the group began their descent to Raithal. The trail was now familiar. As they walked downhill, Kapil said to Shripad, “You have inspired all of us, sir. We hope to trek like you when we are older.”
Shripad smiled.
Back in Raithal, the vehicle awaited to take them back to Dehradun. As they drove away, Shripad looked one last time at the mountains.
A Beautiful Memory
Back at home, Shripad often revisits the photos of Param smiling in snow and the sun lighting up the meadows.
But what he remembers most is the shared laughter around the fire and the bond that deepened in the shadows of the Himalayas.
Read More: Thrillophilia Uttarakhand Reviews