Auli
Gorson Bugyal (alpine meadow) is a vast rolling grassland at 3,056 metres, just a few kilometres from Auli, and one of the most beautiful high-altitude meadows in Uttarakhand. The 3-km trail from Auli winds through oak and rhododendron forests exploding with red and pink blooms in spring, emerging onto open meadows with unobstructed views of the Nanda Devi range. In winter the entire bugyal becomes a pristine snowfield.
The trail is straightforward in summer but requires snowshoes or YakTrax in winter. The meadow is best at golden hour — carry a torch for the return if you time sunset here.