Bugyal

Bugyals are alpine pasture lands, or meadows, in higher elevation range between 3,300 metres (10,800 ft) and 4,000 metres (13,000 ft) of the Himalayas in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, where they are called "nature’s own gardens". The topography of the terrain is either flat or sloped. The surface of these bugyals is covered with natural green grass and seasonal flowers. They are used by tribal herdsmen to graze their cattle. During the winter season the alpine meadows remain snow-covered. During summer months, the Bugyals present a riot of beautiful flowers and grass. As bugyals constitute very fragile ecosystems, particular attention needs to be given for their conservation.

Some of the notable bugyals are: Auli near Joshimath, Garsi, Kwanri, Bedni, Panwali and Kush Kalyan, Dayara and Munsiyari.

Auli Bugyal in Chamoli district, a highland pasture in the Garhwal Himalaya is known as the "Heaven Terrace". It lies in an elevation range of 2,500–3,050 metres (8,200–10,010 ft) with ski slopes located at an elevation of 3,048 metres (10,000 ft). On either side of the bugyal there are coniferous, oak and deodhar forests which limits the wind velocity to acceptable 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) for skiing. It is in the backdrop of Nanda Devi (7,817 metres (25,646 ft)), Kamet (7,756 metres (25,446 ft)), Mana Parvat (7,273 metres (23,862 ft)), Dunagiri mountain (7,066 metres (23,182 ft)), Hati Parvat (6,727 metres (22,070 ft)), Bethantoli (6,353 metres (20,843 ft)) and Ghora Parvat peaks of the Himalayas. The trek to Auli passes through lush vegetation of apple orchards and oak forest. The ski slopes are said to better than those at Gulmarg. During the winter months (January to March) the slopes are covered with a mantle of snow which is spread over a width of 3 kilometres (1.9 mi), and has a thickness 8–10 feet (2.4–3.0 m). It is a skiing resort with modern skiing equipment. It is the venue of skiing festivities and the annual national championship of skiing held during February and March. It is 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) away from Joshimath. A 500 metres (1,600 ft) ski-lift system exists here which is believed to be the longest cable car (3.9 kilometres (2.4 mi)) from Joshimath to the top most station at Gorson. It is the only location where artificial snow making system is provided to ensure that snow is present on the slopes for skiing. There are also two snow beaters which are used to make the snow slopes fit for skiing. As it is a winter sports centre and Vayudoot two airports have been planned in the region. R. V. Vernede, the British Deputy High Commissioner of the district during the British Raj had built a hut known as “Vernede” here at an elevation of 11,000 feet (3,400 m). It is under the control of the Garhwal Vikas Manadl, which also provides for all skiing gear at site.

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Wikipedia