A three-dimensional mesh model of rugged terrain is built based on the digital elevation model data. The average normal vector of each slope element is derived from its slope angle and aspect. Given the sun-view geometry in global system, the sun- view geometry of each slope element in local coordinate system can be calculated through coordinate conversion. Considering the shadowing effect, a bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) model of bare surface over rugged terrain is established in visible and near-infrared band. The validation of the model in desert area is conducted. The effect of the degree of surface relief and solar zenith angle on the model is studied. The results show that the tendency of BRDF varying with viewing azimuth angle of different rugged terrains has characteristic asymmetric distribution. BRDF in near perpendicular plane is larger than that in near principal plane. BRDF of the same rugged terrain decreases with the increase of solar zenith angle. BRDF tends to be larger as the wavelength increases.