Surya Top
A Summit Climb Amidst Grand Meadows
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TREK DIFFICULTY
Moderate
TREK DURATION
7 Days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
12,900 ft
A Summit Climb Amidst Grand Meadows
In our country, we have some of the grandest meadows to walk on and then some of the finest summits to climb. But there is one trek that combines both of these, and that is the Surya Top Trek.
Surya Top is an extension of our much-loved Dayara Bugyal trek. Trekkers often get teary-eyed upon reaching Dayara meadows on the Dayara Bugyal trek. They're floored by the endless grasslands, not to mention the big mountain views. Such is the setting of the meadows.
What if we told you that this is just the tip of the iceberg?
Surya Top is a real deal when it comes to experiencing the grandeur of Dayara meadows in its entirety. You trek on the meadows not just for a couple of hours but for two full days! At Devkund, you are at the end of the Dayara meadows. Right behind you are endless stretches of perfectly manicured meadows that extend as far as your eyes can reach. You explore all that Dayara Meadows has to offer. This is only possible when you do the Surya Top Trek.
Our first group of trekkers was bowled over by the beauty of Surya Top. See the photos here.
Another highlight of Surya Top is the ridge walk from Devkund to Siyari. You have beautiful valleys on both sides. Mt Bandarpunch and Kalanag stand right in front of you. On top, it‘s not a regular straight ridge walk. It meanders, and as it does so, the mountains play hide and seek with you.
As you think this trek cannot get any better, comes the summit climb to the Surya Top. Though it’s not a technical climb, it tests your endurance. Once you are at the summit, the Gangotri range, Mt Bandarpoonch and Mt Kalanag that you were seeing from afar now stand at a touching distance from you. Especially Mt Bandarpoonch is so close to you, it feels like you can just jump to the other side and land on Bandarpoonch. Views like this are something any mountain lover would die for!
To sum it up, Surya Top ticks off all the boxes on the checklist of a great trek. It is a must-have trek on every mountain lover’s bucket list.
In our country, we have some of the grandest meadows to walk on and then some of the finest summits to climb. But there is one trek that combines both of these, and that is the Surya Top Trek.
Surya Top is an extension of our much-loved Dayara Bugyal trek. Trekkers often get teary-eyed upon reaching Dayara meadows on the Dayara Bugyal trek. They're floored by the endless grasslands, not to mention the big mountain views. Such is the setting of the meadows.
Photo Gallery
Surya Top - Complete Trek Information
We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.
Use this section to learn about the Dayara Bugyal trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.
Day 1
Drive From Dehradun to Raithal
Drive Distance: 185 km | Drive Duration: 9 hours | Pick up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Grand Legacy Hotel, Dehradun | Pick up Time: 6.30 am | Location of Indiahikes basecamp: Raithal
Transport will be arranged at 6.30 a.m. This cost has to be borne by trekkers and paid directly to the driver. Cost of the cab – Rs 7,000 per vehicle for an SUV, shared among 5-6 trekkers, or Rs 11,500 per vehicle for a Tempo Traveler, shared among 11-12 trekkers.
Day 2
Drive from Raithal to Barsu | Trek from Barsu to Pichkiya
Drive distance: 20 km | Duration: 1 hour | Trek distance: 5.3 km | Duration: 5-6 hours | Altitude loss and gain: 7,142ft to 10,764ft
Day 3
Trek from Pichkiya to Siyari
Trek distance: 2.2 km | Duration: 3 hours | Altitude loss and gain: 10,764ft to 11,482ft
Day 4
Trek from Siyari to Devkund via Surya Top
Trek distance: 9.5 km | Duration: 10 hours | Altitude loss and gain: 11,482ft to 11,679ft via 12,900ft
Day 5
Trek from Devkund to Nayata or Chilapada
Trek distance: 4-6 km | Duration: 5-7 hours | Altitude loss: 11,679ft to 10,530ft
Day 6
Trek from Nayata or Chilapada to Raithal
Trek distance 1: 4-7 km | Duration 1: 4-8 hours | Altitude loss 2: 9186ft to 7142ft
Day 7
Drive from Raithal to Dehradun
Drive Distance: 185 km | Drive Duration: 9 hours | Drop off point for Indiahikes trekkers:Hotel Grand Legacy, Dehradun | Drop off Time: 6 pm
IMPORTANT POINTS
➤Documents required: It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo id along with the mandatory documents of the Medical Certificate and Disclaimer form. This is required for trek permissions. The medical certificate along with the disclaimer form will be part of the Safety Check-in done by the trek leader when you arrive at the base camp.
➤ Stay facility: Your accommodation will be organised in Swiss tents at our Raithal Campus. After getting on the trail, you will be camping in twin-sharing Tents designed for high altitude expeditions by Indiahikes.
➤ Cloakroom facility for excess luggage: We have a cloakroom facility available at the basecamp for extra luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave behind one piece of luggage at no charge. Anything beyond one piece of luggage is chargeable at Rs 500 per luggage. (The luggage could be a backpack / suitcase / duffel bag or anything similar.).
➤ Thinking of offloading your backpack? Think again: Indiahikes practices low impact sustainable trekking in every aspect of the trek. Carrying your own personal backpack reduces your impact on the mountains by 20%. We expect all our trekkers to carry their own backpacks unless they have a justifiable reason not to. (Read our thoughts here)
Day 1
Drive From Dehradun to Raithal
Drive Distance: 185 km | Drive Duration: 9 hours | Pick up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Grand Legacy Hotel, Dehradun | Pick up Time: 6.30 am | Location of Indiahikes basecamp: Raithal
Transport will be arranged at 6.30 a.m. This cost has to be borne by trekkers and paid directly to the driver. Cost of the cab – Rs 7,000 per vehicle for an SUV, shared among 5-6 trekkers, or Rs 11,500 per vehicle for a Tempo Traveler, shared among 11-12 trekkers.
Day 2
Drive from Raithal to Barsu | Trek from Barsu to Pichkiya
Drive distance: 20 km | Duration: 1 hour | Trek distance: 5.3 km | Duration: 5-6 hours | Altitude loss and gain: 7,142ft to 10,764ft
Day 3
Trek from Pichkiya to Siyari
Trek distance: 2.2 km | Duration: 3 hours | Altitude loss and gain: 10,764ft to 11,482ft
Day 4
Trek from Siyari to Devkund via Surya Top
Trek distance: 9.5 km | Duration: 10 hours | Altitude loss and gain: 11,482ft to 11,679ft via 12,900ft
Day 5
Trek from Devkund to Nayata or Chilapada
Trek distance: 4-6 km | Duration: 5-7 hours | Altitude loss: 11,679ft to 10,530ft
Day 6
Trek from Nayata or Chilapada to Raithal
Trek distance 1: 4-7 km | Duration 1: 4-8 hours | Altitude loss 2: 9186ft to 7142ft
Day 7
Drive from Raithal to Dehradun
Drive Distance: 185 km | Drive Duration: 9 hours | Drop off point for Indiahikes trekkers:Hotel Grand Legacy, Dehradun | Drop off Time: 6 pm
IMPORTANT POINTS
➤Documents required: It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo id along with the mandatory documents of the Medical Certificate and Disclaimer form. This is required for trek permissions. The medical certificate along with the disclaimer form will be part of the Safety Check-in done by the trek leader when you arrive at the base camp.
➤ Stay facility: Your accommodation will be organised in Swiss tents at our Raithal Campus. After getting on the trail, you will be camping in twin-sharing Tents designed for high altitude expeditions by Indiahikes.
➤ Cloakroom facility for excess luggage: We have a cloakroom facility available at the basecamp for extra luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave behind one piece of luggage at no charge. Anything beyond one piece of luggage is chargeable at Rs 500 per luggage. (The luggage could be a backpack / suitcase / duffel bag or anything similar.).
➤ Thinking of offloading your backpack? Think again: Indiahikes practices low impact sustainable trekking in every aspect of the trek. Carrying your own personal backpack reduces your impact on the mountains by 20%. We expect all our trekkers to carry their own backpacks unless they have a justifiable reason not to. (Read our thoughts here)
Day 1 (Pick-up Day): Drive from Dehradun to Raithal
Drive Duration: 8 hours | Drive Distance: 185 km
Altitude: 7,142 ft
Drive distance: 185 km
Highlights: Watch out for Tingling Point, from where you get to see the astounding views of almost all of Uttarakhand's highest peaks, including Mt Nanda Devi.
Raithal, the base camp for the Surya Top trek, is around 9 hours away from Dehradun.
The drive takes you through lovely forest stretches as soon as you exit Dehradun. Within an hour, you pass through Mussoorie, one of the most popular hill stations of Uttarakhand.
Between Mussoorie and Uttarkashi, you come across a viewpoint, often called the Tingling Point, from where you get astounding views of almost all of the Garhwal Himalayas. Right from the mountains near Himachal (Swargarohini and adjoining peaks) to Mt Bandarpoonch to Mt Srikanth, the Gangotri Peaks, the Chaukhamba massif, all the way to Mt Nanda Devi, you get striking views. This is of course possible only on a very clear day.
The largest town on the route is Uttarkashi, from where you head to Bhatwari.
As you approach Raithal, you witness the brilliant colours of sunset over Mt Bandarpoonch, Mt Srikanth, Mt Jaunli and Draupadi ka Danda peaks.
Raithal, the base camp for the Surya Top trek, is around 9 hours away from Dehradun.
The drive takes you through lovely forest stretches as soon as you exit Dehradun. Within an hour, you pass through Mussoorie, one of the most popular hill stations of Uttarakhand.
Between Mussoorie and Uttarkashi, you come across a viewpoint, often called the Tingling Point, from where you get astounding views of almost all of the Garhwal Himalayas. Right from the mountains near Himachal (Swargarohini and adjoining peaks) to Mt Bandarpoonch to Mt Srikanth, the Gangotri Peaks, the Chaukhamba massif, all the way to Mt Nanda Devi, you get striking views. This is of course possible only on a very clear day.
The largest town on the route is Uttarkashi, from where you head to Bhatwari.
As you approach Raithal, you witness the brilliant colours of sunset over Mt Bandarpoonch, Mt Srikanth, Mt Jaunli and Draupadi ka Danda peaks.
Day 2: Drive from Raithal to Barsu and then trek to Pichkiya
Trek distance: 5.3 km | Duration: 5-6 hours
Altitude gain: 7,142ft to 10,764ft
Difficulty: Moderate. Gradual 5.3 km ascent trail throughout.
At Raithal, you can see Mt. Srikanth and Gangotri 1, 2, and 3 in the distance, along with the mountains mentioned above. These become more prominent as you gain altitude on the trail to Chilapada.
After a hot breakfast from the Indiahikes campus, you start driving to Barsu. Barsu is a famous village adjacent to Raithal. The drive itself will take about 1 hour, and you will be covering a distance of 20 km.
The trail from Barsu to Pichkiya is a gradually ascending one. The initial trail takes enough time for you to see the villagers going about their day. You then ascend through the village paddy fields spread all over its outskirts. 1 km into the trek is where the fields end.
On this day itself, you will enter one of the thickest forest sections of the trek. You make your way into a forest that consists mainly of green and brown oaks (moru and kharsu) and rhododendrons. Unlike other places, you do not find pines here.
The forest opens up to a huge clearing after trekking on the trail for about 3.5 km. This is Barnala. Quite a famous hiking spot.
As you climb up from Barnala, you start seeing mountains on the other side, which were earlier hidden from view.
The trek to Pichkiya from here is a mix of patchy forest and clearings.
You cross a couple of streams, which may be flowing, dried, or frozen depending on the season. After trekking for 2 hours, you reach your first trek campsite, Pichkiya.
Take good rest here, and acclimatise. You have just gained more than 3,000ft of elevation. The next day towards Siyari will be much more relaxed.
At Raithal, you can see Mt. Srikanth and Gangotri 1, 2, and 3 in the distance, along with the mountains mentioned above. These become more prominent as you gain altitude on the trail to Chilapada.
After a hot breakfast from the Indiahikes campus, you start driving to Barsu. Barsu is a famous village adjacent to Raithal. The drive itself will take about 1 hour, and you will be covering a distance of 20 km.
The trail from Barsu to Pichkiya is a gradually ascending one. The initial trail takes enough time for you to see the villagers going about their day. You then ascend through the village paddy fields spread all over its outskirts. 1 km into the trek is where the fields end.
On this day itself, you will enter one of the thickest forest sections of the trek. You make your way into a forest that consists mainly of green and brown oaks (moru and kharsu) and rhododendrons. Unlike other places, you do not find pines here.
The forest opens up to a huge clearing after trekking on the trail for about 3.5 km. This is Barnala. Quite a famous hiking spot.
As you climb up from Barnala, you start seeing mountains on the other side, which were earlier hidden from view.
The trek to Pichkiya from here is a mix of patchy forest and clearings.
You cross a couple of streams, which may be flowing, dried, or frozen depending on the season. After trekking for 2 hours, you reach your first trek campsite, Pichkiya.
Take good rest here, and acclimatise. You have just gained more than 3,000ft of elevation. The next day towards Siyari will be much more relaxed.
Day 3: Trek from Pichkiya to Siyari
Trek distance: 2.2 km | Duration: 2-3 hours
Altitude gain and loss: 10,764ft to 11,482ft
Difficulty: Easy, Gradual ascends and descents of 2.2 km
Today's trek starts with a gradual ascent from Pichkiya. You suddenly find yourself leaving the tree line behind. You walk on this ridge to Siyari for 2 km.
Throughout today's journey, the Yamunotri range and its mountains will be directly in front of you. With the Gangotri range guarding your back.
Today your trail is made up of gradual ascents and descents. Soak yourself completely in the sound of the forest. You will come across several streams running downhill.
The entirety of Dayara Meadows will unfold on your left side. After descending slightly from the ridge, you will eventually reach the nearest campsite to the Top, Siyari.
From the vantage point of Siyari, your tent will offer a captivating view of the Gangotri ranges.
Layer up as the evening approaches and retire for the night. You will have the longest day of the trek tomorrow.
Today's trek starts with a gradual ascent from Pichkiya. You suddenly find yourself leaving the tree line behind. You walk on this ridge to Siyari for 2 km.
Throughout today's journey, the Yamunotri range and its mountains will be directly in front of you. With the Gangotri range guarding your back.
Today your trail is made up of gradual ascents and descents. Soak yourself completely in the sound of the forest. You will come across several streams running downhill.
The entirety of Dayara Meadows will unfold on your left side. After descending slightly from the ridge, you will eventually reach the nearest campsite to the Top, Siyari.
From the vantage point of Siyari, your tent will offer a captivating view of the Gangotri ranges.
Layer up as the evening approaches and retire for the night. You will have the longest day of the trek tomorrow.
Day 4: Trek from Siyari to Devkund via Surya Top
Trek distance: 9.5 km | Duration: 10 hours
Altitude gain and loss: 11,482ft to 11,679ft via 12,900ft
Difficulty: Difficult. Steep summit push for 2.5 km. Rest of the day will be long descents and ascents for 7 km
Begin your day by starting out early.
The path to Surya Top involves a steep 2.5-kilometre ascent from Siyari. Retrace your steps back up to the ridge, and from there, climb to the Surya Top. The scent is not easy at all and it will test your true mettle and spirit. But, the effort is rewarded with panoramic views as you conquer the ascent.
As much as you would love to rest at the top, descending on time is crucial as a 7 km trail lies in front of you.
Descend down to Siyari and start your ascent towards one of the grandest ridges in the country. A 4.5 km ridge walk with Gangotri ranges on your left and Yamunotri on your right. During the autumn season, this ridge transforms into a heavenly path filled with vibrant flowers.
As you traverse this expanse, the mountains will play a game of hide and seek, adding an element of excitement to your trek. Descend from the ridge, and you will arrive at the day's campsite, Devkund.
Based on the performance and fitness level of the group, along with weather conditions, the trek leader will make the choice of going through Nayata or Chilapada.
Begin your day by starting out early.
The path to Surya Top involves a steep 2.5-kilometre ascent from Siyari. Retrace your steps back up to the ridge, and from there, climb to the Surya Top. The scent is not easy at all and it will test your true mettle and spirit. But, the effort is rewarded with panoramic views as you conquer the ascent.
As much as you would love to rest at the top, descending on time is crucial as a 7 km trail lies in front of you.
Descend down to Siyari and start your ascent towards one of the grandest ridges in the country. A 4.5 km ridge walk with Gangotri ranges on your left and Yamunotri on your right. During the autumn season, this ridge transforms into a heavenly path filled with vibrant flowers.
As you traverse this expanse, the mountains will play a game of hide and seek, adding an element of excitement to your trek. Descend from the ridge, and you will arrive at the day's campsite, Devkund.
Based on the performance and fitness level of the group, along with weather conditions, the trek leader will make the choice of going through Nayata or Chilapada.
Day 5: Trek from Devkund to Chilapada or Nayata
Trek distance 1: 4-6 km | Duration: 5-7 hours | Altitude loss 1: 11,679ft to 9210ft
Altitude gain and loss: 11,482ft to 9,210ft
Difficulty: Slow paced descent from Devkund covering the Dayara meadows
After yesterday's hustle, today marks a day where you can walk in a relaxed pace. The walk to Nayata, although mostly on a flat gradient, will take between 6-7 hours. This time, you will be going through the vast green meadows of Dayara. During the evening, the meadows are illuminated by beautiful golden rays of light. And yet the best part is that the mountains in the background never leave your sight.
If you decide to take the route to Chilapada, you are in for a shorter trek of 4 km. Chilapada, a small clearing is easily recognisable because of the many chania huts present all around it.
In both the itineraries. You will be walking through the grand Dayara meadows. The entire expanse of the meadows is something you will never get tired of walking on.
After yesterday's hustle, today marks a day where you can walk in a relaxed pace. The walk to Nayata, although mostly on a flat gradient, will take between 6-7 hours. This time, you will be going through the vast green meadows of Dayara. During the evening, the meadows are illuminated by beautiful golden rays of light. And yet the best part is that the mountains in the background never leave your sight.
If you decide to take the route to Chilapada, you are in for a shorter trek of 4 km. Chilapada, a small clearing is easily recognisable because of the many chania huts present all around it.
In both the itineraries. You will be walking through the grand Dayara meadows. The entire expanse of the meadows is something you will never get tired of walking on.
Day 6: Trek from Chilapada or Nayata to Raithal
Trek distance: 4 km | Duration: 4-5 hours | Trek distance 2: 7 km | Duration 2: 8 hours
Altitude loss: 9,1186 ft to 7,142 ft
Difficulty: Easy, Gradual descent through forests and clearings
Today, you start descending on a broken trail. 20 mins of descent from Chilapada will bring you to a rain shelter. Going further you cross a couple of streams, which may be flowing, dried, or frozen depending on the season. Soon you reach Gui Thatch. The path from here will be and easy and relaxed now.
Once you start decending from Gui Thatch towards Gui, you start seeing the igloo-shaped structures of the Forest Department near the Chania huts. Beside the shepherd’s hut, you see Forest Department huts in the shape of igloos.
As you climb down to Gui, you notice that the mountain views begin disappearing. You soon enter into a forest that consists mainly of green and brown oaks (moru and kharsu) and rhododendrons. This makes it a very rich forest. Unlike other places, you do not find pines here.
Approaching Raithal, you come to a water point in the form of a hand pump. You pass through the fields and reach Raithal. Rest well at Indiahikes Raithal Campus.
Today, you start descending on a broken trail. 20 mins of descent from Chilapada will bring you to a rain shelter. Going further you cross a couple of streams, which may be flowing, dried, or frozen depending on the season. Soon you reach Gui Thatch. The path from here will be and easy and relaxed now.
Once you start decending from Gui Thatch towards Gui, you start seeing the igloo-shaped structures of the Forest Department near the Chania huts. Beside the shepherd’s hut, you see Forest Department huts in the shape of igloos.
As you climb down to Gui, you notice that the mountain views begin disappearing. You soon enter into a forest that consists mainly of green and brown oaks (moru and kharsu) and rhododendrons. This makes it a very rich forest. Unlike other places, you do not find pines here.
Approaching Raithal, you come to a water point in the form of a hand pump. You pass through the fields and reach Raithal. Rest well at Indiahikes Raithal Campus.
Day 7: Drive from Raithal to Dehradun
Drive distance: 185 km | Duration: 8 hours
Altitude: 6,415ft
Start from Raithal after breakfast. Enjoy the scenic drive back to Dehradun. You are expected to reach Dehradun at around 7 PM on this day
Start from Raithal after breakfast. Enjoy the scenic drive back to Dehradun. You are expected to reach Dehradun at around 7 PM on this day
Moderate Trek
A Reality Check on the Difficulty Level of this Trek
Surya top trek, which climbs to 12,900ft, is not really difficult. It is rated as 'moderate'. That too is only because of the longer trekking days compared to the easy-moderate treks of Dayara Bugyal, Kedarkantha or Deoriatal Chandrashila.
A moderate rating refers to marginally longer trekking days with a few steep climbs. This makes it a notch more difficult than the easy-moderate treks.
the trek has no exits and there are less technical sections.
That means, on average, you cover 8 km every day. This includes gradual ascents and descents.
That's doable in a well-paced itinerary, like the one we follow for the Surya top trek at Indiahikes. The key is to pace it out and let your body get acclimatized to the higher altitude.
But if you cut it short, say skip camping at Chilpada, then you are exposed to the risk of AMS. In such a situation, be very cautious for any discomfort in your body which may point to AMS. We will talk about this in detail in the next section.
When you are exposed to trekking in the high altitudes, your body might not be well rested or acclimatised to the altitude. There are always risks of AMS even for the fittest and the most experienced trekkers. It is very important that you pay close attention to your body and the symptoms on a high altitude trek. Stay alert for any signs of altitude sickness.
Attend to your uneasiness and take curative measures. Check your vitals before you start the trek - Your BP reading, oxygen saturation levels at every campsite at least twice. If you are feeling uneasy, you can even go on a curative course of Diamox. Hydration and rest is very important as well. If you do not feel normal after a few hours or overnight, do not proceed further on the trek.
To help you understand AMS better, we've put together a complete guide about it. This is a series a videos you must watch before you get onto any high altitude trek:
- What Is Altitude sickness? A Quick Look At AMS, HAPE And HACE
- How To Treat Altitude Sickness – AMS, HAPE, & HACE
- How To Prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), HAPE and HACE
- 3 Life Saving Drugs You MUST Have To Tackle Altitude Sickness – AMS, HAPE and HACE
If you experience any symptoms of AMS, even in the slightest, start taking steps to treat the sickness.
At Indiahikes, our Trek Leaders are trained and equipped to take care of any emergencies related to AMS.
Medical Emergencies can strike on any trek. The key to dealing with them lies in knowing your exit points. Know how to get out and reach the nearest hospital quickly.
On Surya top trek, your best bet is to descend back to Raithal.
The district hospital in Uttarkashi is the closest hospital.
Best Time to do Surya Top Trek
Surya Top Trek is open for trekking during three seasons of the year - Spring, Summer and autumn. The window period is the best for going all the way to Surya Top.
Since the trek does not go to very high altitudes, you can start slightly earlier compared to our other summer treks of high altitude like Rupin Pass or Buran Ghati.
During spring, the trek can be done from the start of March to the end of June. While in autumn it can be done from mid-September to end of October. These are the best times to do the Surya top trek.
Surya top in Summer (end of April to end of June)
Day Time Temperatue: Between 15 °C to 20 °C | Night Time Temperature: At night, the temperature drops to almost 2 °C
Presence of snow:You will have snow during the late weeks of April towards the Surya Top. During May, snow starts to recede at higher altitudes
No. of warm layers required:3 warm layers
Summers are warm on Surya Top trek. Picture bright green meadows getting toasted under hot sunlight.
There is also a distinct summer fragrance in the air especially as you trek under the shadows of oaks and maples.
The atmosphere also gets hazier as there is a lot of dust and pollen in the air at this time. So, you might not get as sharp views as you get in autumn. But you will see the snow-capped mountains in their grandeur on a clear day.
There’s another plus side to the summers on Surya Top trek. Without the challenges of cold temperatures or snow, this trek is at its easiest in the summers.
Surya top in Autumn (mid-Sept to the end of Oct)
Day Time Temperatue: Between 12 °C to 15 °C | Night Time Temperature: At night, the temperature can drop to 0 °C
Presence of snow:Snow can start during the early weeks of November
No. of warm layers required:4 warm layers
In autumn, the skies are at their clearest. That’s when you witness the sharp mountain views. Imagine the majestic Gangotri range, Bandarpoonch popping up from the golden meadows under brilliant blue skies. Sounds picturesque, doesn’t it?
And if you wish to capture these ranges through your camera lens, autumn is the perfect time to do so.
Other than the brilliant mountain views, Dayara Bugyal in autumn is a riot of colours. You will witness maple leaves turning fiery red. This is a signature sight in the Himalayas, and against the backdrop of meadows turning golden, well, it is a sight to behold.
Witness these as you trek, inhaling the crisp, pine-scented autumn air.
By the end of October or the start of November, if the weather turns bad, there are chances of witnessing the first winter snowfall of the year.
Surya Top in Spring (mid-March to the end of April)
Day time temperature: Between 13 °C and 17 °C | Night time temperature: Will drop to 0 °C.
Presence of snow: Great time to experience the last of the winter snow. The snow starts to recede from the lower campsites when spring sets. The upper reaches of the trek are still under snow.
No. of warm layers required: 3-4 warm layers.
Surya Top is an extension of our much-loved Dayara Bugyal trek. Trekkers often get teary-eyed upon reaching Dayara meadows on the Dayara Bugyal trek. But Surya Top is a real deal when it comes to experiencing the grandeur of Dayara meadows in its entirety. You trek on the meadows not just for a couple of hours but for two full days! At Devkund, you are at the end of the Dayara meadows. Right behind you are endless stretches of perfectly manicured meadows that extend as far as your eyes can reach. You explore all that Dayara Meadows has to offer. This is only possible when you do the Surya Top Trek.
Spring in the Surya Top Trek starts in mid-March and goes on until the end of April. The snow starts to melt in the upper reaches, while the grass begins to turn green in the lower meadows. Tiny flowers make their heads out of the grass, while rhododendrons bloom on the trees.
The upper reaches of the Surya Top trek are usually covered in snow until mid-April.
Spring is a great time to experience colour contrasts on the meadows and the ridge walk. You see snow, greenery, and the colour of flowers altogether.
Planning your onward flight/train booking
If you are travelling from Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Mumbai or any other city, book your air tickets either for Day Minus One, which is the day before Day 1 on the itinerary or book a flight/train as such where you will reach half an hour before the pick-up time.
There are two options for your flight booking.
Option 1: Fly directly to Dehradun
We recommend this. It gives you an added rest day at Dehradun. Most metros are directly connected to Dehradun. However, if the cost of the flight ticket to Dehradun is too high, book to Delhi and connect to Dehradun by train/bus.
The Dehradun airport is inconvenient when it comes to city connectivity (either to Rishikesh or Dehradun). Airport buses that ply between Rishikesh to Dehradun via the airport run every hour. In our experience, the hour can stretch to even 1½ hours.
Taxis are available from the airport (plenty). Prepaid taxis are available (look for the pre-paid taxi counter just out of the conveyor belt at the arrivals). You can also flag down a taxi (bargain a bit) with taxis outside the airport. Airport taxis are exorbitant. They usually charge Rs 1500.
Usually, most passengers take taxis from the airport. Try to hook up with co-passengers on the flight for your taxi ride to Dehradun.
Pro Tip: If you want to save real money walk 1.5 km to get to the Dehradun-Rishikesh national highway just outside the airport terminal complex. Take a private/Uttrakhand Vikas Mandal Nigam bus till ISBT Dehradun which will charge you 40 rs. From ISBT Dehradun take a shared auto (shared autos are called Vikrams) to Dehradun Railway Station. Shared autos charge about 10 rs.
Option 2: Flying to Delhi
Flying to Delhi may be a lot cheaper than getting to Dehradun. Make sure to book a flight that reaches Delhi by 8.00 pm. You must arrive in Delhi on Day Zero and not on Day 1.
Note: If you notice the difference in air ticket prices between Delhi and Dehradun is less than Rs 1000 then book directly to Dehradun. The rest and shorter travel time are worth the difference.
Next, book yourself on the Nanda Devi Express to Dehradun (Train No: 12401). It is a fully AC train that leaves at 23.45 hrs from Hazrat Nizamuddin and gets to Dehradun at 5.40 am.
Note: Earlier the Nanda Devi express would depart from New Delhi railway station. From 26 Aug 2019, it leaves from Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station. The train now comes from Kota. So expect about 15 to 30 mins delay in arrival. The train number has changed too from 12206 to 12401.
For Metro train connectivity from Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, take a metro to Dhaula Kuan metro station. Get off and walk down to Durgabai Deshmukh South Campus metro station (there are convenient traveller belts over a skywalk). Take a metro to Hazrat Nizamuddin metro station over the pink line. It takes about 45 mins to an hour to get to Hazrat Nizamuddin over the metro.
At Dehradun, wait for Indiahikes pick up at 6.30 am. Contact your driver by 6.00 am. The number of your transport coordinator will be shared with you a day or two before your departure.
Caution: Do not book on any other train except the Nanda Devi Express. The other option, Mussoorie express, is notorious for its delay. Your pickup vehicle may leave without you. If you do not get tickets on the Nanda Devi Express, take a bus from Delhi to Dehradun, but do not book on the Mussoorie Express.
Pro Tip: Take the afternoon Jan Shatabdi express from New Delhi railway station (leaves at 3.20 PM) to arrive at Haridwar by 9.10 pm. Stay overnight at Dehradun. Take the Indiahikes to pick up the next morning directly from Dehradun Railway Station.
Bus
If in case you do not get a train ticket, there are regular Volvo AC buses from Delhi’s ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Dehradun. You also get Non-AC buses. Buses are frequent and not usually crowded. You can get a bus almost every half hour. Buses take 7-8 hours to get to Dehradun from Delhi. AC bus tickets cost about Rs 700.
Note: The last metro from airport to New delhi to reach Kashmiri gate is 23:15. Metro fare is Rs 60.
Planning your return flight/train booking
Booking your return tickets requires some thought. If your trek ends on day 6, you can book your flight/train tickets for day 7. Make sure to make bookings post 8:00 – 9:00 pm.
Next, if your onward flight departs from Delhi, then book flight tickets on Day 7.
Sometimes trekkers worry if they can book an early morning flight out of Delhi on Day 7. Yes, you can. But book flights that depart only after 8 am. Do not book any flight between 6.00 and 8 am. You may not reach Delhi in time.
How to get to Delhi on time for an early morning flight.
If your flight is early, say between 8.00 and 9.00 am, then there are two options.
Train: Take the Nanda Devi Express from Dehradun (12402) that leaves Dehradun at 10:50 pm to get to Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station at 4.35 in the morning. From Hazrat Nizamuddin, you get airport buses from outside the station as well as taxis. For the Metro train walk down to the Hazrat Nizamuddin metro station, take a metro to Durgabai Deshmukh South Campus, get off and connect to the Dhaula Kuan Airport line metro station (there are convenient traveller belts over a skywalk). From Dhaula Kuan you get the metro train to the airport.
Note: Earlier Nanda Devi express would arrive at the New Delhi railway station. From 26 August 2019, it has been extended up to Kota. It no longer goes to the New Delhi railway station. Instead, it goes to Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station. The train number has changed from 12206 to 12402.
Bus: The other option is to take a bus from Dehradun. It is about a 5½ – 6 hrs journey to Delhi. So if you take a bus that leaves around 9.00 pm, then expect to reach Delhi at around 3.00 AM (ISBT Kashmiri Gate). A bus that leaves at 10 pm will reach Delhi around 4.00 am. AC Volvo buses are the fastest, so opt for them. Non AC buses can take up to 7-8 hours for the journey.
From Kashmiri Gate ISBT you get Airport buses or taxis.
Note: Metro trains in Delhi do not start before 5.00 am.
If you are taking a flight out of Dehradun
If you are taking a flight out of Dehradun then book yourself on Day 7. Most metros are now well connected by Dehradun by flight.
Planning your hotel/stay
In Dehradun, look for hotels around your pick up point. There are quite a few options available online and it is not difficult to find last-minute hotel bookings.
Hotel options at Dehradun
1. Hotel Grand Legacy is where your pick up is. It's a nice option. It has clean rooms with good amneties. Rooms ranges from Rs 1,800 onwards depending on the booking website.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/tcbToJs1qnu3JP349
Phone: +91-9358774612
2. Nomads House is another new backpacker hostel in Dehradun. The atmosphere is good. The place is neat and clean. Indiahikes trek leaders love Nomads House. It is about 10 mins from the Dehradun railway station. Bunk beds start at Rs 400, rooms start at Rs 800. Shared autos are easily available to get to Nomads House.
Location: https://g.page/NomadsHouse?share
Phone: +91-9760596464
3. Hotel Drona, which is a government property owned by the GMVN is decent. It is an old, but large and spacious property. It is about 1.5 km from Dehradun railway station. Rooms start at Rs 750.
Phone: +91-9568006631
Book online https://gmvnonline.com/room-tariff.php?trhID=9&adults=&child=&checkindate=&checkoutdate=
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/sjWSkGhe5LfAN8wDA
4. Simran Guest house is another option near Grand Legacy. It has very basic amneties with rooms starting from Rs 700 onwards.
Location: https://g.page/simran-guest-house?share
Phone: +91 - 9219882447
Hotel options near Jolly Grant Airport
1. Sun n Soil Backpackers hostel is a great option, if you want to stay near Jolly Grant airport. It's a great place for the backpackers and travellers as it has a different ambience. Bunk beds start at Rs 450, rooms start at Rs 1,000.
Location: https://g.page/sun-n-soil-backpacker-hostel?share
Phone: +91 - 9634570743
What if you miss the Indiahikes pickup? How to get to Raithal on your own
If you miss the Indiahikes pick up from Dehradun. Here is how you can get to Raithal base camp on your own.
If you are at Dehradun, take a bus to Uttarkashi as quickly as you can. A bus generally leaves from Dehradun Railway Station to Uttarkashi at 5:30 am. It charges about Rs 355.
Alternatively, there are local private buses and shared taxis from Lansdowne Chowk near Parade Ground to Uttarkashi. The last private bus is at around 9:00 am. There are private buses leaving from Rishikesh for Uttarkashi.
From Uttarkashi, take the shared taxi to Raithal. The taxi stand is at a walkable distance if you get down at the bus stand; it is also known as Bhatwari Taxi Stand. They will charge you Rs 100.
Note: You will find shared taxis from Bhatwari to Raithal until 4 pm.
Note: You will find shared taxis from Bhatwari to Raithal until 4 pm.
| Tip: While this bus hopping may sound cumbersome, we do it regularly at Indiahikes. They are a fun and a good way to know the real Uttarakhand. You also get to meet very interesting local people. So while no one wants to miss a pickup, don’t be too disheartened if it happens. You may just experience one of your best travel moments!
- Original and photocopy of government photo identity card. Anything such as a driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or passport will do. This is required by the forest department for your identification.
- Disclaimer certificate: There are two sections in this. The first part is a personal medical record. The second part is a legal requirement. Download the PDF, read carefully, fill in and sign it. This must be handed over to your Trek Leader during registration at the base camp. – Download disclaimer certificate
- Medical certificate: The medical certificate needs to be filled out by an MBBS doctor, without which the forest department will not issue permissions for your trek. It is also a requirement by Indiahikes – Download medical certificate
Note: Indiahikes has a panel of doctors who can help you with a medical certificate. They are available for online consultation. To get in touch with them, please write to trekmedicalcertificates@gmail.com. They will respond to you within 24 hours.
Consultation fee: Rs 300
PRO TIPS
Keep important documents in a clear plastic cover and slide them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack. This keeps them from getting wet. Please note there is no facility to get printouts and photocopies at Sari.
Before you purchase any gear, make sure you visit the Crosstrek Rental store, where you can get custom-made high quality gear at 5% of the buying cost.
You can rent trekking shoes, backpacks, padded jackets, trekking poles, rainwear and headlamps for less than Rs 1400 for the entire duration of your trek. Visit our Crosstrek Rentals store here.
Here is a list of everything you need for your trek.
Shoes and backpack
- Trekking shoes with ankle support (Available on rent)
- Backpack with rain cover (Available on rent)
Warm Layers and Clothes
- Warm layers (Padded jackets available on rent)
- 3 layers if you're trekking in spring, summer and monsoon (1 woollen sweater, 1 fleece, 1 padded jacket)
- 4 layers if you're trekking in autumn (1 woollen sweater, 2 fleece, 1 padded jacket)
- 5 layers if you're trekking in winter (1 pair of thermals, 1 woollen sweater, 2 fleece, 1 padded jacket) - 3 Collared T-shirts (Wear one, carry two)
- 2 quick-dry trek pants (Wear one, carry one)
Accessories
- Sunglasses (Available on rent)
- Sun cap, preferably with flaps (Available for purchase)
- Waterproof gloves (Available for purchase)
- Balaclava
- Woollen socks (2 pairs of Dry fit + 1 pair of Woollen)
- Headlamp (Available on rent)
- Trekking pole (Available on rent)
- Rain jacket + pants / poncho (Poncho is available on rent)
Toiletries:
- Sunscreen
- Moisturiser
- Light towel
- Lip balm or vaseline
- Toilet paper (Wet wipes are strictly not allowed on our treks)
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Reusable plastic covers (for used clothes)
Cutlery:
- Steel lunch box, spoon and a coffee mug (Lunch box is available on rent)
- Two water bottles or Hydration Pack (Water bottles are available on rent)
Once you run through this list, don't miss this ultimate guide on what gear to take on a trek. It contains tips on what gear to choose, where to get it from and how much to spend on it.
Our only tip: Keep your backpack light. Indiahikes practices low impact sustainable trekking in every aspect of the trek. Carrying your own personal backpack reduces your impact on the mountains by 20%. We expect all our trekkers to carry their own backpacks unless they have a justifiable reason not to.
Carry these medicines with you, easily accessible at all times. Do not take any medicine unless you have consulted your trek leader.
- Diamox (1 Strip): It is important to carry Diamox as part of the Live Saving Drugs. Read more about Diamox here on how it reduces the chances of Acute Mountain Sickness on the trek.
- Dolo 650 (5 tablets): This is a paracetamol. It helps to tackle fever, mild pain
- Avomine (4 tablets): Carry this especially if you are prone to motion sickness. Pop one-half hour before the start of your road journey.
- Combiflam (5 tablets): Take a combiflam if you get a sudden twist of the leg or a muscle strain. It is a pain reliever. It also contains paracetamol.
- Digene (4 tablets): Take it if you feel the food that you’ve taken is undigested. Alert your trek leader immediately. It could be a sign of AMS.
- ORS (6 packs): Consume a pack of ORS water at least once a day, usually a mid-day when you are in the middle of your trek. It replenishes essential salts lost while trekking. Tip: It also makes cold water easier to drink.
- Knee Brace (optional): Carry this if you are prone to knee injury or have known issues of knee pain.
Our trek leaders carry a high altitude medical kit with them which also consist of Life Saving Drugs. If there is an emergency our trek leaders know how to tackle it. Meanwhile, contact your trek leader before consuming any of these medicines listed here.
Pro Tip: We find that these medicines by trekkers are rarely used. But you cannot do away with them. At the end of the trek please donate unused medicines to your trek leader. Some of these medicines get distributed to villages on the trek and some are added to the Indiahikes medical kit.
We recommend jogging as the best routine to get fit for a trek. It works on the same muscles that you use while trekking — your calves, glutes and hamstrings. It helps increase your stamina day by day. It is also an easy routine that does not require any equipment or tools.
Fitness target:
This trek requires you to be able to cover 5 km in under 35 minutes. This is the minimum fitness required for this trek.
How to achieve this fitness?
- Start jogging at least 4 days a week
- If you cannot run 5 km immediately, start with 2 km and increase to 5 km over 2-3 weeks.
- Once you’re able to run 5 km, increase your pace day by day.
- Gradually increase your pace and bring it down to 5 km in less than 35 mins.
- You must be able to run 5 km in 35 mins consistently for at least 2 weeks before the trek.
This trek requires at least 6-8 weeks of preparation. The longer, the better. So plan your trek soon and start preparing.
Here's a complete guide to get you trek fit.
Strength training tips:
How to get Fitness Approval from the Indiahikes team:
Every trekker needs fitness approval from the Indiahikes team 20 days before the trek date. Without this, you will not be allowed on the trek.
What to upload?
- A minimum of 3 screenshots of your runs/jogs/walks/cycling
- Monthly summary of your routine
Why fitness matters:
Every high-altitude trek comes with a set of challenges. Steep ascents and descents, uneven terrain, snow walks, stream crossings, pass crossings, and summit climb. Even the easiest of treks have some of these challenges if not all of them. Without fitness, trekkers struggle, get injured easily, lag behind, or simply fail to complete the trek.
At Indiahikes, we take pride in the fact that our trekkers are among the fittest in the country. Those who do not meet the fitness requirements are often sent back. Our philosophy is that trekking and fitness go hand in hand. Without fitness, there’s no trekking.
The Surya top trek is in the heart of the Garhwal region. The trek starts at Raithal, 43 km from the city of Uttarkashi. The trek takes you close to the Gangotri ranges and Bandarpoonch Mountain massif of the Garhwal Himalayas.
At Raithal you will be staying in the Indiahikes Community Campus. You will be staying in Swiss tents.
Whereas on the campsite, you will be staying in tents. Two people will be sharing a tent.
The accommodation is separate for men and women unless you're a couple or a family.
The Surya Top trek can be done 5 months in a year. During summer and spring, the lush green meadows teeming with blooming wildflowers will take your breath away.
The autumn season gives you the best views of the mountains. The ridge walk and the view from Surya Top will be something to cherish and tell stories about.
Surya Top is classified as a moderate-level trek. It sometimes involves several ascents and descents within a single day, making it physically demanding. The trek has long walking days which requires good physical conditioning.
Yes, you can!
If you are above the age of 58 years, you’ll need to submit a Treadmill Test (not older than 12 months) within a week of completing your trek registration. Apart from this, you should also be able to jog 5 km in 45 minutes.
Snow is typically encountered along this trek during the months of April and early May. Nevertheless, predicting snowfall accurately is challenging due to its nature as a natural phenomenon.
The basecamp at Raithal will have concrete toilets. On Trek days, toilet tents will be set up along each campsite.
A toilet tent will have a deep pit, where one can answer nature’s call. There will be a mound of soil and a shovel to cover it up. These are dry toilets, where you’ll have to use toilet paper. There will be a room freshener as well. It’s the most hygienic and convenient way to answer nature’s call in the wild.
Please use plain toilet paper and refrain from using wet wipes since these are not biodegradable.
What Happens To Your Poop in the Mountains? | Green Trails | Indiahikes
Bhatwari is the last place en route to Raithal where you’ll find ATMs to make some cash withdrawals. However, it has just one ATM which is not always reliable.
Otherwise, in Uttarkashi, all major private and public sector banks have their ATMs and some even have branches in Uttarkashi. However, cash does run out quickly at the Uttarkashi ATMs. Hence, Dehradun is your best bet to make last-minute cash withdrawals.
We advise you to carry around Rs 5000 in cash to pay for your transport to the basecamp, for rental gear deposit and personal expenses en route to the basecamp.
If you’re an Indiahikes trekker, there is no major need for cash as once you arrive at the base camp. All meals, accommodations, permits, and related expenses are taken care of by Indiahikes.
Having more footprint through porters or mules on any trail isn’t good for the ecosystem. This is why, at Indiahikes, we do not encourage offloading. A trekker carries his/her own backpack in the true spirit of trekking.
But if — due to a medical condition — you are unable to carry your own backpack, you may offload your backpack.
The cost of offloading on the Surya Top trek is Rs 2100 for the trek.
There are many treks that have been explored in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Raithal is the starting point of yet another famous trek, Dayara Bugyal.
Watch this video by our Experiential Learning team member, Prathima Chhabria, to know how you can prepare your child physically:
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Highlights
What we like about the Surya Top Trek
1. The grand ridge from Surya Top to Devkund
There are only a handful of treks that have long ridge walks in our country. Surya Top is one of those treks.
When you are on the ridge, it feels like you are trekking next to the most celebrated mountains in our country. The mountains around you play peek-a-boo as you trek. They show up for a moment, then hide behind misty curtains. It's like a game of hide and seek with nature.
Our trek leader, Shravan, who led the first group of trekkers to Surya Top, came back from the trek mind-blown. “This is the grandest ridge walk trek I have done to date. I was awestruck the whole time I was on the ridge. From left to right are the Gangotri range: Bhagirathi I, II, Mt Meru, Thalay Sagar, and Kedardome, and the Yamunotri range, consisting of Bandarpoonch I, II, and Kalanag. There are mountain views everywhere. It was a humbling experience," says Shravan. “The trekkers, too, couldn’t stop talking about the ridge walk," adds Shravan.
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The ridge walk from Surya Top to Devkund is the most dramatic one. Photo by Mayank Khare
2. Dev Kund Campsite with views of Mt Bandarpoonch
Camping at Dev Kund is one of the best experiences on this trek, with the Bandarpoonch massif right in front of you.
"When you unzip your tent and step out, you'll see the huge Bandarpoonch massif dominating the landscape. But it's when you're inside the tent that the mountain looks super impressive, like a giant painting right in front of you,” says Indiahikes Trek Leader Vignesh, who led another group of Surya Top. “This is a luxury you rarely get on a trek,” he adds.
In the quietness of the campsite, as you look out from your tent, you'll feel a mix of things. The mountain makes you feel small, but at the same time, you'll feel a strong connection to it. The sunlight and shadows on the peaks, the fresh mountain air, and the sound of leaves create an atmosphere that goes beyond just camping. It's more than sleeping outdoors; it's like being part of a beautiful story that the mountain is telling, and you get a front-row seat from the comfort of your tent.
Mt Bandarpoonch in it's full glory. Photo by Mayank Khare
3. Experiencing the Dayara Meadows in its entirety
The next big reason to do the Surya Top trek is the Dayara Meadows. You trek on the Dayara meadows for a full two days, with Gangotri and Yamunotri ranges accompanying you throughout.
Trekking on the meadows stays in your mind for a long time, even after the trek; they're covered in a bunch of colourful alpine flowers like Himalayan blue poppies, daisies, and primrose. It's like a painting with bright colours all around.
Irrespective of the season you trek in, the settings of the meadows do not fail to mesmerise you. The meadows are lush green in the summer and turn golden brown in the autumn.
Beautiful meadows of Dayara. Photo by Arjun Majumdar
Other treks like Surya Top
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