# Surya Top Trek

> Surya Top Trek is a 7-day moderate trek in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, reaching 3,932 m (12,900 ft). It covers about 31 km on foot and starts and ends at Raithal. Best time: March to June and September to October. Trekkaro price: ₹9,960 per person + 5% GST, with free trekking gear (Decathlon shoes, -10°C jacket and poles).

Source: https://www.trekkaro.com/trek/surya-top-trek (Trekkaro Adventures Pvt. Ltd.). Prices, dates and seats change often: always confirm on the trek page.

## Key facts

- **Duration:** 7 days
- **Difficulty:** Moderate
- **Highest point:** 3,932 m / 12,900 ft
- **Trekking distance:** 31 km
- **Region:** Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
- **Start / end:** Raithal
- **Best time:** March to June and September to October
- **Temperature:** Spring (Mar-Apr): Day 13°C to 17°C, Night around 0°C | Summer (May-Jun): Day 15°C to 20°C, Night around 2°C | Autumn (Sep-Oct): Day 12°C to 15°C, Night around 0°C
- **Price:** ₹9,960 per person + 5% GST (was ₹12,450)
- **Free trekking gear:** Included (Decathlon shoes, -10 C jacket, trekking poles; gaiters and microspikes when needed)
- **Next batch:** dates being scheduled

## Overview

Two mountain ranges, and a single ridge between them. On one side stands the Gangotri range, on the other the Yamunotri range, and the line you walk along begins at the summit of Surya Top, 3,932 m (12,900 ft), where Bandarpoonch and Kala Nag rise so close that they almost fill the sky. Two days of steady climbing lead to that morning, first through oak and rhododendron forest, then out onto the wide Siyari meadows. What comes after the summit is, for us, the best part of all.


The Surya Top trek is a summit-and-ridge route that climbs above the Siyari and Dayara meadows in the Garhwal Himalayas. From Barsu it rises through village fields and forest to a camp at Pichkiya, leaves the treeline for the open grasslands of Siyari, where Bandarpoonch comes fully into view for the first time, and then climbs steeply to Surya Top. From the summit, Bandarpoonch and Kala Nag (Black Peak) stand at close range, with the Gangotri group, Jaonli and Srikanth on the horizon. A long ridge walk leads on to Devkund, a campsite right beneath Bandarpoonch, before the trail eases down across the meadows to Chilapada and through forests of oak, maple and rhododendron to Raithal.


Surya Top lies in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, in the Bhagirathi valley. The base is Raithal (2,177 m / 7,142 ft), a Garhwali village known for its old wooden houses with carved doors and windows; the trek starts at Barsu, a short drive away, and ends on foot back at Raithal. The route climbs through camps at Pichkiya (2,941 m) and Siyari (3,500 m), crosses the summit at 3,932 m (12,900 ft), and makes its last two camps at Devkund (3,560 m) and Chilapada (3,200 m). Trekkaro runs it as a seven-day trek from Dehradun, with five days and about 31 km on foot, graded moderate. It is known above all for the ridge between the Gangotri and Yamunotri ranges that follows the summit. In our experience, it is one of the finest ways to reach the Siyari and Dayara meadows and then keep climbing beyond them.




### The Ridge Between Two Ranges – What Makes the Surya Top Trek Unmissable


What sets Surya Top apart is what happens after the top. Once you have taken in the summit view, the trail does not turn back the way it came. It follows a ridge for about 4.5 km, with the Gangotri range on one side and the Yamunotri range on the other, before descending to Devkund at about 3,560 m, right beneath Bandarpoonch. It is, in our view, one of the most beautiful ridge walks in Garhwal, and it turns a single summit moment into hours of walking among the high peaks.


Summit day begins at Siyari before dawn. You climb steeply for about 2.5 km, slowly, breathing steadily and taking short breaks; in spring there may be snow near the top, and microspikes and gaiters make it easier. Then the slope runs out. You stand at 3,932 m with Bandarpoonch and Kala Nag directly before you and the Gangotri group, Jaonli and Srikanth further away. You take your time here; it is the high point of the trek. Then you turn along the ridge. One range keeps you company on the left, the other on the right, and for the next few hours both stay in view with every step. By the time the trail drops towards Devkund, Bandarpoonch is no longer a peak on the horizon. It is the mountain your tent stands beneath.


It is a long day – about 9.5 km and 9–10 hours, the longest and hardest of the trek – and there is no water on the ridge, so you carry at least two litres, plenty of snacks and a warm layer. We find that the length of the day is exactly what makes it memorable: you arrive at Devkund having crossed the mountain, not simply climbed it.




### The Meadows Themselves


From Barsu, the trail climbs through village fields into a forest of oak and rhododendron, with occasional clearings that look back over the valley. In spring the rhododendrons bloom red and pink along the path; in autumn the forest turns gold. The colourful Himalayan monal is sometimes seen in the clearings early or late in the day. Camp at Pichkiya sits at the edge of the forest, quiet in the evening. The next morning the trees thin and then stop, and the slope ahead becomes open grassland: Siyari, part of the same high meadows as Dayara Bugyal, with Bandarpoonch in full view ahead. In late spring and summer the grass is green and dotted with alpine flowers, with blue poppies in some years by June; in autumn it turns gold and russet. Shepherds bring their flocks up here in summer, and the Siyari camp, in our view, has one of the best sunsets of the trek.


After the summit, the land softens. From Devkund, a short, gentle downhill crosses the high meadows to Chilapada, a quiet camp at their edge with wide views back to the grasslands and the ridge, and an evening sunset over the Gangotri range. The last day on foot descends through dense forest of oak, maple and rhododendron, past grassy clearings and, in spring and early summer, many small streams. In autumn the maple leaves turn bright red and yellow. Langurs and birds move through the trees, and the sounds of Raithal drift up long before you see its carved wooden houses again.




### Who Is This Trek For?


The Surya Top trek is graded moderate. We recommend it for fit beginners who are willing to train properly, and it is a natural next step for trekkers with one easy trek behind them. Trekking days run from 4 to 9.5 km, and most take 4–6 hours: the two days up to Pichkiya and Siyari are each a little over 5 km in 5–6 hours, the day after the summit is an easy 4 km, and the final 7 km descent to Raithal is steep in places. The hard day is the summit: a pre-dawn start, a steep 2.5 km climb to 3,932 m, about 4.5 km along the ridge and the descent to Devkund – 9.5 km and 9–10 hours in all, with no water on the ridge and possible snow on top until mid-April. You should be able to walk 6–7 hours on uneven ground, and up to 10 hours on summit day; as a benchmark, aim to jog 5 km in about 35 minutes, and allow 4–6 weeks of preparation. Fit children aged 10 and above can join with a parent or guardian, and trekkers above 60 need a doctor’s fitness certificate, with an ECG or TMT report recommended. Season: mid-March to June and mid-September to October.




### Key Highlights of the Surya Top Trek



- **Surya Top at 3,932 m (12,900 ft)** – Bandarpoonch and Kala Nag (Black Peak) at close range from the summit
- **A ridge walk of about 4.5 km** – between the Gangotri and Yamunotri ranges, in our view one of the finest in Garhwal
- **Two days on the Siyari and Dayara meadows** – wide high grasslands, green with alpine flowers in summer and gold in autumn
- **The first full view of Bandarpoonch** – as the trail leaves the treeline for the Siyari meadows
- **Devkund campsite at 3,560 m** – a camp right beneath Bandarpoonch
- **The Gangotri group, Jaonli and Srikanth** – on the horizon from the summit, with sunset over the Gangotri range from Chilapada
- **Oak, rhododendron and maple forest** – red and pink rhododendrons in spring, red and yellow maples in autumn
- **Raithal village** – a Garhwali village of old wooden houses with carved doors and windows




### Best Time to Do the Surya Top Trek


The Surya Top trek runs in two windows: mid-March to June, and mid-September to October. Within them the trek changes character more than once – from snow on the summit in early spring, to green meadows and alpine flowers in early summer, to golden grass and the clearest views in autumn.




#### Mid-March to Mid-April – Early Spring (Snow on the Summit)


In the first weeks of the season, the upper meadows and the summit are usually still under snow. Lower down, the rhododendrons bloom red and pink along the climb from Barsu, and then the trail rises out of the flowering forest into a white landscape above the treeline. The steep climb to the top is made on snow, with microspikes and gaiters. For trekkers who want a snow summit with mild days, this is a rewarding window.



- **Temperatures:** Day: 13°C to 17°C | Night: around 0°C
- **Trail conditions:** Snow on the upper meadows and the summit; microspikes and gaiters used near the top.
- **Best for:** A snow summit, rhododendron forest and white meadows.




#### End of April to June – Late Spring and Summer (Green Meadows and Alpine Flowers)


As the snow melts, the slopes of Siyari and Dayara turn green, and by June they are covered in alpine flowers, with blue poppies in some years. Shepherds bring their flocks up to the high grasslands, the trail is normally snow-free, and the forest on the way down is cool and shady, crossed by small streams. In our view, these are the mildest conditions for a first attempt at the long summit day.



- **Temperatures:** Day: 15°C to 20°C | Night: around 2°C
- **Trail conditions:** Normally snow-free, with green meadows and streams in the lower forest.
- **Best for:** Alpine flowers, green meadows and the warmest days of the season.




#### Mid-September to October – Autumn (Golden Meadows and the Clearest Views)


Autumn brings clear skies and the sharpest mountain views of the season. The meadows turn gold and russet, the forest above Barsu turns gold, and the maples below Chilapada go red and yellow. From the summit and the ridge, Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag and the Gangotri group stand out in clean light. The nights are cold, around freezing at the high camps, and the trail is normally free of snow.



- **Temperatures:** Day: 12°C to 15°C | Night: around 0°C
- **Trail conditions:** Normally snow-free, with clear skies and cold nights at the high camps.
- **Best for:** The clearest views from the summit and ridge, golden meadows and autumn forest colour.




#### Trekkaro Recommendation


For the clearest views from the summit and along the ridge, book a mid-September to October batch; it is our first choice for Surya Top. For green meadows, alpine flowers and the warmest days, choose end April to June. For a snow summit with rhododendrons in bloom below, mid-March to mid-April is the window, and the climb to the top will ask more of you. Whichever you choose, prepare well for the summit day.

## Itinerary

### Day 1: Dehradun to Raithal

**Route Details:**

**Drive: Dehradun → Raithal (~185 km, 8–9 hrs) | Altitude: 2,177 m (7,142 ft) | Stay: Guesthouse / homestay, Raithal**

Day 1 is a long travel day, so you leave Dehradun early. The road climbs through Mussoorie, then drops to Chamba and continues to Uttarkashi along the Bhagirathi river. After Uttarkashi it follows the Bhagirathi valley up to Bhatwari, where a smaller road climbs to Raithal. Uttarkashi has the last well-stocked shops, so buy any personal items you have forgotten there.

Raithal, at about 2,177 m, is a Garhwali village known for its old wooden houses with carved doors and windows. Walk around the village in the evening and you see daily life much as it has been for generations.

You stay in a guesthouse or homestay. Your trek leader holds a briefing and checks documents. Bhatwari has a single ATM that often does not work, and Uttarkashi ATMs often run out of cash, so we recommend withdrawing what you need in Dehradun. Airtel and Jio work at Raithal, but there is little or no network on the trail.

What to Expect:
- Drive via Mussoorie, Chamba and Uttarkashi along the Bhagirathi river
- Last well-stocked shops at Uttarkashi
- Old wooden houses with carved doors and windows in Raithal
- Evening briefing and document check
- Unreliable ATMs on the way; carry cash from Dehradun
- Overnight: Raithal (2,177 m / 7,142 ft)

### Day 2: Raithal to Pichkiya via Barsu

**Route Details:**

**Drive: Raithal → Barsu (~20 km, ~1 hr) | Altitude: 2,177 m → 2,941 m (9,650 ft) | Distance: 5.3 km trek | Duration: 5–6 hrs trek | Terrain: village fields, then a steady climb through oak and rhododendron forest | Stay: Tents at Pichkiya**

After breakfast you drive about 20 km to Barsu, a short ride of around an hour. Keep your eyes on the window. The Bhagirathi valley falls away below, and on clear days the first snow peaks appear to the north.

From Barsu the trail climbs through village fields and then into a forest of oak and rhododendron. The climb is steady through the forest, with occasional clearings that look back over the valley. Today’s effort lies in the length of the climb rather than in any single hard section: 5.3 km and 5–6 hours on your first trekking day. Walk slowly and breathe evenly. If you feel breathless, slow down until you can talk in full sentences. In our experience, a steady pace now pays off on summit day. Lunch is usually packed and eaten on the trail.

In spring the rhododendrons bloom red and pink along the trail; in autumn the forest turns gold. The forest above Barsu is home to many birds, including the colourful Himalayan monal, which is sometimes seen in the clearings in early morning or late afternoon. Walk quietly through the clearings and you have a better chance of seeing one.

Camp tonight is at Pichkiya, at about 2,941 m, in a clearing at the edge of the forest. After tea and snacks there is time to rest. Use it to sort your tent and layers before dark. Evenings here are quiet, with the forest all around. The team boils or treats the water at every campsite, so refill your bottles at camp and ask your trek leader before you drink from a stream on the way. Carry at least two litres each day from here on. At Pichkiya your trek leader begins the daily oxygen and pulse checks, which continue every evening of the trek.

What to Expect:
- Short drive of about 20 km to Barsu, with the Bhagirathi valley below
- Village fields above Barsu, then a steady climb through oak and rhododendron forest
- Red and pink rhododendrons in spring, a gold forest in autumn
- A chance of seeing the Himalayan monal in the forest clearings
- Forest-edge campsite and the first evening oxygen and pulse check
- Overnight: Pichkiya camp (2,941 m / 9,650 ft)

### Day 3: Pichkiya to Siyari

**Route Details:**

**Altitude: 2,941 m → 3,500 m (11,482 ft) | Distance: 5.5 km | Duration: 5–6 hrs | Terrain: gradual climb out of the treeline onto wide, open meadows | Stay: Tents at Siyari**

From Pichkiya the trail climbs gradually out of the treeline. The gradient is gentle and the distance is short, so there is no reason to hurry. You are heading above 3,000 m today, and this is the day to let your body settle into the height. Walk slowly, drink often and take short breaks in the open patches to look back at the forest you have climbed through.

The change from forest to meadow is sudden. The trees end, and you step out onto the wide, open meadows of Siyari, part of the same high grasslands as Dayara Bugyal. Ahead, Bandarpoonch comes fully into view for the first time. After a day and a half inside the forest, the sense of space is the first thing you notice.

The meadows of Siyari and Dayara are among the most beautiful high grasslands in Uttarakhand. In late spring the snow melts to reveal green slopes, and by June they are covered in alpine flowers, including blue poppies in some years. In autumn the grass turns gold and russet. Shepherds bring their flocks up here in summer, and you may meet them on the trail. Give the animals room and let them pass.

Camp at Siyari sits on the open meadow at about 3,500 m, and it has one of the best sunsets of the trek. You arrive with the afternoon to spare, and the afternoon is for rest. In the evening your trek leader checks everyone’s oxygen levels and briefs the group on tomorrow’s long summit day. Fill your bottles at camp tonight, since there is no water on the ridge tomorrow. Lay out your summit-day layers before you sleep so you can dress quickly in the dark. Eat a good dinner and go to bed early, because tomorrow starts before dawn.

What to Expect:
- Gradual climb out of the treeline on a short day
- A sudden change from forest to the open Siyari meadows
- Your first full view of Bandarpoonch
- Alpine flowers by June, gold and russet grass in autumn, shepherds and flocks in summer
- Sunset over the meadow, then the summit-day briefing and oxygen check
- Overnight: Siyari camp (3,500 m / 11,482 ft)

### Day 4: Summit Day - Siyari to Devkund via Surya Top

**Route Details:**

**Altitude: 3,500 m → 3,932 m (12,900 ft) → 3,560 m | Distance: 9.5 km | Duration: 9–10 hrs | Terrain: steep climb of about 2.5 km, a ridge walk of about 4.5 km, then a descent to camp | Stay: Tents at Devkund**

This is the longest and hardest day of the trek, so you start early, before dawn. With 9–10 hours on the trail, pack at least two litres of water, plenty of snacks and a warm layer. There is no water on the ridge, so what you carry from camp is what you have. Sunglasses and sunscreen are essential on the open ridge and on snow.

The first section is the hard one: a steep climb of about 2.5 km to Surya Top. Go slowly, breathe steadily and take short breaks. Find a pace you can hold without stopping every few steps. In spring there may be snow near the top; microspikes and gaiters make it easier. Your trek leader sets a turn-around time and may change the plan if the weather turns. Stick to it, because it exists to keep the whole group safe.

From the summit, at 3,932 m (12,900 ft), Bandarpoonch and Kala Nag (Black Peak) rise so close they almost fill the sky. Further away you can see the Gangotri group, Jaonli and Srikanth. Take your time here. It is the high point of the trek, and the hardest climbing of the day is behind you.

From the top, the trail follows a ridge for about 4.5 km, with the Gangotri range on one side and the Yamunotri range on the other. In our view it is one of the most beautiful ridge walks in Garhwal. The ridge is long and open, so keep an even pace and keep sipping from your bottle. The trail then descends to Devkund, at about 3,560 m, a campsite right beneath Bandarpoonch. Use your trekking poles on this descent, as your legs will be tired by now. After a day this long, eat a full dinner and get to bed early. The evening oxygen and pulse check follows as usual.

What to Expect:
- Start before dawn; carry at least 2 litres, snacks and a warm layer, as there is no water on the ridge
- Steep climb of about 2.5 km to Surya Top, with possible snow near the top in spring
- Bandarpoonch and Kala Nag at close range, with the Gangotri group, Jaonli and Srikanth beyond
- About 4.5 km of ridge walking between the Gangotri and Yamunotri ranges
- Sunglasses and sunscreen are essential on the open ridge and snow
- Overnight: Devkund camp (3,560 m)

### Day 5: Devkund to Chilapada

**Route Details:**

**Altitude: 3,560 m → 3,200 m (10,500 ft) | Distance: 4 km | Duration: 4–5 hrs | Terrain: gentle downhill across the high meadows | Stay: Tents at Chilapada**

After the big day, today is short and easy. The trail crosses the high meadows on a gentle downhill, with the peaks you walked beside yesterday behind you. Bandarpoonch, which stood over Devkund last night, slowly drops behind you as you walk. There is no hard section today. Let your legs loosen up at their own pace, and stop as often as you like to look back at the ridge you crossed.

Some groups take an alternative route via Nayata on this day. It is longer but mostly level. Your trek leader decides which way to go based on conditions, and either way you end the day at the same camp.

Camp tonight is at Chilapada, at about 3,200 m, at the edge of the meadows. It is a quiet campsite with wide views back to the meadows and the ridge. Arriving early gives you the afternoon to rest your legs, dry your clothes and enjoy a last evening in the high country. Use the sun while it lasts: spread wet socks and clothes out to dry and air your sleeping bag. In our experience, a dry pair of socks tonight makes the long descent tomorrow far more comfortable. Refill your bottles from the water the team has boiled or treated at camp.

If you have energy left, take a short walk around camp in the evening to watch the sunset over the Gangotri range. Dinner is served early. Put your warm layers on as the sun goes down. This is your last night in the mountains, and the group usually spends it sharing stories from summit day. It is also a good evening to pack your bag for tomorrow, when the trail drops through the forest to Raithal. Your trek leader still runs the evening oxygen and pulse check, even on an easy day.

What to Expect:
- A short, easy day after the summit
- Gentle downhill across the high meadows, with the ridge behind you
- A possible alternative route via Nayata, longer but mostly level
- A free afternoon to rest and dry wet socks and clothes in the sun
- Sunset over the Gangotri range from around camp
- Overnight: Chilapada camp (3,200 m / 10,500 ft)

### Day 6: Chilapada to Raithal

**Route Details:**

**Altitude: 3,200 m → 2,177 m (7,142 ft) | Distance: 7 km | Duration: 5–6 hrs | Terrain: descent through dense oak, maple and rhododendron forest, steep in places | Stay: Guesthouse / homestay, Raithal**

This is your last day on the trail, and it runs downhill nearly all the way. The meadows give way to trees soon after you leave camp. From Chilapada the trail descends through dense forest of oak, maple and rhododendron, passing grassy clearings along the way. The forest below Chilapada is cool and shady. In autumn the maple leaves turn bright red and yellow.

The path is steep in places, and this is where you need care. Use your trekking poles, and let them touch down before your feet on the steepest steps. Keep your knees slightly bent and take shorter steps on the steep descents. It protects your knees and keeps your feet under you. Tired legs on a downhill are when slips happen, so take a short break if you feel your steps getting loose. Stay focused until the end; the last steep stretches of a trek are where people tend to relax too early.

In spring and early summer many small streams cross the path. Step where your trek leader steps, and ask before you refill your bottle from one. Look out for langurs and birds in the trees. As you get lower, the sounds of Raithal village drift up through the trees, and you know the walk is nearly done.

You reach Raithal by afternoon. Lunch is at Raithal, and after four nights in tents, the hot water and a proper bed at the homestay are very welcome. The rest of the day is free. Take a slow walk around the village in the evening light; the carved doors and windows of the old wooden houses are worth a second look. Change into fresh clothes and pack your trekking kit away, because tomorrow is the long drive to Dehradun. In the evening the group celebrates the summit together.

What to Expect:
- Descent through oak, maple and rhododendron forest with grassy clearings
- Bright red and yellow maple leaves in autumn
- Small streams across the path in spring and early summer
- Langurs and birds in the trees
- Hot shower, lunch and the summit celebration in Raithal
- Overnight: Raithal (2,177 m / 7,142 ft)

### Day 7: Raithal to Dehradun

**Route Details:**

**Drive: Raithal → Dehradun (~185 km, 8–9 hrs) | Altitude: 2,177 m → 640 m | Stay: Trek ends in Dehradun**

This is a long travel day. After breakfast you drive back down the Bhagirathi valley, through Uttarkashi and Mussoorie to Dehradun. The drive takes 8–9 hours with short stops. The road drops from Raithal to Bhatwari first, then follows the river down to Uttarkashi. It retraces the Day 1 route along the Bhagirathi river, and with the trek behind you, it is a good time to watch the valley go by.

Keep some snacks and water in your daypack for the long drive. Uttarkashi is the main town on the way if you need anything before you reach the plains.

You usually reach Dehradun by evening. Please book your onward travel for the late night or the next day. Mountain roads can be slow, and a little margin keeps your train or flight safe. If you are travelling the same night, keep your tickets and ID in an easy-to-reach pocket. The trek ends on arrival in Dehradun.

What to Expect:
- Return drive down the Bhagirathi valley via Uttarkashi and Mussoorie
- 8–9 hours on the road with short stops
- Snacks and water in your daypack for the long drive
- Arrival in Dehradun by evening
- Onward travel best booked for the late night or the next day
- Trek ends at Dehradun

## Inclusions

#### 1. Free Trekking Gear (FTG) – Save on Gear Rentals

Trekkaro’s Free Trekking Gear (FTG) lets you trek without buying or renting gear. Included free of rental charges:
- Decathlon trekking shoes
- Decathlon -10°C jacket
- Trekking poles, and gaiters / microspikes when the trail needs them
- ₹3,000 refundable deposit + ₹200 washing charge

#### 2. Accommodation
- Day 1 and Day 6: Guesthouse or homestay in Raithal on a triple/quad sharing basis
- Day 2 to Day 5: Camping in 3-person tents, with dining and toilet tents

#### 3. Meals
- All meals from Day 1 dinner to Day 7 breakfast
- Simple, freshly cooked vegetarian food
- Tea, coffee, soup and snacks on the trail and at camp

#### 4. Permits & Camping Fees
- All forest permits and camping charges for the trek

#### 5. Trek Team & Safety
- Certified trek leader and local guide throughout all 7 days
- Cook, helpers and support staff
- First-aid kit, pulse oximeter and blood-pressure checks during the trek
- Tents, sleeping bags and mats for the camping nights

## Exclusions

#### 1. Food During Transit
- Meals on the drive between Dehradun and Raithal are not included.

#### 2. Transport
- Not included: Dehradun to Raithal and back, and Raithal to Barsu on Day 2.
- We help the group book shared cabs; the fare is paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers.

#### 3. Backpack Offloading (optional)
- ₹1,800 + 5% GST for the full trek
- Max weight: 9 kg
- No suitcases, trolleys or duffel bags

#### 4. Single Tent Occupancy (optional)
- ₹2,000 + 5% GST per tent for the whole trek

#### 5. Anything Not Mentioned Under Inclusions
- Personal expenses, tips and anything not listed under inclusions.
- **Travel insurance:** mandatory and not included. Your policy must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.

## How to reach

#### How to Reach Raithal

The trek starts and ends in Dehradun. Transport is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers.
- **By train:** Dehradun Railway Station (overnight trains from Delhi).
- **By air:** Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
- **By bus:** Delhi to Dehradun ISBT overnight. On your own, the early bus from Dehradun to Uttarkashi, then a shared jeep to Raithal (about 43 km).
- **Dehradun to Raithal:** about 185 km via Mussoorie and Uttarkashi – 8–9 hours by road.

## ATM and mobile network

#### Important Pre-Trek Information
- **ATM:** Bhatwari has a single, unreliable ATM, and Uttarkashi ATMs often run out of cash. Withdraw what you need in Dehradun.
- **Mobile network:** Airtel and Jio work at Raithal. There is little or no network on the trail.

## Frequently asked questions

### Where is the Surya Top trek?

The Surya Top trek is in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, in the Bhagirathi valley, right next to the Dayara Bugyal trail. It starts from Raithal village, about 185 km (8–9 hours) by road from Dehradun.

The trail climbs from Barsu through forest to the Siyari and Dayara meadows, over Surya Top (12,900 ft), and down via Devkund and Chilapada.

### How many days is the Surya Top trek?

The Surya Top trek takes 7 days from Dehradun to Dehradun, with 5 trekking days covering about 31 km.
- **Day 1 and Day 7:** drive between Dehradun and Raithal (8–9 hours)
- **Days 2–6:** trekking, 4–9.5 km a day
- **Longest day:** summit day (Day 4), about 9.5 km and 9–10 hours

### What is the altitude of the Surya Top trek?

The highest point of the Surya Top trek is the summit at 3,932 m (12,900 ft). The trek starts at Raithal (2,177 m / 7,142 ft).
- **Pichkiya camp:** 2,941 m
- **Siyari camp:** 3,500 m
- **Devkund camp:** 3,560 m
- **Chilapada camp:** 3,200 m

### How difficult is the Surya Top trek?

The Surya Top trek is graded Moderate and suits fit beginners and trekkers with one easy trek behind them. Most days are 4–6 hours, but summit day is 9–10 hours with a steep climb and a long ridge walk.
- **Summit climb:** steep, about 2.5 km
- **Ridge walk:** about 4.5 km to Devkund
- **Snow:** possible on top until mid-April

### Is the Surya Top trek good for beginners?

Yes, fit beginners can do the Surya Top trek, but it is longer and harder than Dayara Bugyal or Kedarkantha. If this is your first trek, train well for the 9–10 hour summit day.

Trekkers who have done one easy trek will find it a perfect next step.

### What fitness level do I need for the Surya Top trek?

For the Surya Top trek you should be able to walk 6–7 hours on uneven ground, and up to 10 hours on summit day, and aim to jog 5 km in about 35 minutes before the trek.
- **Train for 4–6 weeks:** brisk walks, stairs or uphill walking
- **Strength:** add squats and lunges for the descents
- **Fitness test:** take our free 2-minute test at [Am I Ready?](https://www.trekkaro.com/am-i-ready)

### How is the Surya Top trek different from Dayara Bugyal?

The Surya Top trek uses the same Raithal base and crosses the same Siyari and Dayara meadows as Dayara Bugyal, but then climbs to a 12,900 ft summit and follows a ridge to Devkund under Bandarpoonch.

It is 7 days instead of 4, higher and harder – ideal if you loved Dayara and want more.

### What is the best time to do the Surya Top trek?

The best time for the Surya Top trek is mid-March to June and mid-September to October. The trek is closed in the monsoon (July–August) and in deep winter.
- **Mid-March–mid-April:** upper meadows and summit under snow
- **End April–June:** green meadows and alpine flowers
- **Mid-September–October:** golden meadows and the clearest views

### Does the Surya Top trek have snow?

The Surya Top trek usually has snow from mid-March to mid-April, when the upper meadows and summit are still white. In May–June and September–October the trail is normally snow-free.

Microspikes and gaiters from our Free Trekking Gear are used whenever there is snow on top.

### How cold does it get on the Surya Top trek?

On the Surya Top trek, nights at the high camps are around 0°C in spring and autumn and about 2°C in summer.
- **March–April:** days 13–17°C, nights around 0°C
- **May–June:** days 15–20°C, nights around 2°C
- **September–October:** days 12–15°C, nights around 0°C

### Which mountains can you see on the Surya Top trek?

From the Surya Top summit you see Bandarpoonch and Kala Nag (Black Peak) at close range, with the Gangotri group, Jaonli and Srikanth on the horizon.

The ridge walk after the summit has the Gangotri range on one side and the Yamunotri range on the other.

### What is the terrain like on the Surya Top trek?

The Surya Top trail goes from village fields and oak–rhododendron forest to wide high meadows and an open summit ridge.
- **Day 2:** fields and dense forest above Barsu
- **Day 3:** out of the treeline onto the Siyari meadows
- **Day 4:** steep summit climb and a 4.5 km ridge walk
- **Days 5–6:** gentle meadows, then oak, maple and rhododendron forest down to Raithal

### Is altitude sickness a risk on the Surya Top trek?

The risk of altitude sickness on the Surya Top trek is moderate, as you sleep at up to 3,560 m and reach 3,932 m. The itinerary climbs gradually over three days before the summit.

Your trek leader checks oxygen levels and pulse every evening. Report a headache, nausea or breathlessness at once.

### What is the minimum age for the Surya Top trek?

The minimum age for the Surya Top trek is 10 years. Trekkers under 18 must come with a parent or guardian.

There is no upper age limit. Trekkers above 60 are welcome if they are fit and in good cardiovascular health; along with the medical certificate signed by a doctor that every trekker brings, we recommend an ECG or TMT report.

### How do I reach the Surya Top trek?

To reach the Surya Top trek, travel to Dehradun; the base village Raithal is about 185 km (8–9 hours) away via Mussoorie and Uttarkashi.
- **Train:** Dehradun Railway Station (overnight trains from Delhi)
- **Air:** Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
- **Bus:** Dehradun to Uttarkashi, then a shared jeep to Raithal (about 43 km)

Plan to reach Dehradun the night before Day 1.

### Is transport included in the Surya Top trek?

No, transport is not included in the Surya Top trek fee. A cab can be arranged from Dehradun Railway Station at 06:30 AM to Raithal and back, at approximately ₹6,500 one way per 5–6 seat vehicle, shared among the trekkers.

### Where do we stay on the Surya Top trek?

On the Surya Top trek you stay 2 nights in a guesthouse or homestay in Raithal (Day 1 and Day 6) and 4 nights in tents at Pichkiya, Siyari, Devkund and Chilapada.

Tents are shared by 3 trekkers, with a dining tent and toilet tent at every camp. Sleeping bags and mats are provided.

### What is the group size on the Surya Top trek, and who leads it?

Fixed departures of the Surya Top trek run with 6 to 20 trekkers – never more than 20 – led by a certified Trekkaro trek leader.

The leader is supported by a local guide, a cook, helpers and mules that carry the camp. Private groups of any size can also be arranged.

### Is the Surya Top trek safe for women trekking alone?

Yes. On the Surya Top trek, female trekkers share tents only with other female trekkers, and male trekkers with males; couples and families get their own tents.

We keep three trekkers to a tent, and our guides and support staff are carefully selected and trusted.

### What food is served on the Surya Top trek?

On the Surya Top trek we serve simple, freshly cooked vegetarian meals, with eggs available on request at camp.
- **Breakfast:** at camp
- **Lunch:** packed, on trekking days
- **Evening:** tea with snacks
- **Dinner:** hot, in the dining tent

Meals on the drive to and from the base are not included.

### Is drinking water available on the Surya Top trek?

On the Surya Top trek, carry at least 2 litres every day, and more on summit day, when there is no water on the ridge.

Our team boils or treats the water at every campsite. Ask your trek leader before refilling from a stream.

### Is Free Trekking Gear included on the Surya Top trek?

Yes. Free Trekking Gear is included on the Surya Top trek, free of rental charges:
- **Shoes:** Decathlon trekking shoes
- **Jacket:** Decathlon -10°C trekking jacket
- **Poles:** trekking poles
- **Snow gear:** gaiters and microspikes when the trail needs them

There is a ₹3,000 refundable deposit and a ₹200 washing charge. You only bring your personal clothes, a backpack and a water bottle.

### Can I offload my backpack on the Surya Top trek?

Yes. Backpack offloading on the Surya Top trek costs ₹1,800 + 5% GST for the full trek, for up to 9 kg.
- **Bags:** no suitcases, trolleys or duffel bags
- **Booking:** tell us at least 15 days before the trek; last-minute requests may cost more
- **Daypack:** you still carry water, snacks and a warm layer

### Will a doctor come on the Surya Top trek?

No doctor joins the Surya Top trek, but our trek leaders are trained in wilderness first aid and carry a full first-aid kit and a pulse oximeter.

Carry your own regular medicines and tell your trek leader about any health condition before the trek.

### What documents do I need for the Surya Top trek?

For the Surya Top trek, carry an original government photo ID (with a photocopy), a medical certificate signed by a doctor, and the signed disclaimer form.

Trekkaro arranges the forest and camping permissions.

### Is there mobile network and an ATM on the Surya Top trek?

Mobile network on the Surya Top trek is available at Raithal (Airtel and Jio); there is little or no signal on the trail. Bhatwari has a single unreliable ATM and Uttarkashi ATMs often run out of cash.

Withdraw the cash you need in Dehradun.

### What is special about Raithal village on the Surya Top trek?

Raithal, the base of the Surya Top trek, is a Garhwali village known for its old wooden houses with carved doors and windows.

Walk around it on Day 1 or Day 6 to see village life much as it has been for generations.

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Book or ask questions: https://www.trekkaro.com/trek/surya-top-trek · WhatsApp +91 80576 54321