Aancha Top Trek

Uttarkashi, a district in the Garhwal region, is known for its breathtaking trekking trails. Whether it is Kedarkantha, Har Ki Dun, Dayara Bugyal, Gaumukh-Tapovan or the Rupin Pass Trek, all of them are located in Uttarkashi. However, among these popular treks, there is one that has not yet gained so much popularity. Yes! We are talking about - "Aancha Top Trek".
 

Situated at a height of above 12,000 feet, the Aancha Top Trek spans around 24 km. It takes around six days to reach the summit of the trek, from where you can witness some legendary peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas, including Swargarohini and Bandarpoonch. 
 

Its trail begins from a small village called Ranachatti, which also serves as the base camp. Located on the Barkot-Yamunotri route, the village is just 172 km from Dehradun city. In this Aancha Top Trek guide, we will cover every detail that will help you prepare before undertaking this adventure.

Base Camp of the Trek

Ranachatti, a small village located on the Barkot-Yamunotri road, serves as the base camp for the Aancha Top Trek. Located about 172 km from Dehradun, it is well-connected by road and accessible by bus, shared taxi or by hiring a private taxi. From Dehradun, it typically takes around 7 to 8 hours to reach Ranachatti, which may vary depending on the road conditions.
 

As the base camp of the Aancha Top Trek, Ranachatti provides all basic amenities for trekkers. During the peak season, the site may feel overcrowded as many trekkers arrive here to experience the natural beauty of this trek.

Trek Difficulty Level

The Aancha Top Trek is rated easy to moderate, and can be climbed by beginners with good physical fitness. The total trekking distance of Aancha Top Trek is around 24 km, which includes several stretches with steep climbs. Most of the trail is well-marked, but it still requires physical fitness and endurance. Unlike other high-altitude trails, Aancha Top Trek doesn't feature any technical sections that require special skills or equipment. However, the stretch from Dinnala to the Aancha summit is crucial, which may test your physical endurance, particularly your legs.
 

Although the entire trail is well-marked, except for some sections that are filled with loose pebbles. It is difficult for anyone to maintain a grip on such surfaces, particularly when carrying a backpack, with shaky breath and tiring legs.
 

The path becomes more challenging during rain or when the path is wet or slippery. To reach the summit, trekkers have to walk through a long ridge, which may also impose difficulties, especially if someone is experiencing symptoms of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).
 

During winter, the region receives heavy snowfall, which covers the entire region with a thick blanket of snow. Walking on the snow path requires additional effort, which may exhaust trekkers quickly.

Best Time for the Aancha Top Trek

Except monsoon, all seasons are considered best to visit the Aancha Top Trek. However, the trekkers especially love the spring and winter seasons, as these offer the grand view of the natural splendour.
 

During spring, the region slowly turns into lush green, and the fragrance of fresh blooming flowers can be smelled from afar. On the other hand, the winter season blankets the entire region in snow, which creates a magical view.

Aancha Top Trek Short Itinerary

It typically takes around six days to complete the Aancha Top Trek, including the travel journey. Each day of the trek is filled with adventure and stunning landscapes, and some moments that will leave you awestruck. Let's check out how each day of the trek will look: -

Day 1: Dehradun to Ranachatti (trek base camp)

• Drive distance: 172 km.
• Drive Duration: 8 hours (approximately)
• Accommodation: Tent/Homestay

On the first day of the journey, you will drive to Ranachatti (trek base camp), which is around 172 km away from Dehradun. The scenic journey will pass through Mussoorie, adding a special charm to your journey. After a journey of eight hours, you finally reach a small village called Ranachatti, which consists of a few shops and homestays for overnight stay.
 

Except in peak summer, the weather here remains cold. Check into your respective accommodation, as booked or as provided by your agency and step outside to soak in the simplicity and calmness of the region. Utilise your free time to explore the village, which will help your body to adapt to the conditions. Ensure visiting the intricately crafted wooden Someshwar temple in the village.

Day 2: Trek from Ranachatti to Bamsingh

• Trek Distance: 4 km
• Trek Duration: 3 hours

The second day of the journey officially marks the beginning of your trek, where you have to reach today's campsite at Bamsingh. For this, you have to cover a distance of 4 km, which takes around 3 hours.
 

After getting up early, enjoy the morning breakfast with a wholesome view of Ranachatti. Carry all essential items, especially water. However, the trail offers several natural water sources to refill your bottle. The trail begins from the village that passes through terraced fields. After moving forward, you will pass through forest stretches, which further enter a rocky, steep area that requires caution. However, the good part of this section it will reward you with the snow-clad peaks of Bandarpoonch. After climbing a steep section of 400 meters, you will find a resting place which will help you rest your body.
 

Continuing ahead, the trail enters a dense forest where the crunch of rustling leaves accompanies you. Soon, you will get the first sight of Dinnala Bugyal, with Aancha Top on your left and Jhandi Top on your right. After covering some distances, you arrive at Bamsingh, where you can spot a large water source. Take off your backpack and enjoy the serenity of the place.

Day 3: Trek from Bamsingh to Dinnala Camp

• Trek Distance: 4 km
• Trek Duration: 4 hours

On the third day of the journey, you trek about 4 km to reach Dinnala Campsite. As compared to the previous day, the trail is more challenging. After a short walk, the trail re-enters a thick forest region. Moving ahead, you will come across a stream called Daloti Gad, which later merges with the Yamuna River.
 

Once you cross the stream, a steep forest trail awaits, which takes around one hour to complete. Thereafter, the trail came across another stream called Sonnadi, which marks the halfway point of today's journey. The Bandarpoonch peaks we saw yesterday reappeared, along with the majestic Swargarohini. After relaxing your muscles, follow the path which leads to the Dinnala Campsite. On the way, you also see the peaks of region popular treks, Kedarkantha and Phulara Ridge. The day ends at the Dinnala Bugyal, where you enjoy the serene and panoramic beauty of the surroundings, which becomes more enchanting during sunset that you won't want to blink.

Day 4: Trek from Dinnala to Aancha Camp (via Aancha Top)

• Trek Distance: 8 km
• Trek Duration: 5 hours

The fourth day is the most significant, as you climb the summit of Aancha Top. It's going to be a tiring but unforgettable day. The morning view from the Dinnala Bugyal is just amazing. Moving forward, the view of the peak becomes clearer. After trekking about 2 km, you reach the first glacial lake of the trail. On a clear day, the reflection of Swargarohini on its clear water is simply magical. Moving on to the left, you will come across two more glacial lakes, which are typically smaller in size compared to the last one. From here, the trail will test your stamina, as you have to climb a steep ridge.
 

The beautiful rhododendron flowers will bid farewell, and from now on, the peaks of Gangotri and Yamunotri will accompany you. Walking ahead, the peaks of Gangotri III and Kedarnath also came into view, along with the vast Gidara and Dayara bugyal. The final steep stretch of 2 km leads to Aancha Top. The climb may drain out all your energy, but the magical view of the surroundings is so immense that your exhaustion melts away instantly. From the top, you can witness some other peaks, including Srikantha, Gangotri I and Jaonli.
 

After soaking in the summit view, start descending towards the Aancha Camp. By the time you reach, most of the peaks will vanish from sight except Swargarohini. As soon as the sun sets, the horizon view ends with a captivating charm.

Day 5: Trek from Ranachatti to Bamsingh

• Trek Distance: 6 km
• Trek Duration: 6 hours

The fifth day officially marks the final day of the trek as you descend back to Ranachatti. The rhododendron flowers reappear, with a glimpse of Bandarpoonch. The trail is easy, though some section requires caution. After walking downhill for six hours, you finally reach the base camp.

Day 6: Drive back to Dehradun from Ranachatti

• Drive Distance: 172 km
• Drive Time: 8 hours

Pack your bags and say farewell to Ranachatti and these beautiful mountains, promising to return to witness their grandeur. While heading back, the memorable moment of the trek will keep replaying in your mind.

Journey Commenced From

The journey to Aancha Top Trek starts from Dehradun, as it is the nearest major city. Besides this, you can also begin your journey from Rishikesh. Both Dehradun and Rishikesh are well-connected by road, rail and air. Those who are arriving from other cities can choose any mode as per their preference.

How to reach Dehradun?

• By Road: Dehradun is beautifully connected by road from Delhi and other major nearby cities. Dehradun is around 251 km away from Delhi and can be easily reached by bus and taxi. Dehradun ISBT is the major bus terminal which connects with almost all major bus stands.
• By Train: You can also reach Dehradun by train, as the Dehradun Railway Station is located in the middle. It connects with almost all major trains from Delhi.
• By Air: You can also travel by air, as Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport is now connected with regular flights from major cities across India.

Aancha Top Trek Route: Key details

Aancha Top Trek Route Map

Aancha Top is located in the Uttarkashi district, which falls along the Barkot-Yamunotri route. From Dehradun, Ranachatti is around 172 km away and takes around 7 to 8 hours to reach. You can access the site directly by hiring a taxi or by taking the Uttarakhand Transportation Corporation (UTC) or other private bus services. Alternatively, you can also opt for the agency-arranged transportation, whose charges are usually not included in the package cost. The route passes through Mussoorie and connects with the following route map. 
 

Dehradun → Mussoorie→ Suwakholi → Barkot → Kharadi → Ranachatti.

Backpack Check List for Aancha Top Trek

Accommodation

Ranachatti, the base camp for the Aancha Top Trek, offers accommodation facilities to trekkers. However, the options are limited and mostly restricted to homestays and hotels. Trekkers must book their stay in advance, as they may face a last-minute rush upon their arrival. If you are looking for a hotel or homestay in Ranachatti, consider the following option.

• Hotel Krishnalok
• Hotel Anil
• Madhuban Hotel
• Nitish Room Stay
• Hotel Ganga Yamuna
• Mandeep House
• Hotel Rana Heritage
• Kiran Home Stay
• The Turiya Heli Resort

Important Tips for Trekkers

• Good physical fitness is a must for this trek.
• Beginners can undertake this trek under the guidance of experienced trekkers.
• Having a guide is necessary for this trek.
• Carry essential trekking items according to the season in which you are visiting.
• Avoid carrying extra luggage during the trek.
• Always use the offloading services provided by trekking agencies.
• Before starting the trek, carefully listen to all the information shared by the trek guide in the briefing session.
• Always wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the trek.
• Keep quick-access essentials in a small pouch so that they can be accessed immediately.
• If you are not a frequent trekker, you can rent trekking gear and other essential items from the trekking agencies.
• Drink water at regular intervals to keep your body hydrated.
• Always stay on the designated path and close to the team members.
• Always carry a whistle for emergencies.

Aancha Top Trek Package

Similar to other popular Himalayan treks, the Aancha Top Trek is not recommended as a DIY trek. To reach the summit safely, an experienced trek guide company is important who can supervise and guide you throughout the journey. For this, you can take the services of a registered trekking agency. 
 

Generally, the cost of the Aancha Top Trek ranges between Rs 10,000/- and Rs 15,000/-, which doesn't include transportation, tax, insurance, and other essential charges. 
 

The facilities offered in the package may vary depending on the agency. Below, we have shared a list of services that are generally offered by the trekking agencies. It is advisable to carefully check the inclusion and exclusion list of services before booking any package.

Facilities offered by the agencies

Popular Trek Providers

Aancha Top has not been explored by many and remains a lesser-known trek. Currently, only a few agencies offer trek packages for this trail. However, for more options, you can directly visit the base camp.

Note: The prices mentioned above don't include tax, transportation, and other costs. Before confirming your booking, read all details carefully.