Surya Top Trek

If the Dayara Bugyal trek is a pearl among meadows, then the Surya Top trek is a jewel of it. Nestled in the serene and picturesque Uttarkashi district, the Suruya Top Trek is known for its enormous, never-ending meadows. Trekkers who love greenery, especially the vast grassland, are drawn to Surya Top.
 

Besides the sprawling meadows, it also provides a stunning view of Mount Bandarpoonch and the Gangotri range. This 7-day-long trek covers a distance of 31 km and is of moderate difficulty. If you are a beginner and have never tasted trekking, this Surya Top Trek is an ideal choice for you. However, good physical fitness is mandatory, as trek comprises steep ascents and many challenges which demand great stamina. In this Surya Top Trek guide, we have shared useful information, which may definitely help you plan your journey.

Base Camp of the Trek

Raithal serves as the base camp of the Surya Top Trek, which is located around 193 km away from Dehradun. Along with Surya Top, Raithal also serves as the base camp of the Dayara Bugyal Trek. As a result, the village provides all essential amenities for trekkers, including accommodation, trekking gear, guides, and other useful items.

Trek Difficulty Level

As compared to the Dayara Bugyal Trek, the Surya Top Trek is rated as moderately difficult. However, beginners with good physical fitness can still undertake this trek. The total distance of the Surya Top trek is approximately 31 km, which consists of both ascents and descents. Trekkers must exercise caution if undertaking this trek in winter, particularly when there is snowfall. The height of the Surya top trek is about 12,900 feet, where the weather can change at any time. A sudden rainfall can yield additional challenges that may increase the difficulty, making it tough to grip the slippery surface.

Best Time for the Surya Top Trek

For a wholesome experience and to truly enjoy the beauty of Surya Top, the best time to visit is during the Summer (April to June), Spring (March to April) or Autumn (September to October) seasons.
 

In spring, the region is wrapped with fresh Rhododendron blooms, with some traces of ice in the higher areas and lush green meadows in the lower region. Whereas, in the bright summer days, the beauty of the region may not be enjoyed fully due to hazy surroundings.
 

On the other hand, autumn is ideally one of the best seasons of all, as during this time, the lush green meadows, clear skies, and stunning view of the snow peak create a picturesque sight.

Surya Top Trek Short Itinerary

Surya Top Trek distance from Raithal is approximately 31 km, which can be covered easily in five days. However, the duration may also depend on the weather conditions. Each day of the trek is filled with a new adventure, allowing you to see nature's grandeur. The journey of each day is outlined below, which will give you an idea how what it will look like.

Day 1: Drive From Dehradun to Raithal

• Drive Distance: 193 km
• Drive Time: 8-9 hours
• Accommodation: Homestay

On the first day of the journey, you will reach Raithal, which serves as the base camp of this trek. The village is around 193 km away from Dehradun, usually covered in about 9 hours. Transportation service will be arranged by the trekking agency; you just need to opt for it while booking your slot. Otherwise, direct bus service is also available from Dehradun Hill Bus Stand.
 

The drive from Dehradun to Raithal passes through some prominent places that attract tourists throughout the year, especially Mussoorie- the Queen of Hills. Those who are not accustomed to the serpentine hill road should ensure they apply a motion sickness patch or take the relevant pills before starting the journey. Though the route is mostly good but travelling after the monsoon may be cumbersome, as the landslide zone can cause delays.
 

After enjoying the wholesome 9-hour journey, you will arrive at the base camp. After checking in and completing the nature's call business, take a stroll through the nearby areas, as it may help you to acclimatise with the conditions. Sleep well to start the trekking journey the next day.

Day 2: Drive from Raithal to Barsu, followed by a trek to Pichkiya

• Drive Distance: 20 km
• Drive Time: 60 minutes
• Trek Distance: 5.3 km
• Trek Duration: 6 hours

As the sun glances over the mountains, start packing your bags for the trek. Carry items that are important for the trek, and leave the rest in the cloakroom. Today's journey will be a mixture of a 20 km drive followed by a short trek of 5.3 km. The drive will take you to Barsu Village, where the trek officially begins. Before that, complete the permit formalities at the forest department check post.
 

Being the first day, the adrenaline rush will excite you, and in this excitement, you might start climbing aggressively, which can quickly drain your energy. To avoid such things, carefully follow the instructions given in the briefing.
 

After walking around 1 km, the village and paddy areas give way to the dense forest, which is filled with oak and rhododendron trees. After covering around 4 km, you will arrive at the renowned hiking point called Barnala. From this point, the peaks of the Himalayas come into view, which were hidden earlier.
 

The remaining trail is a mix of forest and open areas, where you can also spot some streams, mainly in autumn and spring seasons. Finally, after a tiring 6-hour journey, you will arrive at the first campsite, Pichkiya. Give some rest to your legs and share moments with fellow trekkers.

Day 3: Trek from Pichkiya to Siyari

• Trek Distance: 5.5 km.
• Trek Duration: 6 hours

Waking up in such a calm environment accompanied soothing sound of birds is just amazing. After breakfast, start trekking to today's campsite, Siyari. The trail slowly enters the ridge, offering a glimpse of the Yamunotri range in front of you, facing the Gangotri range. Along the way, various streams will come across you, where you can refill your water bottle and also take some pictures.
 

After hiking for 6 hours, you finally arrive at the Siyari Buyal. Located at a height of 3500 meters, it offers a breathtaking view of peaks like Bandarpoonch, Draupadi Ka Danda and Srikanth. The vast green meadow of Siyari Bugyal is a preview of the Surya Top summit. Walk around the bugyal to soak in the surroundings and capture these unforgettable moments through your lenses. The starry night at Siyari Bugyal is a spectacular sight, whose experience you will cherish throughout your life.

Day 4: Trek from Siyari to Devkund (Via Surya Top)

• Trek Distance: 9.5 km
• Trek Duration: 10 hours

After waking up early, have a healthy breakfast to begin your trek. Today will be the toughest day of the trek, as you will climb a 2.5 km steep ascent to Surya Top. The hike almost covers 10 km, which will test your endurance and fitness. Moving along the ridge, the trail gradually enters the meadows. On advancing, the panoramic view of the surroundings becomes even more stunning. Although the entire hike today is tough, the final stretch up to Surya Top is especially demanding. You have to collect all your strength to conquer this final stretch.
 

However, once you reach the summit, all the energy and effort feel worthwhile, as the view it produces is just hypnotising. It feels like a dreamy, postcard-perfect place, where every part of the region is filled with natural, vibrant colours. The prominent peaks in the foreground further enhance the charm of the area.
 

Post enjoying the summit, begin your descent to Devkund, today's campsite. Watch your step while descending, especially the steep sections of the trail. After a memorable journey to Surya Top, you will finally arrive at Devkund, which is surrounded by hills and lush green forest.

Day 5: Devkund to Chilapada

• Trek Distance: 4 kms
• Trek Duration: 5 hours

After a hectic previous day, today's trail is relatively easier and shorter. The route passes through forest and meadow, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty. The highlight of today's trail is that it passes through the Dayara Bugyal, which is known for its Butter Festival celebration. The vibrant Himalayan birds can also be spotted along the way; you just keep your camera ready. In a quick time of 5 hours, you will arrive at Chilapada campsite, which is entirely covered by trees. Somehow, you will feel that the serenity of this site is different from others.

Day 6: Chilapada to Raithal

• Trek Distance: 7 km
• Trek Time: 6 hours

The sixth day marks the final leg of the Surya Top Trek, where you will hike back to Raithal. Along the way, you will come across some seasonal streams and forest department igloo-shaped rest houses, which are the major attractions of this route. As soon as you descend towards the Gui, the view of the majestic Himalayan peaks starts fading out. After advancing, you will enter the forest covered with oak and rhododendron trees.
 

Finally, the forest is opened up in the village area, signalling the completion of your journey to Surya Top. After checking into your accommodation, take some rest and start packing, as you will be leaving for Dehradun tomorrow. If time allows, take a leisurely walk through the nearby area.

Day 7: Drive back to Dehradun

• Drive Distance: 193 km
• Drive Time: 9 hours

On the final day of the Surya Top Trek journey, bid farewell to Raithal, the base camp of the trek. The return journey will retrace the same path taken on the first day. You are likely to arrive in Dehradun by 7 PM, from where you can proceed to your respective destinations.

Journey Commenced From

Basically, the journey to the Surya Top Trek starts from Dehradun. Being the capital of Uttarakhand, the city offers excellent road, rail, and air connectivity with other major cities. However, one can also start their journey from Rishikesh, which also provides decent connectivity. If you are undertaking this trek on your own, you can choose the starting point that suits you. However, if you are trekking through an agency, you have to reach the site designated by them. Trekkers must arrive in the city a day before the journey actually begins, which allows them to start the journey refreshed.

How to reach Dehradun?

Dehradun can be reached by any transportation mode, depending on the city you come from.

• By Road: The city is well connected by road, especially from Delhi. Various state governments run and private buses operate daily to Dehradun ISBT. Additionally, it can also be reached by hiring a taxi.
• By Train: It is also well connected by rail, with Dehradun Railway Station providing major express and other trains from Delhi.
• By Air: Major cities are connected to Dehradun by direct flights. Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport is located approximately 27 km away from the city and can be reached easily using a taxi and public transport.

Surya Top Trek Route: Key details

Surya Top Trek Route Map

The Surya Top Trek drive journey begins with a drive from Dehradun to Raithal, which serves as the trek's base camp. The Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) provides a direct bus facility to Raithal daily; alternatively, taxis can also be hired from the site. The drive generally follows the route shared below; however, one can also take an alternative route that passes through Narendra Nagar, Chamba, and Tehri.
 

Dehradun → Mussoorie → Suwakholi → Chinyalisour → Uttarkashi → Maneri → Raithal.

Backpack Check List for Surya Top Trek

Accommodation

Accommodation facilities are available at the starting point of the Surya Top Trek. Trekkers must book their stays in advance, as the village is frequented by various trekkers and tourists. The village mostly provides homestay options with home-cooked meals. However, if you are trekking with an agency, your accommodation will be covered in the package. Below, we have listed some options that you can consider for your stay.

• Sky Homestay.
• Shivalik Homestay.
• Aastha Homestay Raithal.
• Raithal Homestay.
• Akshat Homestay.
• Atal Homestay.
• Sirkanth Homestay.
• Raithal Barbeque Homestay.
• Saanvi Homestay.
• Bhala Ho Cafe and Homestay.
• Dayara Homestay.
• GMVN Raithal.
• Dhruva Homestay.
• Bugyal Homestay.
• Raithal Retreat.
• Himalayan Valley Homestay.
• Judiyal Homestay Raithal.

Important Tips for Trekkers

• Before starting trekking take a permit from the forest department.
• Always carry one valid identity proof.
• Physical fitness is essential for trekkers.
• Undertaking the trek alone is not recommended; you must hire an experienced guide.
• Arrive at the bus stand early if you are travelling by bus.
• If trekking with an agency, always choose their transportation facility.
• The trekking agency provides a cloak room facility to keep extra baggage.
• Carry all essential items required for the trek.
• Pack your bag according to the season in which you are trekking.
• Keep sufficient cash, as ATMs are not available at Raithal.
• Monitor your oxygen level regularly; if it falls below the recommended level, return to the base camp.
• Always follow the instructions given by your trek guide.

Surya Top Trek Package

Several government-authorised agency provides Surya Trop Trek packages. These packages include all essential facilities, like accommodation, experienced guides, trekking gear, meals during the trek and others. Trekkers can choose the agency that suits them best. The Surya Top Trek price ranges from Rs 12,000/- to Rs 16,000/-.

Facilities offered by the agencies

Popular Trek Providers

Note: The prices mentioned above are indicative and subject to change by the agencies. For the latest package cost, visit the portal of the respective agencies.