Surya Top Trek

Elevation: 3200 meter – 10,500 ft. Trek Distance: 6.8 kilometres Stay in tents on twin sharing. As you embark on your journey from Raithal, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the stunning views of Mt. Srikanth and Gangotri 1, 2, and 3 in the distance, with the mountains mentioned earlier becoming more prominent as you ascend in altitude along the trail to Chilapada. Following a satisfying hot breakfast, you’ll begin your trek, which starts with a gradually ascending path that takes you through the village fields, eventually leading you to a flat grassy clearing with a hand pump after an hour. Take a brief break to rehydrate and continue on your journey. Beyond the water source, the path transitions into an area with more trees. You enter a dense forest dominated by green and brown oaks (moru and chars) and rhododendrons, creating a lush and diverse woodland. Interestingly, unlike elsewhere, there are no pine trees in this forest. Before reaching Gui, the forest occasionally opens up to reveal a few small open spaces. As you ascend from Gui, the previously concealed mountains on the opposite side gradually appear. Starting at Gui, join the primary trail and ascend towards Gui Thatch. This particular area is a small grassy meadow within the woods. On one side, there are 5 to 6 huts where the shepherds, known as Chania, reside. Adjacent to these huts is a compact pond with a mound right next to it. Additionally, you will notice the Forest Department’s igloo-shaped structures near the Chania huts. Continuing half a kilometre from Gui Thatch, you will enjoy a leisurely and effortless stroll through a stunning rhododendron forest. The terrain allows for a relaxed pace, allowing you to appreciate the Himalayan forest’s ambience fully. As you continue your journey, you will encounter several streams that vary in their flow, whether running, dried up, or frozen, depending on the season. After successfully crossing one of these streams, you will discover a shelter that protects you from rain. Chilapada is only a short 20-minute walk away from this shelter. As you proceed on your trek, watch for a trail on your left that appears to be broken. Follow this trail instead of the main one, as it will lead you to Chilapada, a small area nestled amongst the meadows. Take a moment to appreciate the surroundings.

Stay – Overnight stay at the campsite on sharing basis. Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Distance – 8 kms Time Taken – approx. 6 to 7 hrs Trek Grade – Easy to Moderate Begin your journey today with a gentle climb through the picturesque Dayara meadows, where the breathtaking scenery will slowly unveil itself before you. The vast expanse of the meadows will stretch out to your right, providing stunning views throughout your trek. After a leisurely two-hour ascent, you will reach the summit of Bakriya Top, one of the loftiest points in the meadows. As you stand at Bakriya Top, the grandiose sight of Mt Bandarpoonch unfolds. The rolling meadows stretch out endlessly below, creating a stunning panorama. Embark on a picturesque walk along the ridge, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. The expansive Dayara Meadows will unveil itself on your right, while the scenic path leads you towards the tranquil Devkund campsite. From this vantage point, your tent will offer a captivating view of the majestic Mt Bandarpoonch.

Stay – Overnight stay at the campsite in tents on twin sharing. Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Distance – 7 km Time Taken – approx. 7.5 hrs Altitude – 12,950 feet / 3947 meter. Trek Grade – Moderate Begin your day by rising early and embarking on a gentle ascent that takes around an hour to complete. This climb leads you to a magnificent ridge considered one of the most impressive in the country. From this lofty vantage point, you can take in the breathtaking views of the Gangotri ranges to your right and Yamunotri to your left. This ridge is transformed into a picturesque pathway adorned with vibrant flowers during autumn, creating a truly ethereal atmosphere. Proceed along the ridge for 4.5 kilometres, enjoying the thrill of the mountainside hide-and-seek game. As you continue your trek, you’ll descend from the ridge and arrive at the day’s campsite, Siyari. Once there, take a moment to settle in, drop your gear, and enjoy a satisfying packed lunch. Embark on a brief but invigorating journey to Surya Top, equipped with only your daypack containing the bare necessities. The trail begins with a challenging 2.5-kilometre climb from Siyari, leading you to retrace your steps to the ridge. From there, push on to reach the summit of Surya Top. The strenuous effort will be met with breathtaking panoramic views as you stand victorious at the top. Take time to soak in the scenery and relish the moment before descending to Siyari before sunset.

Stay – Overnight stay at the camp. Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Distance – 9 km Time Taken – approx. 7 hrs Begin your day at sunrise. Follow the identical path along the ridge until you reach Devkund. While strolling amidst the vibrant wildflowers and massive rocks, you will be under the watchful gaze of the towering Gangotri and Yamunotri mountain ranges. This will allow you to witness the magnificent Mt. Bandarpoonch from a remarkable vantage point. Upon reaching Devkund, enjoy a meal and rest briefly. The journey to Nayata, primarily on a level incline, will require approximately 7 to 8 hours. Along the way, you will traverse the expansive verdant fields of Dayara. As night falls, these meadows come alive with a stunning display of golden sunlight. The remarkable aspect is that the majestic mountains in the distance remain constantly visible

Meal – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Distance – 4 km Time Taken – approx. 4.5 hrs Trek Grade – Easy Begin your day’s journey by 9 a.m. and allow approximately 4 hours to reach Raithal. From the Nayata campsite, follow the trail as it descends beneath a dense forest canopy. After 15 minutes of descending, you’ll reach the rain shelter where you previously diverged to Barnala during your ascent. From there, continue down the main trail. Proceed for another hour until you reach a grassy clearing with a water source. Take a moment to rest and recharge before embarking on the final stretch of your journey to Raithal. The iconic arch of Raithal signals the end of your trek.

Begin your journey from Raithal after having tea, coffee. Take pleasure in the picturesque drive as you return to Dehradun. You are expected to arrive in Dehradun at approximately 7 p.m. on this particular day.