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Surya Top Trek

Through the magical medows of Uttarakhand

ON REQUEST

DURATION

6 Nights/7 Days

MAX ELEVATION

3,749 Mts

GRADIENT

Moderate

DISTANCE

31 KM

BEST MONTH

March - June / Oct - Nov

GROUP SIZE

20

Surya Top Trek - Overview

We, At Mountainiax love to organize offbeat treks, and the Surya Top Trek is one of our most breathtaking and lesser-explored trails in the Garhwal Himalayas. An extension of the Dayara Bugyal Trek, this journey takes you through vast meadows, dense forests, and stunning ridge walks, all leading up to the magnificent Surya Top, which offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayas. Unlike crowded trekking routes, Surya Top retains its untouched charm, making it a perfect escape into the wilderness.

The adventure begins in Barsu village, a scenic hamlet that marks the starting point of this mesmerizing trek. As you step onto the trail, you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush forests of oak, rhododendron, maple, and cedar, with occasional openings revealing glimpses of the mighty peaks in the distance. Gradually, the dense woods give way to expansive meadows, where Himalayan blue poppies, daisies, and primroses paint the landscape with vibrant colors in the summer. The famous Dayara Bugyal unfolds before you, a rolling carpet of green in summer and golden hues in autumn, making every step feel like walking through a dream.

One of the most unforgettable experiences of this trek is the grand ridge walk from Surya Top to Devkund. There are very few treks in India that offer such an extensive and breathtaking ridge walk. As you ascend, the Gangotri and Yamunotri ranges emerge on the horizon, standing tall in their full glory. Bhagirathi I & II, Mt. Meru, Thalay Sagar, Kedardome, Bandarpoonch I & II, and Kalanag make their presence felt, forming a spectacular backdrop against the open sky. The feeling of walking along this ridge, with clouds drifting below and the vast Himalayan landscape unfolding in every direction, is nothing short of magical.

Camping at Devkund is another highlight that makes this trek truly special. Imagine waking up to the colossal Bandarpoonch massif right in front of you, its snowy peaks glowing in the soft light of dawn. The peaceful stillness of the campsite, the crisp mountain air, and the sheer grandeur of the landscape create an experience that stays with you long after the trek ends. The Siyari Bugyal adds to the beauty of the journey, offering a serene and picturesque campsite amidst nature’s best.

The final ascent to Surya Top is a thrilling challenge, but the reward at the summit is beyond words. From the highest point of the trek, you are treated to an uninterrupted 360-degree view of towering Himalayan peaks. Srikanth, Jaonli, Draupadi Ka Danda II, and the entire Gangotri Range stand before you, creating a picture-perfect moment that few get to witness. The summit is not just a viewpoint; it is a place of reflection, where the vastness of nature humbles you and fills you with a deep sense of awe and gratitude.

What makes Surya Top Trek truly special is how it transforms with the seasons. In spring, rhododendrons bloom, adding bright reds and pinks to the forests. In summer, the meadows are a lush green paradise. Autumn turns the landscapes into golden hues, while winter covers everything in a pristine layer of snow, making it a trekker’s winter wonderland. No matter when you embark on this journey, the Surya Top trek is an experience of a lifetime—an opportunity to disconnect from the chaos of daily life and reconnect with the raw beauty of the Himalayas.

With Mountainiax, you don’t just trek—you immerse yourself in an adventure where nature tells a new story at every step. So, pack your bags, lace up your boots, and get ready to experience the untouched beauty of Surya Top, where the mountains, meadows, and skies come together to create memories that last forever.

Surya Top Trek - Complete Information

Base camp

Barsu

Pickup

Prince Chowk, Dehradun Railway Station

Nearest Railway Station

Dehradun

Nearest Airport

Jolly Grant Airport

Temperature

(Summers-25° Max/ 10° Min) (Winters-18° Max/ -5° Min

Mobile Network

In Barsu:BSNL, Idea and Vodafone Sketchy Networks of BSNL, Idea and Vodafone are available during the trek from Barsu to Dayara Bugyal.

Electricity

Barsu Village is the last point that has electricity. Note: Most of the electricity is extremely intermittent and can be absent for most part of the day during winter/late summer (when monsoon starts to set in)

Last ATM

Uttarkashi, on the way to Barsu has last ATM Note: Most of time ATM in hilly regions are not functioning. So withdraw cash before you start your journey to Barsu

  • Day 1: Dehradun to Barsu | Distance: 186 km | Drive Time: 8 Hours
  • Day 2: Barsu to Barnala Tal | Trek: 4 km | Trek Time: 3 Hours
  • Day 3: Barnala Tal to Dayara Top and back to Barnala Tal | Trek: 10 km (Round Trip) | Trek Time: 6 Hours
  • Day 4: Barnala Tal to Barsu and Drive to Dehradun | Trek: 4 km, Drive: 186 km | Trek Time: 3 Hours, Drive Time: 8 Hours

Day 1 – Dehradun to Barsu

  • Drive: 186 Km
  • Time Taken: 8 Hours

We start our drive from Dehradun to Barsu early in the morning. The drive is visually appealing as the route mixes changing mountain terrain with the colors of the holy river Bhagirathi as we go deeper into the valley. Our drive ends as we reach the village of Barsu. Barsu is a tranquil village frequented by trekkers as it serves as the base camp for the Dayara Bugyal trek. The locals are devotees of Nag Devta, and the village hosts a temple dedicated to this deity. The day ends with a relaxing dinner and an overnight stay in a homestay.

Day 2 – Barsu to Barnala Tal

  • Trek: 4 Km
  • Time Taken: 3 Hours

The trek starts early in the morning after breakfast. The village fades behind the forest trail as we ascend from Barsu on a well-marked trail. This trail passes through an oak and rhododendron forest, eventually leading to a small meadow. This meadow is home to the beautiful Barnala Tal, a natural high-altitude lake, and the holy Nag Devta Temple at one corner of the lake. The day ends as we set up tents for an overnight stay.

Day 3 – Barnala Tal to Dayara Top and back to Barnala Tal

  • Trek: 5+5 Km
  • Time Taken: 6 Hours

The Dayara bugyal trek starts through the forest trail in the morning. As we ascend, leaving the forest trail behind, we are greeted with some shepherd huts known locally as Chani. As we pass the huts in the meadow, Dayara Bugyal welcomes us with the backdrop of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. This lush green expanse of 28 square kilometers hosts streams and rivers that originate in this alpine meadow. The majestic Himalayan peaks, including Srikanth, Gangotri, Draupadi ka Danda, Jaonli, Bandarpunch, and Swargarohini, are visible from the meadow. In summer, we trek through green grass and flowers, while in winter, the trail is covered with a thick blanket of snow. We spend our time at Dayara Top and, after relaxing, trek back to Barnala Tal, our campsite for the night.

Day 4: Barnala Tal to Barsu and Drive to Dehradun

  • Trek: 4 Km – Drive: 186 Km
  • Time Taken: 8 Hours

The  trek starts early in the morning as we descend from Barnala Tal to the village of Barsu. The local community in Barsu is involved in agriculture, but over recent years, Barsu has seen a surge in tourism. This has led to the development of several guesthouses, providing employment opportunities. Locals also work as guides, cooks, and porters. The day ends as we drive from Barsu to Dehradun, filled with the memories of the beautiful Dayara Bugyal Trek.

Basics Gears

  • Backpack
  • Trekking Shoes
  • Trekking Pole
  • LED Torch
  • One Water Bottle (one litre)
  • Lunch Box
  • Basic Medications (or prescribed if any)

Clothes

  • Trekking Jacket
  • Warm Layers
  • Two trek pants
  • Full sleeve dry-fit T-shirts
  • Thermals (1 pair)

Accessories

  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreeen Lotion (SPF 50/70)
  • Lip Balm (SPF 30)
  • Synthetic hand gloves
  • Woolen Cap
  • Three pair of Socks
  • Raincoat/Poncho is a must

Others

  • Daypack (Recommended), for summit Day
  • Plastic cover (for wet clothes in winters and rainy season)

Mandatory Documents

  • Original and photocopy of government photo identity card- (Passport, Aadhaar Card, Driving license or voters ID
  • Transport support from Dehradun to Dehradun.
  • All vegetarian meals starting from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day.
  • Professional guide, cook and support staff.
  • Rent for camping equipment.
    Clean sleeping bags and mats.
    Good quality ¾ or 4 season ‘A’ shaped or dome tents
    – Kitchen tents, common tents, toilet tents.
  • Forest entry charges for Indian nationals – For non-
    Indian passport holders; there will be an additional charge.
  • Porter and mule support to carry camping equipment and NOT personal luggage.
  • Triple sharing Tent accommodation throughout the trek.
  • Homestay accommodation on 1st Day.
  • All applicable taxes
  • Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
  • Any transport support during the trek apart from what is included above.
  • Any cost or services not mentioned in the Inclusions.
  • Accommodation in Dehradun.
  • Cost arising due to unforeseen incidents like bad weather, medical evacuation, road blocks etc.
  • Porter/mule charges to carry personal luggage – Can be arranged at an additional cost of INR500 per day (1 soft bag per person < 12 kg).

Cancellation Policy

    • We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel, reduce, or amend a guaranteed reservation, please do so by 12 noon, 15 days prior to arrival to avoid cancellation charges. Any cancellation made within 15 days of arrival will be 100% non-refundable. Bookings made under non-cancellable or non-amendable packages or rates cannot be canceled or amended, and the full amount of the advance paid will be treated as the cancellation fee. The same terms apply if guests do not show up.

    • For all bookings other than non-cancellable ones, if the guest does not show up, the complete booking will be non-refundable. If the guest chooses to check out early, one night’s room rate, including taxes, will be charged. No cancellations will be accepted over the phone or via WhatsApp message. Please reply to the email confirmation you received at the time of booking to request a cancellation.

    • No refunds will be provided in case of problems arising due to government orders, harsh weather conditions, protests, landslides, or other unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, we usually have a backup plan ready and will proceed with that. Sometimes, we may have to cancel activities mentioned in the itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control.

    • If a trek is called off at the last moment due to natural calamities or unforeseen circumstances (such as rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strikes, or bandhs), participants will be provided with a travel voucher for the same amount. This voucher can be used within 365 days of the issuance date for any package of equal value, subject to availability.

    • If a trek or trip has to be aborted midway due to natural calamities or unforeseen circumstances, no refund will be provided. Mountainiax will not bear any extra expenses due to such natural calamities or unforeseen circumstances.

Refund Policy

The following refund shall be payable to the user in case of valid cancellation as per the guidelines

    • Cancellations up to 21 days prior to departure date – 70% refund

    • Between 21 days to 14 days prior to departure – 50% refund

    • Between 14 days to 10 days prior to departure- 30% refund

    • Less than 10 days of departure – No refund or you can transfer
      your trek (same batch date & same trek) to your dear one.

Note: The above-mentioned refunds are subjected to deductions for any expenses that may have been incurred for hotel booking or transport etc. Refunds are applicable on the total cost and not on the advance amount.Also take care of  LEAVE NO TRACE policy.

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    FAQ's

    What makes Dayara Bugyal special?

    Dayara Bugyal is one of Uttarakhand’s most beautiful high-altitude meadows, offering breathtaking views of peaks like Bandarpoonch, Srikanth, and Gangotri. The lush green pastures in summer and snow-covered landscapes in winter make it a year-round trekking destination.

    What is the base camp for the Dayara Bugyal trek?

    While many companies operate this trek from Raithal Village. Team Mountainiax operates the trek from Barsu Village, which is less crowded and offers mesmerizing views of Barnala Tal.

    Is this a family trek or suitable for children ?

    The Dayara Bugyal Trek is a easy trek suitable for families and children aged 8 years and above, as well as older adults up to 50-62 years, provided they are physically active.

    Is camping allowed at Dayara Bugyal?

    No, overnight camping at Dayara Bugyal is currently not allowed. A High Court order bans overnight stays in alpine meadows across Uttarakhand to protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

    What is the best time to do the Dayara Bugyal trek?

    The trek is best year-round, except during monsoon. Spring brings blooming meadows, summer offers pleasant weather, autumn has clear skies with stunning Bandarpunch views, and winter turns it into a snowy wonderland

    What nearby places can we explore after the Dayara Bugyal Trek?

    After the Dayara Bugyal Trek, you can explore nearby places like Harsil Valley or Gangotri. While these are not included in the regular itinerary, Mountainiax can arrange visits in private batches upon request.

    What are the accommodation types during the Dayara Bugyal Trek?

    During the Dayara Bugyal Trek, accommodation includes a homestay in Barsu Village at the start, offering a cultural and comfortable experience. During the trek, you will stay in camps, which provide basic facilities for a closer connection with nature.

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