Step-by-Step Guide to the Surya Top Trek Adventure

I zipped up my jacket tighter as the air thinned and snowflakes began to swirl like whispers in the wind. We had left the pine forests behind, and above us lay the final ridge to Surya Top, a hidden summit deep in the heart of Uttarakhand. Unlike the crowded trails of Kedarkantha or Brahmatal, this route was eerily quiet — just the crunch of snow beneath our boots and the steady rhythm of breath. This wasn’t just another trek; it was an offbeat Himalayan experience where every step felt like a personal discovery. If you're looking for something wild, pristine, and beginner-friendly, this step-by-step guide to Surya Top Trek is your passport to adventure.

📍 Overview of the Surya Top Trek

Trek Name Surya Top Trek

Region Sankri, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand

Maximum Altitude 3,900 m / 12,795 ft

Duration 6 Days / 5 Nights

Trek Distance ~25–28 km round trip

Best Season December to March (snow)

Difficulty Level Easy to Moderate

Sources: Indiahikes, Moxtain, Trek The Himalayas

🗺️ Step-by-Step Surya Top Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri (210 km | 8–10 hrs)

Your journey begins in Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand. From here, you'll drive through winding mountain roads, passing towns like Mori and Purola, and reach the charming village of Sankri, the basecamp of the trek.

Stats:

Altitude Gain: ~1,950 m

Travel Mode: Shared cab/bus

Cost: ₹700–₹1,000 per person (not included in most packages)

🏠 Overnight stay in Sankri (guesthouse or homestay)

Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab (Trek | 4 km | 4–5 hrs)

The trek begins through dense pine and oak forests. The path is steady and scenic, offering views of the snow-dusted lower Himalayas.

Stats:

Altitude: ~2,700 m

Trail type: Gradual ascent

Campsite: Beside a frozen lake (Juda Ka Talab)

Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Bhoj Gadi (Trek | 4–5 km | 5 hrs)

Today’s trail leads into open meadows and deeper snow zones. You’ll witness a shift in scenery from forested trails to alpine landscapes.

Stats:

Altitude: ~3,200 m

Campsite: Bhoj Gadi — a wide clearing with mountain views

🌌 Stargazing here is unreal — clear skies and no light pollution.

Day 4: Bhoj Gadi to Surya Top Summit & Return (Trek | 8–10 km round trip)

Summit Day! You start early to reach Surya Top before clouds roll in. The climb is steeper but rewarding — 360° views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak (Kalanag) await.

Stats:

Summit Altitude: 3,900 m

Time: 7–8 hours round trip

Trail: Steep in patches, snow-covered

Return to Bhoj Gadi or Juda ka Talab depending on group fitness and snow levels.

Day 5: Bhoj Gadi to Sankri (Trek back | 8 km)

Descend through the same pine and oak forests. The downward trail is easier but still requires caution if snow-covered.

Stats:

Duration: 4–5 hrs

Stay: Guesthouse in Sankri (included in most packages)

Day 6: Sankri to Dehradun (Drive | 210 km)

Say goodbye to the mountains as you drive back to Dehradun with memories, photos, and a whole new love for offbeat trails.

🎒 What to Pack for Surya Top

Trekking shoes (snow-compatible)

3-layer clothing (base, insulation, outer)

Down jacket, thermals

Woolen cap, gloves, socks

Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm

Trekking pole & daypack

Power bank & flashlight

Full checklist: Indiahikes Packing Guide

💰 Surya Top Trek Cost Breakdown (2025)

Cost Component Estimated Price (INR)

Trek Package (6D/5N) ₹7,999 – ₹9,500

Transport (Dehradun–Sankri round trip) ₹1,500 – ₹2,000

Gear Rental (optional) ₹1,000 – ₹2,000

Misc. Expenses ₹500 – ₹1,000

Total ₹10,500 – ₹14,500

🧭 Why Choose Surya Top?

✅ Less-crowded, offbeat trail

✅ Beginner-friendly but rewarding

✅ Snowy landscapes without the chaos

✅ Affordable, scenic, and peaceful

🌐 Trek Operators & Booking Sources

Operator Website

Indiahikes indiahikes.com

Moxtain moxtain.com

Trek The Himalayas trekthehimalayas.com

📚 Sources

Indiahikes – Surya Top Trek

Moxtain

Trek The Himalayas

Uttarakhand Tourism

🏁 Final Thoughts

Surya Top isn’t just a trek — it’s an escape into silence, where the forest echoes your footsteps and every turn brings you closer to something ancient and vast. This guide gives you all the details to plan your journey, but the real magic? That happens when you step onto the trail.