Aancha Top Trek
Aancha Top Trek
Uttarakhand
Location
Uttarakhand
Duration
6 days
Max Altitude
12500 ft
Trekking
24 km
Grade
Easy to Moderate
Get in Touch with Our Trek Expert
Monday–Saturday: 10 AM to 06 PM (GMT +5:30)
Location
Uttarakhand
Duration
6 days
Max Altitude
12500 ft
Trekking km
24 km
Grade
Easy to Moderate
Get in Touch with Our Trek Expert
Monday–Saturday: 10 AM to 06 PM (GMT +5:30)
Overview
Special Offer
Why is Ancha Top a Must-Do Trek?
- Start the trek from Ranachatti Village, where you get a glimpse of pahadi life and ancient temples.
- Visit the Someshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, adding a calm and spiritual touch to the beginning of the trek.
- Walk through dense oak and rhododendron forests, enjoying the shade and colorful blooms in spring.
- Explore the sprawling meadows of Dinnala Bugyal, with grazing sheep, open grassy spaces, and views of Bandarpunch, Swargarohini, Kedarnath, and Phulara Ridge.
- Pass the Bamsingh Campsite, surrounded by oak trees, flowing streams, and traditional shepherd huts called channis.
- Enjoy the long ridgeline walk leading to Ancha Top, with continuous views of the Uttarakhand Himalayas.
- Reach the Ancha Top Summit (12,525 ft), a wide open peak offering 360-degree views of major Himalayan peaks like Bandarpunch, Swargarohini, Black Peak, Kedarnath, and the Gangotri massif.
- Experience the trek in any season, from spring blooms to summer greenery, autumn skies, or the winter snow.
- It is a less crowded, short-duration trek, so you can enjoy the mountains peacefully and complete it in just a few days.
Ancha Top Trek
Many of Garhwal’s trekking routes are familiar and well-traveled, leaving little that feels untouched. But the Yamunotri region as always stood apart, with trails that few had ventured on and landscapes still waiting to be explored. It was here that we discovered Ancha Top with fresh trails, forests, ancient temples, and beautiful meadows, promising a trekking experience that feels new and refreshing.
The trek provides 360-degree views of Himalayan peaks. On one side, you see Swargarohini and Bandarpoonch, while on the other, the Gangotri range unfolds with peaks like Srikantha, Jogin, Jaonli, and Kedarnath. This is a trek where the summit feels as beautiful as a whole new world of trekking.
In the serene folds of the Yamunotri region, the trek takes you on a beautiful journey into untouched meadows, ancient forest trails, and Himalayan ridgelines. Rising to an altitude of 12,500 ft, the trek brings together spiritual calm, raw mountain beauty, and quiet exploration far from crowded trails.
Since it is still a lesser-known trek, the trails remain uncrowded and peaceful. You walk in silence, hear birds moving through the forest, see the peaks glowing along the way and enjoy soothing evenings at its campsites. The walk through Dinnala Bugyal adds to this experience, with its gorgeous meadow where the forest slowly opens up and mountains stand all around. Trekkers love how the landscape keeps opening up, from forests to meadows and then to wide ridges. The true magic, however, is found on its high-altitude ridgeline; for hours, you walk "on top of the world" with an unparalleled 360-degree theater of peaks, from the jagged massifs of Swargarohini and Bandarpunch to the distant, glowing summits of the Gangotri range.
Unlike many treks that only show peak views from only one side, the Ancha Top opens up to wide ridges and a summit with views in every direction. The trek is graded Easy to Moderate, which makes it suitable for beginners as well as seasoned trekkers who want a quieter Himalayan experience across all seasons, including with a great winter summit.
Major attractions of the Trek
- Ranachatti Village: This is the starting point of the trek and it is loved for its first glimpse into the village and local life. There are pahadi houses which are made of locally sourced stone, timber (especially deodar), and mud, clay with slate roofs.
- Someshwar Temple: At Ranachatti you will find the Someshwar temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple holds importance for the local villagers and is often visited by trekkers.
- Oak and Rhododendron Forests: The trek is loved more for its trail filled with Oak and Rhododendron forests. The initial part of the trail is covered with dense and beautiful forest sections. In spring, during March & April, the rhododendrons (Buransh) bloom in red and pink colours and you will love to see them.
- Bamsingh Campsite: This is a beautiful campsite where you will find multiple water sources and shepherd huts, locally they are called channis. This area is particularly filled with oak trees and you can see the Bandarpoonch peak from here.
- Dinnala Bugyal: A trek with meadows always feels special, and Dinnala Bugyal is one of the main charms of this trek. It is a sprawling meadow where forest trails open up. It is located at around 10,750 ft, and you will get to see the very direct view of the peaks like Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini massif, Kedarkantha Peak and Phulara Ridge. You will also see the Daloti Gad stream flowing nearby.
- The Ridgeline Walk: This is an exhilarating part of the trek that leads up to the summit. The trail along the ridge gives you open and high-altitude views of the valleys and mountains all around.
- Aancha Top Summit: This is the ultimate attraction point at 12,500 ft. The top provides a 360-degree view of major Himalayan peaks, including Bandarpunch, Swargarohini, Black Peak (Kalanag), Kedarnath, and the Gangotri massif.
The story of the Trail
You would love to know that for centuries, local shepherds have used these paths to reach high-altitude Bugyals where they spent entire summers grazing their livestock. Over time, these lived-in trails slowly transformed into a trekking route, carrying with them generations of mountain wisdom and tradition. Today, the trails connect trekkers to the lives and heritage of the people who know these mountains best.
A trek that holds spiritual significance too.
As the trek is located close to Yamunotri Dham, the region holds spiritual significance too. Saints, seekers, and devotees have walked these valleys long before trekkers arrived. Even today, the trail carries a meditative energy which is great for those looking to reconnect with nature in its purest form.
Drive from Dehradun to Ranachatti – Gateway to the Yamuna Valley
- Altitude: 7,000 ft
- Drive Distance: 160 km
- Drive Duration: 6–7 hours
Ranachatti to Bamsingh – Walking Through Living Forests
- Altitude Gain: 7,000 ft to 9,200 ft
- Trek Distance: 4 km
- Trek Duration: 3 hours
Bamsingh to Dinnala Camp - From Forests to Open Valleys
- Altitude Gain: 9,200 ft to 10,750 ft
- Trek Distance: 4 km
- Trek Duration: 4 hours
Dinnala to Aancha Camp via Aancha Top - Summit Day
- Altitude: 10,750 ft to 12,500 ft (summit), descending to 11,400 ft
- Trek Distance: 8 km
- Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
Aancha Camp to Ranachatti – Descending Through Changing Landscapes
- Altitude Loss: 11,400 ft to 7,000 ft
- Trek Distance: 6 km
- Trek Duration: 5 hours
Ranachatti to Dehradun – Journey Back to the Plains
- Drive Distance: 160 km
- Drive Duration: 6 hours
- Pulse rate at rest must be in between (60 to 100 beats per minute).
- Blood Pressure Reading must be in between (DIASTOLIC 75 – 85, SYSTOLIC 100 - 130 mm Hg).
- Respiratory rate at rest must be in between (12 to 20 breaths per minute).
- Should not have Liver and kidney issues.
- Should not have Diabetes Mellitus, Bronchial Asthma, Heart problems, Hypertension, etc.
- No pacemaker implant.
- People with Sinus issues, Epilepsy please contact to trek coordinator before booking the trek.
- If your BMI is not normal, Please contact our Trek coordinator before Trek booking.
Medical & Disclaimer Form (Mandatory Documents) Click here to download Medical & Disclaimer Form
How to reach — Maps
Pick-Up Information
- It is essential for everyone to arrive at Prince Chowk, Dehradun (06:00 am).
- Once you have reached Dehradun, TTH will manage the rest of your travel arrangements, if you have opted for TTH's pick-up service, you can select this option during the booking process by adding it as an add-on.
Options to Reach Dehradun
First, you can arrive at Delhi, Dehradun Airport or Chandigarh. The journey from these locations to Dehradun is explained below.
1. Take an overnight train from Delhi to Dehradun.
2. Take a bus to Dehradun ISBT from Delhi Kashmiri gate ISBT or Chandigarh Sector 17 Bus stand, and then take local transport to the pickup point (Prince Chowk).
Delhi to Dehradun - 250km | 6hr.
Chandigarh to Dehradun - 220km | 5hr
The distance from the Dehradun Bus Stand (ISBT) to the Railway Station is 6 km, without traffic, it will take 15 minutes.
( We always recommend to go for the govt. Buses over the private ones outside the bus station as based on the experience we have found that there are very high chances of delay involved with private buses. Also, govt. Buses are always more reliable. Whichever bus you choose, just make sure to reach Dehradun at least by 05:30 am positively. )
3. Take a flight to Dehradun airport (Jolly Grant Airport), then from the Airport to Prince Chowk, Dehradun Distance is 30km and it will take around 1 hr( if coming by flight then reach one day early).
Drop-Off Information
- The designated drop-off point is Prince Chowk, Dehradun.
- Arrive in Prince Chowk by 6:30 to 7:30 pm.
- Please consider planning your subsequent travel arrangements after 9:00 pm.
- The distance from the Railway Station to Dehradun Bus Stand (ISBT) is 6 km, it will take approx 25 minutes.
- The distance from Railway Station to Dehradun Airport is 30km, it will take approx 1hr.
- It's highly advisable to keep a buffer day in your travel plan. If the buffer day is not needed, it can be used to explore Dehradun/Mussoorie/Rishikesh.
( If you prefer to travel independently to Base camp and don't want to take TTH's pick-up service, you can either take a government bus or book a private cab from Dehradun. Your trek coordinator will provide guidance on how to arrange for the bus or cab booking. )
TTH offers comfortable transportation through Tempo Traveler, Bolero, or equivalent vehicles. If you wish to upgrade your mode of transportation, please contact your trek coordinator for further assistance.
1. Accommodation (as per the itinerary):
- Day 1 and Day 5 in a guesthouse on triple/quad/penta sharing. (Males and females accommodated separately)
- Day 2, Day 3, and Day 4 in a Tent (Twin Sharing).
2. Meals (Veg + Egg):
- Day 1 Dinner to Day 5 Dinner as per the itinerary.
- Drinking water while on trek (Tap/Mountain water).
3. Support:
- 1 Versatile base camp manager handles communication and deploys extra manpower in emergencies.
- 1 Mountaineering & First aid qualified professional trek Leader.
- 1 Experienced high-altitude chef.
- Local experienced guides (Number of guides depending on the group size).
- Enough support staff.
4. Trek equipment:
- Sleeping bag, Sleeping liners (if required), mattresses, and Utensils.
- 3 men all season trekker tent (twin sharing), Kitchen & Dining tent, Toilet tent.
- Camping stool, Walkie talkie.
- Ropes, Helmet, Ice axe, Harness, Gaiters & microspikes (if required).
5. First aid:
- Medical kit,Stretcher,Oxygen cylinder,Blood pressure monitor, Oximeter, Stethoscope.
6. Mules/porters to carry the central luggage.
7. Cloakroom facility available at the base camp for additional luggage.
8. All necessary permits and entry fees, Upto the amount charged for Indian.
9. Trek Completion Certificate.
Trek Essentials
Cancellation Terms
To request a cancellation, please email us at info@trekthehimalayas.com using your registered email ID.
Cancellations prior to 25 days from the start of the Trip
Refund Options
- 5% deduction of trek fee
- 100% trek fee cash voucher for any trip till one year
- Transfer your trek (any trek, any date) to your friend
Cancellation between 24 days and 15 days to the start of the Trip
Refund Options
- 30% deduction of trek fee
- 100% trek fee cash voucher for same trip till one year
- 85% trek fee cash voucher for any trip till one year
- Transfer your trek (same trek, any date) to your friend
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the Trip
Refund Options
- 50% deduction of trek fee
- 80% trek fee cash voucher for same trip till one year
- 70% trek fee cash voucher for any trip till one year
- Book the same trek, in the same season, with any other batch
- Transfer your trek (same trek, any date) to your friend
Cancellation less than 9 days to the start of the trek.
Refund Options
- No cash refund
- 20% trek fee cash voucher for the same trip till one year
- 10% trek fee cash voucher for any trip till one year
- Transfer your trek (same trek, same date) to your friend
- To reschedule a trek (same trek only), a 30 % rescheduling fee of the trek cost will apply.
Cancellation Policy (Emergency Cases):
In case of a death in the immediate family (parents, siblings, spouse, children) or if the trekker is hospitalized (min. 48 hours) or suffers a fracture (leg/arm) within a week before the trek, even if canceled a day before:
90% trek fee refund in cash & 10% as a voucher (valid for 1 year, for any India trek).
Valid documents required. We’re here to support you during tough times.
Note:
- Change of trek batch is dependent on the availability of seats in the batch
- In case of transferring a trek to a friend, he/she should satisfy all the mandatory requirements put forward by TTH
- TTH holds the right to change/cancel the policies, without prior notice
Booking and Payments
- The Participant is responsible for verifying the accuracy of all details, including Trip dates and personal documentation, at the time of booking.
- Payments must be made in accordance with the timelines and instructions provided by TTH. Late payments may result in cancellation of booking without refund.
- In the event of a cash refund, only the portion of the payment made in cash shall be eligible for refund in cash. Any booking made using voucher, discounts, promotional codes, or through any non-cash mode of payment shall not be eligible for a cash refund under any circumstances.
- Refunds, if applicable, shall be processed within 15–30 working days of confirmation.
- All add-on bookings are subject to the respective add-on cancellation policy, and refunds will be processed accordingly.
- Voucher Terms
- This is a non-transferable voucher
- The voucher cannot be merged with any other offer of Trek The Himalayas
- The voucher is valid for Trek booked directly with Trek The Himalayas in India
- To avail the voucher please use your register phone number or e-mail id
- All the other Terms of booking a trek with Trek The Himalayas are applicable to the voucher
Itinerary and Modifications
- TTH reserves the right to modify, shorten, or cancel any part of the Trip due to transportation delays, weather, health emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances including Force Majeure.
Cancellations and Refunds
- No refunds or vouchers, partial or otherwise, shall be provided for voluntary withdrawal, non-utilisation of services, or removal from the Trip.
- If TTH cancels the Trip before arrival at the designated pick-up point due to unforeseen circumstances or Force Majeure, the Participant may choose from:
- An alternate Trip/date.
- A credit voucher valid for one (1) year.
- Transfer to another Trip, with cost differences payable by the Participant.
- If the Trip is abandoned post-arrival at the designated pick-up point, no cash refund or voucher shall be issued. The Trek Again Policy may apply at TTH’s discretion.
- TTH shall not be liable for any associated travel costs such as flights, accommodation, or visa fees.
Force Majeure
- Events beyond its control including but not limited to earthquakes, landslides, strikes, curfews, war, pandemic, government restrictions, heavy rainfall or snowfall, windstorms, road blockages, trail disruption, or withdrawal of permits, TTH shall not be held liable for any cancellation, delay, or service modification caused by Force Majeure.
Government employees can avail the benefit of Special Casual Leave (SCL) when they join us for a trekking expedition. As per Pay Commission guidelines, up to 30 days of Special Casual Leave can be availed in a calendar year for trekking or mountaineering expeditions conducted through a registered organisation.
Trek The Himalayas is a registered adventure tour operator with the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), making your trek eligible for SCL benefits.
To apply, email us at info@trekthehimalayas at least 20 days before the trek departure date, with the following details:
- Trek name and trek date
- Booking details
- Full name
- Designation
- Department and department address
This benefit is exclusive to Indian Government employees and is applicable only for treks within India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Aancha Top is located in the Yamunotri region of Uttarakhand, near the upper Yamuna Valley. The trek starts from Ranachatti, a small village close to Yamunotri, and takes you through forests, alpine meadows, and ridgelines leading up to the Aancha Top summit at 12,500 ft.
The highest point of the trek is Aancha Top at 12,500 ft. The gradual ascent and well-planned itinerary make altitude gain manageable, especially for beginners.
The trek is graded Easy to Moderate. It is suitable for beginners who have basic fitness and for experienced trekkers looking for a peaceful, less-crowded Himalayan trail. Winter conditions can increase the difficulty slightly due to snow.
Yes. Aancha Top is an excellent choice for beginners, particularly in spring, summer, and autumn. The trail is gradual, campsites are well-spaced, and the summit climb is non-technical. Prior walking or light trekking experience is recommended.
The trek is 6 days long, including travel days from and to Dehradun. The actual trekking distance is spread comfortably over 4 trekking days.
The trek starts from Ranachatti, which is reached by road from Dehradun. Ranachatti serves as the base camp for the trek.
The trek can be done almost all year, except peak monsoon.
- March to June: Best for greenery and rhododendron blooms
- September to November: Clear views and golden meadows
- December to February: Ideal for snow lovers and winter summit experience
- July & August: Not recommended due to heavy rains and slippery trails
Yes. Snow is present from December to February, turning Aancha Top into a beautiful winter summit trek. During peak winter, the trail and campsites are covered in snow.
Yes. Aancha Top is a summit trek, similar in nature to Kedarkantha, offering a wide panoramic view from the top, including the Gangotri and Yamunotri ranges.
Accommodation includes:
- Hotel/guest house stay at Ranachatti
- High-quality camping tents at all trek campsites Tents are shared, and sleeping bags and mattresses are provided by Trek The Himalayas.
Nutritious, freshly cooked vegetarian meals are provided throughout the trek. The menu includes balanced Indian meals, soups, snacks, and hot beverages designed to meet high-altitude energy requirements.
Yes. The trek has multiple natural water sources, including streams like Daloti Gad and Jajar Gad, except during peak winter when water availability may reduce due to freezing.
- Spring/Summer: 5°C to 15°C
- Autumn: 0°C to 10°C
- Winter: Can drop to -10°C or lower, especially at night Proper winter clothing is essential for cold months.
Trekkers should be able to:
- Walk 5km-7 km per day with a light backpack
- Jog or brisk walk 5 km in 30-35 minutes before the trek Basic cardio fitness and stamina are sufficient.
The risk is low to moderate due to gradual altitude gain. Trek The Himalayas follows a proper acclimatisation schedule and carries oxygen cylinders and medical kits. Staying hydrated and following the Trek Leader’s guidance helps minimise risk.
Mobile network is available intermittently at Dehradun and Barkot. Network connectivity is very limited or absent once the trek begins from Ranachatti.
Yes. When trekking with Trek The Himalayas, solo travellers are part of a professionally managed group with experienced trek leaders, safety equipment, and support staff.
The trek includes:
- Forest trails with oak, pine, and birch
- Open alpine meadows (bugyals)
- Ridge walks and gentle summit climbs
- Stream crossings and valley trails
Yes. Trek The Himalayas arranges all forest permits and camping permissions required for the trek.
- Children (above 10-12 years) with good fitness can participate
- Senior citizens with prior trekking experience and medical clearance may join Winter treks require higher fitness levels.
Aancha Top is less crowded, culturally rich, and offers both spiritual and scenic value. It combines forests, meadows, glacial lakes, and a summit making it a complete Himalayan experience without commercial crowding.
Yes. The trek lies close to Yamunotri Dham, a major pilgrimage site. The region has been visited by sages and shepherd communities for centuries, giving the trail a deep spiritual and cultural connection.
For winter, prior trekking experience is recommended but not mandatory. Trekkers should be physically fit and mentally prepared for snow conditions and cold temperatures.
TTH provides:
- Tents
- Sleeping bags and mattresses
- Dining tents
- Safety and medical equipment Personal clothing and footwear must be arranged by trekkers.
Trek The Himalayas offers:
- Certified and experienced Trek Leaders
- High safety standards and equipment
- Thoughtfully designed itineraries
- Deep local knowledge and responsible trekking practices
Yes. Trekkers can rent essential trekking gear such as trekking shoes, jackets, windproof jackets, torches/headlamps, and other required equipment.
For details on available items, sizes, and booking, you can directly visit our gear rental page:
https://trekthehimalayas.com/RentWe recommend booking rental gear in advance to ensure availability and proper fit.
- Aancha Top Trek From March To June
The Aancha Top comes alive around the spring. The meadows start turning green, and the forests start blooming. Spring is a good time to witness the Rhodo bloom. The trail conditions become better and suitable for the trek beginners.
- Aancha Top Trek in July and August
Monsoon is not a very good time to trek to Aancha Top. The trails become very slippery and challenging. You can also face leeches in the forest area. The heavy fog covers the view, and the trails also become difficult.
- Aancha Top Trek From September To November
Autumn is a good time for the Aancha Top Trek. The trails dry up and views become clear. The meadows start turning golden. The landscape remains fresh after the monsoon with clear views. The mornings and evenings look red with golden hues.
- Aancha Top Trek From December To February
The Aancha Top is a summit trek like Kedarkantha. This is one of the few treks where you can summit in winter. The trail is covered with snow, and everything looks magical. The temperature can drop below freezing point, and the route becomes difficult due to heavy snow. But winter is a great time to trek to Aancha Top for snow lovers.
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Aancha Top Trek Video Testimonials
Hear Trekkers Share Their Aancha Top Trek


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