Overview
The Aancha Top Trek is a hidden gem in the Yamunotri Valley of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an elevation of around 12,525 feet (3,818 m) and marks the right-most summit of the Dinnala Bugyal. This is a 24 km trek, which takes about 6 days to complete, making it an adventurous destination. Throughout its trails, it gives you stunning views of the Garhwal Himalayas, with Banderpunch Massif being the most prominent.
The Ancha Top trek starts from the Ranachatti village (base camp). It takes you through dense forest trails, expansive meadows at Dinnala, glacial lakes, and several small water streams that merge with the Yamuna River. The highlight of this trek is the ridge section that takes you to the Ancha Top. Here, trekkers are rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views of Bandarpunch, Swargarohini, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Srikantha Peaks.
The overall difficulty of the Ancha Top trek is easy to moderate, suitable for fit beginners and experienced trekkers. You will encounter accessible trails with several sources of water throughout the route. The terrains are moderately challenging, with a few steep and rocky sections along with narrow ridge-walking on the way.
The best time to visit the Ancha Top trek is during the spring, autumn, and winter seasons. The spring months are best if you are a beginner who prefers favourable trekking conditions. At the same time, if you seek adventure and solitude during the trek, the autumn and winter months will suit you best.
To help you plan for the Ancha Top trek, let us discuss the detailed itinerary, how to reach Ranachatti, the best time to visit, the difficulty level, and more:
Ancha Top Trek Itinerary
Drive Distance: 175 km; 5-6 hrs
Altitude Gain: 666 m (2,186 ft) to 2,086 m (6,844 ft)
On day 1, you will be picked up from your hotel in Dehradun for a 5 to 7-hour drive to Ranachatti. The ride will wind through the Garhwal foothills, and you will pass through the famous hill station, Mussoorie. You will pass through dense pine and oak forests, and deep valleys with terraced agricultural fields on NH 507.
Further, on NH 134, you will follow the route towards Yamunotri. On a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of the Banderpunch massif. Gradually, you will see Dinnala Bugyala from a distance, with its two pointy tops (Jhandi Top and Ancha Top). After reaching the small village of Ranachatti, you will check in at a local homestay. If time permits, you can also visit the Someshwar Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Someshwar Devta (a form of Shiva). This will also help you acclimatise to the trek.
Trek Distance & Time: 4 km, 3-4 hours
Altitude Gain: 2,134 m (7,000 ft) to 2,804 m (9,200 ft)
We will start our trek today from Ranachatti Village after having a warm breakfast. Initially, the trail will take you through the terraced agricultural mountains. Gradually, you will leave the village settlement behind and enter into sparse patches of forests. Do not forget to refill your bottle at various water points (Chhanis or shepherd huts) on the way.
After the second chhani, around the 1.5 km mark, the trail becomes steeper and rockier. You will be climbing a 300-meter section of rocky terrain, so be mindful of your stance. On your left, you will see Banderpuch stand tall among the blanket of clouds. Below, you will see the Yamuna River cutting through the valley, making it a beautiful landscape. Climbing further, you will again notice a slight elevation gain through the 50+ years old oak trees.
After 2 km of hard trek, following a forest clearing, you will reach Ganga Ram Ji’s Chhani, a semi-permanent shepherd’s hut. This serves as the halfway point of today’s trek. Here, you can catch your breath by resting and refilling water bottles if needed.
From here, you will see an almost flat terrain for the next 600 m. Climbing through this, you will reach the “Coin Tree” (named so because trekkers historically left coins at its base for good luck). Here, you will see the first clear visuals of Dinnala Bugyal, with Ancha Top to the left. Further, the trail gains elevation again, and you will walk for 200 m along the side of a spur. Finally, you will notice the gradient becomes slightly easier, leading you towards a large clearing. Crossing this section for the next 30 to 40 minutes, you will arrive at Bamsingh Campsite, your stop for the night. Set up your tents, have a warm meal, and enjoy the peaceful night in the mountains.
Trek Distance: 5 km, 4 hours
Altitude Gain: 2,086 m (6,844 ft) to 3,277 m (10,750 ft)
We will start early today after having our breakfast. Begin by taking the descent towards the forest for the next 150 m. You will gradually enter a small valley. This descent is steep and becomes very slippery during the monsoon months. The trail winds through a dense forest, and after crossing about 1 km, you will enter a small clearing where you can rest briefly.
Further, take the right trail and descend through the forest to arrive to reach a small stream. This is the Daloti Gad, which flows into the Yamuna River. This water is drinkable after filtering. From here, the path will transition into a thinner forest. You will take on a steep section for the next 1 hour of the climb.
After 1 km of difficult climbing, the gradient will become slightly flat. You will cross a small stream to reach an open clearing, known as Sannodi. This indicates that you have covered half of the distance for the day. halfway point for the day. Relax and refill your bottles here.
You will notice that the forests are less dense from Sannodi onwards. You will start getting clearer views of the Banderpunch mountain towards your south. Notice the Swargarohini massif standing tall, and Kedarkantha Peak and Phulara Ridge shining in the daylight towards your left.Ascending gradually, the treeline will eventually fade, giving way to an alpine meadow. Walking 500 m on this alpine terrain, you will pass a chhani. Here at Dinnala Bugyal, you will find many camping stops near various water streams. Choose a suitable space to set up your camp for the night. You will be surrounded by a panorama of mountains. Enjoy the views and retire for the night.
Trek distance & Time: 8 km, 7-8 hrs
Altitude Gain: 3,277 m (10,750 ft) to 3,818 m (12,525 ft, summit) and descent to 3,475 m (11,400 ft at Aancha Camp)
Today, you will finally get to see the Ancha top. Wake up early to enjoy the surreal sunrise at the Dinnala Bugyal. After having a warm meal and a short trek briefing, begin by gradually ascending through the Rhododendron shrubs in the meadow. After about 600m of climbing, take on a rocky gully and then turn right.
Once you have trekked for the first 1.5 km, you will encounter the first of the three glacial lakes on the trek. If the day is less cloudy/foggy, you may see Swargrohini peak reflected in its icy cold waters. From here, take the left trail and hike for around 1 km to reach two more glacial lakes amidst the open meadow. Explore this photogenic region for the next 30 minutes and relax.
Return to the first lake, and take the right trail, and you will gradually catch glimpses of the Gangotri and Yamunotri ranges. These peaks include Gangotri III, Jogin Peak, Kedarnath, and Jaonli. Towards the right, you can also catch the views of vast alpine meadows, Dayara, and Gidara.
Take the trail towards a mountain ridge and follow the path to view the gigantic peaks up close. The ascent will feel a bit difficult as you will be crossing the narrow trails. After 2 km, you will finally arrive at the Ancha Top summit. The trail ends here, so catch a breath and enjoy the expansive views of some of the greatest peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas. You will also see peaks like Srikantha, Jogin Peak, and Jaonli, and the beauty of the Yamuna Valley stretching across the landscape.
After taking pictures and absorbing the ethereal views at the summit, start your descent back towards the first lake. Instead of going back to our Dinnala Bugyal campsite, we will trek towards its other end. You will cross a small stream called Jajar Gad. On the far edge, you will arrive at another vast meadow, known as the Ancha Camp.
Choose a suitable site to set up your camps. You will see that the views of Bunderpunch and Gangotri have disappeared. However, you can still see Swargrohini peak at a distance. Enjoy the beautiful sunset and give your body appropriate rest for the night.
Trek distance & Time: 6 km, 5-6 hrs
Altitude Loss: 3,475 m (11,400 ft) to 2,086 m (6,844 ft)
Wake up to the beautiful views at the campsite. Today, we will descend back to the base camp of the Ancha Top trek. After having your breakfast, move gradually through the open meadows. As you lose altitude, you will be surrounded by rhododendron shrubs. In spring, these shrubs are full of flowers, coloured in light pink and red.
The distant views of Banderpunch will keep you company throughout your descent. Here, the terrain is easy on the knees. However, after covering a patch of Pine and Birch trees, you will experience a sharp descent. The forest area will become denser with each progressive step.
After about 1.5 km, you will come across a small clearing, followed by an oak forest. After another km, you will arrive at another clearing, known as Pokhar Thattar. Gradually, descending for the next 2 km, you arrive at Ganga Ram Ji’s Chhani again (you passed this ascending on Day 2). Refill your water bottles here.
Another 2 km will give way to a thinner forest area transitioning to terraced farmlands. This marks your entry into the Ranachatti Village. The final section of the descent is easier as the trail becomes almost flat. You will arrive at your homestay, where you can rest, recover, and retire for the night.
Dive distance & Time: 160 km, 5-6 hrs
Day 6 marks the last day of your Ancha Top trek. Have your breakfast early to leave for Dehradun. You can also visit the Someshwar Mahadev temple today, if you could not visit on Day 1.
Driving back to Dehradun, the entire route will feel nostalgic. Do not forget to take pit stops and admire the beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas on your way. If you have a few extra days in your itinerary, you can also visit Mussorie. However, the long trek may cause fatigue, so it is best to relax in Dehradun on this day.
Ancha Top Trek Package
Price Inclusion
Stay: Accommodation is included for all days of the trek. Tents will be provided on a triple-sharing basis. Single and double sharing available at extra cost.
Meals: All meals are provided from dinner on Day 1 to Day 6 breakfast.
Trek Equipment: All essential trek equipment is included, such as sleeping bags, kitchen and dining tents, utensils, mattresses, personal tents, toilet tents, and crampons (if needed).
Forest Entry and Permits: All required fuel charges, tolls, forest entry fees, and permits are covered.
Trek Staff: A qualified, professional team, including a mountaineering-certified trek leader, guide, cook, and support staff, will accompany you.
Emergency Kit: First aid medical kits, oxygen cylinders, and stretchers are provided for safety.
Trek Certificate & HDT Badges: Receive a trek certificate and HDT badges to celebrate your adventure.
Price Exclusion
Meals during Transfer: Meals are not included while traveling to and from the trek starting points.
Emergency Evacuations: Any charges related to emergency evacuation are not included
Personal Expenses: Any meals or accommodations outside of the provided itinerary or additional services not listed in the inclusions.
Personal Luggage Carrying: Charges for mules or porters to offload personal luggage are not included in the package.
Transport: Transportation from Dehradun is extra at a cost.
5% GST
Check the booking procedure, including details on booking deposits, payment terms, and the cancellation policy.
Best Time to do the Ancha Top Trek
Spring and Winter months are popularly considered the best time to do the Ancha top trek. In fact, it can be taken up by trekkers across most seasons, other than monsoon ( July to August). The best time for you depends on your choice of weather, challenges, crowd, and landscape. Let us discuss what each season offers at Ancha Top Trek:
Spring: April to Early June
| Attribute | Details |
| Temperature | Min: 5-8° C Max: 12-21° C |
| Weather | Favourable weather with cool and calm wind |
| Ideal For | Beginners and families |
| Landscape | Lush greenery; blooming Rhododendrons and wildflowers. |
| Crowd | Moderate |
The months from April to June are the best time to try the Acha Top trek. The calm weather and clear views of the landscape make it ideal for trekking with family or as a beginner. The lush greenery of the dense forests, swaying shrubs at alpine meadows, and views of towering Garhwal peaks add to its beauty. The trails are mostly dry during this time, decreasing the overall difficulty of the trek.
Summer and Monsoon: Late June to Early September
| Attribute | Details |
| Temperature | 15-22°C |
| Weather | Warm climate and occasional precipitation, cold and wet around July |
| Ideal For | Not recommended |
| Landscape | Slippery trails, mist-covered forests, foggy skies |
| Crowd | Rare |
The summer and monsoon seasons often coincide after late June. The weather becomes warm but can be cold and wet at night due to unpredictable rainfall in the evening. This window is not recommended for trekking to Ancha top due to various trail hazards. These include overflowing water streams, mudslides and landslides, and extremely slippery moss-covered trails.
Autumn: Mid-September-November
| Attribute | Details |
| Temperature | Min: 8-12°CMax: 15-22°C |
| Weather | Slightly humid during September, cold days and nights, and very chilly at higher altitudes. |
| Ideal For | Photographers and experienced trekkers |
| Landscape | Golden autumn scenery, dry trails, and clear views |
| Crowd | Moderate to high |
Autumn is also one of the ideal seasons to visit the Ancha top trek. The trail conditions become favourable after the retreat of the monsoon around mid-September. October brings the best colours to the vast expansive meadows, covering them in the shades of amber and brown. This is the perfect time for photography enthusiasts as the scenery becomes beautiful with clear skies, giving unparalleled visuals of the Garhwal peaks.
Winter (December-March)
| Attribute | Details |
| Temperature | Min: -15 to -5°CMax: -2 to 10°C |
| Weather | Very cold climate with heavy snowfall; clear days occasionally |
| Ideal For | Those with winter trekking experience and adventure-seekers |
| Landscape | Snow-covered trails, glacial lakes, and meadows |
| Crowd | Very low |
For snow-lovers and adventurous trekkers, winter is the best time to visit Ancha Top Trek. You will find very little crowd around this time, making climbing a peaceful experience. The landscape receives heavy snowfall in winter, but the trails are accessible and easy to climb if accompanied by a trek leader. You may require extra equipment like microspikes for safe trekking. Do check the weather forecast before booking your tickets.
Difficulty Level of the Ancha Top Trek
The Ancha Top comes under the category of an easy-to-moderate trek. The overall difficulty depends on the season, your expertise level, and fitness preparation. If you are a beginner, it is best to attempt Ancha Top during the spring season. You must start preparing for it by adding cardio and strength exercises to your daily routine. Take proper steps for acclimatization, as you will be gaining more than 5,000 ft within a span of 3 to 4 days. You will also be covering a ridge section, which can be challenging for most of the trekkers.
The trails go through dense forests, water streams, and alpine meadows, where they are accessible for most of the parts. However, some of the sections are very steep with rocky terrain, which requires great physical and mental strength. You will be walking about 4 to 8 km daily on the trek, which is why focusing on cardiovascular health is very important. Finally, make sure you take breaks and spend a night at Dehradun and Ranachatti so that you do not put yourself at the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Preparation for Ancha Top Trek
Physical Training
- Routine: Dedicate 45 minutes to 1 hour to a regular workout (Cardio + Strength).
- Goal: Aim to run 5 km in under 40 minutes.
- Cardio: Running, cycling, or swimming (for stamina).
- Strength: Leg exercises (squats, lunges, step-ups) for endurance.
- Core: Planks, mountain climbers, and Russian twists (for balance).
- Flexibility: Stretching, yoga, and warm-ups (to prevent injuries).
Mental Preparation & Wellness
- Mental Focus: Use visualization, breathing, and meditation to handle stress and keep calm in difficult situations.
- Research: Thoroughly understand the terrain, difficulty, and contingency plans.
- Diet & Recovery:
- Diet: Focus on proteins (lentils, eggs, etc.) for recovery and whole grains for sustained energy.
- Recovery: Plan rest days and use stretching/foam rolling after workouts.
- Hydration: Drink 2 to 3 liters of water daily; limit alcohol and caffeine; ensure 8 hours of sleep.
Altitude Sickness Awareness
While Ancha’s height is generally not a high concern for serious AMS, awareness is crucial.
- How to Prevent AMS
- Ascent: Always climb slowly to allow the body time to adjust.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water; limit alcohol and caffeine.
- Rest: Ensure ample rest and sleep at camps.
- What to Do if Symptoms Occur
- Crucial Step: Immediately inform your trek leader. They are trained to assess and manage the situation quickly.
- Action: Stop, rest, and hydrate.
- Severe Symptoms: Descend immediately (down to Ranachatti). The team will assist with transport and medical care.
Things to Carry
- Sleeping Bag
- Common Tent
- Mattress
- Dining Tent
- Camping Stool
- Walkie Talkie (For Team)
- Utensils
1. Clothing
- Base Layer (Thermals): 1–2 sets (Top & Bottom)
- T-shirt: 1 Quick-dry trekking T-shirt (+1 extra)
- Mid Layer: 1 Fleece Jacket + 1 Sweater
- Outer Layer: 1 Down Jacket (Heavy)
- Waterproof Shell: 1 Windproof and waterproof shell jacket
- Rain Gear: 1 Poncho or Raincoat
- Trekking Pants: 1 Insulated, quick-drying trek pant + 1 trouser (for camp)
- Warm Socks: 2 pair
- Woolen socks (for trekking) + 1 pair (for night)
- Gloves: 1 Waterproof & insulated gloves + 1 pair liners
- Headwear: 1 Warm Hat + 1 Scarf/Balaclava
- Sun Hat: 1
- Gaiters: 1 pair (Must-have) Microspikes: 1 pair (Must-have)
2. Footwear
- Trekking Boots: 1 pair (Sturdy, high-ankle, waterproof)
- Camp Shoes: 1 pair (Sandals/Slippers)
3. Backpack & Trekking Gear
- Rucksack: 1 (40–50 liters, with a waterproof cover)
- Daypack: 1 (For day-hike)
- Trekking Poles/Sticks: 1 pair
- Headlamp: 1–2 head torches (with extra batteries)
6. Health & Hygiene
- First-Aid Kit: 1 (Personal medications, painkillers, etc.)
- Toiletries: Biodegradable soap, mouthwash, wet wipes
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen
- Lip Balm: 1
- Snacks: Energy bars, dry fruits, chocolates (Must include)
7. Accessories
- Bottle/Bladder: 1
- Reusable Thermos: 1 (For hot beverages)
- Sunglasses: 1 (UV-protected and polarized)
- Camera (optional): 1
- Power Bank (optional): 1
How to Reach Ancha Top Base, Ranachatti
The basecamp of the Aancha Top trek is Ranachatti, a small village in the Uttarkashi district. It lies in the Yamunotri Valley and is a well-known stopping point before reaching Janakichatti, the base camp of the Yamunotri Trek. Here’s how you can reach here:
By Air
The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport. It receives several direct and connecting flights from major cities in the country. Try to arrive here on Day 0 of your itinerary, so that you can rest and acclimatize before taking on the Ancha Top trek.
Alternatively, if you cannot find a direct flight from your city, fly to Delhi instead. Take a train from Delhi to Dehradun or a bus/taxi service. You will find several roadway options from Dehradun to reach Barkot and further to Ranachatti.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Dehradun Railway Station, at about 177 km. It is connected to several major cities of India, such as Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and more. From the station, you can take a rental taxi, UTC bus, or rent a car to reach Ranachatti.
By Road
Route: Dehradun → Mussoorie → Naugaon → Barkot → Bhansari → Syanachatti → Ranachatti
From Delhi, you can catch a bus to Dusradun from ISBT Kashmiri Gate. After you arrive at Dehradun, you can find several UTC buses and private AC buses that go to Barkot. From Barkot, you can take a shared taxi that goes to Janakichatti and get down at Ranachatti, which lies on the route.
You can also travel by your own private vehicle to reach Ranachatti. Alternatively, book a rental taxi from Dehradun to Ranachatti.
The nearest major railway stations are Haridwar and Rishikesh. From these stations, one can take a taxi or board a bus to Rudraprayag or Ukhimath. The road journey from Rishikesh to Chopta takes around 8 to 9 hours. Regular buses are available to Rudraprayag and limited services to Ukhimath. From Ukhimath, which is about 30 kilometers from Chopta, shared jeeps or private taxis can take you to the base.
If you’re planning to travel by car, it’s better to leave early in the morning and aim to reach Chopta by the afternoon. Ukhimath is the last town with ATM facilities and petrol pumps, so it’s a good place to stop and refuel or withdraw cash. Roads beyond Rudraprayag are narrow but manageable. It is wise to carry enough fuel, cash, and warm clothes.
From Rishikesh take a bus to Karanprayag and from there change buses for Tharali. Tharali is connected to Loahjung and local taxis are available. Alternatively, you can also reach Lohajung via Haldwani. From Haldwani, take a bus to Tharali and from Tharali take a taxi to Lohajung.
Special Casual Leave for Trek
Himalayan Dream Treks (HDT) is registered tour operator with the IMF, and we can cater to the needs of SCL for Government Employees. According to the rule, the government of India provides its employees with a prospect where they’re allowed to apply for a 30-day special casual leave in a calendar year to do trekking, hiking, or whatever adventure pleases them.
Mail us at info@himalayandreamtreks.in, if you want to avail SCL.
Nearby Attraction to Visit after the Trek
Once you’re done with the Ancha Top trek, you can check out these nearby places for additional exploration:
- Yamunotri Temple
- Hanuman Chatti
- Janki Chatti
- Surya Kund
- Dodital Trek
- Dayara Bugyal Trek
- Kedarkantha Trek
Leave a Comment