Swathi Chatrapathy heads the digital content team at Indiahikes. She is also the face behind India's popular trekking video channel, Trek With Swathi. Unknown to many, Swathi also writes a weekly column at Indiahikes which has more than 100,000 followers.

A TEDx speaker and a frequent guest at other events, Swathi is a much sought after resource for her expertise in digital content.

Before joining Indiahikes, Swathi worked as a reporter and sub-editor at a daily newspaper. She holds a Masters's in Digital Journalism and continues to contribute to publications. Trekking, to her, is a sport that liberates the mind more than anything else. Through trekking, Swathi hopes to bring about a profound impact on a person's mind, body and spirit. 

Not many winter treks can be done in January and February. Brahmatal that way is a classic winter trek for that period. For one, most of the trek is on snow, which makes it terribly exciting. Trekkers love camping beside the shores of the frozen Bekaltal. Then, when they get to the open snow covered meadows near Brahmatal, that’s when the full grandeur of the trek hits you. Stretched across the sky are the big mountains of Gharwal, and everywhere around you are the white undulating snow fields of Brahmatal.

“I am glad this trek is a hidden gem. The crowd is almost absent. The silence of the forests is still loud enough to hear a hare scampering through the snow.” says Arjun. In the video below he talks about the highlights of the trek. Take a look.

What makes Brahmatal a classic trek during peak winter? Indiahikes founder Arjun Majumdar throws some light on the uniqueness of this trek.

Watch this video on Why Brahmatal is the Best Peak Winter Trek

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Please note that this is a special trek designed for stargazing enthusiasts. The trek fee is slightly more than the regular fee. Know more about the trek here. 

This is a trek specially designed for trekkers above 58 years. The itinerary is specially designed to be different from a regular trek. The trek fee is also Rs 3000 more than the regular fee (Please note this is only for Himalayan treks) Know more about the trek here.  

Our Adventure Therapy Trek is led by a trained therapist, who will guide you through reflective and therapeutic exercises during the trek. To accommodate this expertise, the fee is ₹5,000 higher than our regular trek fee. Know more about the trek here. 

Please note that the family treks are meant for families with a child/children under 18 years of age. If you do not fit this criteria, you can register for any of our regular groups. Read more about family treks here.

Please note, this is an open Collaborative Leadership Programme with a focus on networking and building Collaborative Leadership skills for young professionals and university students. The trek fee is 5000 more than the regular fee. Learn more about the trek here: https://indiahikes.com/blog/open-collaborative-leadership-program

The Indiahikes Summer Camp aligns with the Adventurous Journey of the IAYP programme. Our treks provide a challenging outdoor experience where participants plan, train, and trek in an unfamiliar environment. They develop teamwork, leadership, and resilience while navigating trails, camping, and engaging with nature—fulfilling all the requirements of the IAYP Adventurous Journey.

You are joining our waitlist. Here are a few guidelines that you should keep in mind:

The chances of getting a confirmed slot totally depend on the cancellations we receive from confirmed trekkers. The cancellations cannot be predicted hence are uncertain.

We close the movement of the waitlist 7-15 days before the trek starts.

You don't have to pay right now. You will receive a notification upon confirmation of your slot. You will have 24 hours to pay and confirm your booking.

We are known for our pioneering safety practices in trekking. Microspikes, oximeters, and BP checks became standards thanks to us. In the mountains, emergencies don't care who you're with—everyone knows that when trouble hits, you look for the yellow tents of Indiahikes. When you join our treks, we first make our No-Compromise Safety Promise. It’s our unwavering commitment to keep you safe, no matter what.

Our No-Compromise Safety Promise

Our commitment to the environment is relentless. We don’t just encourage responsible trekking; we insist on it. That’s why our Green Trails principles are non-negotiable. They don’t involve just our trekkers or our staff members. Our entire trek processes and policies are designed to favour the environment, even if it is often counterintuitive to our business.

Our No-compromise Sustainability promise

More than 30,000 trekkers trek with us every year. In addition, our outdoor learning division (InSoul) has participants from the who’s of the education organisation in India, from the IIMs to BITS to top international schools. More than 5,000 participants from these institutions trek with us annually. We do not spend a single rupee on advertising to get these participants. Our reputation precedes us.

We are India’s largest trekking organisation

We are pioneers in trekking. Since 2007, we have documented and brought out most of India’s famous treks: Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Kedarkantha, Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Phulara Ridge—the list goes on. In 2023-24 alone, we brought out nine new treks in Indian trekking. We know treks better than anyone. This comes directly from the reason why Indiahikes was born: to bring out trek information and enable trekkers to trek on their own. We believe everyone must trek.

Being pioneers of trekking in India

We focus on designing transformative experiences. Our trek leaders conduct thought-provoking exercises that help you reflect and contemplate. This impact stays with you for a long time. Trekkers return feeling energised, more confident, or developing abilities to deal with difficulties. Many have changed careers, rethought their core values, become more humble, shown gratitude to others, or started a new fitness journey. 

Our treks are transformative

5 Reasons Why Indiahikes

Trekking in the Himalayas comes with challenges such as heavy rain, roadblocks, floods, landslides, and permit restrictions imposed by the government. These situations are not within Indiahikes' control. 

Before you register, please be prepared for the possibility that your trek might be called off due to these uncontrollable factors. In such cases, Indiahikes will make every effort to offer you a safe alternative trek. If that isn't possible, we will cancel your trek and issue a voucher for the trek fee in line with our standard cancellation policy.

However, if you would like to receive a full refund of your fee under such circumstances, opt for the Indiahikes Shield while registering. This shield grants you the option to receive a refund in case your trek is cancelled due to external reasons. 

Why you should opt for Indiahikes Shield 

Security concerns and government orders often lead to last-minute cancellations in Jammu & Kashmir. While we make all the preparations to run the trek, we cannot guarantee that the trek will run. If such a situation occurs, we will try to organize an alternate trek within J&K or Himachal Pradesh, wherever possible. If not, we will cancel the trek and our cancellation policy will apply.

Such circumstances are under nobody's control, but it's best to be well-prepared.  As trekkers ourselves, we understand the loss that you go through when such circumstances arise. To protect against such circumstances, we have the Indiahikes Shield - where you can avail a return of your full trek fee by paying a small additional charge.  

We suggest you opt for the Indiahikes Shield, which will protect your trek fee during such uncertainties. You will find the option during the registration process.

Why you must opt for Indiahikes Shield on Kashmir Treks

When you offload, a mule or porter will carry your belongings.

Offloading is for those with injuries, health issues or other limitations

Book via Your Profile after trek registration. 

We will provide you with a weather-resistant kit bag to transfer your belongings.

The kitbag will be carried by mules or porters.

You will not need a backpack if you're offloading. However, you will need a small day pack.

Find details about the Indiahikes Offloading Process here.

At Indiahikes, we strongly believe that children must trek. Children aged 14 and below qualify for a 30% trek fee scholarship. Check out this article to learn more.


For every ten adult members (aged 15 and above) of the group, we waive off the trek fee for one person. Indiahikes will reimburse the said trek fee after you complete your trek.

₹2,600 for transport to and from basecamp

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In the trekking world, strolling through endless high-altitude meadows is magical. But so is the thrill of a challenging climb to magical mountain views. For a long time, we believed that these experiences couldn't coexist on a single trek. That was until we explored the Surya Top Trek.

Surya Top Trek is a rare gem that combines a grand meadow experience with the exhilaration of a rewarding summit climb. It is an extension of our beloved Dayara Bugyal Trek. But the summit climb elevates this experience to a whole new level. 

Trekkers love Dayara Bugyal for its sprawling, velvet-like grasslands. But the Dayara Bugyal trek itinerary shows you a very small part of these meadows. Surya Top trek, on the other hand, takes you across the length and breadth of the Dayara meadows. You trek over these meadows for two full days, with the majestic Bandarpoonch massif and Gangotri range rising on the horizon.  

You trek to the end of the Dayara meadows at Devkund. There begins a magical ridge walk to Siyari. You have beautiful valleys on both sides. Mt Bandarpoonch and Kalanag stand right in front of you.

And then comes the summit climb — the crowning jewel of the trek. The ascent to Surya Top is thrilling. It is a slight test of endurance, but it rewards you with unforgettable views. 

From the summit, the mighty Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, and the Gangotri range are so close, it feels like you could start ascending them right away. Not many treks bring you this close to the majestic Bandarpoonch.

Surya Top is the only trek which offers this incredible combination of meadow and summit experiences. Over 5 days of moderate-level trekking, it ticks off all the boxes on the checklist of a great trek.

4 Things We Love About the Surya Top Trek

1) Exploring the Grand Ridge from Devkund to Surya Top
The walk from Devkund to Surya Top is an unforgettable experience. You trek along a ridge, with panoramic views on both sides. On one side, you see the Gangotri range, including Bhagirathi peaks, Mt Meru, and Kedar dome. On the other side stands the Bandarpoonch massif and Mt Kalanag. This ridge has its twists and turns as well. Mountains play hide-and-seek, all along it.

2) The Serene Devkund Campsite
Devkund is one of the most picturesque campsites you’ll see on any trek. At Devkund, you are at the end of the Dayara meadows. Right behind you are endless stretches of perfectly manicured meadows that extend as far as your eyes can see. With the Bandarpoonch massif dominating the skyline, the view from your tent is nothing short of extraordinary. As trek leader Vignesh recalls: "It's like stepping into a painting. The way light and shadow play on the mountain, coupled with the quietness of the surroundings, creates a connection that’s hard to describe."

3) Experience the Dayara Meadows in Their Entirety
What makes this trek special is the opportunity to fully explore the Dayara Meadows. Unlike other treks where you get just a brief glimpse, here you spend two full days immersed in their beauty. These meadows are alive with vibrant alpine flowers like Himalayan blue poppies and daisies during summer. In autumn, they take on a warm, golden-brown hue. Regardless of the season, the Dayara Meadows are spellbinding.

4) Thrill of the Summit Climb to Surya Top
The climb to Surya Top is challenging. As you ascend, the anticipation builds, and when you finally reach the summit, the view takes your breath away. From here, the peaks you’ve been admiring from afar now seem within arm’s reach. Mt Bandarpoonch, in particular, is so close that it feels as though you could leap across to its slopes. The Gangotri and Yamunotri ranges stretch out before you, creating a spectacle that any mountain lover would cherish.

The Surya Top Trek combines all the elements of a perfect trek — stunning landscapes, immersive experiences, and a thrilling summit climb. It’s an adventure that belongs on every trekker’s bucket list.

We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.

Use this section to learn about the Dayara Bugyal trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.

Read our No-Compromise Sustainability Promise

Trekkers often ask us for hotel recommendations before or after their treks. Finding a good place using online listings can be tedious and tricky. So, through our network of trekkers and trek leaders, we have put together the best hotel recommendations in the major cities near our treks.

These are tried-and-tested recommendations—places we trust for comfort, cleanliness, and convenience. They’re also located near town centers and your pick-up points. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay or something a little more premium, you’ll find an option that suits your needs below.

View from Siyari Top

➤Documents required: It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo id along with the mandatory documents of the Medical Certificate and Disclaimer form. This is required for trek permissions. The medical certificate along with the disclaimer form will be part of the Safety Check-in done by the trek leader when you arrive at the base camp.

➤ Stay facility: Your accommodation will be organised in Swiss tents at our Raithal Campus. After getting on the trail, you will be camping in twin-sharing Tents designed for high altitude expeditions by Indiahikes. 

➤ Cloakroom facility for excess luggage: We have a cloakroom facility available at the basecamp for extra luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave behind one piece of luggage at no charge. Anything beyond one piece of luggage is chargeable at Rs 500 per luggage. (The luggage could be a backpack / suitcase / duffel bag or anything similar.).

➤ Thinking of offloading your backpack? Think again: Indiahikes practices low impact sustainable trekking in every aspect of the trek. Carrying your own personal backpack reduces your impact on the mountains by 20%. We expect all our trekkers to carry their own backpacks unless they have a justifiable reason not to. (Read our thoughts here)

➤ If you're travelling by train, choose the Jan Shatabdi Express as it sits well in your travel plan. It leaves Delhi by 15:20 and reaches Dehradun station at 21:10. You'll get a good night's rest. 

➤ While returning, the DNN Kota Special Train, which starts at 22.50 from Dehradun and reaches Delhi (H Nizamuddin Station) at 04:35 will suit your return schedule well. 

 The final climb to Surya Top from Siyari is steep. It gets even more challenging in snow during the winters. As you step out of your campsite for the summit push early in the morning, the snow is going to be hard, having frozen overnight. This snow section continues until you get to the top, getting steeper as you approach Surya Top.

The climb down to Raithal from Nayata is steep. After a bout of rain or snow, it can be extremely slippery as well. 

Please note: If you are trekking with Indiahikes, our Trek Leaders and Technical Guides will provide you with all necessary guidance, support, and technical gear such as micro spikes, gaiters, helmets, ropes, etc. wherever required.

Rainfall or snowfall, lasting for hours, can change the entire trek dynamic. Rain can flood the trails or make them too slushy to walk safely on. 

Snowfall can obstruct previously made paths, requiring fresh tracks to be cut on the snow.

Please note: The safety of our trekkers is paramount. Our technical team, in conjunction with the Trek Leader, constantly monitors the weather conditions and makes informed decisions about proceeding with or aborting the trek. If the weather deteriorates, the team may need to turn back from any campsite to ensure the safety of all trekkers.

The trek from Barsu to Pichkiya involves an altitude gain of 2,508 ft within a 5.3 km distance. Stay alert for any signs of Acute Mountain Sickness.

At altitudes above 10,000 ft, the chances of being hit by Acute Mountain Sickness are real. Altitude sickness can happen to anybody - first-time trekkers as well as experienced trekkers. Fitness helps in making your trek easier. But do not forget that even a fit person climbing too high too soon runs an equal risk of developing AMS. Here’s a Complete guide to Acute Mountains Sickness, HAPE and HACE

Please Note: The Indiahikes team is equipped with high-altitude medical kits, oxygen cylinders, and stretchers to handle any altitude-related emergencies. 

In case of an emergency at or before Devkund, you will need to return to Barsu. 

If you have crossed over to Chilapada or Nayata, then you have to descend to Raithal. These are long distances and evacuation can take 7-8 hours from the farthest point.

If a medical emergency occurs, then the District Hospital in Uttarkashi is the closest to you. Uttarkashi can be reached within an hour if you drive from Raithal or Barsu. However, for major medical emergencies, the nearest hospital is in Mussoorie or Dehradun – which is almost 8-9 hours away from the base camp of the trek.

The Indiahikes team will ensure your safety throughout the journey. However, we believe that safety is a shared responsibility. We need your active participation and attention to safety protocols to ensure a safe and successful trek. 

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Please inform your Trek Leader about any pre-existing medical conditions or health concerns, no matter how minor they may seem. This will enable us to take the necessary precautions and ensure your safety throughout the trek.

You will cover a total of around 31 km in five trekking days during which you will gain approximately 5,758 ft (7,142 ft to 12,900 ft). Every day will include ascents and descents. But, they are mostly gradual and steady, except for the summit climb on Day 4. 

Surya Top Trek is open for trekking during three seasons of the year - Spring, Summer and autumn. The window period is the best for going all the way to Surya Top. 

Since the trek does not go to very high altitudes, you can start slightly earlier compared to our other summer treks of high altitude like Rupin Pass or Buran Ghati. 

Watch this video on Why Brahmatal is the Best Peak Winter Trek

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