Overview
Vijay Top Trek – A Hidden Gem in the Himalayas
If you’re looking to escape the noise of city life and crowded trekking routes, Vijay Top Trek offers a serene and offbeat adventure. Located at an altitude of 3,878 meters in the pristine Govind Wildlife Sanctuary of Uttarkashi district, this trek shares the beauty and elevation of the more popular Kedarkantha Trek—but remains delightfully less explored.
Why Choose Vijay Top Trek?
Pure Bliss for Trekkers
The trek begins from Himari in the scenic Yamuna Valley, nestled beside the Tons River. As you walk along ever-changing trails and dense forests, you’ll find yourself immersed in nature’s calm away from bustling tourist trails.
Breathtaking Summit Views
Standing tall at almost the same height as Kedarkantha, the summit of Vijay Top offers panoramic views of majestic Himalayan peaks such as:
Kedarkantha
Bandarpunch
Black Peak
Swargarohini I, II, III
Phulara Ridge
Baraadsar Range
Rupin and Supin Valleys
Kanasar Lake
Sarutal
The sight from the top is truly unforgettable—perfect for photography and soulful moments.
Quaint Villages and Cultural Charm
On your way, you’ll pass through picturesque high-altitude Himalayan villages. The last village on the trail, Bhitri, is known for its traditional wooden houses and artistically carved temples. The lifestyle of locals, their simplicity, and warm hospitality add a deeply human experience to this natural journey.
Trek Facts at a Glance
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights (Dehradun to Dehradun)
Base Camp: Khanyasni Camp
Maximum Altitude: 3,878 meters
Trek Distance: 34 km (on foot) / 454 km (by taxi)
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate (ideal for beginners with preparation)
Best Time to Visit: All year round
Group Size: 5 to 15 people
Temperature (Summer): Day: 5°C to 12°C | Night: 2°C to 5°C
Altitude Breakdown
Dehradun: 478 m
Khanyasni Camp: 1,878 m
Sarutal: 2,000 m
Badang Camp: 2,600 m
Vijay Top: 3,878 m
Short Itinerary
Day 1: Pickup from Dehradun Railway Station. Drive to Khanyasni Camp (235 km | 9–10 hrs | 1,878 m)
Day 2: Trek from Khanyasni to Sarutal Camp (5 km | 3–4 hrs | 2,000 m)
Day 3: Trek to Badang Camp (8 km | 5–6 hrs | 2,600 m)
Day 4: Trek to Vijay Top and return to Badang Camp (10 km | 6–7 hrs | 3,878 m)
Day 5: Trek to Bhitri Village (7 km | 4–5 hrs), then drive to Sankri (33 km). Overnight stay in hotel
Day 6: Drive back to Dehradun (210 km)
Trek Essentials
Train your body beforehand for high-altitude trekking
Carry proper winter gear for sub-zero temperatures
Good trekking shoes are a must
Carry high-capacity batteries and cameras for landscape photography
Travel light for comfort
Iitinerary
Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Khanyasni Camp
Distance: 235 km
Duration: 9–10 hours
Mode: By taxi
Altitude: 1,878 meters
Stay: Campsite (Twin-sharing basis)
Your journey begins from Dehradun Railway Station, where pickup is scheduled between 6:00 to 7:00 am. The drive takes you through scenic landscapes, including the charming Rajpur Road and the hill station of Mussoorie—fondly called the Queen of Hills.
A quick stop at Kempty Falls offers a refreshing break. You’ll later pass through Nainbagh, Damta, Naugaon, and reach Purola for lunch. Post-lunch, drive through the beautiful pine forest road of Jarmola with glimpses of Kedarkantha’s backside.
As you descend, cross Mori and the forest check post at Naitwar, finally reaching Khanyasni camp where tea and snacks await you.
Day 2: Trek from Khanyasni Camp to Sarutal Camp
Distance: 8 km
Duration: 4–5 hours
Mode: On foot
Altitude: 2,000 meters
Stay: Campsite (Twin-sharing basis)
Begin your trek along the Rupin River, passing through Pujali and Bitri villages with flourishing apple orchards and traditional fields. The culture and simplicity of the locals provide a heartwarming glimpse into rural Himalayan life.
Gradually ascend through dense pine forests, and from atop Bitri, enjoy views of Changsheel Valley and distant Himachal peaks. Set up camp at Sarutal, a scenic high-altitude meadow surrounded by silence and serenity.
Day 3: Trek from Sarutal Camp to Badang Camp
Distance: 8 km
Duration: 5–6 hours
Mode: On foot
Altitude: 2,600 meters
Stay: Campsite (Twin-sharing basis)
After breakfast, continue your trek toward Badang. The trail climbs through dense forested ridges, offering panoramic views of both the Rupin and Supin valleys.
Along the way, enjoy mesmerizing views of the Swargarohini group of peaks, known for their majestic presence. Reach Badang, a beautiful alpine meadow and your campsite for the night.
Day 4: Trek to Vijay Top (3,800 m) and return to Badang Camp
Distance: 12 km round trip
Duration: 5–6 hours
Mode: On foot
Altitude: 3,800 meters (Vijay Top)
Stay: Campsite (Twin-sharing basis)
Today’s summit day! Begin your ascent through dense forests and high-altitude trails. The trail may be snow-covered in winter, adding both challenge and thrill.
Upon reaching Vijay Top, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views of the Swargarohini peaks (I–II–III), Bandarpunch, Black Peak, Phulara Ridge, Baraadsar Range, Rupin and Supin valleys, and Kanasar Lake.
Spend some peaceful moments at the summit, then return to Badang camp for the night.
Day 5: Trek to Bhitri Village and Drive to Sankri
Trek Distance: 8 km
Drive Distance: 33 km
Duration: 4–5 hours (trek) + 2 hours (drive)
Altitude: 1,920 meters (Sankri)
Stay: Hotel (Twin-sharing basis)
Wake up early to witness a spectacular sunrise over Swargarohini. After breakfast, begin your descent to Bhitri Village through beautiful forest patches and grassy meadows.
From Bhitri, drive to Sankri, a quaint village with local charm. Explore the market, enjoy a hearty dinner, and rest for the night in a cozy hotel.
Day 6: Drive from Sankri to Dehradun
Distance: 210 km
Duration: 8–9 hours
Mode: By taxi
After your final breakfast, bid farewell to the mountains and begin the journey back to Dehradun. Capture some last memories with group photos and carry the essence of the Vijay Top Trek back with you.
Inclusion
What is Included In This Trek?
Transport Facility
Forest Permit and entrance fee
Accommodation in tents on twin share basis
All meals: breakfast, packed lunch, tea, coffee, snacks, soup and dinner
(All camping gears)
High quality tents
Sleeping bags
Mattress
Liner
Pillow
Separate Toilet tents – Ladies and Gents
Dining Tent
Dining Table
Porters
Helper
Mules
Kitchen team
Radio Walkie Talkie for Communication
Good Experience Trek Leader guide and Technical guide
Medical Kit
Oxygen Cylinders
Crampons and Gaiters
What is Not Include In This Trek?
Personal Insurance
Medical Certificate
Personal toiletry Items and Personal Medicine kit
On first day En Route to base camp the Breakfast and Lunch are Not Included
Last Day En Route Lunch and Dinner are Not Included
Trek essentials
🎒 Necessary Items to Carry on a Trek
1. Basic Trekking Gear
Item | Quantity |
---|---|
Trekking Backpack (with rain cover) | 50–60L with padded straps |
Daypack (with rain cover) | 20–30L (if off-loading backpack) |
Trekking Poles / Walking Stick | 1 |
Water Bottle | 2 thermos flasks (1L each) |
Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electrolyte |
2. Clothing Guide (Based on Season)
Item | Summer | Winter |
---|---|---|
Quick-dry collared T-shirt | 2–3 | 2–3 (Full sleeves) |
Fleece T-shirt (Full sleeves) | 2 | 2–3 |
Fleece Jacket | 2 | 2 |
Down Jacket | 1 (available on rent) | 1 (available on rent) |
Thermal Inner (Top & Bottom) | 1 pair | 2 pairs |
Quick-dry Trek Pants | 2–3 pairs | 2–3 pairs |
Waterproof Gloves | 1 pair | 1 pair |
Woollen Gloves | 1 pair | 1 pair |
Poncho / Rain Jacket & Pants | 1 | 1 |
Lightweight Quick-dry Towel | 1 | 1 |
3. Head Gear
Item | Quantity |
---|---|
Head Torch | 1 |
Sun Cap | 1 |
Woollen Cap | 1 |
Balaclava | 1 |
Buff / Neck Gaiter | 1 |
Sunglasses | 1 |
4. Footwear
Item | Quantity |
---|---|
Trekking Shoes (High ankle) | 1 pair |
Flip-flops | 1 pair |
Cotton Socks | 2–3 pairs |
Woollen Socks | 2 pairs |
Gaiters | 1 pair |
Microspikes | 1 pair |
5. Personal Care Essentials
Item | Quantity |
---|---|
Toothpaste | 1 |
Toilet Paper | 1 roll |
Hand Sanitizer | 1 |
Lip Balm | 1 |
Light Towel | 1 |
Moisturizer | 1 |
Sunscreen (SPF 30–40) | 1 |
6. Personal Medical Kit
Item | Quantity |
---|---|
Pain Reliever | 1 strip |
Motion Sickness Medicine | 1 strip |
Fever/Headache Medicine | 1 strip |
Allergy Medicine | 1 strip |
Diarrhoea Medicine | 1 strip |
Cream/Spray for Sprains | 1 |
Antiseptic Cream | 1 |
ORS | 1–2 packets |
Band-aids | 5–6 |
Cotton | 1 small roll |
Gauze | 2 pieces |
Scissors | 1 |
Tweezers | 1 |
Elastic Bandage | 1 |
Diamox 125/250 mg | 1 strip |
Diamox 500 mg | 4–5 pills |
Nifedipine 20 mg | 1 strip |
Dexamethasone (4 mg) | 1 strip |