Brief About Phulara Ridge Trek
Phulara Ridge Trek is a thrilling & rare ridge trek in Uttarakhand. This trek takes you on a knife-edge walk with flanks of mountains sloping down on either side. The trek offers a 250-degree panorama of snow-capped mountains, sparkling streams, and sprawling meadows. You will witness breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba.
The trek also provides opportunities to camp under the starry night sky and to learn about the rich flora and fauna of the region. You can also interact with locals and taste the delicious local cuisine of Uttarakhand. Experience the adventure of snow trekking and capture some breathtaking moments of your life as you see the beautiful sunrise and sunset from the Phulara Ridge trek route.
Key details of the Phulara Ridge Trek:
- Ideal Number of Days for the Visit: 6 days & 5 nights
- Trek Distance: 25 km both ways
- Trek Altitude Range: 12,127 feet
- Starting Point: Sankri
- Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station (186 km)
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (105 km)
Table of Contents
Phulara Ridge Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri – 10 hours
On Day 1, you will start your 200km journey from Dehradun to Sankri which takes at least 10 hours by car. The road will take you through the Yamuna valley, blue pine forests, Govind National Park, and along the Tons and Supin rivers. You can get accommodation in a home stay at Saur village or a lodge at Sankri. From here, you will be able to see the beautiful snowcapped ranges of Mt. Swargarohini from there. The basecamp is usually a dormitory style room.
Day 2: Trek to Juda Tal – 4 to 5 hours
On Day 2, the trek to Juda Ka Talab is a 4-5 hour hike through dense forests with a variety of trees and exotic birds. There are two clearings en route, where we can rest and refresh ourselves with a hot cup of tea and music from the flutist.
The highlight of the trek is the legendary JKT – a stunning alpine lake with emerald green waters that reflect the surrounding trees and clouds. It is believed to have been created by Lord Shiva. We stop here for lunch and continue through the forest for another 500 meters to reach our campsite near a small water stream.
Day 3: Trek to Bhoj Gadi & Camping – 4 to 5 hours
On Day 3, start your trek to Bhoj Gadi, which comprises moderate ascents and meadow sections. We cross a dense forest and a wide grassland, which offers a picturesque view of the Sankri mountain range. After descending and crossing a charming little bridge, we face the toughest climb of the day, a 45-50 degree ascent for 500 meters.
As soon as we reach the top, the tree line ends and a grand skyline with lush meadows welcomes us. The podium holds views of the renowned Kedarkantha peak and the humongous Phulara Ridge. After resting, we go on an acclimatization walk to the top of the ridge, which is at an altitude of 300 meters. Bhoj Gadi is our campsite for the day, and we can experience the Airtel and BSNL networks on the top of the ridge.
Day 4: Trek to Pushtara & Camp – 7 hours
On Day 4, you will walk for around 7 hours to reach the campsite at Pushtara. While the gradient is a mix of flat trails and easy descents, the real challenge for the day is the distance. You will only find a single water source on the way, so it is advisable to carry 2 liters of water with you as you start your day.
Once on the Phulara Ridge, brace yourself for some action-packed heavy winds as you marvel at the exquisite mountains and deep valleys. After walking 3 km, you will reach an open plain next to a water stream, where you can rest and revitalize. After that, you will walk for another 3.5 km on lush green meadows before entering a dense forest area to reach your campsite at a small clearing next to a river stream.
Day 5: Pushtara to Taluka Trek for 5 hours & Drive Back to Sankri
On Day 5, you’ll trek from Pushtara to Taluka, which is composed of easy descents with 3-4 water streams along the way. You should start at 9 AM and descend through a dense forest area before landing on a T junction. Taking the left path will take you through the antique lanes of Taluka where you can witness the turquoise blue Supin River, heritage huts, and native villagers working on fields. The trek ends at the assembly point at the entrance of the village, and a dedicated vehicle will pick you up for a bumpy but exciting 12 km ride to Sankri.
During the ride, you’ll get a glimpse of the valley’s depth, and you may feel a tingling sensation in your stomach as you pass through it. After crossing a small water stream, you’ll reach Sankri and rest at the homestay hosted by a local family.
Day 6: Drive to Dehradun – 10 hours
At the end, you can leave Sankri at 9 AM and reach Dehradun ISBT bus terminus by 8 PM. However, heavy traffic on the route from Sankri to Dehradun may cause delays. If you plan to travel by flight, it is recommended to stay overnight and plan your journey the next day.
Things to Watch Out For during Phulara Ridge Trek
The Phulara Ridge Trek offers a unique view of the Himalayan range. The highlight of the trek is the ridge walk which connects one mountain top with another on a long undulating trail that offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains. The ground is adorned with tiny flowers in a myriad of colors, while the slopes are hugged by dwarf rhododendrons at the treeline.
The trek also takes you through the Pushtara and Bhoj Gadi meadows that are spread out as far as your eyes can see. The verdant turf of the meadows change color based on the season you trek, from a lush green verdant to golden velvet filled with bright colors. You’ll go through virgin forests where the sounds of birds are deafening, and you might even spot the shy Monals.
The trek also offers a glimpse into the rich culture of Kotgaon, which is your base camp. Spend some time at the temple, which is rare to find on the edges of a large ground with the Swargarohini peaks as the backdrop. The village in itself has a very homely feeling, and you’ll want to spend more time exploring the culture.
What is the best time to visit Phulara Ridge Trek
The Phulara Ridge trek can be done in two seasons, Summer and Autumn. During the Summer months of May and June, the trek offers stunning views of snow-capped mountain ranges, the rare alpenglow phenomenon, and blooming rhododendrons.
The temperature during the day ranges from 12 °C to 17 °C and drops to zero at night. The Winter season from September to November offers a glowing and vibrant landscape.
How to reach the starting point of the trek?
The trek to Phulara Ridge starts from Sankri, which can be reached by bus or private cab. You can find these easily from the Dehradun railway station or bus stand.
To reach Dehradun, you can either choose a train, bus or flight which will make you land at Jolly Grant Airport.
If you plan to come by air, it is recommended to arrive one day early as there is a daily flight from Delhi to Dehradun. The nearest railway station to Sankri is Dehradun Railway Station, from where you can take the Nandadevi or Dehradun Express. You can expect to reach Sari village, the starting point of the trek, by 3:00 pm.
Availability of accommodations and food near the trek
Food:
It is best to travel with a local guide or professional trekker service guides as they provide the necessary tent and food during the trek. You won’t find any shop after Sankri to eat in between during the trek. So it’s essential to carry food and cooking resources along with water.
Accommodation:
You can book comfortable lodges, homestays, and resorts in Sankri to stay and get ready for the trek.
The Difficulty level of the Phulara Ridge Trek
Phulara Ridge trek is a 4-day moderate level trek, which is ideal for a fit beginner. The trek is of moderate difficulty and requires training for at least a month before going on the trek. The ridge is one of the few treks that have snow even in the spring season. You will be provided microspikes to navigate these sections safely. A skilled and professional guide will accompany you to make your trekking experience a memorable one.
Nearby Destinations you may want to explore:
- Satopanth Tal Trek in Joshimath, Uttarakhand
- Kedartal Trek in Sankri, Uttarakhand
- Tarsar Marsar Trek in Kashmir
