Drive: 190 km, 8-9 hrs
Altitude: 2,100 ft (640 m) – 6,398 ft (1,950 m)
Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Dinner
It is easier to get to Sankri from Dehradun or Missouri. The journey is about 8-10 hours long but the scenic route won’t allow any dip in the excitement. The gentle babbling of the river Tons will keep you company while quaint small towns of the Uttarkashi district such as Purola pass by. As we reach the last 22 km of the way to Sankri, we’ll be in Govind National Park, home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. Travelling through such enchanting surroundings will reinvigorate your spirit, washing away any remnant of tiredness. Sankri, our charming village destination is located within this vast park.
On arriving in Sankri, we will be rewarded with stunning views of the Swargarohini ranges. You can explore the area and catch the enchanting sunset with the backdrop of the Himalayas. After an overnight stay in this beautiful village, we shall begin our trek the next day with a revitalized spirit.
Trek: 4.5 km, 4-5 hrs
Altitude: 6,398 ft (1,950 m) – 8,900 ft (2,712 m)
Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
We begin our trek with a slight ascend through a dense forest. You’ll find towering pine trees all around, exuding a tranquil vibe. Keep a lookout for native birds such as treepies, woodpeckers, and drongos. After continuing the climb uphill for some time, we will encounter a picturesque clearing, which has the only ‘Dhaba’ we’ll find during the trek. What’s more? If you’re lucky, you may even find a villager greeting you with some melodious tunes on his flute.
On reaching Sikolta, we will set down our bags and go on an excursion to Juda ka Talab, a beautiful alpine lake. From here, you can also soak in the beautiful views of snow-covered peaks in the distance.
We will camp overnight amidst such beautiful surroundings and resume our trek the following day.
Trek: 4.5 km, 5 hrs
Altitude: 8,900 ft (2,712 m) – 11,200 ft (3,413 m)
Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
Today, as we resume our journey through the forest again, it will lead us to a wooden bridge. Listen to the burble of a small brook flowing beneath this bridge as you walk through it. After conquering a short patch of steep ascent, you’ll be rewarded with the opening of the beautiful “Karsu Thatch”. This is a verdant area where you’ll find yellow wildflowers in abundance. There’s also an abandoned wooden house, making the whole scene look like it’s straight out of a postcard.
The path ahead is dotted with rhododendrons which give way to a gorgeous meadow of the lush green grass of Bhoj Gadi. With a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and vast grasslands, this is one of the most beautiful campsites on a Himalayan trail. The campsite offers amazing views of the Kedarkantha and Swargarohini peaks. Stroll through the area which also features a fascinating arrangement of stones and a log. Soak in the beautiful surroundings and let the meditative vibe of the place wash over you.
Trek: 8.5 km, 7-8 hrs
Altitude: 11,200 ft (3,413 m) – 12,300 ft (3,749 m) – 9,800 ft (2,987 m)
Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
Begin the day by catching a dazzling sunrise and prepare for the trek’s most significant day. After trekking for an hour from Bhoj Gadi, we will descend to the iconic Phulara Ridge. Its narrow edges slope down into valleys on either side, offering you a panoramic view of some of the most enchanting Garhwal Himalayan Mountain ranges. Soak in the sublime beauty of the popular Swargarohini, Kalanag, and Bandarpoonch ranges amongst others. Stating that the experience will leave you awestruck is an understatement.
After crossing the ridge, we will descend into the picturesque expanse of Pushtara Bugyal, which is the Pushtara meadows. A pleasant walk amidst these verdant greens is a welcome change after the exhilarating climb. The place is home to a rich variety of flowers including the Brahmakamal and Fankamal. With such abundant beautiful flowers, the Phulara ridge stands true to its name. Keep your eyes peeled for the rare Monal pheasant, the official state bird.
We will camp amidst such ethereal environs for the night.
Trek: 10 km, 7 hrs
Altitude: 9,800 ft (2,987 m) – 6,398 ft (1950 m)
Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
Today, we begin our descent into civilization. As we continue along the trail, we’ll make our way toward the village of Taluka. After crossing the verdant Pushtara meadows, we will pass through lush forests and continue across the rest of the trail. During the journey, you’ll find plenty of beautiful yellow wildflowers, reminding you of the beautiful memories you made during your journey. You’ll also find groups of ‘langoors’ playing and moving across trees. It’s a treat to watch their mischievous ways.
During the final part of our trek, we will start encountering scattered settlements, and eventually reach the quaint village. We’ll be greeted by friendly villagers and curious little children who may request a candy or two. The charming Himalayan settlement provides a peek into the simple life of its inhabitants.
A vehicle will take us back to Sankri, where we will spend the night. You can roam around in the evening to the intriguing shops of the area to get the perfect souvenir to remember the trip by.
Drive: 190 km, 8-9 hrs
Altitude: 6,398 ft (1950 m) – 2,100 ft (640 m)
Meals: Breakfast
We will start our journey back home, taking with us countless special memories and a sense of pride in completing this unique trek. We will reach Dehradun by late afternoon or early evening. From there, you can book your journey back to your hometown. Wish to get some more adventure before heading back home? You can also choose to visit Rishikesh or Tapovan to end the trip on a high note.
Phulara Ridge trek difficulty level is easily moderate, based on the altitude gain and overall distance covered during the trek.
The weather conditions on the Phulara Ridge Trek vary according to the season. The most favorable times for the trek are during Summer (April to June) or Autumn and the starting of Winter (September to November), when the weather is mild and sunny.
Summer (April to June): During the day, the temperature ranges from 12°C to 20°C, while at night it drops to 5°C to 0°C.
Autumn (September to November): During the day, the temperature ranges from 8°C to 14°C, while at night it drops to 0°C to -2°C.
Winter (November to February): Trekking in this period can be very cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing at night. Snowfall is possible, which can make the trails more challenging to navigate.
Sankri is the basecamp for the Phulara Ridge Trek. There are several options to reach Sankri, as mentioned below.
Sankri, a quaint Uttarakhand village, serves as a base camp for various treks in the region. Public buses shared jeeps, and shared taxis run between Dehradun and Sankri.
By Road:- Overnight UKRTC buses and Volvos, ranging from Rs 600 to Rs 900, operate from ISBT Delhi to ISBT Dehradun
By Train:-
Trains from Delhi to Dehradun-
It’s recommended to opt for the overnight Kota Express, also known as Nanda Devi Express, departing at 11:50 PM, and arriving in Dehradun at 5:45 AM, aligning with our morning pickup schedule.
By Air:-
IndiGo – 6E-2582, 6E-2071, 6E-5175, 6E-2134, and Vistara UK-617, are some regular flights from Indira Gandhi Airport, Delhi to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. The schedules for these flights can be easily checked online.
The Dehradun railway station, a hub for private and shared cabs heading to Sankri, is situated 30 km from the airport. Private taxis are easily accessible within the airport premises, with booking charges of Rs 1200 – 1500 for a Dzire or similar and Rs 1800 – 2200 for an Innova or similar vehicles.
Every morning, a limited number of shared cabs and buses depart for Sankri from the vicinity of Dehradun Railway Station.
Govt. Buses and Private Buses-
Only one government bus departs from Dehradun Railway Station to Sankri at 8:00 am. Additionally, two private buses leave around 7:00 am from just outside the Dehradun Railway Station heading to Sankri town. The fare for this journey is approximately Rs. 400 per person, which is roughly the same for both the government and private buses.
Private Cab or Taxies-
You can easily locate shared taxis near Hotel Milan or Hotel Grand, merely a 2-3 minute walk from Dehradun Railway Station. These taxis operate up to Purola, which is 54 kilometers away from Sankri. The journey lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours, with a fare of Rs. 400.
From Purola, you’ll find shared cabs to take you directly to Sankri. However, it’s crucial to bear in mind that these cabs typically depart before noon. Hence, plan to reach Purola in the morning if you choose this route. The cab fare from Purola to Sankri ranges from 200 to 300 rupees. (This fare is applicable only when the taxi is full of passengers; otherwise, the cost may vary based on the number of participants.)
In case you miss the buses or taxis from Dehradun for any reason, or due to personal preference, you also have the option to book a private taxi from the same location or near Prince Chowk, approximately 100 meters away from the Railway Station. This would amount to approximately Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 7,000 for booking a Maxx or Bolero.
Shared or Private Vehicle arranged by Himalaya Shelter-
Himalaya Shelter offers both shared and private transport services directly to Sankri for trekkers. Please note that for shared vehicles, we have fixed departure dates, and it is advisable to book your seats at least a week in advance of the departure from Dehradun. We also offer pickup and drop facilities for your hotel stay in Dehradun.
Highlights of the Phulara Ridge Trek-
Morning unveils a magazine-worthy woodland. Majestic pines vie for eminence along the trail. Deeper, oaks, rhododendrons, and deodars weave a denser tapestry. Avian companions dart among branches, a delightful hide-and-seek. Beneath, moss-clad terrain offers a tactile delight. Enchanting shadows dance with the breeze, a tranquil sylvan symphony.
Trails ascend for 1.5 kilometers, revealing a stunning lake—legendary Juda Ka Talab. A revered alpine lake in the Sankri Region. Sitting by the emerald green lake, watching leaves twirl and swirl, calms the soul.
Experience the grand spectacle, the ridge walk. Starting early, we ascend along a trail parallel to the ridge. At 2 kilometers, a colossal ridge spans at 3,700 meters. Scenic vistas of mountains and meadows greet us. Colors change with every kilometer. The vibrant route leads to golden brown shrubs and maroon-red crops. Swargarohini and Kalanag peaks grace the view.
After 4 hours on Phulara Ridge, we descend to Pushtara meadows. Blissful motion, the easiest descent.
On the last day, we descend 3 kilometers from Pushtara campsite, arriving at a T-junction. The left path leads to the ancient village, Taluka. Witness the mountain lifestyle at its best. Entering Taluka, see villagers working hard on farms. Taste true humbleness.
The Phulara Ridge Trek reaches its highest point at an altitude of 12,150 feet (3,710 meters) on the fourth day, during the trek from Bhoj Gadi to Pushtara via Phulara Ridge
The Phulara Ridge trek typically spans 4 to 5 days, covering a distance of approximately 25 kilometers.
The Phulara Ridge Trek is nestled in the scenic Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. This stunning trail winds through the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary.
Embarking from the picturesque village of Sankri, approximately 200 kilometers from Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, this trek offers an unforgettable journey.