Phulara Ridge Trek, Uttarakhand

This trek was recently discovered, so it's not as well-known. However, its beauty is not less than other beautiful treks in India. The ridge offers stunning views of Mt Swargarohi, Black Peak, Mt Bandarpoonch, Sarutal Top, Draupadi Ka Daanda (DKD), Ranglana Peak, Hata Peak, etc. You can trek the Phulara Ridge, which is easy to moderate in terms of difficulty, covering just 30 km. It takes 2 days to reach the ridge and another 2 days to return to the Basecamp.

1. Pushtara Meadows

The Phulara Ridge showcases nature's grand design. Wherever you look, you'll be amazed by the beautiful mountains and valleys stretching out before you. Pushtara Meadows is one of the main attractions of that design. The route of the ridge is a mix of ascending and descending, and after the final descent, the grasslands of Pushtara will open before your eyes. For a moment time will stand still until you can completely grasp the vastness of it. Green-carpeted meadows will please your eyes and relax your senses. You will feel as if you have waited to be here for years. At high altitude places the surface of the soil is very soft and the grass growing above it is even more soft. At the Pushtara meadows, if you take off your shoes and stand barefoot on the soft grass for a moment, all your tiredness will go away instantly.

2. Mesmerizing Views of Mountain Peaks

The snow-capped mountain ranges that dominate the landscape add to the awe-inspiring views during trekking. As you are trekking, you feel the snow-clad mountains moving along with you. Phulara Ridge overlooks prominent peaks such as Mount Swargarohini, Saru tal Top, Draupadi Ka Danda (DKD), Bandarpoonch Range, Black Peak (Kala Nag), Hata Peak, Ranglana Peak, Dhumdhar Kandi, Baradsar, Devkyara, Vijay Top, Kedarkantha, etc. The view of Mount Swargarohini is truly stunning, especially at sunset. Due to its picturesque views, it is suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers.

3. On the way exploration of Juda ka Talab

Juda Ka Talab is a high-altitude small lake which we get to see on the second stop of the trekking day. Juda Ka Talab is the place which is one of the major attraction points of the famous Kedarkantha trek which is popular as the most popular winter trek not only in Uttarakhand but in India. This lake is situated at an altitude of 2,700 meters above sea level. After starting the trek from Sankri, it takes only 4-5 hours to reach Juda Ka Talab. Located at a distance of 4 km from Sankari Basecamp, this picturesque spot offers beautiful camping sites near the lake.

4. Trekking through the dense forest of Govind National Park

While trekking through the dense forest of Govind National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, you can see various species of trees while relaxing and the fresh air. You see some species of trees like Walnut, Rhododendron, Maple, Abies pindrow, Deciduous, Oak, Cedrus deodara, Pinus roxburghii, and so many others. Pinus roxburgii, commonly known as "Chir pine" is one of the most dominant forest plants and contributes to a vast proportion (~16.15%) of the total forest area.

5. Sankri Basecamp

Sankri is the place in Uttarakhand which is the base camp or trekking start point of more than 18 beautiful treks. Phulara Ridge also starts from this beautiful town. In Sankari you can visit the nearby villages, such as Naitwar – which is famous for the temple dedicated to Karna, the famous warrior of the Mahabharata era. You can experience the folk culture of Uttarakhand by visiting many villages like Saud, Sidri, Jakhol, Dhatmir, etc. Just as the last village situated in the north of Uttarakhand is Mana village, in the same way Osla is considered to be the last village in the west of Uttarakhand. If you want to experience the traditional folk culture and lifestyle of Uttarakhand, then it is very difficult to find any other place other than Osla Village. Osla Village is at a distance of about 22 km from Sankri, while after walking a little further 5 km, one can see the beautiful view of India's famous Har Ki Doon Valley.

6. The Best Trekking Destination for Families

Places that are displayed without any kind of disruption in activities and which are very easy to reach. Phulara Ridge Trek possesses characteristics like easy terrain, clean environment, beautiful landscape, and nature. It gives information about the local ecosystem, plants, and animals, the geography of a place, and even the culture present in that particular area. By doing the Phulara Ridge trek, children learn first-hand about nature and the environment. One great thing about the trek is that it opens in summer and autumn, while summer is the best time to visit the Phulara Ridge Trek. At the same time, there are many holidays in schools and colleges during summer. So, this destination is definitely a must-visit for families.

Summer and autumn are the times when the weather is more favorable for trekking on Phulara Ridge. After all, summer is the best time to visit Phulara Ridge Trek. Because at this time the snow melts to a great extent and with this new change new flowers bloom. The Pushtara Bugyal situated in this trek blooms with fresh and attractive green grass.

Phulara Ridge Trek in summer (April to last week of June):

During the summer season the trek provides an opportunity to witness the enchanting meadows of Pushtara with its rare alpen-glow, blooming rhododendrons. All these features make this trek the most suitable time to do this trek in summer. Light rain at this time makes the journey even more pleasant. The presence of snow largely depends on the snowfall last year, if there was heavy snowfall, you can expect snow patches on the Phulara Ridge trail in the last week of April and if there was no heavy snowfall last year, then the snow will melt completely after the first week of April. Once the snow melts completely, meadows and flowers begin to emerge. During May, the forests and meadows are a sight to behold, adorned with bright and beautiful vegetation. Nature blossoms even more in June, the landscape becomes even greener with a carpet of flowers in full bloom. During summer the temperature ranges between 15°C to 20°C during the day and 5°C to 10°C at night. At times the temperature may drop below freezing point.

Phulara Ridge Trek in Autumn (Mid September to last week of November):

Another good time to trek Phulara Ridge is after the monsoon and autumn season – September to November. In September this route remains green due to the monsoon rains of the previous month. As you move towards autumn, the color of the area changes dramatically to yellow and orange. The colors of the trek come alive through each part of the trek. One of the most notable features of this season is the clear skies, which provide trekkers with the best view of the mountains. Autumn is also a great time for night stargazing, making it a delightful experience for nature lovers. During this season, the day time temperature of the ridge remains between 10 °C and 15 °C while at night the temperature falls between 0 °C and -5 °C. Snowfall starts after the last week of November and turns into heavy snowfall by the first week of December. Phulara Ridge Trek remains closed during winter due to its icy road. Although Phulara Ridge Trek is not a very difficult trek, its narrow ridge becomes risky when the weather is bad.

Phulara Ridge is a easy to moderate trek in terms of difficulty, making it suitable for both novice and experienced trekkers. Phulara ridge which rises to a height of more than 12000 feet. Despite being at such a high altitude, there is no other difficulty factor in the trek except the narrow ridge. Trails are well-beaten and easy to follow. There is gradual ascents so a less chances of AMS during the Phulara Ridge trekking. Gradual ascents help you to fully acclimatize for an altitude of 12,300 ft.

It is easy to walk on this Phulara Phulara with many ups and downs. The only section that requires a lot of attention from trekkers is the ridge walk. This section is a narrow road with open spaces on both sides. It can be difficult to navigate on hazy days, bad weather, or when there is snow. This is the only reason that makes the journey to Phulara Ridge very difficult, risky and avoidable during winter and monsoon. In May or November, when snow occasionally falls, Gaiters and microspikes can help provide trekkers with the protection they need to trek successfully.

Sankri is located within the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and is the starting point of various well-known treks including Har ki Dun Trek, Kedarkantha Trek, and Bali Pass Trek.

History:

The southern slopes of the western Himalayan range in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, have been inhabited by indigenous communities for centuries. Explored by British climbers in the 19th century, the upper Tons valley became the Govind Pashu Vihar in 1955, covering 958 sq. km. It was later designated a National Park in 1990. Sankri serves as the gateway to the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary/National Park, offering a rich biodiversity with diverse flora and fauna.

What to Know:

Sankari is located in Uttarkashi district and forms part of Sankari range along with Rupin and Supin ranges. The protected area includes the Rupin and Supin river valleys, which are important watersheds for the Tons River. There are high lakes and alpine meadows (bugyals), as well as a special snow leopard reserve. The region is home to a variety of wildlife including black and white tigers, musk deer, bharl and thar. The sanctuary supports several villages, including Saur Sankari, where locals rely on traditional farming and animal husbandry.

What to Do:

Village Walk and Cultural Exchange: Explore solar hybrids, enjoy warm hospitality and witness traditions preserved from centuries past.
Religious Exploration: Visit the Someshwar Mahadev temple and take part in the village festivities during the rainy season and partake in the local rituals.
Camping: Enjoy celestial constellations, Supin Valley and starry night glory while camping.
Hiking: Explore tree houses and locally grown vegetables and talk to locals through village walks.
Bird Watching & Jungle Walk: Explore the flora and fauna of Sankari through forest walks and bird watching.
Trekking: Use Sankari as a base for popular treks like Har-ki-Dun, Kedarkanth and Bali Pass.
Photography: Capture beautiful landscapes, flora and fauna, and make Sankari a place for photography.
Staying: The Himalayan Shelter Guest House in Sankari offers comfortable accommodation and local hill food.

Sankari is a camp for Phulara Ridge Trek. Sankari is 187 km from Dehradun and can be reached via Mussoorie, Damta, Naugaon, Purola and Mori. Dehradun is easily accessible from Delhi or anywhere else in India. As Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand and well connected by road, rail and air (Jolly Grant Airport).

How to Reach Sankri from Dehradun:

Every morning, a limited number of shared buses and taxis leave from Dehradun railway station for Sankari. It takes 9-11 hours to reach Sankari from Dehradun. Uttarakhand Transport Corporation buses run daily from Daihradun on the Sankari-Jakhol route, leaving at 05:30 am. Also, two private buses leave from just outside Dehradun railway station for Sankari around 7:00 am.

Shared taxis are easily available near Hotel Milan or Hotel Grand, just 2-3 minutes from Dehradun railway station. These taxis reach Purola, 54 km from Sankari. The journey usually takes 5 to 6 hours.Take a shared taxi from Purola to Sankari in the morning before noon. Plan your visit to Purola accordingly.

If you miss the Dehradun bus or shared taxi, take a private taxi near Prince Chowk, about 100 meters from the railway station. he is expected to pay Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 7,000 for a Max or Bolero booking.

At Himalayan Shelter, we give you the flexibility to customize your travel experience. Whether you are a solo traveler, a group of friends, or a family, you can choose our personalized itineraries. These customized tours will be designed just for you, taking into account your specific needs for travel, accommodation, meals, and other luxuries you may need during the trek. No other people will be added to your group. Choosing a personalized trip allows you to fully enjoy the trip with your loved ones.

TREK INCLUSIONS

Our treks are specially designed by the experienced team at Himalaya Shelter taking you on an adventure of a lifetime all while making you connect not only with the bountiful nature but also with yourself and with others on the trek with you, creating wonderful memories which will last you a lifetime. All Himalaya Shelter treks are guided by experienced Trekkers having vast knowledge and experience of the region, providing with insightful information and stories pertaining to the region’s flora and fauna and the history of the region whilst the trek. It is safe to say that on successfully completing the trek one will gain tremendous insight and experience along with lifetime memories.

Transport – Transport support from Dehradun to Dehradun/Sankri to Sankri ( Pick-up location: Prince Chowk, near Dehradun Railway Station Pick-up Time: Around 7:30 am )
Accommodation – At Base Camp, stay at a local homestay or guest house for one night each, which will give you an insight into the authentic lifestyle of the locals.( INR 5000 per person extra for single sharing throughout the trek)
On Trek stay in a 2-person Vango Halo Pro/A-Shape tent, which is to be shared by two trekkers, built to withstand extreme weather conditions and at the same time making you comfortable after a hard day’s trek.
Camping Equipment – specially designed sleeping bags that can withstand harsh weather conditions, foam mattresses. Other safety gear like microspikes, gaiters, an ice axe, and helmets will be provided.
Medical Kit – our team will be equipped with an extensive medical kit, which our team is trained and experienced to use. Oxygen cylinders are used after they are thoroughly inspected throughout the Trek. Even campsites have large oxygen cylinders as backups.
Permission - Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
Meals – Breakfast, packed lunch (on trek days), evening snacks, and dinner will be served. A hearty, delicious, and nutrition-filled Veg meals with egg preparation will be provided throughout the trek. (Jain and Vegan Food can also be arranged on prior notification.)There will be a dedicated Kitchen Tent along with a dining tent, which will have a dining table too.
Our Team – A highly experienced and AMC-certified Trek Leader who will help ensure that the entire trek goes smoothly and safely while navigating the challenging conditions during the trek, and is skilled enough to navigate any medical emergency that can arise during the trek. Local and route Guides who are well-versed with the region and provide an in-depth insight into the local customs and knowledge of the flora and fauna endemic to the region. A dedicated Kitchen staff, which includes a Cook, a helper, and other support staff. There will also be porters and mules to carry common equipment.
Cloakroom - We have a cloakroom facility available for extra luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave their luggage behind at no charge.

Trek Exclusions

Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
Travel Expenses - Travel expenses from your hometown to the mentioned Pick-Up Point are not included in the trek fee.
From the scheduled pick-up spot to the base camp, we have our own fleet of vehicles like Bolero, Innova, Dezire, or Tempo Traveler (12-seater). This is be shared by trekkers for a pre-decided amount. All vehicles are non-AC.
Personal Equipment - Any personal gear like jackets, shoes, cutlery, or backpacks are not included in the trek fee. We recommend renting them from our Rental Store for an affordable fee. This can be pre-arranged to avoid last-minute hang-ups.
Offloading - We encourage carrying your backpack to get into the true spirit of trekking. However, if needed, you can opt to offload your personal luggage of up to 12 kgs for an additional cost of INR 400 per bag per day.
Trek Insurance - A mandatory trek insurance fee is charged in addition to your trek fee. Since most medical insurance doesn’t cover adventure activities, trek insurance offers essential coverage, enhancing your safety without a significant financial burden.
Buffer day on the trek - We have kept a buffer day on the trek to account for any weather-related delay. If this is utilized, you will need to pay an extra amount to your trek leader.
Anything apart from inclusions
Please carry a lunch box for a packed lunch/breakfast to avoid using polythene and Aluminium foil.