6 Days
99
16+
Dehradun
Phulara Ridge Trek – An Unexplored Gem in the Garhwal Himalayas
Govind Pashu Vihar National Park is home to multiple trekking routes, with Sankri serving as the base camp for popular treks like Har Ki Dun, Bali Pass, and Kedarkantha. Among these, the Phulara Ridge Trek to Pushtara Meadows stands out as one of the lesser-known but most stunning ridge treks in the country. The unique landscape and nature of this trail make it exceptional. Ridges are uncommon in the Indian Himalayas, but this trek takes you along a ridge for nearly two hours. As one of a kind in the Uttarakhand Himalayas, it is slowly gaining fame in the trekking community, and it’s best to visit before it becomes crowded.
The Phulara Ridge Trek stretches for about 30 km. After walking along the ridge for 4-5 hours, you are treated to lovely meadows on one side and a captivating valley with mountain views on the other, making for a mesmerizing experience. The trail feels like walking along the edge of a knife, positioned between two valleys.
One of the trek’s highlights is the panoramic view of snow-covered mountains over an angle of 250 degrees, including the majestic Dev Kayara Peak. This stunning sight keeps you enchanted throughout the trek, making all the efforts worthwhile.
Why Phulara Ridge Is A Must-Do Trek?
Phulara Ridge Trek is one of the most beautiful treks in India, known for its scenic landscapes. Ridge treks are rare in India, and Phulara Ridge, after being explored, has become one of the most sought-after. The trek reaches a height of 12,150 feet, starting from Sankri, a small village in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Sankri also serves as a basecamp for other treks, including Har Ki Dun, Kedarkantha, and Bali Pass. The Phulara Ridge trek is a splendid journey, rated easy to moderate in difficulty, depending on the trekker’s fitness level. It is suitable for both families and individual trekkers.
The best time for the Phulara Ridge Trek is from mid-March to mid-June and from September to December. It is also a great trek for the monsoon season, with blooming flowers and greenery adding to its charm.
The temperature on the Phulara Ridge Trail ranges between 8 and 15 degrees Celsius during the day and can drop to -5 degrees Celsius at night, so proper gear and clothing are essential.
If you are a shutterbug eager to capture the beautiful landscapes, make sure to carry extra batteries and pack light to ensure an enjoyable trekking experience.
Embark on the Phulara Ridge Trek to explore one of the most captivating and less-traveled paths in the Garhwal Himalayas, and experience the unparalleled beauty and adventure it offers.
Our journey begins from Dehradun, where we will pick you up in Tata Sumo or similar vehicles at 6:30 AM. Please ensure you are at the pickup point on time. The drive to Sankri, which is 220 km away, takes about 10 hours. Though the mountain roads can be bumpy, the scenic beauty along the way will make the journey worthwhile.
Upon reaching Sankri around 5:00 PM, you will check into a comfortable hotel with attached washrooms and running hot water. Sankri is a picturesque village that serves as the base camp for many treks. Relax and enjoy the serene surroundings as you prepare for the adventure ahead.
Your first day of trekking begins with a journey from Sankri to Sikolta base camp. The trail ascends through a serene pine forest, perfect for bird watching. You may spot various Himalayan birds like treepies, drongos, barbets, and woodpeckers in the coniferous thickets.
As you continue climbing uphill, the forest will open up to a clearing with some dhabas. About an hour and a half into the trek, you will cross a bridge to the other side of the river. Be cautious as you ascend further along the trail.
Next, you will arrive at Jainot Thatch, followed by a scenic ascent to Marikoda. From here, you can view Dhunda Top on the left and catch the first glimpses of the Phulara Ridge. The trail splits here, with one path leading to the beautiful alpine lake Juda Ka Talab and the other to the Sikolta campsite.
Proceed towards the Sikolta campsite, where you will be treated to views of majestic snowcovered peaks on the left. In the spring, the path is lined with Yellow Marsh Marigolds and Lilies. Continue walking until you reach a clearing in the meadow, your Sikolta campsite. Here, you may spot some broken Gujjar huts and a water source where you can refill your water bottles during the postmonsoon season.
Once you reach Sikolta, set your bags down and pitch your tents for the night. Enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings as you camp under the stars.
Today, you will trek to the Bhoj Gadi campsite from Sikolta. The journey begins with a 30minute walk through a dense forest. After exiting the forest, you will arrive at a lovely stream flowing under a bridge, which serves as a water source. Here, you can refill your water bottles.
Crossing the wooden bridge, you will walk for about 15 minutes until you reach Karasu Thatch, a section of the trail filled with verdant green vegetation and lined with yellow wildflower blooms. From Karasu Thatch, the Kedarkantha Peak is nicely visible, providing a moment to absorb the beauty of your surroundings.
From this point, the trail consists of both gradual ascents and descents, with sections dotted with Rhododendron and Bhoj trees. Thirty minutes of further walking opens the trail into lush meadows, where Dhunda Top is clearly visible. To reach the Bhoj Gadi campsite, you will need to walk for about 15 more minutes.
The Bhoj Gadi campsite offers stunning views of Kedarkantha Peak and the Swargarohini Peaks. Set against the backdrop of green grasslands and snowcovered mountains, this is an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts to capture the landscape's beauty. You can walk around the campsite or simply sit and relax as the serenity of nature slowly engulfs you.
Today’s trek will take you to the Phulara Ridge and Pushtara campsite. Start your day with a mesmerizing sunrise view before heading towards Pushtara meadows, crossing the scenic Phulara Ridge. This trek is full of ascents and descents and promises to be the most picturesque day of your journey.
Starting early from the Bhoj Gadi campsite, you will reach the highlight of your trek, the Phulara Ridge, in about an hour. The Phulara Ridge is a continuous chain of mountains offering unobstructed views of some of the most magnificent peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas, such as Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Kalanag, Kedarkantha, Ranglana, Hanuman Top, Sarutal, Hata Peak, and more.
The ridge drops to deep valleys on either side, providing completely unobstructed mountain views. You will also enjoy a beautiful bird’s eye view of the Purola Valley in the distance. As the ridge ends, you will descend towards the vast, undulating meadows of Pushtara Bugyal. This picturesque expanse of green land offers a pleasant walk after the climb to the ridge. Marvel at the beauty of the meadows, dressed in green and dotted with various Himalayan wildflowers, including the fabled Brahmakamal and fankamal.
There’s a good probability of spotting the vibrantly colored Monal Pheasant, the state bird of Uttarakhand, here. The Pushtara Meadows will be our camping grounds for the night.
Since there are no water sources on the trail, it is recommended to carry at least 2 liters of water from the Bhoj Gadi campsite. Expert guidance from mountaineeringcertified trek leaders will be provided throughout the trek, where you can learn fun facts about the trail and surrounding nature.
Today, you will complete your trek with a descent to the village of Taluka, followed by a drive to Sankri.
Starting from the Pushtara campsite, you will descend through the meadows for about 30 minutes until you come across some broken Gujjar huts. Continue descending on the trail to your right, and a treeline will start emerging, becoming denser as you go. The valley floor is strewn with beautiful yellow flowers, adding to the scenic beauty.
After another 30 minutes of descending, you will enter a dense forest. Stay on the trail as it is easy to get lost in the wide forest. Towering pine trees will loom over you as you walk under their shadows. Be mindful of your steps, as there may be fallen trees on the ground that you will need to maneuver around or over.
Descending for another 30 minutes, you will start to see signs of civilization. Stay on your trail and you will come across a pathway and a water collecting pipe. There is a huge water tank, and stoneroof wooden huts will begin to appear on the right. This is the village of Tumrikot, a quaint Himalayan settlement. After 30 more minutes of walking, you will arrive at the end of your trek in the small village of Taluka. You will also see a clearly defined marking for the Har Ki Doon trek here.
From Taluka, a vehicle will drive you back to Sankri. You will stay the night in a hotel or homestay in Sankri. At night, you may venture out to the local market and buy some souvenirs as a token of remembrance of this memorable trip.
Enjoy your last moments in the mountains, reflecting on the beautiful journey you've had, and savoring the peaceful atmosphere before heading back to the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Today marks the end of your trekking journey as you head back to Dehradun, carrying with you the memories of an incredible experience in the mountains.
We start our journey back to Dehradun early in the morning, departing from Sankri at 7:00 AM. The drive will take approximately 10 hours, retracing the scenic road that you traveled on the way in. The timing may vary depending on traffic and road conditions, so please plan accordingly.
During the drive, you will have the opportunity to reflect on the trek, the beautiful landscapes, and the experiences shared with fellow trekkers. The route is picturesque, offering views of the majestic Himalayas, quaint villages, and lush forests, making the drive enjoyable.
Upon reaching Dehradun, we will drop you off at Dehradun Railway Station around 5:00 PM. From here, you can book your onward journey.
If you wish to extend your stay in Uttarakhand, consider exploring nearby popular tourist destinations such as Mussoorie, known for its colonial charm and pleasant climate, or Rishikesh, famous for its yoga retreats and adventure activities along the banks of the Ganges River.
Thank you for choosing Chalo Trekkers for your adventure. We hope to see you again on another exciting trek!
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