phulara ridge trek
The Phulara Ridge trek is one of the lesser explored Himalayan gems concealed within the extensive landscape of the Sankri range. It is a neighbor to the famous Kedarkantha trek and a perfect spot for all trekking enthusiasts looking for something new. Usually, a ridge comes as a part of many high-altitude Himalayan treks, but here it is the show stopper. Imagine a heavenly road on the summit point with a view of massive glaciers and peaks on both sides, there is no other ridge as prominent as the Phulara Ridge. Like a miniature version of the Great Wall of China, the Phulara Ridge twists and turns through several valleys and meadows of Uttarakhand. Though the trek allows us to spend more than 4 hours on this heavenly lane, a walk here is timeless and eternal.
TREK highlights
Region
Uttarakhand
Difficulty Level
Easy-Moderate
Altitude
12,127 Ft.
Time Duration
6 Days
Trekking Distance
25 kms
why you should choose Phulara Ridge Trek
On the Phulara Ridge trek, you walk the ridge that connects Kedarkantha summit to the range behind Taluka village. To your left lies the Thamsa valley stretching from Sankri to Har Ki Dun. And to your right, the mountains roll in several layers to Jamunothri.
The ridge goes up and down but you are always on top of the mountain range. To put it in perspective, it is like walking on a summit for several hours. The views, the wind, the scenery are all as if you are on the top of the summit. In fact, it’s even better because as you walk on the ridge, the scenery rolls on. The feeling of being on top of the world feel remains with you all through the walk.
The beauty on the trek
The next reason why Phulara is a must-do is that it is extremely beautiful. Our exploration team led by Suhas Saya came back telling us it is as beautiful as the treks in Kashmir. When someone says that, we know what it means. You have a huge expanse of grassy meadows on the trek. The feeling of openness is unmatched. The Phulara ridge trek starts off along with the Kedarkantha trek but quickly diverts left just before Juda Ka Talab. The first campsite Sikolta amidst lovely Oak and Pine trees matches up with the clearings you find on the Kedarkantha trek.
Seclusion on the trek
The trek is still unknown to most people in the popular trekking circuits. It has no dhabhas. It has no colony of campsites with music or campfires. It is still home to lots of birds. Do this trek for its seclusion.
Who Can GO For phulara ridge TREK
- First timer can apply, should have some interest in trekking and mountaineering.
- The climber must be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover 5 km of distance in 45 minutes without a stress.
- The climber should be able to carry a 10 kg backpack.
- Heart problem, high blood pressure, asthma, and epilepsy cannot be reconciled on this mission. The climber must not have the conditions mentioned above.
How to reach
The Dehradun Railway station is one of the main stations in the City and it is an old station. It has good connectivity to many places and these include Lucknow, Delhi, and Howrah. Tickets from Delhi to Dehradun by train cost around Rs.350 for a second class sleeper ticket and Rs.890 for a third A/C sleeper ticket. It is essential to book the tickets at least one month in advance as this route is always in demand.
By Train:-
From Delhi take the DDN SHTABDI SPL (02017) Dep. New Delhi at 06:45am. Arrival Dehradun at 12:55pm. or the Uttar KOTA DDN SPL (02401) Dep. NZM at 11:45pm arrival Dehradun at 05:40 am (Overnight Journey).
By Bus:-
Regular buses fly from ISBT Delhi Anand Vihar/Kashmiri Gate station to Dehradun. Buses drop you at ISBT bus station.Tata Sumo or similar vehicles will pick-up you from Dehradun Isbt and Railway
Brief Itenary
Day 1: Reach Sankri.
Day 2: Sankri to Sikolta.
Day 3: Sikolta to Bhoj Gadi via Karsu Thatch.
Day 4: Bhoj Gadi to Pushtara via Phulara ridge.
Day 5: Pushtara to Taluka. Drive to Sankri.
Day 6: Departure from Sankri.
Reach Sankri.
Sankari the base camp for the trek is tiny but beautiful village that has 250 homes. A handful of restaurants and shops comprise the retail activity in Sankari. In the peak time the place is typically full of trekking activity since it is the basecamp of numerous treks like Kedarkantha, Bali Pass and Borasu Pass. The village provides a stunning views of the setting sun behind the higher Himalayas. The Swargarohini mountains sparkle in the evening sunlight rising high over the ridges to the west of Kotgaon.
Sankri to Sikolta.
The first ascent takes you through the beautiful pine forest.After an hour and a half of climbing, you will cross a small bridge made of concrete.You will cross a broken Dhaba later on the trail.Continue on this trail for 30 minutes.Here you will find the first clearing known as “Jainol Thatch”.Continue climbing for another 10 minutes to reach the second clearing. This area is known as ‘Marikoda. If you look to your left, you can see Dhunda’s peak. From this point, you can also see the Phulara Ridge.You will find two forks on the trail. You can follow the trail straight ahead to reach the Juda Ka Talab. Either follow the trail to JKT, then turn left at the lake, or you can explore the trail to your left from this fork. You will be passing through beautiful pine forests. As your legs feel the soft crunch of the forest floor, the Himalayan Cedar and Deodhar Cedar aromas fill the air. The forest floor will echo with the sound of tiny bees buzzing. After a pleasant half hour, you will reach the main trail. This is the trail that leads to JKT. Follow the forest trail to the left.
Sikolta to Bhoj Gadi via Karsu Thatch.
The highest point on this hill is the Dhunda Top. After a gentle climb of 15 minutes, and another trek for 10 minutes to the left, the trail leads you into a beautiful meadow. This is your campsite. The stream runs down the valley. This is your water source.You can go for an excursion/acclimatization walk to the top of the hill. There is a long ridge that runs up to the top, which can lead you all the way down to Kedarkantha. You can see the Purola region, Swargarohini and Devkyara, Lekha Top, Vijay Top, and other peaks from here. This campsite is the perfect spot to catch beautiful sunsets, sunrises and sunrises.
Bhoj Gadi to Pushtara via Phulara ridge.
After another hour of hiking, you reach the end of the trail. Here it turns right. You will feel as if you have a grand entrance to the magnificent view, with few stones along the way. From right to left, the peaks are Hanuman Top and Sarutal Top. From this point, take the right. At the top, you can catch an intermittent signal from Vodafone. There are many ascents and descents you can take. Cross the base of Sarutal.You will be descending a little bit and then gradually ascending. The drop is to the right. The valley of Purola can be seen in the distance between the tall pines. Because of the snow, this section isn’t possible to take during winter months. Also, this section does not have any water sources. It is difficult and tricky to cross the snow section in April. With snow, it took approximately an hour and fifty minutes. It would have taken about 30 minutes without snow to complete the Sarutal section. This section is home to Monals and wildflowers.
Pushtara to Taluka. Drive to Sankri.
It would take you to Taluka. You will descend through the meadows for the first 30 minutes. Here you will see broken Gujjar huts. The trail is visible to the right coming from Taloti Valley. Continue to descend and follow this trail. Continue to descend and continue going towards the right. The tree line begins to rise. The floor is covered with yellow flowers. It’s like a bed where you can just lay down.
Continue your descent for 30 minutes and you will reach the forest. There are good trails that lead into the forest. It is large and easy to lose your way if you wander off-trail. The cover is well lit and the trees are spread out. Later, you will be surrounded by huge pine trees. It seems like you are a tiny person trekking through the forest. Crossing trees that have fallen on the ground is necessary. During your trek, a group of curious langurs watches you and follows you as they leap effortlessly from one tree into the next. You will see a small village to your right. Keep an eye on the right. This will not take you to the village, but it gives you the assurance of following the trail. This forest is a beautiful place to descend for approximately an hour and thirty minutes. You hear very few bells as you reach the last stretch of dense, uncut forest. A herd of goats and cows are grazing in the forest. There is also very little logging activity, which indicates that you are near civilization. You will see a path and a pipe that collects water from the stream if you continue on the same trail. You will see a large water tank, and wooden huts with stone roofing. This is Tumrikot. You will reach the end of your trek after walking for about 30 minutes through a beautiful village. A few shops can be found in the small village of Taluka. The Har Ki Dun trail can be clearly marked.
Departure from Sankri.
Important things to carry for trekking
Basic Essentials
An identity card – Original and Photocopies (MANDATORY)
Back Pack & Rain Cover (50-60 liter)
Day Pack & Rain Cover (20-30 liter, If you hire mule or porter)
1 ltr of pet water bottle or hydration pack
Floaters or Sandals, Trekking Shoes (waterproof are better during snow and rain)
LED Torch/Headlamp (With extra batteries)
Poncho, Rain Coat or Umbrella any one is must (Poncho are lightweight, easy to carry/fit)
Torch with pair of batteries
Clothing & other Essentials
2 Pairs of Quick Dry Tees and Track Pants (Denim are not recommended for treks.)
1 pair of T-shirts (half and full sleeve)
3 Pair of Cotton Socks, 2 pairs of woolen socks
2 Full Sleeve Sweater or Fleece Jacket
Thermal Wear – 1 pair (you can keep two if going on the long trek)
Gore Tex type similar hard shell for rain or snow & to be worn over mid layers like fleece or down jackets.
One down feather Jacket
Sun Cap, One Scarf, Light towel, Gloves (1 woolen, 1 waterproof)
Woolen cap or Balaclava that covers the ear (protection from cold waves), Dark UV Sunglasses
Carry a few plastic bags in case your clothes get wet.
Eatables – Quick Energy During Trek
Glucose, Chocolates, biscuits, Energy bars, Toffees and Dry fruits & nuts.
INCLUSIONS
1.Accommodation. (Guest house, Camping)
2.Meals while on trek (Veg)
3.Trek equipment (Sleeping bag, mattress, Kitchen & dinning tent, crampon, utensils, tent)
4.All necessary permits and entry fees.
5.First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder.
6.Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide and Support staff.
EXCLUSIONS
1.Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Food during the transit.
3. Insurance.
4. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
5. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head
F.A.Q.
For Phulara Ridge Trek
Simply select “Contact Us” offered by us from navigation menu and mail us about your Trek Details according to your preferences and make online payment by Debit Card/ Credit Card or Net Banking.
You have to provide a photo identification, medical health certificate and a scan copy of confirmation of payment made.
Yes, you can cancel the booking due to any reason. But you have to give us a written declaration for cancelling the package.