For those seeking a thrilling escape into the heart of the Himalayas, the Phulara Ridge Trek in Uttarakhand beckons with rugged terrains, breathtaking vistas, and the serenity of the mountains. This off-the-beaten-path trek promises a beautiful and rewarding journey through lush forests, alpine meadows, and snow-capped peaks.
Get ready to challenge yourself and be rewarded with an exhilarating experience with our complete guide to the Phulara Ridge Trek.
Also, read our story on the Gartang Gali trek in Uttarakhand for inspiration.
Best time to venture on a trek to the Phulara Ridge
The summer months of May and June and the autumn season from September to November are ideal for the Phulara Ridge Trek. While trekkers can spot diverse alpine flowers during summer, the post-monsoon autumn trek boasts picturesque landscapes of lush green meadows. However, a breathtaking view of snow-capped peaks is a constant at any time of the year, especially while walking through the ridge. Additionally, it is a haven for avian enthusiasts as you can spot many exotic species of birds while trekking. Despite winter being the toughest for this trek, seasoned and experienced trekkers often take this up for a dose of adrenaline.
It is advisable to embark on the Phulara Ridge Trek under professional guidance. Several outdoor adventure companies organise all-inclusive expeditions that cover food, accommodation, trekking gear and transportation to and from the base camp. Indiahikes and Trek The Himalayas are highly recommended for treks to Phulara Ridge, Kedarkantha, Har Ki Doon, and Adi Kailash.
Location and reaching the base camp
Located in the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park in Uttarakhand, the Phulara Ridge Trek is one of the most beautiful in India due to its unique geography. Perched over 12,000 feet above sea level, the Phulara Ridge offers mesmerising views of many Himalayan peaks, connecting the iconic Kedarkantha Summit to the mountain range behind Taluka village.
Check out our Kedarkantha Trek guide for more inspiration.
The Phulara Ridge Trek starts about 196 km from Dehradun in Sankari or Kotgaon – also the base camp for other treks in the Sankari Range. The Jolly Grant Airport is about 18 km from the Dehradun city centre. While you can request the trekking company for pick and drop, direct buses are also available from Dehradun to Kotgaon.
The journey from Dehradun to Kotgaon is beautiful, promising endless breathtaking views of verdant valleys and dense pine forests, especially the stretch after Purola, passing through the beautiful Mori Village by the serene River Tons.
Explore more with our selection of the best hill stations near Dehradun.
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Book your stay at Fairfield by Marriott Dehradun on Agoda
Exploring the realms of Phulara Ridge Trek
A ridge is a geographical feature connecting one mountain to the other with slopes on either side. India boasts very few ‘ridge treks’, making the Phulara Ridge trek a unique challenge for seasoned hikers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Unlike traditional summit climbs, this ‘moderately difficult’ trek involves traversing a knife-edge ridge, demanding exceptional balance and stamina. You trek uphill and downhill along the way, followed by a 5-km long walk along a thin path on top, offering breathtaking vistas on both sides. This exhilarating experience and the opportunity to disconnect from the world make the Phulara Ridge trek an unforgettable journey.
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A trekker’s experience
Dr Jayita Biswas Sharan, an ophthalmic surgeon from Prayagraj, recently embarked on the challenging trek and shared her exhilarating experience with Travel Plus Leisure India and Southeast Asia. This four-day expedition tested her limits as she ascended about 4,000 feet each day, culminating in the demanding ridge walk on the third day.
This was followed by a downhill trek to the tents where she spent the night before returning to the base camp on day 4. Despite the physical challenges, Dr Sharan describes the experience as “out of this world”, with breathtaking views that compensated for every arduous step.
To prepare for this demanding trek and her first, Dr Sharan dedicated over a month to improving her fitness and lung capacity. She credits Dr Ritu Jain, a fellow medical practitioner and an experienced trekker who has conquered Har Ki Doon and Tungnath-Chandrashila besides the Phulara Ridge, for providing invaluable guidance.
Comparing treks: Phulara Ridge vs Har Ki Doon and Tungnath-Chandrashila
Dr Ritu Jain, also the founder of the Prayagraj Pacers fitness club, shared valuable insights into the unique challenges and rewards of the Phulara Ridge trek. While comparing it to her previous expeditions to Har Ki Doon and Tungnath-Chandrashila, she emphasises the distinctive nature of Phulara Ridge.
Unlike the other two treks, which predominantly involve walking, reaching Phulara Ridge demands a lot of climbing due to its steep ascents and descents. Dr Jain recalls facing challenging weather conditions during her trek, with rain on all three days making the slopes slippery and demanding extra caution.
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Despite these challenges, she highlights the unparalleled beauty of Phulara Ridge, particularly its mesmerising meadows. To preserve the pristine environment of this relatively offbeat expedition, trekkers are encouraged to practice responsible tourism by carrying out their own trash.
Things to remember before the trek
Embarking on the Phulara Ridge trek requires careful planning and preparation. While classified as moderately difficult, trekkers must meet certain fitness standards. Some key considerations for trekkers include:
- Physical fitness: Regular exercise is recommended, including running 5 km in under 35 minutes for at least two weeks before the trek.
- Age restrictions: The trek is ideally suited for individuals between 10 and 62 years.
- Packing light: Carry only essentials as luggage will be stored at the base camp.
- Valuables: Keep valuables like wallet, laptop and watches with you at all times vs leaving them at the base camp.
- Gear and clothing: While trekking gear is typically provided by the organisers, pack appropriate clothing for varying weather conditions, including warm layers, quick-dry outfits, and rain gear. A personal medical kit with essential medications, knee braces and electrolyte solutions is also crucial.
- Medical fitness: A medical certificate confirming fitness for the trek is advisable.
- Altitude sickness: Individuals with breathing difficulties should avoid high-altitude treks.
For detailed information and booking, visit the official website of Indiahikes’ Phulara Ridge Trek.
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Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa on Agoda
(All images by Dr Jayita Biswas Sharan, taken during the Phulara Ridge Trek in April 2024)
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
The trek spans across four days with two more days for reaching to and returning from the base camp.
The trek’s difficulty level is moderate.
The base camp for the Phulara Ridge Trek is Sankari or Kotgaon, around 196 km from Dehradun.
The Phulara Ridge is at an elevation of over 12,000 feet above sea level.
Trekkers are treated with views of the verdant valleys, mountainous peaks and lush meadows during the trek, alongside a diverse variety of flora and different bird species.
Trekkers should pack only essentials for the Phulara Ridge Trek apart from warm clothing and quick dry clothes.
Yes, guides and porters available for the trek, if taken through a professional trekking company. Porters are provided only if required and for a fixed fee.
While the base camp has proper guest houses with washrooms, sleeping camps and toilet tents are set up at stops during the trek by the companies organising it. The food is also provided by them.
Proper safety is maintained by professional trekking companies, however, only medically fit people should opt for this trek.
Written By
Pyusha Chatterjee
Digital Writer - Growth, TravelA journalist, Pyusha has previously worked with media organisations including The New Indian Express ..Read More
