Phulara Ridge Trek: A Complete Guide For Trekkers

Are you looking for a trip that has amazing views of the mountains with little crowds? The Phulara Ridge Trek in Uttarakhand can provide that. You will trek along a beautiful ridge with sweeping views of the Greater Himalayas. You will have the experience of ridge walking with mountains on both sides as you walk through green meadows and dense forests. The Phulara Ridge trek will provide an excellent experience no matter what level of trekker you are. This TripzyGo blog will have all of the information you will need, from when to go, to what to carry, to what you can expect during the trek.

Location of Phulara Ridge Trek

The Phulara Ridge Trek is located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The trek begins from Sankri village, approximately 200 km from Dehradun, and the Phulara Ridge trek height is approximately 12,150 feet (3,700 meters). The trail passes through the beautiful Govind National Park, known for its rich biodiversity. As you climb higher, you’ll see breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks including Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Kalanag. 

The highlight is the 4 km ridge walk that gives you 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. Unlike many popular treks in the region, Phulara Ridge remains relatively less crowded, offering a more peaceful connection with nature. 

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Best Time to Visit Phulara Ridge

The weather and trail conditions on the Phulara Ridge Trek vary across seasons, affecting your trekking experience.

Summer Season (May to June)

The Phulara Ridge trek best time is Summer. The temperature ranges between 15°C and 25°C during the day, making it comfortable for trekking.

Why Visit in Summer?

1. Clear views of snow-capped peaks.
2. Pleasant daytime temperatures.
3. Lush green meadows.

Post-Monsoon Season (September to October)

The post-monsoon period is another ideal time. After the rains, the skies clear up, offering excellent visibility. Temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C during the day.

Why Visit in Post-Monsoon?

1. Exceptionally clear mountain views.
2. Stable weather conditions.
3. Less crowded trails.

Winter and Monsoon Seasons

The Phulara Ridge trek becomes challenging during winter (November to February) due to heavy snowfall. It’s best avoided unless you’re an experienced trekker with proper winter gear. The trek is not recommended during monsoon (July to August) due to safety concerns from slippery trails and landslide risks.

Difficulty Level of Phulara Ridge Trek

The Phulara Ridge Trek is considered moderate in difficulty, suitable for beginners with good fitness levels as well as experienced trekkers.

Key difficulty factors:

1. Phulara Ridge trek distance: approximately 26 km (round trip).
2. Maximum altitude: 3,500 meters (11,480 feet) at Phulara Ridge.
3. Moderate ascents with some steep sections.
4. Duration: 4-5 days.
5. Ridge walking requires some balance and confidence with heights.
6. Gradual altitude gain reduces the risk of altitude sickness.

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Phulara Ridge Trek: The Natural Beauty and Peaceful Surroundings

Ridge Walking Experience

The main highlight is the ridge walk. For approximately 4 km, you’ll walk along a narrow ridge with steep drops on both sides, offering breathtaking views. This unique experience gives you the feeling of walking on top of the world. The ridge varies in width from 3 to 15 feet in places, adding to the thrill of the experience. As you walk along, the mountains seem to unfold before your eyes with each step you take, making it one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand. 

Breathtaking Landscapes

The Phulara Ridge trek offers diverse landscapes that change as you progress. From dense oak and pine forests around Sankri to beautiful meadows at Pushtara, and finally the ridge itself. As you reach higher altitudes, the landscapes become more rugged with rocky outcrops and distant snow-capped peaks.

Camping Experience

Camping at Pushtara meadows is a highlight of the Phulara Ridge trek. These vast green meadows offer scenic views of the surrounding mountains. Spending the night under the stars with mountains all around is an experience you won’t forget. The campsite is usually set up near a small stream where you can fill your water bottles with fresh mountain water.

Pack Your Bags Based on the Season

Based on when you choose to do the Phulara Ridge trekking, here’s what you should pack:

For Summer and Post-Monsoon:

1. 3-4 quick-dry trekking t-shirts and 2 pairs of trekking pants.
2. Waterproof trekking shoes with ankle support.
3. Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen SPF 50+).
4. Trekking poles for stability.
5. First-aid kit with essential medications.
6. Headlamp with extra batteries.

Additional Items for Post-Monsoon:

1. An extra layer of warm clothing for cold evenings.
2. Good quality rainwear.
3. Extra pairs of socks.

Tips for a Hassle-Free Trek to Phulara Ridge

Permits and Paperwork

1. Make a stop at the Sankri forest department office to obtain the permits for Govind National Park.
2.  Foreigners also need an Inner Line Permit that can be obtained at Uttarakhand tourism offices. 
3. Make sure to have several photocopies spread out in several bags, and have a valid photo id.
4.  You should obtain a medical certificate stating that you are fit for trekking at high altitudes.
5.  For your trip insurance, make sure emergency evacuation as well as high-altitude trekking are included in your coverage. Register your trek with the local authorities before beginning.

Acclimatisation

Prior to starting the ascent, have a day at Sankri (1,950 m) to adapt to the altitude.  Make certain to drink three to four litres of water every day, even if you are not thirsty.  Remember that trekking is not a race therefore, go slow. Also instead of taking fewer long intervals, take plenty of small breaks.  If you feel any early symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea, or dizziness, let your guide know immediately, and consider descending..

Important Landmarks on the Phulara Ridge Trek

Here are the key landmarks you’ll encounter on your phulara ridge trekking experience:

1. The hike starts in the Sankri community, a lovely mountain town with wood houses and kind people.
2. Saur Village is a small traditional community made up of genuine Garhwali houses. The Land People are famous for their traditional farming techniques and being friendly.
3. Pushtara Meadows: Found at about 3,000m, these vast meadows are covered in bright wildflowers in the summer.
4.  The main highlight of this trek is Phulara Ridge at 3,500m, offering stunning 360-degree views of the Greater Himalayan peaks. 
5. Bhangeli: After the trek around this ridge, you descend the ridge’s slope to get to this sweet little mountain village.

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The Best Himalayan Experience: Phulara Ridge Trek

The Phulara Ridge Trek offers the best combination of incredible views, exhilarating ridge walking and peaceful surroundings. Although shrouded, the trek is not as busy as some of the popular treks in Uttarakhand, ultimately making this trek quite special. The walk is achievable by most walkers, including novices, because of the moderate level of difficulty. This will be one of your most memorable experiences while in the Himalayas if you prepare well and above all, respect the mountains. So, prepare for the adventure of a lifetime by gathering your gear, and starting the Phulara Ridge trek. 

If you are interested in seeing Uttarakhand’s other beautiful and mystical locations? Consider looking at TripzyGo‘s Uttarakhand Tour Packages for well-planned trips and itineraries, covering several of the area’s highlights.