Phulara Ridge Trek - Explore the Hidden Ridge in Himalayas

Where India is famous for its beautiful and well-explored treks, there lies an unexplored trek known as the Phulara Ridge Trek. The trek is considered one of the most beautiful yet undiscovered treks in India, primarily due to its unique ridge walk. A ridge is where both sides of a hill or mountain converge and create a narrow path. It is a long, narrow, elevated strip of land, usually found on hills or mountains. It often forms a high, continuous path with steep sides and offers wide views of the surrounding area.

You may have encountered ridges on other treks, but trekking continuously for 4-5 hours along a ridge is something very different and which makes Phulara Ridge Trek a difference and ultimately the best ridge trek in India. 

Explore The Unexplored Phulara Ridge Trek

The Phulara Ridge is situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the unexplored treks in Uttarakhand. The trek begins from the small village of Sankri, which serves as the base camp for several treks in the region, including the Kedarkantha trek, Bali Pass, and Har Ki Dun trek. 

The Phulara Ridge Trek allows trekkers to walk along a ridge line providing continuous, unobstructed views of the Himalayas.The region is rich in plant life, with dense forests of pine, oak, and other wild plant species. Trekkers might spot species like Himalayan Monal, pheasants, langurs, and various bird species. 

The trek starts at an elevation of approximately 6,400 ft in Sankri and ascends to a maximum altitude of around 12,150 ft at the highest point of the ridge. This view and ridge trek not only make it unique but also one of the best treks in India. 

On both sides of the trek, there are melting snow hills. On the ground, there are wildflowers all around. And there you are standing in the middle of all of it. When you turn around, you will find 250-degree views of the peaks like Swargarohini, Kala Nag, Devkyara, Bandarpoonch, Rangnala, and Kedarkantha.  This wonderful view, along with the unique ridge trekking in Uttarakhand, makes the trek a truly special and memorable experience.

What is the best time to do the Phulara Ridge trek? 

Summer - May to June 

Autumn - September to November

The Phulara Ridge trek in Uttarakhand is most suitable twice a year i.e. during Summer and Autumn. Specifically the best months to visit Phulara Ridge Trek are May, June, September, October, and November. The distance to cover the Phulara Ridge Trek is 30 Km. 

Seasonal Highlights of the Phulara Ridge Trek

Summer: During the summer months, wildflowers pop up and you will get to see mesmerising sight of the melting snow flowing down which forms gentle streams all around you. It is mostly not preferred before the May month as you might not experience this beauty. It is generally recommended to start the trek after May to fully enjoy these sights.

Autumn: From September to November, the forest comes in full bloom just after heavy monsoon rain. You'll be accompanied by the soothing sounds of chirping birds as you trek. After November, the trek is not preferred due to heavy snow which makes the path uneasy.  It's best to avoid trekking after November and before it.

How Difficult is the Phulara Ridge Trek? 

The difficulty level of Phulara Ridge Trek is considered to be of moderate difficulty. Here’s a breakdown of what makes it a moderate trek:-

Terrain and trek - The trek features a mix of terrain, including dense forests, open meadows, and narrow ridge paths. While the ridge walk provides beautiful views, it requires careful balance and some trekking experience.

Altitude - The altitude for the Phulara Ridge Trek is 12150 Ft.  While this altitude is manageable for most trekkers, it requires proper acclimatization. 

Duration - The trek generally lasts for about 6-7 days, involving multiple days of hiking ranging from 4 to 8 hours per day. This duration can be challenging for beginners but is manageable with a moderate level of fitness.

Weather Conditions- The trek's difficulty can vary with the weather. In summer and autumn, the conditions are generally favourable, but during the winter, the path can become covered with snow which makes the path uneasy and more challenging.

Also note, that the Phulara Ridge Trek is accessible for trekkers with a reasonable level of fitness and prior trekking experience, it is essential to prepare adequately and consider weather conditions before embarking on this beautiful Himalayan adventure journey.