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Phulara Ridge Trek
The Best Ridge Trek In India
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TREK DIFFICULTY
Moderate
TREK DURATION
6 days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
12,345 ft
The Best Ridge Trek In India
To begin with, ridge treks are extremely uncommon in our country. There is hardly a handful. In exploring the Phulara Ridge trek in April 2018, we discovered a ridge trek that is looking to be one of the best!
Now, a ridge is a place where two sides of the mountain meet. So the walk on a ridge is almost like one on a knife-edge, where there are just flanks of the mountain sloping down from either side of you. There are small ridge sections on a few Himalayan treks. However, to have an entire day’s trek on a ridge is unparalleled.
For trekkers who love photos more than words, we have the perfect gift for you! Explore the beauty of this trek through a photo story; click here :)
If you have done a summit climb, you would know that you stand at the highest point for perhaps 20-30 minutes. This is from where you get great views of the mountains around. On this trek though, you’re at a high point of 12,000 ft for a day’s worth of trek(4-5 hours!).
The 250-degree panorama of snow-capped mountains stays with you throughout! It almost gives you the feeling that these mountains are trekking along with you, as you traverse the ridge that curves its way into the landscape. Below you, the ground sweeps down on either side – one into a meadow, one into a valley. This is what makes Phulara Ridge a unique experience.
To begin with, ridge treks are extremely uncommon in our country. There is hardly a handful. In exploring the Phulara Ridge trek in April 2018, we discovered a ridge trek that is looking to be one of the best!
Now, a ridge is a place where two sides of the mountain meet. So the walk on a ridge is almost like one on a knife-edge, where there are just flanks of the mountain sloping down from either side of you. There are small ridge sections on a few Himalayan treks. However, to have an entire day’s trek on a ridge is unparalleled.
For trekkers who love photos more than words, we have the perfect gift for you! Explore the beauty of this trek through a photo story; click here :)
Phulara Ridge - Complete Trek Information
We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.
Use this section to learn about the Phulara Ridge trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find these extremely useful.
A map of the Phulara Ridge trek.
Day 1
Drive from Dehradun to Kotgaon (6,455 ft)
Drive distance: 190 km | Drive Duration: 9-10 hours | Pick up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Grand Legacy Hotel Lalpul, Dehradun or Library Chowk, Mussorie | Pick up Time: 6.30 am | Location of Indiahikes basecamp: Kotgaon
Transport will be organised from 6.30 am. This costs Rs 7,000 per vehicle (for a 5-6 seater SUV) & Rs 11,000 per vehicle (for 11-12 seater Tempo Traveller) which is to be shared by trekkers and paid directly to the driver.
Day 2
Trek from Kotgaon to Sikolta
Trek Distance: 4.85 km | Trek Duration: 4-5 hours | Altitude gain: 6,455 ft to 8,925 ft
Day 3
Trek from Sikolta to Bhoj Gadi
Trek Distance: 4.45 km | Trek Duration: 4-5 hours | Altitude gain: 8,925 ft to 11,170 ft
Day 4
Trek from Bhoj Gadi to Pushtara via Phulara ridge
Trek Distance: 8.4 km | Trek Duration: 6-7 hours | Altitude gain and loss: 11,170 ft to 9,860 ft via 12,345 ft
Day 5
Trek from Pushtara to Taluka. Drive to Kotgaon
Trek Distance: 8.1 km | Trek Duration: 6-7 hours | Drive Duration: 1.5-2 hours | Altitude loss: 9,860 ft to 6,916 ft
Day 6
Drive from Kotgaon to Dehradun
Drive Distance: 190 km | Drive Duration: 9-10 hours
Drop off point: Hotel Grand Legacy, Dehradun
This transport cost again has to be borne by trekkers and paid directly to the driver. This costs Rs.7,000 per vehicle (for a 5-6 seater SUV) & Rs 11,000 per vehicle (for 11-12 seater Tempo Traveller) which is to be shared by trekkers and paid directly to the driver.
Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.
A map of the Phulara Ridge trek.
IMPORTANT POINTS
➤Documents required: It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo id along with the mandatory documents of the Medical Certificate and Disclaimer form. This is required for trek permissions. The medical certificate along with the disclaimer form will be part of the Safety Check-in done by the trek leader when you arrive at the base camp.
➤Stay facility: Please note that you will be staying at Indiahikes Campus at Kotgaon. On the trek, you will be staying 2 in a tent.
Do not leave getting your gears or anything else till the end. There are no facilities to buy gears or other essentials at Kotgaon. Do not bring any packaged food, tags from your new clothes or any waste with you. We follow a Dustbin Free Zone and No Wet Wipes Policy at our base camps in line with our spirit of Green Trails.
➤Cloakroom facility for excess luggage: We have a Cloakroom facility at the campus for excess luggage. Anything beyond one luggage is chargeable at Rs 500 per luggage. Do not leave behind any valuables in the cloakroom.
➤Thinking of offloading your backpack? Think again: Indiahikes practices low-impact sustainable trekking in every aspect of the trek. Carrying your own personal backpack reduces your impact on the mountains by 20%. We expect all our trekkers to carry their own backpacks unless they have a justifiable reason not to. (Read our thoughts here)
Day 1
Drive from Dehradun to Kotgaon (6,455 ft)
Drive distance: 190 km | Drive Duration: 9-10 hours | Pick up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Grand Legacy Hotel Lalpul, Dehradun or Library Chowk, Mussorie | Pick up Time: 6.30 am | Location of Indiahikes basecamp: Kotgaon
Transport will be organised from 6.30 am. This costs Rs 7,000 per vehicle (for a 5-6 seater SUV) & Rs 11,000 per vehicle (for 11-12 seater Tempo Traveller) which is to be shared by trekkers and paid directly to the driver.
Day 2
Trek from Kotgaon to Sikolta
Trek Distance: 4.85 km | Trek Duration: 4-5 hours | Altitude gain: 6,455 ft to 8,925 ft
Day 3
Trek from Sikolta to Bhoj Gadi
Trek Distance: 4.45 km | Trek Duration: 4-5 hours | Altitude gain: 8,925 ft to 11,170 ft
Day 4
Trek from Bhoj Gadi to Pushtara via Phulara ridge
Trek Distance: 8.4 km | Trek Duration: 6-7 hours | Altitude gain and loss: 11,170 ft to 9,860 ft via 12,345 ft
Day 5
Trek from Pushtara to Taluka. Drive to Kotgaon
Trek Distance: 8.1 km | Trek Duration: 6-7 hours | Drive Duration: 1.5-2 hours | Altitude loss: 9,860 ft to 6,916 ft
Day 6
Drive from Kotgaon to Dehradun
Drive Distance: 190 km | Drive Duration: 9-10 hours
Drop off point: Hotel Grand Legacy, Dehradun
This transport cost again has to be borne by trekkers and paid directly to the driver. This costs Rs.7,000 per vehicle (for a 5-6 seater SUV) & Rs 11,000 per vehicle (for 11-12 seater Tempo Traveller) which is to be shared by trekkers and paid directly to the driver.
Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.
IMPORTANT POINTS
➤Documents required: It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo id along with the mandatory documents of the Medical Certificate and Disclaimer form. This is required for trek permissions. The medical certificate along with the disclaimer form will be part of the Safety Check-in done by the trek leader when you arrive at the base camp.
➤Stay facility: Please note that you will be staying at Indiahikes Campus at Kotgaon. On the trek, you will be staying 2 in a tent.
Do not leave getting your gears or anything else till the end. There are no facilities to buy gears or other essentials at Kotgaon. Do not bring any packaged food, tags from your new clothes or any waste with you. We follow a Dustbin Free Zone and No Wet Wipes Policy at our base camps in line with our spirit of Green Trails.
➤Cloakroom facility for excess luggage: We have a Cloakroom facility at the campus for excess luggage. Anything beyond one luggage is chargeable at Rs 500 per luggage. Do not leave behind any valuables in the cloakroom.
➤Thinking of offloading your backpack? Think again: Indiahikes practices low-impact sustainable trekking in every aspect of the trek. Carrying your own personal backpack reduces your impact on the mountains by 20%. We expect all our trekkers to carry their own backpacks unless they have a justifiable reason not to. (Read our thoughts here)
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Day 1 (Pick-up): Drive from Dehradun to Kotgaon
Drive Duration: 9-10 hours drive | Drive Distance: 190 km
Altitude: 6,455 ft
Kotgaon, the base camp for this trek, is a small but pretty village with 250 houses. A few dhabas and shops make up the commerce scene in Kotgaon.
The drive takes you on narrow mountain roads along the River Yamuna. Within an hour of driving, you reach Mussoorie. Further ahead, the journey takes you past beautiful valleys and forest cover throughout the journey. The 18 km stretch of the dense pine forest after Purola and the drive through the Mori valley alongside River Tons will stay with you for a long time. Do not miss to watch out for them.
In peak season, it is usually bustling with trekking activity as it is the base camp for many treks – Kedarkantha, Har Ki Dun, Bali Pass, and Borasu Pass. The village offers a beautiful view of the sun setting behind the greater Himalayas. The peaks of Swargarohini shimmer in the evening sun, standing tall over the ridges beyond Kotgaon.
The drive to Kotgaon will take you through Nainbagh, Naugaon, Purola, Jarmola and Mori Naitwar (a left turn from Naitwar will lead you to Dhaula, which is the base camp for Rupin Pass and Bharadsar lake trek), and finally Kotgaon.
Kotgaon, the base camp for this trek, is a small but pretty village with 250 houses. A few dhabas and shops make up the commerce scene in Kotgaon.
The drive takes you on narrow mountain roads along the River Yamuna. Within an hour of driving, you reach Mussoorie. Further ahead, the journey takes you past beautiful valleys and forest cover throughout the journey. The 18 km stretch of the dense pine forest after Purola and the drive through the Mori valley alongside River Tons will stay with you for a long time. Do not miss to watch out for them.
In peak season, it is usually bustling with trekking activity as it is the base camp for many treks – Kedarkantha, Har Ki Dun, Bali Pass, and Borasu Pass. The village offers a beautiful view of the sun setting behind the greater Himalayas. The peaks of Swargarohini shimmer in the evening sun, standing tall over the ridges beyond Kotgaon.
The drive to Kotgaon will take you through Nainbagh, Naugaon, Purola, Jarmola and Mori Naitwar (a left turn from Naitwar will lead you to Dhaula, which is the base camp for Rupin Pass and Bharadsar lake trek), and finally Kotgaon.
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Day 2: Trek from Kotgaon to Sikolta
Trek Duration: 5 hours | Trek Distance: 4.85 km
Altitude Gain: ⇗ 2,470 ft (6,455 ft to 8,925 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate. Trail ascending through the forest section
Highlights: The well laid out trail through the pine forest is a wonderful start for your trek. Listen out to the sounds of the bird as you trek through this section while you cross bridges and some lovely clearings.
The trek starts from Kotgaon village. Initially, you pass through the village. As you come out of the village, you cross a bridge and enter a lovely pine forest. After about an hour of ascent, you come across a beautiful clearing called Shirpuri.
From Shirpuri, there are two trails. One to the right goes towards Kedarkantha Peak and the one to the left goes towards Hargaon. Take the left trail. A bit of a relaxed trail in the pine forest further leads to Hargaon - another clearing where you can spot shepherds' huts.
If you follow the trail straight ahead of Hargaon, it’s the one to the famous Juda Ka Talab. You can either follow this to JKT and then take a left from the lake or the better exciting trail which is to explore the trail to the left from this fork. This takes you through the lovely pine forests. The aroma of the Himalayan Cedar or Deodhar Cedar has filled the area as your legs enjoy a soft crunch through the forest floor. You will hear the tiny bees buzzing, resonating all around the forest. A nice half an hour on the forest path, you reach the main trail. This is the trail that comes from Juda Ka Talab. Take the left here and follow the trail in the forest.
There is another good clearing to the left where you can pitch your tents.
The trek starts from Kotgaon village. Initially, you pass through the village. As you come out of the village, you cross a bridge and enter a lovely pine forest. After about an hour of ascent, you come across a beautiful clearing called Shirpuri.
From Shirpuri, there are two trails. One to the right goes towards Kedarkantha Peak and the one to the left goes towards Hargaon. Take the left trail. A bit of a relaxed trail in the pine forest further leads to Hargaon - another clearing where you can spot shepherds' huts.
If you follow the trail straight ahead of Hargaon, it’s the one to the famous Juda Ka Talab. You can either follow this to JKT and then take a left from the lake or the better exciting trail which is to explore the trail to the left from this fork. This takes you through the lovely pine forests. The aroma of the Himalayan Cedar or Deodhar Cedar has filled the area as your legs enjoy a soft crunch through the forest floor. You will hear the tiny bees buzzing, resonating all around the forest. A nice half an hour on the forest path, you reach the main trail. This is the trail that comes from Juda Ka Talab. Take the left here and follow the trail in the forest.
There is another good clearing to the left where you can pitch your tents.
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Day 3: Trek from Sikolta to Bhoj Gadi
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours | Trek Distance: 4.45 km
Altitude Gain: ⇗ 2,245 (8,925 ft ft to 11,170 ft)
Difficulty: Easy. Gradual climb as you cross the tree line and enter into the higher altitude meadows.
Highlights: Trek through the aromatic Deodhar trees and secluded trail. You will see a mix of pine, oak and dwarf rhododendrons. Turn back to see the famous Kedarkantha Peak. Do not miss the beautiful alpenglow and night sky from Bhoj Gadi.
You will be surprised to see a ledge to your right. The sunlight cuts across the canopy beautifully here. You start seeing snow-capped peaks being visible now to the left. You will pass a small broken bridge. A stream is flowing down the hill where you can fill your water bottles.
The ascent continues from here for another 40 minutes. The Trail has Yellow Marsh Marigold and purple lilies blooming around. You come across a lovely large rock – The Gecko rock. It resembles the shape of a lizard having its head held high. The trail takes the right which leads to the clearing of ‘Sikolta’. A nice meadow patch with broken Gujjar huts.
A good ascent from Sikolta for about 30 minutes through the forest patch. The forest is a bit dark and dense. Watch out for a few trees fallen on the trail. You spot a bridge down along the trail. A small descent to the bridge and a sharp ascend through a small section of the landslide terrain. This section is just about 100 meters. A nice stream is flowing underneath the bridge where you can fill water. The bridge and the stream separate the valley. Continue the ascend for another 15 minutes to reach a bigger clearing known as ‘Karsu Thatch’. The grass is filled with yellow flowers.
As you enter this big clearing, to the right you see the Kedarkantha peak. You see the decline in the tree line from here. You need to take the gradual ascent and keep it to your left. The ascent is a gradual one for another 30 minutes. The rhodo type trees with some Bhoj trees are filled on the trail now. The flowers bloom after the monsoon. The clearings start to open up and you enter the lush green meadows. A treat for your eyes and legs, one can enjoy walking on the green cover now.
The Dhunda Top is the highest point of this hill. With a small gradual ascent of 15 minutes and a trek for another 10 minutes on the trail to the left, you enter a nice flat meadow patch. This will be your campsite. You have a stream flowing down the valley. This will be your water source.
You can go for an excursion/acclimatization walk to the top of the hill. It’s a long ridge at the top which can take you to Kedarkantha as well. From here you will see the Purola region, the peaks of Kedarkantha, Swargarohini, Devkyara, Lekha Top, Vijay Top and a few others. The sunset, rising of the moon and early sunrise is a beautiful spectacles to watch out for from this campsite.
You will be surprised to see a ledge to your right. The sunlight cuts across the canopy beautifully here. You start seeing snow-capped peaks being visible now to the left. You will pass a small broken bridge. A stream is flowing down the hill where you can fill your water bottles.
The ascent continues from here for another 40 minutes. The Trail has Yellow Marsh Marigold and purple lilies blooming around. You come across a lovely large rock – The Gecko rock. It resembles the shape of a lizard having its head held high. The trail takes the right which leads to the clearing of ‘Sikolta’. A nice meadow patch with broken Gujjar huts.
A good ascent from Sikolta for about 30 minutes through the forest patch. The forest is a bit dark and dense. Watch out for a few trees fallen on the trail. You spot a bridge down along the trail. A small descent to the bridge and a sharp ascend through a small section of the landslide terrain. This section is just about 100 meters. A nice stream is flowing underneath the bridge where you can fill water. The bridge and the stream separate the valley. Continue the ascend for another 15 minutes to reach a bigger clearing known as ‘Karsu Thatch’. The grass is filled with yellow flowers.
As you enter this big clearing, to the right you see the Kedarkantha peak. You see the decline in the tree line from here. You need to take the gradual ascent and keep it to your left. The ascent is a gradual one for another 30 minutes. The rhodo type trees with some Bhoj trees are filled on the trail now. The flowers bloom after the monsoon. The clearings start to open up and you enter the lush green meadows. A treat for your eyes and legs, one can enjoy walking on the green cover now.
The Dhunda Top is the highest point of this hill. With a small gradual ascent of 15 minutes and a trek for another 10 minutes on the trail to the left, you enter a nice flat meadow patch. This will be your campsite. You have a stream flowing down the valley. This will be your water source.
You can go for an excursion/acclimatization walk to the top of the hill. It’s a long ridge at the top which can take you to Kedarkantha as well. From here you will see the Purola region, the peaks of Kedarkantha, Swargarohini, Devkyara, Lekha Top, Vijay Top and a few others. The sunset, rising of the moon and early sunrise is a beautiful spectacles to watch out for from this campsite.
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Day 4: Trek from Bhoj Gadi to Pushtara via Phulara ridge
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours | Trek Distance: 8.5 km
Altitude gain/loss: ⇗ 1,175 ft ⇘ 2,485 ft (11,170 ft to 9,860 ft via 12,345 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate. Ascend the trail up to the ridge. A flat trail at the ridge followed by a descent to Pushtara.
Highlights: Trekking on the ridge at around 12,000 feet with mountain views is a unique feeling. As you enter Phustara, take off your shoes and walk on the carpet of grass. Watch your step on the ridge if you have snow or the formation of Verglass.
The top of the ridge can be seen from the campsite. To start the day, there is a nice ascent. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the top of the ridge. A lot of Himalayan Monals can be spotted on this trail. I saw seven Monals on this day and when approaching the ridge.
The view from the ridge is amazing. The view of the snow-peaked mountains of 250 degrees. You can see the ridge going ahead with slight ascents to reach the end of this beautiful trail. As you are trekking, you feel the snow-capped mountains moving along with you.
After another hour of trekking, you come to the end of this trail where it takes a right turn. Few stones kept along the pathway, make you feel like you got a grand entrance to view the majestic view. The peaks from right to left are Hanuman Top, Sarutal Top, DKD, Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, Swargarohini, Hata Peak(HKD), Ranglana, Devkyara valley, Lekha Top, Vijay Top, Kedarkantha. Take the right from this point where the trail leads. An intermittent signal of Vodafone can be caught at the top. You can see multiple descents and ascents one has to take. The base of Sarutal is where you need to cross.
The trail takes a bit of descent and follows a gradual ascent. To the right is a drop. In the distance across the tall pine trees, in the valley of Purola. This section is not possible to take during the winter months because of snow. This section also does not have water sources. Crossing the snow section during April, and May itself is a difficult, tricky section. It took about an hour and 50 minutes with snow. Without snow, it would take about 30 minutes to complete and cross the Sarutal section. Watch for wildflowers and Monals through this section.
Once you cross this valley, you enter the right side of the hill. Few big mountains right in front of you. Take the descent and keep to your right. You will be blown away by the vastness of Pushtara meadows. It’s on the edge and a beautiful place to set up your campsite.
If you cross this valley, you have Taloti. A medium-sized gorgeous lake formed by the melting glaciers. Pushtara has a good amount of water on the right side. A small graveyard by the Gujjars can be seen giving a nice chill to the bones. A good place to come up with stories for the night.
The top of the ridge can be seen from the campsite. To start the day, there is a nice ascent. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the top of the ridge. A lot of Himalayan Monals can be spotted on this trail. I saw seven Monals on this day and when approaching the ridge.
The view from the ridge is amazing. The view of the snow-peaked mountains of 250 degrees. You can see the ridge going ahead with slight ascents to reach the end of this beautiful trail. As you are trekking, you feel the snow-capped mountains moving along with you.
After another hour of trekking, you come to the end of this trail where it takes a right turn. Few stones kept along the pathway, make you feel like you got a grand entrance to view the majestic view. The peaks from right to left are Hanuman Top, Sarutal Top, DKD, Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, Swargarohini, Hata Peak(HKD), Ranglana, Devkyara valley, Lekha Top, Vijay Top, Kedarkantha. Take the right from this point where the trail leads. An intermittent signal of Vodafone can be caught at the top. You can see multiple descents and ascents one has to take. The base of Sarutal is where you need to cross.
The trail takes a bit of descent and follows a gradual ascent. To the right is a drop. In the distance across the tall pine trees, in the valley of Purola. This section is not possible to take during the winter months because of snow. This section also does not have water sources. Crossing the snow section during April, and May itself is a difficult, tricky section. It took about an hour and 50 minutes with snow. Without snow, it would take about 30 minutes to complete and cross the Sarutal section. Watch for wildflowers and Monals through this section.
Once you cross this valley, you enter the right side of the hill. Few big mountains right in front of you. Take the descent and keep to your right. You will be blown away by the vastness of Pushtara meadows. It’s on the edge and a beautiful place to set up your campsite.
If you cross this valley, you have Taloti. A medium-sized gorgeous lake formed by the melting glaciers. Pushtara has a good amount of water on the right side. A small graveyard by the Gujjars can be seen giving a nice chill to the bones. A good place to come up with stories for the night.
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Day 5: Trek from Pushtara to Taluka. Drive to Kotgaon
Trek Duration: 5 hours trek | Trek Distance: 8.1 km
Drive Distance: 1.5 hours drive from Taluka to Kotgaon
Altitude loss: ⇘ 2,764 ft (9,680 ft to 6,916 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate. Descend through the forest trail all the way to Taluka.
Highlights: The last day of the trek is through complete isolation in the thick forests. Listen to the sounds of the bird and keep your eyes open. This day is the best one to spot a Monal. Enjoy the forest section and do not get lost while you reach the signs of the civilization of Tumrikot.
The trail would be a complete descent to the village of Taluka. The first 30 minutes is the descent through the meadows. You see some broken Gujjar huts here. You see the trail coming from the Taloti valley to the right. Take the descent and join this trail. Keep descending and going towards the right. The tree line starts to increase. The floor is laden with beautiful yellow flowers. It feels like a bed to just lie down.
On descent for another 30 minutes, you enter the forest. Wide good trails enter the forest at first. The forest is a big one and is easy to get lost if you go off-trail. Initially, trees are spaced with a good amount of light coming through the cover. Later big pine trees dawn over you. You seem like tiny individual trekking in the big forest. You need to cross some trees which have fallen on the ground. A troop of curious langurs stares at your trekking technique while they jump effortlessly from one tree to another.
Keep an eye to the right, you see a small village. You won’t be going to this village but reassures you of following the trail. The descent goes for about an hour and 30 mins through this forest. In the last stretch of thick untouched forest and you hear a few bells. You spot a herd of cows, goats grazing and also a few logging activities indicating that you are close to civilization. Follow the same trail and you see a pathway and a collecting pipe from the stream. There is a big water tank and you see wooden huts with stoned roofing. This is the village of Tumrikot. A beautiful village walks for 30 mins and you reach the end of your trek. The small village of Taluka has a couple of shops. You can see a clear marking for the Har Ki Dun trek.
The trail would be a complete descent to the village of Taluka. The first 30 minutes is the descent through the meadows. You see some broken Gujjar huts here. You see the trail coming from the Taloti valley to the right. Take the descent and join this trail. Keep descending and going towards the right. The tree line starts to increase. The floor is laden with beautiful yellow flowers. It feels like a bed to just lie down.
On descent for another 30 minutes, you enter the forest. Wide good trails enter the forest at first. The forest is a big one and is easy to get lost if you go off-trail. Initially, trees are spaced with a good amount of light coming through the cover. Later big pine trees dawn over you. You seem like tiny individual trekking in the big forest. You need to cross some trees which have fallen on the ground. A troop of curious langurs stares at your trekking technique while they jump effortlessly from one tree to another.
Keep an eye to the right, you see a small village. You won’t be going to this village but reassures you of following the trail. The descent goes for about an hour and 30 mins through this forest. In the last stretch of thick untouched forest and you hear a few bells. You spot a herd of cows, goats grazing and also a few logging activities indicating that you are close to civilization. Follow the same trail and you see a pathway and a collecting pipe from the stream. There is a big water tank and you see wooden huts with stoned roofing. This is the village of Tumrikot. A beautiful village walks for 30 mins and you reach the end of your trek. The small village of Taluka has a couple of shops. You can see a clear marking for the Har Ki Dun trek.
Day 6: Drive from Kotgaon to Dehradun
Drive Duration: 9-10 hours | Drive Distance: 190 km
Start early in the morning, preferably before 7:00 AM since the journey takes at least 9-10 hours.
If you have time to spare at Dehradun, go to Mussoorie or explore around Dehradun.
Start early in the morning, preferably before 7:00 AM since the journey takes at least 9-10 hours.
If you have time to spare at Dehradun, go to Mussoorie or explore around Dehradun.
Moderate
Suitable for Fit Beginners
At Indiahikes, while rating a trek difficulty we consider several factors. These include, altitude gained every day, length of a trek every day, highest altitude, nature of the terrain, weather etc. Based on this we rate a trek as easy or difficult or somewhere in between.
The Phulara Ridge trek is a moderate grade trek. This means the trek is ideal for a fit beginner. The trek is 4 days long and each day, you’ll be trekking for an average of 5 hours each on the first two days and longer over the next two days.
The geographical location of the ridge ensures lower temperatures compared to the surrounding region. Therefore, Phulara Ridge is one of the very few treks that have snow even in the spring season at an altitude as low as 12,500 ft. You’ll be provided microspikes to help navigate these sections safely.
Having said that, it is still a trek in the Himalayas with difficulties in terrain, temperatures, and weather. Therefore, you must train for at least a month before going on the Phulara Ridge trek.
Safety on the Phulara Ridge Trek
Phulara Ridge is a moderate trek in terms of difficulty but it goes up to an altitude of 12,345 ft. Which means it’s still a high-altitude trek. As with every high-altitude trek, the Phulara Ridge trek comes with certain risks.
When it comes to terrain, Phulara Ridge can be considered safe. The entire route is marked with
– Well trodden routes
– Gradual ascents
– Well placed campsites (important when considering AMS)
– Easy and multiple exit points
The only section that requires a lot of attention from the trekkers and the trek organisation is the crossing of the section. This stretch is a narrow trail with openings on either side. This can get tricky to navigate on hazy days, bad weather, or when there is snow.
We recommend that you traverse this stretch slowly. Ensure that you get a good footing with each step you take on this stretch. Also, walk along with a single lane one behind the other and do not overtake each other during this stretch. With these precautions, this stretch should be easy to tackle.
In this trek, you are climbing around 4,700 ft in the first two days and reaching a maximum altitude of 12,345 ft. Naturally, you can get hit with AMS.
Few aspects of the trek that helps mitigate AMS:
– Except for the first day, every day’s trek and campsites are placed well within a normal altitude gain for each day. With a steady pace, the chances of getting AMS are less.
– The second day is shorter in length and altitude gain. This gives you ample opportunity to rest and acclimatize before the long summit day.
– On the third and fourth days, you lose a lot of height. This helps recover from most AMS symptoms that might occur on the summit day.
However, there are still chances of getting hit by AMS.
On this trek, you are prone to get initial symptoms of AMS on the first day of the trek given that you climb about 2,600 ft on the first day. To minimize the risk, climb at a steady pace, hydrate regularly, and give yourself ample rest once you reach the campsite.
Even after taking all of these precautions, you can still get AMS. Altitude sickness does not distinguish between a first-timer and an experienced trekker. Even experienced trekkers can get affected. Fitness helps in making your trek easier. But do not forget that even a fit person climbing too high too soon runs an equal risk of developing AMS.
Some symptoms to watch out for: (a) Persistent headache (b) Feeling fatigued or weak (c) Feel nauseous or vomit (d) Feeling dizzy or lightheaded, often while sitting up or standing suddenly (e) You don’t feel like eating, you have a loss of appetite (f) You don’t sleep very well at night.
The itinerary of the Phulara Ridge trek allows you to acclimatise well. And yet, you must stay alert for any signs of AMS.
The trek is safe for the seasons of either Summer or Autumn months of the year. The trek gets inaccessible when the snow level goes high. It is for that reason the trek is closed during other months. In May or November, when snow falls, gaiters and microspikes can help provide the necessary safety for the trekkers to do the trek successfully.
The trek also gets cold as you enter the winter season and can result in cold-related injuries. But this can be tackled with the right winter gear, the right technique of layering and good insulation techniques.
There are two exit points on the Phulara Ridge trek – the base camp, Kotgaon if you haven’t crossed the ridge, and Taluka, if you have crossed the ridge. It takes around 5 hours to descend to Kotgaon from the highest campsite of the trek. Kotgaon is at an altitude of around 6,300 ft. So any symptoms of AMS will stop showing there.
Closest Hospital To Phulara Ridge
For advanced treatments, the closest hospital from Kotgaon is in Purola which is around 54 km away. Please note that these are mountain roads and usually take around 2-3 hours to cover this distance. It takes longer after nightfall.
For advanced treatments, the closest hospital from Kotgaon is in Purola which is around 54 km away. Please note that these are mountain roads and usually take around 2-3 hours to cover this distance. It takes longer after nightfall.
There are two great seasons to do the Phulara Ridge trek — Summer and Autumn. Both these two seasons have their own beauty and charm involved.
Phulara Ridge in Summer
Day time: Between 12 °C and 17 °C | Night time: Night time temperature: Will drop to zero
Presence of snow: If the winter season for the year has heavy snowfall, you can expect snow patches on the ridge for the first few weeks of May. The snow starts to recede with the meadows and flowers popping out.
No. of warm layers required: 3 layers
The best time to do the Phulara Ridge trek would be in the summer– May and June. The snow-capped mountain ranges that dominate the landscape only add to the awe-inspiring scenery while trekking.
What's more, the trek during this season offers the opportunity to witness the rare alpenglow phenomenon, blooming rhododendrons, and the vibrant meadows of Pushtara, making it one of the best times to explore the trail.
During May, the forests and meadows are a sight to behold, adorned with bright and beautiful flora. As you enter June, the landscape turns even more lush with a carpet of flowers in full bloom.
Phulara Ridge in Autumn
Day time: Between 10 °C and 14 °C | Night time: Will drop to temperatures between 0 °C and -3 °C.
Presence of snow: You can expect the last groups of November to witness the first spell of snowfall due to the western disturbances.
No. of warm layers required: 4 layers
Another good time to do the Phulara Ridge trek is in the post-monsoon and Autumn season — September to November. The trail is lush green in September, fresh from the monsoon outpour.
As you move towards autumn, the region changes hues to dramatic yellows and oranges. The colors on the trek come out alive through each and every section on the trek.
One of the most remarkable features of this season is the clear and crisp skies, offering trekkers the best possible views of the mountains. This is also the perfect time for stargazing, making it a delightful experience for nature lovers.
The Phulara Ridge crossing is very much dependent on how much snow and the weather is for the day of the ridge crossing. In case of bad weather or the ridge not being safe to cross, the trek leader can take a call on returning from Bhoj Gadi.
It is great to see you going on the Phulara Ridge Trek, the Best Ridge Trek In Our Country. While it is a great trek to do, you need to get your travel plan worked out perfectly.
Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do next. Use this guide and nothing else to plan your travel.
1. Here’s a quick view of how to plan your travel.
Day 0: Book your air ticket to Delhi or Dehradun. If Delhi, book a night train/bus to Dehradun.
Day 1: Transport will be organised from Hotel Grand Legacy, Dehradun. Reach Kotgaon; 8-10 hours drive from Dehradun and 190 km.
Day 2 - 5: Trek
Day 6: Depart from Kotgaon by 7.00 am. You are expected back in Dehradun by 6.00 pm. The drive is 8-10 hours and is 190 km.
Book your return by train from Dehradun to Delhi on Day 6 after 8 pm.
Day 7: Book your flight from Dehradun/to Delhi. If it's from Delhi book a flight after 8 am.
| Important points to note:
- While getting to Kotgaon, we recommend you arrive a day earlier and stay at Dehradun (Day zero). Get a good night’s rest for the journey the next day.
- We can also pick you up from Mussoorie which is about an hour and a half from Dehradun, the distance is 33 km. The pickup from Mussoorie is at the Library Chowk (Library end junction)
2. Planning your onward flight/train booking
If you are travelling from Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Mumbai or any other city, book your air tickets for Day Zero, which is the day before Day 1 on the itinerary. That is if your trek start day is 25 November, book your air tickets for 24 November to either Delhi/Dehradun.
Here is a video that explains in detail how to plan your travel:
There are two options.
Option 1: Fly directly to Dehradun.
We recommend this. It gives you an added rest day at Dehradun. Most metros are directly connected to Dehradun. However, if the cost of the flight ticket to Dehradun is too high, book to Delhi and connect to Dehradun by train/bus. Dehradun Airport is Jolly Grant and 35 km from Dehradun.
The Dehradun airport is somewhat inconvenient when it comes to city connectivity ( to Dehradun). Airport buses that ply to Dehradun via the airport run every hour. In our experience, the hour can stretch to even 1½ hours.
Taxis are available from the airport (plenty). Prepaid taxis are available (look for the pre-paid taxi counter just out of the conveyor belt at the arrivals). You can also flag down a taxi (bargain a bit) with taxis outside the airport. Airport taxis are exorbitant, from Rs 800 to Rs 1,000 to Dehradun.
Usually, most passengers take taxis from the airport. Try to hook up with co-passengers on the flight for your taxi ride to Dehradun.
Pro Tip: If you want to save real money try to catch an auto just outside the airport terminal complex. They usually come there to drop passengers off. Autos are not allowed to enter the airport complex. They charge approximately Rs 300 to Dehradun.
If autos are not available, walk for a further 1.5 km to get to the Rishikesh Dehradun highway. From the highway, you can flag down regular town buses or shared autos (shared autos are called Vikram's). The bus fare is about Rs 30 to Dehradun. Shared autos charge about Rs 20.
Option 2: Flying to Delhi
Flying to Delhi may be a lot cheaper than getting to Dehradun. Make sure to book a flight that reaches Delhi by 8.00 pm. You must arrive in Delhi on Day Zero and not on Day 1.
Note: If you notice the difference in air ticket prices between Delhi and Dehradun is less than Rs 1000 then book directly to Dehradun. The rest and shorter travel time are worth the difference.
Delhi to Dehradun by train
Next, book yourself on the Nanda Devi Express to Haridwar (Train No: 12401). It is a fully AC train that leaves at 23.45 hrs from Hazrat Nizamuddin and gets to Dehradun at 5:40 am.
Note: Earlier the Nanda Devi express would depart from New Delhi railway station. From 26 Aug 2019, it leaves from Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station. The train now comes from Kota. So expect about 15 to 30 mins delay in arrival. The train number has changed too from 12206 to 12401.
At Dehradun wait for Indiahikes pick up at 6.30 am. Contact your driver by 6.00 am. The number of your transport coordinator will be shared with you a week before your departure.
Caution: Do not book on any other train except the Nanda Devi Express. The other option, Mussoorie Express, is notorious for its delay. Your pickup vehicle may leave without you. If you do not get tickets on the Nanda Devi Express, take a bus from Delhi to Dehradun, but do not book on the Mussoorie express.
Pro Tip: Take the afternoon Jan Shatabdi express( Train No 12055) from New Delhi railway station (leaves at 3.20 pm) to arrive at Dehradun by 9:10 pm. Stay overnight at Dehradun. Take the Indiahikes to pick up the next morning directly from Dehradun station.
Option 3: Delhi to Dehradun by Bus
If in case you do not get a train ticket, there are ordinary, A/C and Volvo AC buses from Delhi’s ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Dehradun ISBT. Buses are frequent and not usually crowded, there are buses till noon. You can get a bus almost every hour. Buses take 7-8 hours to get to Delhi. Ordinary buses cost Rs 400, A/C Rs 525 and Volvo Rs 700.
From Dehradun, ISBT takes a shared auto to the Dehradun railway station for Rs 10/.
3. Planning your return flight/train booking
Next, if your onward flight departs from Delhi, then book flight tickets for Day 7.
Sometimes trekkers worry if they can book an early morning flight out of Delhi on Day 7. Yes, you can. But book flights that depart only after 8 am. Do not book any flight between 6.00 and 8 am. You may not reach Delhi in time.
Option 1: How to get to Delhi on time for an early morning flight.
If your flight is early on Day 7, say between 8.00 and 9.00 am, then there are two options.
Train: Take the Nanda Devi Express from Dehradun station (12402) which leaves at 22:50 to get to Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station at 4.30 in the morning. From Hazrat Nizamuddin, you get airport buses from outside the station as well as taxis. For the Metro train walk down to the Hazrat Nizamuddin metro station, take a metro to Durgabai Deshmukh South Campus, get off and connect to the Dhaula Kuan Airport line metro station (there are convenient traveller belts over a skywalk). From Dhaula Kuan you get the metro train to the airport.
Note: Earlier Nanda Devi express would arrive at the New Delhi railway station. From 26 August 2019, it has been extended up to Kota. It no longer goes to the New Delhi railway station. Instead, it goes to Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station. The train number has changed from 12206 to 12402.
Bus:
If in case you do not get a train ticket, there are ordinary, A/C and Volvo AC buses from Dehradun ISBT to Delhi’s ISBT Kashmiri Gate. Buses are frequent and not usually crowded, there are buses till noon. You can get a bus almost every hour. Buses take 7-8 hours to get to Delhi. Ordinary buses cost Rs 400, A/C Rs 525 and Volvo Rs 700.
From Kashmiri Gate ISBT you get Airport buses or taxis.
Note: Metro trains in Delhi do not start before 5.00 am.
Option 2: Taking a flight out of Dehradun
If you are taking a flight out of Dehradun then stay overnight and book yourself on Day 7. Most metros are now well connected by Dehradun by flight.
4. Planning your hotel/stay
In Dehradun, look for hotels around your pick up point. There are quite a few options available online and it is not difficult to find last-minute hotel bookings.
Hotel options at Dehradun
1. Hotel Grand Legacy is where your pick up is. It's a nice option. It has clean rooms with good amneties. Rooms ranges from Rs 1,800 onwards depending on the booking website.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/tcbToJs1qnu3JP349
Phone: +91-9358774612
2. Nomads House is another new backpacker hostel in Dehradun. The atmosphere is good. The place is neat and clean. Indiahikes trek leaders love Nomads House. It is about 10 mins from the Dehradun railway station. Bunk beds start at Rs 400, rooms start at Rs 800. Shared autos are easily available to get to Nomads House.
Location: https://g.page/NomadsHouse?share
Phone: +91-9760596464
3. Hotel Drona, which is a government property owned by the GMVN is decent. It is an old, but large and spacious property. It is about 1.5 km from Dehradun railway station. Rooms start at Rs 750.
Phone: +91-9568006631
Book online https://gmvnonline.com/room-tariff.php?trhID=9&adults=&child=&checkindate=&checkoutdate=
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/sjWSkGhe5LfAN8wDA
4. Simran Guest house is another option near Grand Legacy. It has very basic amneties with rooms starting from Rs 700 onwards.
Location: https://g.page/simran-guest-house?share
Phone: +91 - 9219882447
Hotel options near Jolly Grant Airport
1. Sun n Soil Backpackers hostel is a great option, if you want to stay near Jolly Grant airport. It's a great place for the backpackers and travellers as it has a different ambience. Bunk beds start at Rs 450, rooms start at Rs 1,000.
Location: https://g.page/sun-n-soil-backpacker-hostel?share
Phone: +91 - 9634570743
What if you miss the Indiahikes pickup? Get to Kotgaon on your own.
If you miss the Indiahikes pick-up from Dehradun, here is how you can get to Kotgaon base camp on your own.
Bus from Dehradun to Sankri
There is a direct bus from Dehradun Railway Station to Jakhol. It leaves at 7 am. The cost per ticket is Rs 400/-. Get down at Motwar. Kotgaon is about 3 km away from Motwar and is not on the same route as Sankri. Take a shared taxi from Motwar to Kotgaon. There are private buses that leave from outside Dehradun Railway Station 6:30-7:30 AM to Sankri as well.
Alternatively, there is a trekking route from Motwar to Kotgaon base camp. This is a well-marked 1 km long trail but is a steep ascent. It may become difficult if you have more luggage.
If you are reaching Dehradun late, you can take a bus to Purola/Naugaon and then a private cab to Motwar
Tip: While this bus hopping may sound cumbersome, we do it regularly at Indiahikes. They are a fun and a good way to know the real Uttarakhand. You also get to meet very interesting local people. So while no one wants to miss a pickup, don’t be too disheartened if it happens. You may just experience one of your best travel moments!
Network Connectivity
There is no network on this trek. At the base camp Kotgaon, you will get a patchy BSNL network if you are lucky.
These are documents required for legal purposes by Indiahikes and the forest department. Without any of these, you will not be allowed to trek.
- Original and photocopy of government photo identity card. Anything such as a driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or passport will do. This is required by the forest department for your identification.
- Disclaimer certificate: There are two sections in this. The first part is a personal medical record. The second part is a legal requirement. Download the PDF, read carefully, fill in and sign it. This must be handed over to your Trek Leader during registration at the base camp. – Download disclaimer certificate
- Medical certificate: The medical certificate needs to be filled out by an MBBS doctor, without which the forest department will not issue permissions for your trek. It is also a requirement by Indiahikes – Download medical certificate
Note: Indiahikes has a panel of doctors who can help you with a medical certificate. They are available for online consultation. To get in touch with them, please write to trekmedicalcertificates@gmail.com. They will respond to you within 24 hours.
Consultation fee: Rs 300
PRO TIPS
Keep important documents in a clear plastic cover and slide them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack. This keeps them from getting wet. Please note there is no facility to get printouts and photocopies at Kotgaon.
Before you purchase any gear, make sure you visit the Crosstrek Rental store, where you can get custom-made high quality gear at 5% of the buying cost.
You can rent trekking shoes, backpacks, padded jackets, trekking poles, rainwear and headlamps for less than Rs 1400 for the entire duration of your trek. Visit our Crosstrek Rentals store here.
Here is a list of everything you need for your trek.
Shoes and backpack
- Trekking shoes with ankle support (Available on rent)
- Backpack with rain cover (Available on rent)
Warm Layers and Clothes
- Warm layers (Padded jackets available on rent)
- 3 layers if you're trekking in spring, summer and monsoon (1 woollen sweater, 1 fleece, 1 padded jacket)
- 4 layers if you're trekking in autumn (1 woollen sweater, 2 fleece, 1 padded jacket)
- 5 layers if you're trekking in winter (1 pair of thermals, 1 woollen sweater, 2 fleece, 1 padded jacket) - 3 Collared T-shirts (Wear one, carry two)
- 2 quick-dry trek pants (Wear one, carry one)
Accessories
- Sunglasses (Available on rent)
- Sun cap, preferably with flaps (Available for purchase)
- Waterproof gloves (Available for purchase)
- Balaclava
- Woollen socks (2 pairs of Dry fit + 1 pair of Woollen)
- Headlamp (Available on rent)
- Trekking pole (Available on rent)
- Rain jacket + pants / poncho (Poncho is available on rent)
Toiletries:
- Sunscreen
- Moisturiser
- Light towel
- Lip balm or vaseline
- Toilet paper (Wet wipes are strictly not allowed on our treks)
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Reusable plastic covers (for used clothes)
Cutlery:
- Steel lunch box, spoon and a coffee mug (Lunch box is available on rent)
- Two water bottles or Hydration Pack (Water bottles are available on rent)
Once you run through this list, don't miss this ultimate guide on what gear to take on a trek. It contains tips on what gear to choose, where to get it from and how much to spend on it.
Our only tip: Keep your backpack light. Indiahikes practices low impact sustainable trekking in every aspect of the trek. Carrying your own personal backpack reduces your impact on the mountains by 20%. We expect all our trekkers to carry their own backpacks unless they have a justifiable reason not to.
Carry these medicines with you, easily accessible at all times. Do not take any medicine unless you have consulted your trek leader.
- Diamox (1 Strip): Be on a course of a half tablet of Diamox starting from Dehradun every 12 hours (125 mg). Carry on the medication until you descend to Taluka. Being on a preventive course of Diamox greatly reduces the chances of Acute Mountain Sickness on the Phulara Ridge Trek.
- Dolo 650 (5 tablets): This is a paracetamol. It helps to tackle fever, mild pain
- Avomine (4 tablets): Carry this especially if you are prone to motion sickness. Pop one-half hour before the start of your road journey.
- Combiflam (5 tablets): Take a combiflam if you get a sudden twist of the leg or a muscle strain. It is a pain reliever. It also contains paracetamol.
- Digene (4 tablets): Take it if you feel the food that you’ve taken is undigested. Alert your trek leader immediately. It could be a sign of AMS.
- ORS (6 packs): Consume a pack of ORS water at least once a day, usually the mid-day when you are in the middle of your trek. It replenishes essential salts lost while trekking. Tip: It also makes cold water easier to drink.
- Knee Brace (optional): Carry this if you are prone to knee injury or have known issues of knee pain.
Our trek leaders carry a high altitude medical kit with them which also consist of Life Saving Drugs. If there is an emergency our trek leaders know how to tackle it. Meanwhile, contact your trek leader before consuming any of these medicines listed here.
| Pro tip: We find that these medicines by trekkers are rarely used. But you cannot do away with them. At the end of the trek please donate unused medicines to your trek leader. Some of these medicines get distributed to villages on the trek and some are added to the Indiahikes medical kit.
We recommend jogging as the best routine to get fit for a trek. It works on the same muscles that you use while trekking — your calves, glutes and hamstrings. It helps increase your stamina day by day. It is also an easy routine that does not require any equipment or tools.
Fitness target:
To do this trek comfortably, you must be able to cover 5 km in under 35 minutes. This is the minimum fitness required for this trek.
How to achieve this fitness?
- Start jogging at least 4 days a week
- If you cannot run 5 km immediately, start with 2 km and increase to 5 km over 2-3 weeks.
- Once you’re able to run 5 km, increase your pace day by day.
- Gradually increase your pace and bring it down to 5 km in less than 35 mins.
- You must be able to run 5 km in 35 mins consistently for at least 2 weeks before the trek.
This trek requires at least 6-8 weeks of preparation. The longer, the better. So plan your trek soon and start preparing.
Here's a complete guide to get you trek fit.
Strength training tips:
How to get Fitness Approval from the Indiahikes team:
Every trekker needs fitness approval from the Indiahikes team 20 days before the trek date. Without this, you will not be allowed on the trek.
What to upload?
- A minimum of 3 screenshots of your runs/jogs/walks/cycling
- Monthly summary of your routine
Why fitness matters:
Every high-altitude trek comes with a set of challenges. Steep ascents and descents, uneven terrain, snow walks, stream crossings, pass crossings, and summit climb. Even the easiest of treks have some of these challenges if not all of them. Without fitness, trekkers struggle, get injured easily, lag behind, or simply fail to complete the trek.
At Indiahikes, we take pride in the fact that our trekkers are among the fittest in the country. Those who do not meet the fitness requirements are often sent back. Our philosophy is that trekking and fitness go hand in hand. Without fitness, there’s no trekking.
The Phulara Ridge is 4 days long with gradual ascents and each day, you’ll be trekking for an average of 5 hours each on the first two days and longer over the next two days. This means the trek is ideal for a fit beginner.
Having said that, it is still a trek in the Himalayas with difficulties in terrain, temperatures, and weather. Therefore, you must train for at least a month before going on the Phulara Ridge trek.
A Himalayan trek like Phulara Ridge requires a good fitness level. The trek has long climbs and walks daily. As a measure of your fitness, we need you to:
Run at least 5 km in 35 minutes before your trek. Consistency of your workout also matters, so aim to jog 20 km a week or 80 km in a month. It's a minimum mandatory requirement if you wish to trek with us
OR
Alternatively, cycle for at least 22 km in 60 minutes. Aim to cycle 110 km a week or 440 km in a month. However, running is better suited for your trek preparation.
Once you get confirmed for your trek, we will diligently follow up on your fitness routine. Our team will also assist in putting you through a fitness plan. It will ultimately help you have a safe trek experience.
Yes you can!
If you are above the age of 58 years, you’ll need to submit a Treadmill Test (not older than 12 months) within a week of completing your trek registration. Apart from this, you should also be able to jog 5 km in 45 minutes.
Yes, trekkers will have the option to stay at Mussoorie and get picked up as well. The pickup will take place an hour later from Library Road end at 7.30 am.
The guest houses at Kotgaon will have concrete toilets. On the other days, toilet tents will be set up along each campsite. A toilet tent will have a deep pit, where one can answer nature’s call. There will be a mound of soil and a shovel to cover it up. These are dry toilets, where you’ll have to use toilet paper. There will be a room freshener as well. It’s the most hygienic and convenient way to answer nature’s call in the wild.
Please use plain toilet paper and refrain from using wet wipes since these are not bio-degradable.
What Happens To Your Poop in the Mountains? | Green Trails | Indiahikes
On the Phulara Ridge trek, we usually take around 20- 23 trekkers in total.
Uttarkashi is the last town en route to Kotgaon where you’ll find ATMs to make some cash withdrawals. All major private and public sector banks have their ATMs and some even have branches in Uttarkashi. However, cash does run out quickly at the Uttarkashi ATMs. Hence, Dehradun is your best bet to make last-minute cash withdrawals.
We advise you to carry around Rs 4-5k in cash to pay for your transport to the basecamp, for rental gear deposit and personal expenses en route to the basecamp.
If you’re an Indiahikes trekker, there is no major need for cash as once you arrive at the base camp. All meals, accommodations, permits, and related expenses are taken care of by Indiahikes.
Phulara ridge trek is suitable for anyone above the age of 9 years. However, you need to ensure that your child is physically fit for the trek.
You will get a Jio network at the base camp but scattered internet connectivity. However, you won’t find any network on the Phulara Ridge Trek.
As per electricity, there are charging points on the basecamp but none on the trek.
Yes, you can keep the extra luggage at the base camp. Once the trek ends, you will be able to collect the luggage. Our team will arrange for this.
Ensure you do not keep any valuables at the base. Laptops, mobile phones, cash or any important items cannot be kept here.
Having more footprint through porters or mules on any trail isn’t good for the ecosystem. This is why, at Indiahikes, we do not encourage offloading. A trekker carries his/her own backpack in the true spirit of trekking.
But if — due to a medical condition — you are unable to carry your own backpack, you may offload your backpack.
The cost of offloading on the Phulara Ridge trek is Rs 1,680 for the trek.
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Expert Speak
Suhas Saya
Head of DIY Team
Suhas Saya
Head of DIY Team
Suhas is the head of the DIY and Documentation Team. He has been working at Indiahikes for the past 8 years. Nature, adventure, and wildlife are the top things that get his heart racing. He has done more than 14 Himalayan treks. Along with that, he has done explorations in the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, and around Bengaluru. Suhas was involved in the exploration of treks like Ranthank Kharak, Pir Panjal Lakes, Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek and the Goa Netravali Forest Trek. And it was he who explored this grand Phulara Ridge trek.
What I Like and Don’t Like About Phulara Ridge Trek
What I Like About Phulara Ridge Trek
Suhas Saya
Head of DIY Team
Suhas is the head of the DIY and Documentation Team. He has been working at Indiahikes for the past 8 years. Nature, adventure, and wildlife are the top things that get his heart racing. He has done more than 14 Himalayan treks. Along with that, he has done explorations in the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, and around Bengaluru. Suhas was involved in the exploration of treks like Ranthank Kharak, Pir Panjal Lakes, Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek and the Goa Netravali Forest Trek. And it was he who explored this grand Phulara Ridge trek.
1. The Ridge Walk
Phulara Ridge Trek was a trek that we explored in 2018.
I had done nine legendary treks before the Phulara Ridge. I call them legendary because they are some of the most loved treks of India.
Yet, my experience on the Phulara Ridge was so very unique that it left me wondering why I had not done this trek earlier. This unique experience is what has made me want this trek to appear on the trekking map of our country.
First, it is the ridge. We have ridges on many of our treks, but none are like the Phulara ridge where you walk for almost 3 hours connecting one mountain top with another, on a long undulating ridge walk. Snow-capped mountains walk along with you.
If that was not enough, as the ground slopes away, tiny flowers in myriad colours pop out under your feet. On the side of the slopes where the earth meets the treeline, you have dwarf rhododendrons hugging the sides.
All along the knife-edge are bursts of mesmerising long meadows spanning the entire forest cover on both sides.
Walking on a ridge is like walking on a summit for several hours. Picture by Nithesh.
2. The Pushtara and Bhoj Gadi Meadows
On the second day, you get to the Bhoj Gadi meadows, a long clearing where shepherds have discovered a paradise for grazing their sheep. It is almost a perfect spot to pitch your tents. The evening when I was there, I witnessed the most glorious sunset as the sun dipped behind the Kedarkantha summit. I walked to the ridge to see the evening glows light up the entire valley below in colours hard to imagine. The vantage point of the Bhoj Gadi meadows is unique.
The next day, right after you descend from the Phulara ridge, you get to the Pushtara meadows. If I have been effusive about the Bhoj Gadi, then I am not sure what to say about Pushtara. Almost like a green carpet being rolled out, you have folds and folds of carpeted green hills spread out as far as your eyes can see. I wish I could have spent my entire life just sitting there, so splendid are the settings.
In addition to the rolling grasslands, I also had a carpet of wildflowers in an equal stretch. But flowers or no flowers, Pushtara is a locale that will stay in your mind forever.
Based on the season you trek, the colours of these meadows change dramatically. You may get a lush green verdant turf or a golden velvet filled with bright colours. I have done this stretch a few times in different seasons. Every time the colours have taken my breath away.
You get to camp in the Pushtara and Bhojgadi meadows, which in June and September, are laden with wildflowers. Picture by Advait Athavale.
3. Seclusion of trekking through virgin forests
The seclusion of trekking in these virgin, almost untouched forests adds more to the adventure.
One is the well-trodden trail on the first day of your trek. But the more interesting walk comes on your last day. These forests have rarely been trodden on. You are likely to be the only ones on the trail. The beauty of this is that the sounds of birds can be deafening in this section.
The chirps and whistles of birds along with the sound of your feet crunching the leaves beneath your shoes are beautiful. You might even spot the shy Monals on the trek! On my exploration, I spotted eleven!
The dense and serene forest section from Pushtara to Taluka
4. The local villages on the trek
Kotgaon, which is your base camp, has a very rich culture. It is a blend of Uttarakhand and Himachal with the richness of both. Spend some time at the temple, because it is rare that you get a temple on the edges of a large ground with the Swargarohini peaks as the backdrop.
The village in itself has a very homely feeling. You want to spend more time exploring the culture.
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The unique culture of Himachali touch in Uttarakhand of Kotgoan village. Picture by Jothiranjan
What I Don't like About Phulara Ridge Trek
1. Short Trekking Window
I wish the Phulara Ridge had a longer trekking window. This trek lies in the shadow region where snow doesn't melt until the end of the summer season. This is why there is only a very short window for doing this trek between the end of May and June. The next window is in Autumn between Mid September and early November.
The trek is mesmerising. So make the most of this small gap of time to do this trek.
Green Trails
Leaving the mountains better than we find them
At Indiahikes, we focus on bringing in new practices that can reduce our impact on the environment. This is done through constant R&D. Once these new practices are implemented we focus on achieving the results consistently on all our treks. You will see this as part of our G6 practices.
Golden 1: Green Sweep - Clean the trail of visible litter. We have collected more than 1,00,000 kgs of waste since 2016.
Golden 2: Segregation At Source - Segregate all waste collected so that we do not add all this waste to the landfill. We have diverted 50% of the waste from landfill through segregation
Golden 3: Food Composting - All our kitchen waste is composted into useful humus for the mountain soil. All food waste is either eaten by mules or composted at source.
Golden 4: Biotoilets - All our human waste is composted at source through our specially designed dry toilet pits.
Golden 5: Water efficient dispenser - We have reduced our waste used per trekker by 70% through specially designed water dispenser systems.
Golden 6: Save energy - We use solar panels for our energy use at our campsites. We are also in the process of redesigning our stove and menu to reduce the amount of gas used on our treks.
Our trekkers are a big part of us keeping our promise to leave the mountains better than we found them.
- Indiahikes trekkers do not carry anything that can harm the environment - be it wet wipes, or any packaged food on the trek. In fact they practice a zero waste trek.
- Indiahikes trekkers do not buy any packaged food in the dhabas on the trek - they do not take part in feeding the demand for packaged food
- Indiahikes trekkers clean the trails of waste using the eco bag as part of the Green Sweep Initiattive
- Indiaihikes trekkers carry their own backpack on the trek. They do not offload unless absolutely necessary
- Indiahikes trekkers do not pee/poop near any water source
- Indiahikes trekkers do not stray away from the marked trail
Trekkers who sign up with us pledge to follow these practices. When you sign up with us, you do too.
Everything you do on a trek creates an impact. The trail you trek on, the water you use, the waste you generate, how you poop, how you cook, what you eat — everything has an impact. The higher the impact, the greater the damage to the environment.
Yet, when done sustainably, trekking is one of the most environment-friendly sports.
When you trek with Indiahikes, you trek to leave the mountains better than we found them. This is part of our Green Trails promise.
Trek Trivia
Things Nobody Tells You About Phulara Ridge Trek
Did you know that Phulara Ridge is an extension of the famous Kedarkantha peak?
When trekkers stand at the Kedarkantha summit, they see a long ridge extending in front of them. If you start trekking on this ridge, you end up on the Phulara ridge!
That’s not all. When you continue on the same ridge extending from Pushtara, you can reach a high altitude pass called Phachu Khandi, which eventually goes to Janki Chatti of Yamunotri. Hundreds of years ago, this was a trade route from the Sankri side to Yamunotri.
On the other side, the trail where the Phulara Ridge trek ends is the starting point of another ancient trek, the Har Ki Dun trek. In fact, if you get lost in the forests of Pushtara, you may even end up on the Har Ki Dun trail, at the Datmir village.
Do you know how the Phulara Ridge trek got its name?
Phulara Ridge was never called Phulara Ridge. It was christened so by the head of our Exploration Team, Suhas Saya, who explored the trek late in September 2019.
The name came about on a cold winter evening. We sat around the fireside, with cups of tea in our hands. We tossed around a few names — all to do with the ridge because that was the attraction. We thought of “this ridge trek” and “that ridge trek”, but none sat well.
It was Suhas who suddenly blurted out, “let’s call it Phulara! I have seen the number of wildflowers on this trail. The flowers on this trek will do justice to the local name.” It sounded splendid! And that’s how the now-famous Phulara Ridge Trek got its name.
This is one of the few pleasures of exploring treks! Very often you get to name campsites, locations and clearings... But sometimes, just sometimes, perhaps once in a lifetime, you get to name a new trek. This was one of them.
Trekker Stories And Experiences
Trekking transforms lives. All of us have been impacted greatly at Indiahikes. The transformations have been profound and irreversible. We see it in our trekkers too. We have seen them change professions, careers or start a new life. We have seen them get in and out of relationships, and start new projects. These are life-changing experiences.
We have seen children building resilience. We have seen families come together. When we see those above 55, we see them rediscover passion and a sense of purpose. These are not small gains. In the mountains new professions, new economies and new businesses have opened up. Our staff no longer go to cities to earn their living. Their income has increased. Above all, they are happiest working in this world. Trekking has been truly transformative.
Everyone must trek. It transforms lives far more than you imagine.
Read through these stories from our trekkers on how trekking has transformed them.
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