Phulara Ridge Trek – walking the expanse

Group departures on 1st May 2022. Custom/Private tours are open during season from April to June 2022.

About the trek route:

Phulara ridge trek, an unfamiliar trail has strong potential to become a balanced trek within Govind Pashu Vihar National park among two other treks, e.g. Kedarkantha and Har Ki Dun around. While the other two popular treks are essentially a summit and river valley trail respectively, Phulara trail has a beautiful stretch walking on a mountain ridge. What this means is, you will walk on a narrow elevated crest for some distance, while slopes on either side of the this crest/ridge line dropping down. Quite naturally you will see both side of the mountain wide open , at the same time a thrill of walking on it.

phulara-ridge-ahead
Phulara Ridge trek
walking-on-phulara-ridge
Walking on Phulara ridge

Before reaching the ridge you cross dark dense alpine forest and pastures. At the lower altitude you find chir or pine and oak forest along with giant deodar & cedar to note. In mid range, bordering ~ 2600 m 8500 ft you find significant amount of Rhododendrons which will bloom during spring in March and April. Above this some stretch of deciduous species like maple, walnut, and horse chestnut. This will certainly add colours during fall in Oct and Nov. Blue pine, silver fir and spruce form light forest along with open pastures around ~ 3000 m/10000 ft. Birch trees remain as the last of the treeline, which you will notice on right side of the Phulara ridge. Besides this, there is a stretch of charming walk on alpine meadows above the treeline in this new trek.

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A giant Cedar
Judatal-in-summer
Juda Ka Talao: A different look in summer
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A walk on the valley
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In summer pastures are ample opportunity for cattle grazing
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Alpine meadows (Bugyal) on your way

All pictures are taken by HT staff during recce of Phulara ridge. During late June, the landscape turns strikingly green, dotted with myriad of wildflowers. At the same time due to prevailing clouds peak views remained obscure.

 Phulara Ridge trek brief itinerary: 

Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri drive – 200 Km – 9/10 hrs. Lodge.
Day 2: Trek to Juda Tal – 5 Km – 4/5 hours. Camp.
Day 3: Trek to Bhoj Gadi – 4/5 hrs. Camp.
Day 4: Trek to Pushtara over Phulara ridge – 6 hrs. Camp.
Day 5: Trek to Taluka – 4/5 hrs – & Drive back to Sankri – Lodge.
Day 6: Drive from Sankri to Dehradun – 200 Km – 8/9 hours.

Important note:

  • You need to reach on your own to Dehradun on Day 1 morning (by 7 am) or the previous night. Return to Dehradun on Day 6 evening (by 7 pm).  Arrange your tickets for inward journey and return from Dehradun accordingly. We will arrange transportation to base camp Sankri and return. This is not included in the TREK FEE and you will share equally with the other trekkers.
  • Last ATM is at Mori, 25 Km before Sankri but don’t depend till you reach  here. Withdraw cash well in advance either in Dehradun,  Naugaon or Purola.
  • Only BSNL and Vodafone network may work at trek base Sankri, that too very limited connections. Make a phone call back to home from Mori while reaching Sankri. After Sankri there is no presence of network.

Altitude and distance profile graph for Phulara Ridge trek:

Here you will get a pictorial representation of the trail for your understanding.

phulara-ridge-trek-altitude-and-distance-graph
Phulara Ridge Trek: Altitude and Distance profile graph

 Phulara Ridge TREK FEE: 8450 (Sankri to Sankri) + 5% GST 

  • Above TREK FEE essentially includes everything that you need, once you reach Sankri. 2 night’s accommodation in lodge (twin sharing, men and women separate rooms), 4 days of trek, all camping equipment, 3 nights accommodation in tent on twin sharing basis, all meals, Sankri to Sankri. You need to bring personal clothing/jacket(s), trekking shoes, rucksack.
  • Your trek is guaranteed once we accept your booking. Furthermore the tour is  insured for a maximum duration of 7 days, including Dehradun to Dehradun against any accidents or natural calamities.
  •  Transportation to reach and return from Sankri are not included. It is around ₹ 750 – 1000 one way. You may take a bus from Dehradun to Sankri, fare is around ₹ 400 one way.

For more detailed inclusions & exclusions, check the COST INCLUSIONS tab.

Can we hike on the ridge in the months of winter ?

No, happening that seems to be tough. Right after Bhoj Gadi the climb to the ridge starts. To get to the ridge you need to cross some narrow rocky patches.

Now we arrange horses to carry the logistics from one campsite to another. According to our recce team, if it snows on the previously mentioned narrow rocky patches it’ll be difficult for mules to cross those. Even if they somehow manage to cross those tricky parts, crossing the 7-8 km long ridge line would be very difficult if there’s residual snow on the slope.

So chances of competing the trail after snowfall seems to be minimal.

What type of clothing should I bring for Phulara Ridge trek?

It is important to carry proper clothing in this trek. Three layers of clothing is recommended in the campsite in early morning or evening, while you are outside tent.

  1. A quick dry base layer (Dry-fit t-shirt).
  2. A warm jacket (Double layer or Fleece jacket ) as middle layer.
  3. A windproof cum waterproof with hood as the outer layer.

Don’t forget to check the List of things to carry in Phulara Ridge trek or download the PDF.

Access to trek base (Sankri):

Based upon your request we will arrange a pick up and drop from Dehradun to Sankri and back. This will be shared equally by the team members on actual basis. You pay directly to the driver/transporter. The fare is ₹ 5500 for a Tata Sumo/Mahindra Bolero one way. This can accommodate comfortably 5 and up to 8 persons. A Tempo Traveller charges ₹ 9000 (12-13 seat) one way. This is NOT included in TREK FEE.

Here is a road map with major points enroute from Dehradun to Sankri.

dehradun-to-sankri-by-road-map
Dehradun to Sankri road map

To reach the trek base Sankri independently or by public transportation, check the details in GETTING THERE TAB.

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Why treks with HT?

Duration6D/5N
GradeEasy
Physicality5.5/10
Trail Length30 Km
Highest Point3550 m/11645 ft
Expertise:10 years on ground experience
Support staff:Qualified local & office staff
Group size:Small groups up to 15
Insurance:Travel insured trek and tour itinerary
Easy Bookings:25% Booking Deposit
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