6 Days Phulara Ridge Trek

It is easier to get to Sankri from Dehradun or Missouri. The journey is about 8-10 hours long but the scenic route won’t allow any dip in the excitement. The gentle babbling of the river Tons will keep you company while quaint small towns of the Uttarkashi district such as Purola pass by. As we reach the last 22 km of the way to Sankri, we’ll be in Govind National Park, home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. Travelling through such enchanting surroundings will reinvigorate your spirit, washing away any remnant of tiredness. Sankri, our charming village destination is located within this vast park. On arriving in Sankri, we will be rewarded with stunning views of the Swargarohini ranges. You can explore the area and catch the enchanting sunset with the backdrop of the Himalayas. After an overnight stay in this beautiful village, we shall begin our trek the next day with a revitalized spirit.

We begin our trek with a slight ascend through a dense forest. You’ll find towering pine trees all around, exuding a tranquil vibe. Keep a lookout for native birds such as treepies, woodpeckers, and drongos. After continuing the climb uphill for some time, we will encounter a picturesque clearing, which has the only ‘Dhaba’ we’ll find during the trek. What’s more? If you’re lucky, you may even find a villager greeting you with some melodious tunes on his flute. On reaching Sikolta, we will set down our bags and go on an excursion to Juda ka Talab, a beautiful alpine lake. From here, you can also soak in the beautiful views of snow-covered peaks in the distance. We will camp overnight amidst such beautiful surroundings and resume our trek the following day.

Today, as we resume our journey through the forest again, it will lead us to a wooden bridge. Listen to the burble of a small brook flowing beneath this bridge as you walk through it. After conquering a short patch of steep ascent, you’ll be rewarded with the opening of the beautiful “Karsu Thatch”. This is a verdant area where you’ll find yellow wildflowers in abundance. There’s also an abandoned wooden house, making the whole scene look like it’s straight out of a postcard. The path ahead is dotted with rhododendrons which give way to a gorgeous meadow of the lush green grass of Bhoj Gadi. With a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and vast grasslands, this is one of the most beautiful campsites on a Himalayan trail. The campsite offers amazing views of the Kedarkantha and Swargarohini peaks. Stroll through the area which also features a fascinating arrangement of stones and a log. Soak in the beautiful surroundings and let the meditative vibe of the place wash over you.

Begin the day by catching a dazzling sunrise and prepare for the trek’s most significant day. After trekking for an hour from Bhoj Gadi, we will descend to the iconic Phulara Ridge. Its narrow edges slope down into valleys on either side, offering you a panoramic view of some of the most enchanting Garhwal Himalayan Mountain ranges. Soak in the sublime beauty of the popular Swargarohini, Kalanag, and Bandarpoonch ranges amongst others. Stating that the experience will leave you awestruck is an understatement. After crossing the ridge, we will descend into the picturesque expanse of Pushtara Bugyal, which is the Pushtara meadows. A pleasant walk amidst these verdant greens is a welcome change after the exhilarating climb. The place is home to a rich variety of flowers including the Brahmakamal and Fankamal. With such abundant beautiful flowers, the Phulara ridge stands true to its name. Keep your eyes peeled for the rare Monal pheasant, the official state bird.

Today, we begin our descent into civilization. As we continue along the trail, we’ll make our way toward the village of Taluka. After crossing the verdant Pushtara meadows, we will pass through lush forests and continue across the rest of the trail. During the journey, you’ll find plenty of beautiful yellow wildflowers, reminding you of the beautiful memories you made during your journey. You’ll also find groups of ‘langoors’ playing and moving across trees. It’s a treat to watch their mischievous ways. During the final part of our trek, we will start encountering scattered settlements, and eventually reach the quaint village. We’ll be greeted by friendly villagers and curious little children who may request a candy or two. The charming Himalayan settlement provides a peek into the simple life of its inhabitants. A vehicle will take us back to Sankri, where we will spend the night.

We will start our journey back home, taking with us countless special memories and a sense of pride in completing this unique trek. We will reach Dehradun by late afternoon or early evening. From there, you can book your journey back to your hometown. Wish to get some more adventure before heading back home? You can also choose to visit Rishikesh or Tapovan to end the trip on a high note.