Phulara Ridge Trek

Basic Trek details for the day: Following a nice breakfast at the guesthouse, we begin the 7 km (5-6 hour) trek to the camping area. The camping area is at an elevation of 9,300 ft with a nearly 900 m elevation increase from the village of Sankri. It will be a moderately challenging first day. You should walk at a steady and gradual pace to trek the hills.

Trail Description and Terrain Insights: Your trek begins with a brief trek away from the village into dense forests. The trail will be well marked, and you will be trekking along local shepherds' stone-paved trails. Along this trek, you will be required to go up a repeated series of steep inclines with short flat areas. The ground will have dry pine needle and leaf debris on it, and will be very slippery if it rains on it. As you get to higher elevations, the temperature will get significantly cooler, and the forests will get thicker, until you get to the Sikolta clearing, which is a magnificent meadow surrounded by towering trees.

Natural and Scenic Highlights: On this journey, your sense of smell will be overwhelmed by the aroma of the Himalayan forests and the flowers that grow along your path. You will be able to enjoy all the beauty of the trees as you trek through tall pines, maples, and oaks. You may also come across different kinds of wild flowers scattered about the ground, or perhaps a little bit of snow on winter days. Many times, the trail crosses over fast-running, sparkling streams. Take a moment to stop and refresh yourself in these places. As you reach the top of the mountains above Sikolta, you will be treated to stunning views of the peak of Kedarkantha and the vastness of the valleys below you.

Cultural and Local Touchpoints: Even though you may be trekking away from the village and deeper into the mountains, you will likely meet many local people who are living the way of the Pahadi. The huts you might pass, called Chani, are those that are built and used by local shepherds during the summertime when they have their sheep and goats grazing in the higher elevations. On the way to your destination, you may also see local villagers collecting dry wood and collecting herbs from the ground. The trail itself was used for centuries by the people of Rawain Valley to take their animals up into the high meadows every year.

Safety and Acclimatization Guidelines: The opening day contains a major increase in the number of feet trekking. For your safety, try to apply the Pole-Pole or slow policy as you trek. Your trek leader will be checking your blood oxygen levels, and your heart rates as you arrive at your campsite. Since you will trek through heavily wooded areas, it is a good idea to stay close together to avoid getting separated when you come to forks in the trail. Bring along 2 litres of water and sip it during your trek; even when it seems like you're not thirsty, keep sipping it to allow your body to get used to the 9,300 ft.

Experience Notes by our trekkers who completed this trek: The physical cooperation that you will experience today is the first sign of the loyalty that we discussed earlier. The teamwork that you will have in trekking together, as well as the encouragement you will give each other on the steep sections, and the many wows that will be shouted out by each of you when you reach your campsite will immediately create the beginning of your bond together. It will also be a way for you to meet the members of your trekking family, the guides, cooks, and muleteers. Please understand that the dedication that these men and women put into their work to set up camp and offer you hot tea after a long day is a great source of gratitude and inspiration.

Camp Information & Logistics: The Sikolta campsite provides a quiet, serene location with comfortable surroundings. You will be in tents, typically triple or quard sharing basis. All the heavy equipment will be handled by the logistics team, and the dining tent serves as the main gathering location for all trekkers. There will also dry pit toilet tents located away from the water supply. Keep in mind, the Sikolta campsite is not equipped with any type of electricity or mobile coverage; therefore, your first night will be an opportunity for total disconnection. 

Practical tips for trekkers: You should practice layering to help keep warm during the trek. Wear a base layer when trekking, and bring a down jacket for the colder temperatures experienced at the campsite. When descending downhill, it is recommended that you utilize trekking poles to reduce the strain on your knees, and to lace your boots for a snug fit to avoid damage to your toes. Finally, please remember to follow a strict Eco-Check by using an eco-bag for your trash as this area of the world has been designated as a zero-waste area.

Basic Trek details for the day: The trail will take approximately 4 hours to cover the 4-5 km distance from Sikolta to Bhoj Gadi at an elevation of approximately 3,400 m. While this distance is less than yesterday's trekking distance, it will be more concentrated at a much higher elevation, as it includes a trek into an alpine zone. Before going on the trek Trekup India team will serve you with morning tea / coffee and  freshly cooked breakfast. When you reach the Bhoj Gadi campsite, tents are pitched & our team will offer you hot lunch during the day, snacks in evening and delicious dinner. 

Trail Description and Terrain Insights: This trail begins with a very steep trek through the last of the dense tree cover, then continues into the transitional zone where tree density decreases significantly. Generally speaking, the terrain consists of long recycled paths that wind through alpine meadows, commonly known as bugyals. The terrain surrounding Bhoj Gadi has a tendency to be spongy and grassy, with some areas having loosely compacted soil or loose gravel due to wind and water.

Natural and Scenic Highlights: On Day 1, you will be surrounded by majestic Bhojpatra trees (a close relative of Paper Birch) that grow exclusively at high altitudes. Once you leave the tree line, the magnificent Kedarkantha Peak and the Swargarohini Range will come into full view, providing a breathtaking 360-degree view of stunning valleys and colossal mountains, including the Har Ki Dun Peaks, from the Bhoj Gadi Campsite.

Cultural and Local Touchpoints: The local community considers the Bugyals to be spiritually significant places; at this high elevation, you can find Gujjars (shepherds) that migrate their herds into nutritious grasslands during the summer. In ancient India, the bark of the Bhojpatra trees was processed into paper for the writing of scriptures and mantras.

Safety and Acclimatization Guidelines: As you trek past 11,000 feet, you will notice that the air is thinner. Therefore, remember to breathe in rhythm and walk at a slow and steady pace. Due to limited water sources along the trail, you should fill your bottles with at least 2 litres of water before starting from the Sikolta campsite. Your trek leader may conduct an acclimatisation trek to a nearby ridge later on to ensure that your body is physically prepared for the higher elevation of the Phulara Ridge.

Experience Notes by our trekkers who completed this trek: Since the trekking hours are shorter, you can have a more leisurely afternoon at the campsite. This gives time for the loyalty of your group to build. The campsite culture here will be easily noticeable by all of the ways we are able to share time with each other. While sitting around drinking hot tea and telling stories, we also play games like cards in the dining tent and enjoy the beauty of the sunset turning the Himalayan mountains into hues of purple and gold, simply by sitting together in silence.

Camp Information & Logistics: Bhoj Gadi is a high-altitude meadow campground (it has no trees, so it's exposed) and because it's an open area (unlike Sikolta) it will most likely be much cooler/windier than at Sikolta. The logistical team will select the most sheltered locations to set up the Kitchen and Dining tents for both the trek crew and your trekkers. As with the previous nights, you’re going to be sleeping in Alpine tents. Unfortunately, you do not have cell phone coverage here – so it offers you the best opportunity to truly disconnect yourself from the outside world and fully immerse yourself in the healthy, natural surroundings.

Practical tips for trekkers: To fully enjoy your day, wear high SPF sunscreen and a sun hat for protection from the sun, as there is no tree cover that protects against the intensity of the mountain sun at this high elevation. The trek is difficult and the path is steep, so remember to take frequent micobreather breaks rather than long breaks to keep your muscles warm and to maintain momentum. You should also remove your wet trekking clothes as soon as you arrive at the camp to reduce the risk of hypothermia from the sweat on your body. Lastly, ensure that you have your camera and/or cell phone ready, as the sunset at Bhoj Gadi is typically the number one photo opportunity for the entire trek.

Basic Trek details for the day: This will be the biggest and most enjoyable day of your trekking journey; it is estimated at roughly 8-9 km of trek with about 6 hours of effort put in. You will reach the highest altitude during this segment of your trek, which is 12,127 feet. You will first trek to the ridge, then follow the ridge for a long distance until finally heading downhill toward the huge Pushtara Meadows area. Before going on the trek Trekup India team will serve you with morning tea / coffee and  freshly cooked breakfast. When you reach the Pushtara campsite, tents are pitched & our team will offer you hot lunch during the day, snacks in evening and delicious dinner. 

Trail Description and Terrain Insights: Starting with a continuous trek of approximately 45 minutes from Bhoj Gadi, you will ascend to the ridge crest. Once at the ridge top, the path you will trek is a breathtakingly beautiful level segment, where you will walk along the narrow, curving route. As you follow the ridge, there will be gentle ascents/descents, with the possibility for serious injury due to steep drop-offs on each side. After completing several kilometers of trekking along with the entire ridge, you will then descend down a long, steep grade (almost directly downward) through grassy and some rocky areas, until finally reaching the campsite at the bottom of Pushtara.

Natural and Scenic Highlights: The ridge provides a rare 360-degree viewing platform, unobstructed on both sides and looking down on the lush green valleys of Mori and distant Har Ki Dun. The breathtaking views through massive mountains (e.g., Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kalanag (Black Peak), Gangotri Range) make you feel as though you're on top of the world, while the Pushtara meadows, a beautiful area of green rolling hills that resembles an amphitheater at a high altitude, conclude your day.

Cultural and Local Touchpoints: For many locals, the Phulara Ridge represents the connection between the physical world and the divine. At many of the highest points along the ridge, you may find cairns erected by both shepherds and trekkers as a way to say thank you for safe passage. In addition, you will likely come upon herders living a seasonal lifestyle near the Pushtara meadows and surrounding areas that feature incredible wildflowers blooming in the summer months.

Safety and Acclimatization Guidelines: The ridge is exposed and the weather can be unpredictable due to the presence of high winds, so you must remain on the main path and not walk too close to the edge when taking pictures. At the same time you are at an altitude of over 12,127 feet so you should be aware of the signs and symptoms of altitude sickness. The ridge has no water sources, so you should fill your water bottles with a minimum of two to two-and-half liters at the Bhoj Gadi Campground before ascending to the ridge. At the end of the descent into Pushtara, use trekking poles for support to avoid any joint injury.

Experience Notes by our trekkers who completed this trek: This day provides a true collective experience of excitement and inspiration. The Ridge Walk promotes a sense of reflection and allows each individual to grasp the enormity of the surrounding mountain ranges, and the feeling of connection and unity as a group is significant. You will be looking out for one another during the narrow parts, while experiencing the joy of all that is around you. Once arriving at Pushtara Campground, you will feel as though you have won together, and you will share many moments over tea and stories.

Camp Information & Logistics: Pushtara is a large, gently sloping, grassy area to serve as a campsite. Pushtara is below the ridge but provides an area that is wide open and gets quite windy/cold as the sun goes down. When your crew arrives at Pushtara, your logistics department will place your alpine tent in the flat areas of the campsite where possible for stargazing, as well as offer smaller areas to provide ample shade during the day. Pushtara provides much easier access to water than did the previous campsite, but similarly, lacks cell phone coverage to help keep the focus on the great outdoors.

Practical tips for trekkers: Wear your windbreaker/hardshell jacket at all times, even if it appears warm and sunny at the ridge, as conditions can change quickly on the ridge. Sunlight is near vertical and extremely strong at 12,000 ft., so you will want to protect your skin with a high SPF sunscreen and wear sunglasses that block UV rays and snow from blinding you. Take care when descending from the ridge to Pushtara. It is suggested that you have your boots tightly laced so that you do not jam your toes into the end of your boots. Also, if you want to take pictures, make sure to come to a complete stop and secure your footing before taking any photos.

Basic Trek details for the day: On the first day of your trek, you will take an 8 km trek from the village of Pushtara to the village of Taluka. It will take a minimum of five to six hours to complete the trek, depending upon your ability. Once you reach Taluka, you will take a 12 km drive (approximately one hour) back to the base village of Sankri. While trekking to Taluka, you will begin at an altitude of 9,500 feet in the Pushtara meadows and descend to Taluka on the banks of the Supin River at an elevation of 6,400 feet.

Trail Description and Terrain Insights: Most of the trail from Pushtara to Taluka is downhill, and the beginning section of the trail is through the wide rolling slopes of the Pushtara meadows. After several hours of trekking down the mountains, you will notice that the terrain changes from meadows to steeply sloping hills and back to a dense pine and oak forest. As you trek the trail, you will encounter both grassy areas and heavily wooded areas with many steep inclines. A well marked path will guide you to the banks of the Supin River near Taluka, which will eventually lead you to the mountain road that you will take back to Sankri.

Natural and Scenic Highlights: The highlight of this morning is the last view of the high peaks from the Pushtara Meadows, just before beginning your descent into the forest. As you make your way down, try to identify yellow and red rhododendrons (depending on season) and lush, dense clumps of ferns. Also, you will have the opportunity to see the Supin River rushing down through the valley at Taluka. The valley is a beautiful change of scenery, signalling your return to the lower valleys below.

Cultural and Local Touchpoints: On this particular day, you are going to reconnect and encounter the unique high-mountain culture of Har Ki Dun. You will pass through or close to Taluka, which is a traditional settlement, famous for its wooden architecture and Temple of Someshwar. While you are walking to Taluka, you are likely to see some rural villagers working on their quota of land or engaged in herding; also, you will see children running on the trails welcoming you back to the lowlands.

Safety and Acclimatization Guidelines: The major factor affecting your knees while descending an extended 8 km portion of the trail is the force of gravity. The trekking poles should be used to take some pressure off your knees as they will help you maintain a soft knee position that can help absorb some of the force.  As you descend to lower altitudes, breathing will become much easier but it will also begin to get warmer. As such, you need to continue to be careful of how hydrated you are as dehydration can lead to fatigue. The trail can be quite treacherous due to dry leaves and loose stones, so make sure to keep a steady controlled pace on your descent.

Experience Notes by our trekkers who completed this trek: The general mood is a combination of pride and sadness. Surrounded by newfound friends after 4 days of slogging through the wilderness and sharing old favourite memories at lunch with each other, you will be amazed at how quickly friendships develop under the unique experiences of trekking together. Meeting with local vendors and the drivers providing transport to and from the trek help to bring some connection and comfort back to Sankri. There is great joy in the last group hug and in thanking the guides and mule handlers for the experiences made possible by hard work and sacrifice.

Camp Information & Logistics: Tonight, the tents will be traded in for a building to stay at the Sankri guest house. You will have access to electricity for charging your devices and, more importantly, hot showers. The logistics team will move your large bags from Taluka to Sankri with vehicles. Dinner will typically be held as a feast at the Sankri guesthouse, where you will finally have the opportunity to share pictures and information about your trek with the support of the mobile network being up and running once again. 

Practical tips for trekkers: Before commencing the final descent, check your footwear carefully by tying your laces tightly enough that they won’t come loose during the descent; this will prevent the possibility of toe-jamming and injury to your toenail beds from the steep descent of the trail surface. The availability of adequate water on this segment of the trail is limited; thus, be sure to fill your thermoflask to its maximum capacity prior to leaving the Pushtara campsite. Control your wardrobe; you will start out cold, but as you will be entering into a warmer area within the valley, it will be necessary to remove layers of clothing as you go down the slope. Finally, in order to spare your knees from the effects of a lengthy downhill trek, consider using trekking poles or knee braces to assist in absorbing the impact caused by this long downhill portion of the trek.

Basic details for the day: The return trek jouerney will involve driving back over 200 km in an 8-9 hour time period. Departure is scheduled from Sankri (7 am / 8 am) after having your last early morning tea or coffee, travelling towards Dehradun with anticipated arrival in late evening hours (6 pm - 8 pm) so make sure you schedule any flights/trains after you have arrived at Dehradun either late night or the next day.

Route Description and Terrain Insights: Retracing your steps through Netwar, Mori, Purola and Mussoorie from Sankri will provide you with the same beautiful vistas you experienced on your inbound trek. After departing from Sankri you will drive through thick forests and rural areas around the national park and pass through beautiful valleys and along the banks of the Yamuna and Tons rivers. As you make your descent from high elevation to lower elevations of the foothills of the Shivalik range, the mountains will become less rugged, and you will see a transition to more gently sloped and wider valley roads, continuing the drive from Mussoorie into Dehradun valley.

Natural and Scenic Highlights: The drive from Sankri gives you one last opportunity to see the panoramic views of the Swargarohini massif through your rearview mirror. As you descend back from high altitudes into the lower foothills, you will see a magnificent reverse view of the landscape that is marked by the towering Deodars at high altitude to the lush tree cover of the lower altitude. Along the way as the sunlight reflects off the River Yamuna at Damta, you have a picturesque close to your time in this area.

Cultural and Local Touchpoints: The town of Purola is a great place to stop for some of the many local specialties found in this region of the Himalayas, such as red rice, walnuts, and organic honey, to take home with you. As you travel back through the various mountain communities you can get a glimpse of the morning ritual of the Garhwali people as they go about sending their children to school and caring for their terraced farms.

Safety and Acclimatization Guidelines: The journey down will take longer than you think and will be tiring, even if the altitude is dropping. Make sure you are properly hydrated, and eat a light meal during each rest stop along the way, to prevent car sickness on the curves. As you travel down towards Dehradun, you will notice the heat from the plains; have a light top, just in case.

Experience Notes by our trekkers who completed this trek: The trek is often filled with the exciting sounds of the trek playlist as the friendships formed during the last week come to a close, and everyone is excited to be together in a celebratory way. The trek is the perfect opportunity to swap email addresses with your new trekking family and share one last meal at a roadside dhaba (restaurant). Saying goodbye to your drivers and other staff members who helped you get back to the city is the final emotional gesture of this trek.

Camp Information & Logistics: An overnight stay isn't included on this day, because you'll arrive in Dehradun late in the day. Most people who are trekking will be dropped off at Prince Chowk, Dehradun. If you plan to leave early in the morning the following day, it's advisable to book a hotel room ahead of time. Mobile phones will again work completely, as will your access to 5G data, once you reach Purola, at which time you can contact family or friends.

Practical tips for trekkers: Please do a final check of your bags at the guesthouse in Sankri before you leave, to confirm that you aren't leaving any equipment there when you leave for home. Since you'll be able to find water along this route in many of the tea shops and restaurants, you don't have to carry as much water as you did while trekking, but you may want to keep a bottle of water in your backpack. You should also keep your electronics and backup batteries where they are always easy to find in your daypack, as this is when you'll have time to upload your photos and videos and find out how to use them properly.