A Photo Story of Phulara Ridge - one of India’s most exciting ridge treks, filled with local lores

There are very few ridge treks that we know of. Most treks have short ridge walks, but you rarely come across a trek where the main highlight is the ridge. That's why we love the Phulara Ridge trek.

We love this trek not only for its ridge walk, but also for the endless views of the Garhwal Himalayas. On your left, the Thamsa valley stretches from Sankri to Har Ki Dun, and on your right, meadows roll in several layers to Yamunotri.

When I went on this trek, the ridge walk completely blew my mind and stirred so many overwhelming emotions within me. It was truly a surreal feeling to be at eye-level with the mountains.

Rich in beauty and culture, the Phulara Ridge trek offers the most rewarding experience. Here are some of our favourite aspects of the trek that we would like to share with you through this photo story.

1. Your trek starts from Kotgaon, one of the most unusual villages you'll visit

The peaceful village of Kotgaon welcomes you after a long and exhausting journey from Dehradun. A small, simple, yet very warm town holds the most mesmerising views on clear sunny days.

Beware though, what looks this charming, can be equally harsh. Our team has named the village "Coldgaon" because of how cold it gets. The sun touches the village for barely a few hours a day, giving it this infamous name.

Kotgaon is situated in a place where the Garhwal ranges meet the Kinnauri region. Hence this village has a blend of traditions from Uttarakhand as well as Himachal, giving it a unique character.

2. Visit the Someshwar Temple, an ancient temple with fascinating stories

This Someshwar temple is the heart of the village. The temple, which the Swargharohini massif overlooks, is a significant component of Kotgaon's culture and beliefs. It is also among the most photogenic temples you’ll see.

When you’re here, notice the architecture of the temple. It is made by alternating wood and stone, following what is called the “Kathkuni” style of architecture. Ask locals about their traditions and stories and they will happily share their stories with you.

3. Your first view of the Swargarohini Massif, a mountain you'll form a close bond with on this trek

4. Exploring the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park 

When you step into the jungle, the fallen, dry leaves crunch beneath your shoes. The trail is a steady ascent as the scent of Himalayan cedar fills the air, leaving you quite literally breathless.

5. Juda Ka Talab, where stories come alive

Those who have trekked to Kedarkantha from Sankri have surely encountered Juda ka Talab, a serene lake tucked away amidst pine trees.

The local guides eagerly recount intriguing stories about the lake's origins, including one that attributes its creation to Shiva, who supposedly formed it by unravelling locks of his hair, and the drops that fell from it, formed the lake.

After briefly stopping here for a while, you will head towards Sikolta, the first campsite on the trek.

6. Wake up for a sunrise right out of a movie at Sikolta campsite

Just 500 metres from the campsite, the forest clears up to a lush green meadow with grand views of Swargharohini and Hata Peak. Waking up early in the morning and witnessing the sunrise from here is a must do. Most trekkers sleep in and miss this amazing sight, but not you. Now that you've heard about it, you can witness one of the most beautiful sunrises on this trek.

7. A Grand Welcome To The Meadows of Bhoj Gadi

As you trek towards Bhoj Gadi, the tree line is left behind and you enter the vast meadows sprawling across the mountains. Here you will have the first glimpses of patches of yellow marsh marigold and purple lilies blooming around.

The Bhoj Gadi Campsite boasts green meadows right by the tree line and sunset views that bring out the different colours of the sky. Here is what Arjun Sir had to say when he camped at Bhoj Gadi.

“We camped at a pretty meadow called Bhoj Gadi. In the evening with a golden light on our backs, a small stream flowing close by, colours of the sky changing to orange, we cooked our meal on the open ground. I couldn’t have asked for a better setting to camp.”

8. Feel On Top Of The World As You Walk Along The Ridge!

Walking on the Phulara Ridge is a surreal experience, especially when you are trekking for almost 4-5 hrs on the ridge! It feels like you are walking on a tightrope. On one side, there's a steep drop into a valley, while on the other, there are these endless green meadows dotted with colourful flowers. 

Walking on the ridge at 12,000ft with the views of Kedarkantha in the backdrop, along with the peaks of Hanuman Top, Sarutal Top, DKD, Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, Swargarohini, Hata Peak, Ranglana, Devkyara valley, Lekha Top and Vijay Top, all standing tall around you, almost makes it feel like the mountains are walking with you. As Arjun sir describes it, “walking on the ridge is almost like a stairway to heaven.” 

9. An Evening Full Of Views And Ghost Stories At Pushtara Campsite

As you walk down from the ridge to the meadows, you'll spot patches of wildflowers, urging you to pause and click a couple of pictures.

As you continue to descend, you'll reach Pushtara. For many of us at Indiahikes, the Pushtara meadows are in the top highlights of this trek. "The first site of the Pushtara meadows reminded me of Bedni Bugyal on the Roopkund trek. The meadow was curved with folds of green carpet and wildflowers spread out as far as your eyes could see. It was beautiful!" says Suhas Saya, who explored this trek.

You get almost everything on this trek! A perfectly stitched combination of meadows, forest trails, narrow ridges and breathtaking views from all sides throughout the trail. 

We really believe that the Phulara Ridge trek will craft lasting memories and leave you with stories that you'll cherish forever.

This brings us to the end of this photo story of Phulara Ridge!  I hope you got a glimpse of what it would be like to go on this trek.