What is a Ridge? Definition and Meaning

For the past 16 years at Indiahikes, we have been noticing lots of mountain terms being tossed around in conversations: sometimes correctly, but more times incorrectly. 

This is why we are making The Trek Glossary series, where we break down one mountain term at a time. These are quick reads but with accurate information that will help you understand mountain terminology. 

Today, I will dedicate my piece to explaining what is a ridge. 

What is a ridge?

A ridge typically runs along the crest of a mountain or hilltop, with steep slopes descending on either side. 

Walking on a ridge could be a precarious walk due to the steep drops on either side, particularly if the ridge is narrow or covered in snow. 

The word ridge's etymology is derived from the old English term “hrycg,” which also refers to a back or spine. In other contexts, it is also referred to as a top or crest of something.

Over time, the term evolved to describe the raised or elongated top of land, such as the top edge of a mountain or hill. This shape resembles a spine or a prominent rise. This linguistic connection highlights the physical similarity between ridges and the backbone of an animal.

How does a ridge look in a contour map or a GPX file?

A ridge on a contour map is shown by a series of U- or V-shaped contour lines. The open side of the U or V points toward higher elevations. The edges of the ridge have closely packed contour lines, showing the steep drops on either side.

The section from Tilandi to Brahmatal Top is a classic example of a ridge. On the map, you can clearly see the V shapes stretching along the ridge. However, most Himalayan ridges are more complex. For example, the Sandakphu-Phalut ridge has additional features like hills and small summits forming along it.

Finding ridges on a map is both engaging and intriguing. It’s even more enjoyable in real life, as ridges offer stunning, long-lasting panoramic views, unlike the fleeting views from summits.

Be careful—it’s easy to mix up ridges and valleys on a map. They both show up as V-shaped patterns, but here’s the trick: ridges have the V opening toward higher ground, while valleys open toward lower ground. So, always double-check the map before heading out to locate a ridge.

5 best ridge treks in India:

Great ridge walks are few and far between in our country. So when we see a ridge with great views, we jump on the opportunity to trek on it. 

1. Phulara Ridge Trek:

There are ridge sections on a few Himalayan treks. However, to have a complete day’s trek on a beautiful ridge is unparalleled. That’s the  Phulara Ridge trek for you, the ridge you see stretching out from the Kedarkantha summit. The ridge stretches from Bhoj Gadi to Pushtara and is one of the best ridge walks we have seen.

2. Sandakphu-Phalut Trek:

It’s the highlight of Sandakphu Phalut trek: Stretching from Phalut to Sandakphu is one of the classic ridge walks of our country, the Singalila Ridge. It is one of the most celebrated ridges because accompanying you is the mighty Kanchenjunga range. What most trekkers don’t know is that this ridge walk is longer than that of Phulara Ridge and Khopra Ridge! 

3. Brahmatal Trek:

Brahmatal trek has an incredibly disarming ridge walk from Tilandi to the Brahmatal summit. The view from Tilandi itself is mind-blowing, but as you start ascending on the ridge from Tilandi, the views of Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti slowly loom into view. If this is not enough, across the valley on the other side, you see the entire trail of the legendary Roopkund trek etched on the mountainside: right from the meadows of Ali and Bedni Bugyal to the dip in which the Roopkund tarn is located. Over and above this, towards the end of the ridge walk, you stand a chance to see Mt Kamet, India’s third highest peak, as well as a few peaks that pop out of Nepal: Api Himal and Jethi Bahurani

4. Kuari Pass Trek:

One of the highlights of our  Kuari Pass trek is the incredible ridge walk from Jhandi Top to Tali Forest Camp. From this ridge, you see nearly 13 of the 50 highest mountains in India surrounding you in different directions: Bugyal Koti and Pangarchulla on one side, Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, and Ronti in another direction, Dronagiri, Hathi Ghoda, and the Kamet group, along with the Gangotri Range featuring Chaukhamba and Kedarnath. Despite all these breathtaking views, the suspense of seeing the queen peak of them all, Mt. Nanda Devi, remains until the following day. 

5. Chandrakhani Pass Trek:

Not just the above four, the Chandrakhani Pass trek also offers a ridge walk from our last campsite. On our way to the Chandrakhani Pass from Chaklani, there's a short ridge section that begins just before you climb up to the pass. The ridge continues beyond the pass, taking us to a magical viewpoint of the mythological Malana village. 

The entire landscape around you will be green undulating hills of the Kullu region. You see Deo Tibba in front of you and behind Deo Tibba you see Indrasan Peak. Both are famous peaks of the pir panjal range. Among other peaks, you also see Shigrila which is home to the Bada Shigri glacier of the Lahaul Spiti region. On your left, you see Gepang Goh Peak of the Chandra Valley. Further on your left is the famous Hanuman Tibba peak of the Dhauladar range. That’s just not it, the Friendship Peak, one of the most famous trekkable summits of India, is also visible.

Among these peaks, the famous Rohtang Pass is also situated. 

Special mention: The ridge section of the Khopra Ridge trek definitely deserves special mention. Though it is not a part of the Indian Himalayas, Khopra Ridge offers majestic views of multiple peaks of the Dhaulagiri range. You also get a view of Annapurna South and Mount Gujra.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between a ridge and a valley?

The difference between a ridge and a valley is that a ridge is a pathway along the hilltop with depressions on both sides, and a valley is a depression (or a lower area) between two mountains.

2. What is the difference between a ridge and a ledge?

There’s a difference between a ridge and a ledge. A ridge runs on the crest of a mountain or a hilltop with depressions on both sides. In contrast, a ledge is a narrow path on the sides of the mountain. A ledge has a mountain on one side and a depression on the other.

In conclusion:

That is all you need to know about ridges in the trekking world. If you have any questions you’d like to ask, drop them in the comments section. Meanwhile, I’d love to hear if you have covered any specific ridge walks and loved it. 

Please let me know in the comments section if you want me to cover any specific trek term. I will cover it in my upcoming posts.