Phulara Ridge Trek via Kedarkantha
7D/6N
Sankri
Moderate
12,500 FT
↬ Overview
Phulara Ridge Trek via Kedarkantha Summit
The Phulara Ridge Trek via Kedarkantha is one of the most scenic and offbeat Himalayan treks in Uttarakhand, known for its rare ridge walk, panoramic mountain views, and diverse alpine landscapes. Nestled inside the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, this trek offers a refreshing alternative to crowded summit trails while still retaining the classic charm of the Kedarkantha region.
What makes this trek exceptional is the Phulara Ridge, a long and continuous ridgeline that allows trekkers to walk with open valleys on both sides. Unlike short summit viewpoints, this ridge walk delivers extended 360-degree views of the surrounding Himalayas, making it one of the finest ridge treks in India. Snow-covered slopes in winter, lush green meadows in summer, and golden forests in autumn give the trail a distinct character in every season.
The trek begins near Sankri village, a well-known trekking hub, and gradually ascends through dense pine, oak, and maple forests. As the trail gains altitude, the terrain opens into high-altitude meadows and ridge sections, offering uninterrupted views of prominent Himalayan peaks such as Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag, and Ranglana. The route finally connects with the Kedarkantha summit trail, giving trekkers the added reward of a classic summit experience.
Rated as a moderate-grade trek, the Phulara Ridge Trek via Kedarkantha is suitable for fit beginners as well as experienced trekkers looking for a quieter and more immersive Himalayan journey. The well-defined trail, gradual ascents, and comfortable camping locations make it an ideal choice for winter trekking, first-time snow experiences, and photographers seeking wide-angle mountain vistas.
Whether you are looking for a unique ridge walk, a less crowded Kedarkanthaalternative, or a complete Himalayan trekking experience, the Phulara Ridge Trek delivers a perfect balance of adventure, scenery, and solitude.
↬ Itinerary
Dehradun to Sankri
The journey begins with a scenic drive from Dehradun to Sankri, the base village for the Phulara Ridge and Kedarkantha treks. The route passes through Mussoorie, Purola, and Mori, following the Tons River for most of the way. Sankri is a charming Himalayan village surrounded by pine forests and snow-capped peaks. Upon arrival, check into the guesthouse, complete trek briefings, and rest for the night.
- Altitude: 6,400 ft (1,950 m)
- Drive Distance: ~200 km
- Drive Duration: 8–10 hours
- Stay: Guesthouse / Homestay
- Meals: Breakfast, Evening Tea, Dinner
Sankri to Juda Ka Talab
After breakfast, the trek starts from Sankri and gradually ascends through dense forests of pine, oak, and maple. The trail is well-defined and ideal for acclimatization. After several hours of trekking, you reach Juda Ka Talab, a serene high-altitude lake surrounded by forests. This campsite is especially beautiful in winter when the lake freezes and snow blankets the surroundings.
- Altitude: 9,100 ft (2,775 m)
- Trek Distance: ~4 km
- Trek Duration: 4–5 hours
- Stay: Tent Stay (Triple or Quad Sharing)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea/Snacks, Dinner
Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp
The trail from Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp climbs steadily through open clearings and forest sections. As the altitude increases, panoramic mountain views begin to open up. The base camp sits at the edge of vast snowfields and offers stunning views of Swargarohini and nearby peaks. The rest of the day is spent acclimatizing and preparing for the summit climb.
- Altitude: 11,250 ft (3,430 m)
- Trek Distance: ~4 km
- Trek Duration: 3–4 hours
- Stay: Tent Stay (Triple or Quad Sharing)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea/Snacks, Dinner
Kedarkantha Base Camp to Kedarkantha Summit to Bhojgadi Camp
An early start is essential for the summit push. The climb to the Kedarkantha Summit is steep but rewarding, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the Himalayan ranges including Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag, and Ranglana. After spending time at the summit, descend along a different trail to Bhojgadi Camp, a wide meadow surrounded by alpine scenery.
- Summit Altitude: 12,500 ft (3,810 m)
- Bhojgadi Camp Altitude: 11,200 ft (3,415 m)
- Trek Distance: ~6 km
- Trek Duration: 7–8 hours
- Stay: Tent Stay (Triple or Quad Sharing)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea/Snacks, Dinner
Bhojgadi Camp to Pushtara via Phulara Ridge
This is the highlight of the trek. The trail ascends gradually to the Phulara Ridge, one of the few continuous ridge walks in India. Trekkers walk along the ridgeline with valleys unfolding on both sides, enjoying uninterrupted mountain views for several hours. The trek then descends to Pushtara Meadows, a vast open alpine meadow ideal for camping.
- Altitude: Phulara Ridge: ~12,100 ft (3,690 m)
- Trek Distance: ~7 km
- Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
- Stay: Tent Stay (Triple or Quad Sharing)
Pushtara to Taluka | Drive to Sankri
From Pushtara, the trail descends steadily through meadows and forests to reach Taluka village. After reaching Taluka, a short drive brings you back to Sankri. The evening is free to relax and celebrate the completion of the trek.
- Taluka Altitude: 6,900 ft (2,100 m)
- Trek Distance: ~8 km
- Trek Duration: 4–5 hours
- Drive Duration: ~1 hour (Taluka to Sankri)
- Stay: Guesthouse/Homestay
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea/Snacks, Dinner
Sankri to Dehradun
After breakfast, depart from Sankri and drive back to Dehradun, marking the end of the Phulara Ridge Trek via Kedarkantha with unforgettable memories of ridge walks, summit views, and Himalayan landscapes.
- Drive Distance: ~200 km
- Drive Duration: 8–10 hours
- Meals: Breakfast
↬ Inclusion & Exclusion
- Travel: Transportation from Dehradun to Sankri & Back
- Stay: Triple/Quad Sharing stays In Sankri: Guesthouse/Homestay | Trek: Triple/Quad Sharing Tent Stays
- Meals: Simple nutritious vegetarian meals as mentioned in the Itinerary
- Staff: Certified Trek Leads, Guided Staff and Local Support
- Permits: Forest Permits, tolls, parking, fuel, and driver allowances included.
- Support: Basic first-aid support during the journey.
- Merchandise: Surmount’ s Trek Completion T-shirt with Certificates
- Insurance: Trek does not cover Insurance, Emergency Evacuation charges (Please get in touch with team Incase you want additional Insurance cover)
- Additional Support: Pony, Mules/Horses, or personal porter charges during treks
- Personal Expenses: Tips, laundry, phone calls, bottled water, snacks, beverages, or any expenses of personal nature
- Extra Meals: Any additional meal other than mentioned in the itinerary
↬ Things to Carry
Mandatory
- Government ID proof (Aadhaar / PAN / Driving License)
Footwear
- Waterproof high ankle trekking shoes
- Woollen/thermal socks (1 pair)
- Socks (4 Pairs)
- Slippers (for camps/travel)
Backpack
- 50-60L trekking backpack with rain cover
- Ziplock/dry bags
Clothing (Winter Essentials)
- Thermal innerwear (top & bottom)
- Full-sleeve dry-fit T-shirts
- Fleece or woollen layer (mandatory)
- Down jacket (mandatory)
- Trek pants (quick-dry)
- Woollen cap, neck warmer
- Waterproof gloves + inner gloves
Trek Essentials
- Water bottles (2–3 litres) / thermos
- Energy snacks (dry fruits, bars, chocolates)
- Trekking poles (recommended)
- Head torch/flashlight
Accessories & Care
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm
- Power bank
- Basic toiletries & hand sanitizer
Personal Medicines
- Prescription medicines (if any)
- Paracetamol, ORS, antacid, motion-sickness tablets
- Band-aids
↬ FAQ's
The Phulara Ridge Trek is a scenic Himalayan trek in Uttarakhand known for its long and continuous ridge walk with 360° mountain views.
The Phulara Ridge Trek is a scenic Himalayan trek in Uttarakhand known for its long and continuous ridge walk with 360° mountain views. While the Kedarkantha Trek is famous for its summit climb, the Phulara Ridge Trek stands out for its extended ridge walk. This itinerary combines both, allowing trekkers to summit Kedarkanthaand then walk along Phulara Ridge, which offers uninterrupted panoramic views—something not available on the standard Kedarkantha route.
Yes. This itinerary includes a full Kedarkantha summit climb, followed by a descent via Bhojgadi and PhularaRidge, making it more comprehensive than the standard Kedarkantha trek.
The trek is classified as moderate. It is suitable for fit beginners as well as experienced trekkers. Prior fitness preparation is recommended due to continuous trekking days, summit ascent, and ridge walking sections.
The highest point of the trek is the Kedarkantha Summit, which stands at approximately 12,500 ft (3,810 m). The Phulara Ridge itself lies just slightly below the summit altitude, making acclimatization manageable.
- Spring (Apr–May): Blooming forests and clear skies
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Crisp views and golden meadows
The trek is not recommended during peak monsoon months due to slippery trails.
Yes, beginners with good fitness levels can attempt this trek. The trail has gradual ascents, well-defined paths, and sufficient acclimatization days. It is often chosen by first-time trekkers looking for a step up from basic Himalayan treks.
The trek spans 7 days, including travel days from Dehradun. The total trekking distance is approximately 33 km.
Accommodation includes guesthouses in Sankri and tented camps at high-altitude campsites like Juda Ka Talab, Kedarkantha Base Camp, Bhojgadi, and Pushtara.
No. While Kedarkantha is one of the most popular winter treks in India, the Phulara Ridge route remains relatively less crowded, especially beyond the summit day. This makes it ideal for trekkers looking for solitude.
Trekkers can enjoy views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag, Ranglana, and several other Himalayan peaks, especially during clear weather from the ridge section.
Choose this trek if you want:
- A less crowded Kedarkantha experience
- A rare ridge walk in the Himalayas
- More diverse landscapes in one trek
- Trek with Summit, ridge walks & camping in the meadows
↬ Gallery
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