The Phulara Ridge Trek offers an entirely new type of trek within the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand due to its unique geographical layout. Generally, treks in the Himalayas take place within valleys or finish at a peak unless the trekker descends again before they reach that destination. With Phulara Ridge Trek, there is a very distinct horizontal traverse that allows the trekker to experience trekking at altitude without ever trekking straight up. The trek incorporates a 4-5 kilometer long Sky Walk along the summit, giving trekkers a view of the entire Swargarohini Massif, Bandarpoonch and the Kalanag (Black Peak) as well as a panoramic view of the mountain itself. The experience along the high-altitude corridor offers trekkers an extended view over the Pushtara Meadows and gives trekkers an opportunity to see the whole view of the valley below, just above you. The experience is enhanced by the additional complexity introduced through a well-established botanical transition that takes you from the ancient holy forests of Bhojpatra (Silver Birch); where the bark was previously used for writing Vedic texts, to the incredibly distinct connected rolling bugyals of Pushtara created millions of years ago by ancient glaciers pushing upwards on the surface of the land, creating smooth, flat areas of green velvet. Finally, the Phulara Ridge has been described as a natural balcony providing spectacular views along with the excitement of high-altitude trekking, yet has remained very accessible to novice trekkers preparing for meditation and spirituality within the depths of these Himalayan heights as well as experienced trekkers searching for a higher elevation adventure.

Why is the Phulara Ridge Trek so special?

The Phulara Ridge Trek is an exceptionally constructed trek located within the Garhwal region of India. This trek will appeal to individuals who want to experience the vastness of a typical high-altitude trek while not wanting to experience the extreme stress associated with high-altitude trekking. The Phulara Ridge Trek is different from many of the V shaped and Pyramid trekking routes typically found within the Himalayas because it provides a complete 'Linear Traverse' allowing trekkers to spend more time along the ridge line than just on the summit of any given mountain.

1. The Sky-Walk Geography

This trail's uniqueness stems from its very impressive 4-5 kilometre (approximately 12,127 ft) horizontal section at a continuously maintained level. Unlike average walks where you spend only a few moments at the summit with a view, and then descend back down, the topography of the Phulara Trail allows you to trek for 4 to 5 hours along the spine of this mountain. Essentially, during the entire day, you are trekking at the same height, providing you with all of the excitement of being at the summit and completing multiple kilometers of trek.

2. The 250 Degree Panorama of the World

The ridge, which functions as a giant natural balcony, is aligned perfectly to provide an uninterrupted view of the Garhwal and Kinnaur skylines for 250 degrees. This view is essential because it allows you to see famous peaks, like Swargarohini Massif, Kalanag (the Pyramid), and Bandarpoonch, from the point of view of being mid-air and eye-level with these high rises as opposed to being located on the valley floor and looking up.

3. Two-tiered Horizontality

The narrow crest offers a visual experience of two valleys separated by the steep drop-offs on either side from which to view the two unique geological features of the area: the rocky basin, or Devkyara Valley, provides both breathtaking scenery of the steep rock walls dropping away from you, toward the high surrounding mountains; and Pushtara Meadows, a lush, rolling meadow, creating an illusion of more land beneath you as you are standing atop another valley with steep cliffs to either side.

4. Unique Perspective of Birds

The ridge provides the best opportunity to view birds of high altitude, especially the Himalayan Monal. This can only be done due to the fact that the ridge provides a vantage point above the steep cliffs where Monals nest, allowing you to gaze down at the amazing colors of their beautiful plumage. Watching the state bird of Uttarakhand float on the warm thermals below you while ascending to higher elevations provides an ecologically unique experience that is a highlight of the Phulara Traverse.

5. From Bhojpatra to the Glushy Bhoond Bugyals

You will be walking on a bridge of flora connecting the ancient Bhojpatra forest to the Pusthara Bugyals. The Bohpatras are sacred trees with a paper-like bark used to create the original Vedic texts; they line the edge of the Pushtara Bugyals. This transition area has some remarkable features separating it from the other steep, rugged areas such as the undulating meadows of the Pushtara Bugyals are different from the steep slopes found elsewhere – they are really smooth, rolling green mounds created by the melting glacial retreat of the last Ice Age thousands of years ago and are simply spectacular in their beauty.