PHULARA RIDGE TREK

Weather and Climate Info:

• Summer (April – June)
  Summers offer warmer days along with occasional rain showers during Phulara Ridge trek. June brings the region into life and makes the entire region vibrant with several blooming flowers. It also brings occasional rain showers, painting the entire region with eye-catching beauty. During these months, you can experience a temperature of 15℃-25℃, providing pleasant weather conditions for trekkers. The trek during this soothing season enables you to witness blooming Rhododendrons and Pushtara’s awe-inspiring meadows, making it an ideal season to visit.
• Monsoon (July-September)
  Monsoon season entirely transforms Phulara Ridge into a paradise, as the majestic mountains receive rain showers, making the landscape glisten. Although the rainfall might make the trek challenging, it flourishes the landscape’s vibrant greenery, making the trekker capture the scenery. The temperature during these months remains mild and soothing, ranging from 10℃-20℃. Weather remains cloudy, thus making it an exciting adventure as the cool breeze refreshes the entire soul.
• Autumn (October – November)
  During Autumn season in Phulara Ridge the trek trail appears to be verdant green, and has recently experienced rain showers. You could enjoy the palette of colors in the atmosphere, as leaves change their color. Witness a clear sky that enables you to enjoy stargazing during the night. This season offers pleasant weather and clear days to trekkers with temperatures ranging from 5℃-15℃, creating ideal conditions for trek lovers.
• Winter (December – February)
  Winter season covers the Phulara Ridge trek with snow, offering you a serene and cold environment whose temperature ranges from 10℃-5℃. Embark your journey through a snowy trail that offers challenging yet rewarding conditions for trekkers. January displays high snowfall, creating a stunning view of snowy mountains. The snow covered landscape offers ideal conditions for trekkers, especially those who love winter adventure sports.
• Spring (March-Mid April)
  

  As winter bids farewell, nature comes to its true senses, creating a magical spell over the Phulara Ridge trek. March month comes with a transition from cold to warm temperature, April month makes the valley alive offering a beautiful view of blooming flowers. The season represents an entire clear sky and vibrant landscape, offering tranquil weather for trekkers. Spring season temperature ranges from 10℃-20℃, creating an alluring environment with a bright landscape.

• Temperature Overview

  Summer (April-June) – Day: 20℃, Night: 5℃
  Monsoon (July-September) – Day: 17℃, Night: 5℃
  Autumn (October-November) – Day: 15℃, Night: 4℃
  Winter (December-February) – Day: 10℃, Night: -6℃
  Spring (March-Mid April) – Day: 11℃, Night: -3℃

Phulara Ridge trek highlights

Nestled in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, Phulara Ridge trek offers surreal beauty all through the trek. Unveil the trail while witnessing dense oak forests, exotic flora and fauna, flawless meadows, all offering scenic settings. Also, its accessible path allows the trekkers to interact with the Bhotiya community, and to learn about their living. Let’s explore some highlights of the trek that make it a best trek for trekkers.

• Exciting Ridge walk :

  A Ridge arises amongst two adjoining valleys that serves as a continuous and long top of a mountain. Walking through the ridge enables you to witness the stunning surrounding scenery. And, Phulara Ridge offers exotic view to trekkers, making it the best trek.

• Witnessing Swargarohini peaks :

  Explore the most vantage point of the trek, group of Swargarohini mountains. Witness the snow-covered mountain peak staring from the trek and explore its beauty throughout the trek. Phulara Ridge offers the majestic yet grandeur view of the peak. Soothe your eyes with this heavenly abode, and find solace in the air near the peak.

• Explore grand meadows : Phulara Ridge trek is incomplete without rolling alpine meadows of Pushtara, as it offers vast green ground. Admire the vast green meadows that offer a vast stretch of greenery and fresh air. This area serves as a treat for nature enthusiasts, as it enables you to entirely soak into its surroundings.
• Ravishing shepherd trails :

  Located in a National Park, where biodiversity is at its peak, and offers you amazing dense trails of alpine forests. Also, pass through ravishing river crossings, picturesque points, and stunning green meadows. You can encounter forests enriched with Brown oak, Chir Pines, and Rhododendron shrubs, making it a heavenly abode for nature lovers. Enjoy the isolated shepherd trails that offer immense peace to your mind.

Flora and Fauna:

• Flora: Phulara Ridge trek serves as an epitome of beauty, enriched with a diverse range of flora and fauna species. As you embark on your journey, you can witness lush tropical vegetation, including varying wildflowers like lilies, orchids, and rhododendrons in lower elevations. As you move up the trek, you will encounter forests possessing oak and maple trees. Here, the entire atmosphere is filled with the fragrance of vibrant flowers. Moreover, you can witness ferns and mosses as well, making a captivating ambiance.

Fauna: Phulara Ridge trek possesses a wide range of fauna species, ranging from avian species to amazing mountain creatures. Witness the majestic wildlife of the trail, making the journey more fascinating.

• Himalayan musk deer – Well-known for its solitary nature, and you could catch a glimpse of this creature only with patience. Make your trek a memorable one, as witnessing this enormous creature occurs rarely.
• Himalayan Monal – A rare opportunity for birdwatchers to catch a glimpse of this majestic bird makes you fortunate. Capture the most beautiful sight of this bird possessing blue, green, and copper feathers.
• Himalayan thar – Amongst the rocky terrain of Phulara Ridge lives the most impressive horns possessing powerful horns.
• Himalayan black bear – As you walk through the dense forests, you can witness this exotic creature, but without making any noise.

Photography Tips:

• Understand the Light: The Himalayas offer dramatic lighting conditions. For the best photographs, capture early morning and late afternoon scenes when the light is soft and golden. Midday light can be harsh, but it can also highlight the stark contrasts of the landscape.
• Capture the Flora and Fauna: Phulara Ridge trek is home to a rich array of flora and fauna. Capture the vibrant rhododendrons in spring, the lush greenery in the monsoon, or the snow-blanketed trees in winter. For wildlife, carry a zoom lens to capture distant birds or animals without disturbing them.
• Landscape Photography: The panoramic views of the Himalayas are breathtaking. Keep your wide-angle lens handy to capture a wide range of the landscape. Try incorporating elements like a trekker or a tent in the foreground to give a sense of scale.
• Experiment with Perspectives: Try to observe the scenic moments from different angles and perspectives. For instance, a low-angle shot of a trail leading into the mountains can add depth and intrigue to your photos.
• Utilize the Rule of Thirds: This basic principle of photography helps in composing balanced and interesting shots. Divide your frame into nine equal segments and place the important elements along these lines or their intersections.
• Capture the Local Culture: Phulara Ridge trek passes through quaint villages. Capture the local architecture, people, and their daily lives. Always take permission before capturing people.
• Night Sky Photography: The clear skies at high altitudes are perfect for astrophotography. Use a tripod and long exposure settings to capture the stars and perhaps the Milky Way.
• Be Prepared for Weather Changes: The weather in the Himalayas can change rapidly. Protect your camera equipment from rain and snow. Keep batteries warm in cold weather as they can drain quickly.
• Travel Light: While it’s tempting to carry all your gear, remember you will be trekking at high altitudes. Prioritize and take only what you need.
• Respect the Environment: While photographing, be mindful of your surroundings. Don’t damage the natural environment or disturb wildlife.

Bonus Tip: Practice Patience Sometimes, waiting for the right moment, light, or movement can make all the difference in a photograph. 

Things to Carry:

Hiking Shoes

• Type: We recommend that you look for water-resistant shoes with a deep yet flexible sole to sustain on Himalayan terrains.

Note: Dynamic rough terrains hold uncertain threats. The pair of shoes that has the advantage of overcoming those threats will help you to maintain your confidence in balancing.

Backpack

• Type: It purely depends on the kind of Trek you plan.
  • (15-20) litres will be ideal for short treks of (1-3) days.
  • (40-60) litres will be ideal for long treks of (3 – 10) days.

Note: A backpack comes under very essential for the activity like trekking. You will have a requirement of your Backpack throughout the journey for your belongings and all the essentials you need. We recommend you test the bag and choose it according to your height, the Trek where you are taking it & comfort it provides.

Daypack

• Type: A (10 – 15) litres waterproof daypack is all you need to have with you for the Summit.

Note: Your Daypack will be for those Summit days and shorter days when you just need your essentials (wallet, small water bottle, sunglass, power bank, etc.) with you.

Clothing

• Collared T-shirts – Carrying 2 – 3 units of collared T-shirts will be ideal. The collar will help you to keep your neck away from direct sunlight and not too exposed to the Sun and getting sunburnt.
• Padded Jacket – Ensure that the jacket is wind-resistant & capable of keeping you warm at -10 °C to -12 °C temperature.
• Fleece Jacket – Fleece jackets are made of very soft and cozy material. It helps you to maintain a comfortable body temperature. Keep 2 Fleece Jackets with you.
• Thermals – You will have a requirement of only 1 pair of this in the Winter, For Summer it could be under consideration. It is made of pure cotton and designed in such a way that body heat is blocked between its layers. It will keep you warm during the nights when the temperature falls.
• Trek Pants – You will have a requirement of 2 units of Trekking Pants with you always. Between them, one must be convertible. Ensure it is made of Cotton or windproof light material & provides maximum durable comfort.
• Sun Caps –The Sunlight might be harsh at higher Altitudes and the direct exposure of sunlight to your head is harmful to your skin. Carry Sun Caps to keep your head cool.
• Woolen Caps – You will need woolen caps during the nights to keep your ears and head warm from the very cold breeze.
• Waterproof Gloves – You will require waterproof gloves for cold and wet sections of the Trek. Always keep your hands clean & warm, and avoid letting your hands wet to get the supporting grip and balance.

Trek Accessories

• Trekking Pole: The Trekking/Hiking Pole saves 60% of your energy for conquering a steep slope at a higher altitude. It is advisable to carry a trekking pole with you for the treks.
• Head-lamp or Torch: A head-lamp is another important thing that also comes under mandatory items for our Treks. It will help you to deal with the dark. Headlamps become more effective to walk in dark cold weather without approaching through your hand. Featured Torch is also ok for uphill.

Daily essentials

• Toiletries: We recommend you carry all your Toiletries essentials and all other personal belongings by yourself to avoid borrowing. Here are some items you could take- tooth-cleaning paste, dental brush, lip moisturizer, skin hydrating cream, facial cleanser, a range of vital creams and items, bathroom tissue/toilet paper, menstrual pads, along with other important personal care items like shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, and shaving supplies.
• Containers & Vessels: It’s advisable to bring your water containers; we recommend two bottles each with a capacity of 1 litre. Additionally, for both ease and hygiene reasons, please carry your food containers to use for the meals we supply. The metal bottle comes in handy for hot water served in the camps.
• Recommended Medicines: Gauze 1 small roll, Dexamethasone one strip, Nifedipine 5 tablets, Band aid 10 strips, Avomine 4 tablets (motion sickness), Avil 25mg 4 tablets (allergies), Combiflam 4 tablets (Pain killer), Crepe bandage 3 to 5 meters, Disprin 6 tablets (headache), Crocin 6 tablets (fever), Digene 10 tablets (acidity), Omez/ Rantadine 10 tablets (antacids), Norflox TZ & Lomofen 6 tablets each (diarrhea), Diamox 10 tablets (to prevent AMS), Cotton 1 small roll

Essential Documents Required:

For the Phulara Ridge trek, you must bring specific documents and submit those to the trek leader at the base camp. These include a copy of the Disclaimer, along with one photocopy and the original of a government-issued photo ID. Additionally, a doctor’s medical certificate confirming your fitness for high-altitude scenarios is required.

Risks and Precautions:

Here are the risks or challenges you might face on the Phulara Ridge trek.

• Risk of slip/skid: Phulara Ridge trek is a moderate trek that tests the patience and challenges the skills of trekkers. It helps in developing confidence, patience, and strategic planning abilities. While trekking in the winter season there is a possibility of slip/ skidding as the trail is scattered with black ice, especially in December, and January, and in addition, weather is very much unpredictable in the Himalayas.
• Safety Precautions: To address these challenges, there will be a briefing session at the base camp about the risks of slipping or skidding. A trained trek leader will guide trekkers in maintaining body balance and show them how to use the trekking poles properly.

The Discovery Hike will provide crampons to the trekker for the snow-filled trails. These crampons are specially designed to hold a better grip on snow trails and minimize the risk of skidding up to 95%. The Trek leader shall accompany the team and shall aware the team members about the situation.

While choosing your shoe, remember that the shoe must have a good grip.

• High Altitude Risks: During the Phulara Ridge trek, which ascends from 6,400 feet to 12,500 feet over 4-5 days, there’s a      small risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), and High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), especially at higher camps like the Phulara Ridge trek campsite.
• Safety Precautions: To prevent these conditions, trekkers can start taking DIAMOX from the first day, as it significantly reduces AMS risk. Trekkers trained to recognize AMS symptoms should promptly report them to the trek leader. The leaders are prepared with a high-altitude medical kit and oxygen cylinders for safety. If conditions worsen, trekkers may need to move from higher to lower campsites.
• Dealing with Blisters and Cramps: Blisters cuts and cramps occur very often while we are walking or trekking on uneven trails.
• Safety Precautions: If a trekker experiences a blister or cramp, they need to quickly inform the trek leader, who carries a treatment kit. To prevent blisters, it’s recommended to use well-fitting trekking shoes that are breathable and have a good grip. For leg cramps, apply cramp spray, which both trekkers and the trek leader should have.
• Weather Risks at High Altitude: The weather at high altitudes, particularly in the Himalayas, is known for being unpredictable and can sometimes worsen quickly.
• Safety Precautions: The trek leader will make the call to either continue or wait for better weather. If the weather stays harsh and could worsen, the team might need to descend for safety. We provide all-weather tents to cope with different weather challenges.
• Communication Risks: As you go higher on the Phulara Ridge trek, from 6,400 ft to 12,500 ft, communication signals weaken and eventually we might lose connection completely, isolating us from the outside world. But there’s no need to worry about this disconnection.
•  Safety Precautions: To stay connected, we use walkie-talkies as an alternative way to communicate with people at different campsites.
• Emergency/ Immediate rescue: In case of severe health issues or other emergencies, immediate rescue might be necessary.
• Safety Precautions: If a serious situation arises due to AMS, cramps, illness, or breathing problems, the trek leader and staff will quickly use resources like porters and mules for rescue. A standby team at different campsites will assist, and airlifts are arranged in acute cases.
• Risk of low oxygen at higher altitudes: Oxygen levels decrease as altitude increases, which can cause breathing difficulties. Although low oxygen levels are rare on the Phulara Ridge trek, it’s still possible.
• Safety Precautions: If anyone experiences problems related to low oxygen levels, we have plenty of oxygen cylinders with the trek leader and staff. Affected trekkers should inform the leader or descend to a lower campsite for immediate help.

Overall Safety and Cooperation:

Our main goal is your safety and enjoyment during the trek. We ask for your full cooperation and advice against using any objectionable substances while trekking. 

Local Language Phrases:

Hello – “नमस्कार” (Namaskar)

How are you? – “तुम कसै छौ?” (Tum kase chau?)

My name is – “मेरु नाम …” (Meru naam …)

I am fine. How are you? – “मी ठीक छौं. तुम कसै छौ?” (Mi theek chaun. Tum kase chau?)

Please help me. – “कृपया, मेरी मदद करें.” (kripya, Meri madad karen.)

Tell me the route. – “मुझे रास्ता बता.” (Mujhe rasta bata.)

Where am I right now? – “मी अभी कख छौं?” (Mi abhi kakh chaun?)

Please rescue me. – “कृपया मुझे बचाओ.” (Kripya mujhe bachao.)

Do you have medical kits? – “क्या तुमरे पास मेडिकल किट छै?” (Kya tumre paas medical kit chhai?)

Will you join me? – “तुम मेरु साथ द्याओलु?” (Tum meru sath dyaolu?)

How long will it take to reach the summit? – “शिखर तक पहुंचण मा कती समय लगोलु?” (Shikhar tak pahunchan ma kati samay lagolu?)

Where is the next Maggi point? – “अगला मैगी प्वाइंट कख छ?” (Agla Maggi point kakh ch?)

Will there be too much cold? – “क्या ज्यादा ठंड ह्वालि?” (Kya jyada thand hwaali?)

What is the name of the nearest village? – “नजीकी गांव का नाम क्या छ?” (Naziki gaon ka naam kya ch?)

Is there any update of heavy snowfall? – “क्या भारी हिमपात कु अपडेट छ?” (Kya bhari himpaat ku update ch?)Phulara Ridge trek