In a stint to explore new Himalayan destinations, we stumbled upon Phulara Ridge which is a unique and untouched wonder from the Sankri Range in Uttarakhand. For those with an insatiable thirst for something new, the colossal Phulara Ridge can satisfy your senses with its grand spectacles. Nestled at the height of 3,700M, this heavenly road extends amid huge valleys, lush meadows, and snowcapped mountains. Spend a few days on this less-traveled Elysium; you will definitely feel like a special guest. The trails of Phulara Ridge hold a lot of variety in the form of different types of terrain each day. The trek takes us through a dense forest area, lush green meadows, a massive ridge, and a quaint old village called Taluka. Some of the captivating experiences here are camping on massive meadows, descending on grasslands, and walking through jungles. Overall, it’s a perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure. If you were wondering what to expect from the Phulara Ridge trek, then stay on this page and check out the essence of the trek captured in the pictures below.
1) The Forests of Phulara
A whole new world awaits you deep within the dense, dark, and mystic woods of Phulara. Sharpen all your senses, listen to the sound of the crunchy leaves, witness the dance of the long shadows of trees, smell the freshness of moist moss, touch the textures of pristine pine trees and finally taste nature’s goodness in those pure water streams. Every moment here is a treat and surprise to your senses. Almost 50 percent of the trek is composed of forest area. As you walk into the wilderness, take a moment, sit on a log and lose yourself in the tranquility of the forest. We are quite certain that nature will naturally nurture your soul.
2) The Setaria Pumila/Common Weed of Phulara!
Don't freak out if you find this plant stuck to your shirt or tent. They are not caterpillars. They just look like one. We can see these plants on both sides of the trail right from the first day of the trek. In botanical terms, they are classified under the grass family. They have an unusual stem with a purple tinge and hair dipped in saffron and pearl white colors. Observing them from a distance might be better than touching them because they tend to stick to your clothes and cause itching when in contact with the skin.
3) JKT from Phulara!
JKT – Juda Ka Talab is a famous alpine lake in Sankri region and is also well known as a campsite for Kedarkantha trek. Legends believe that the almighty Lord Shiva was looking for a place to meditate. When he entered a clearing in the forest, he removed a few hair strands from his head (Juda – strands of hair) and made a sacred lake here (Talab meaning lake). Sitting next to the emerald lake and observing the reflections of the passing clouds on its surface is a soothing experience to say the least.
4) The Phulara Ridge
Of the many fabulous wonders of nature, Phulara Ridge is a magnificent roadway to the sky. A summit is considered the highest point of any Himalayan trek. Phulara Ridge is a summit highway extending between hundreds of mountains, valleys, and meadows. We walk on the remarkable ridge for more than 4 hours on the 4th day of the trek. Whichever direction you face, you will be greeted by a wide range of exquisite mountains and deep layers of valleys. The key highlight of the ridge is the stunning views of prominent peaks like Swargarohini (6,252M) and Kalanag (6,387M).
5) The Ferns of Phulara
Meet the stylist of the green family of Phulara, the Himalayan Fern. These fascinating ferns adorn the old oak trees, silver rocks, and logs and add an ornamental value to the forest. In winters, the villagers collect these dried ferns and use them as tinder in a campfire. During summers, they use the pale green-colored ferns in cattle shelters to collect manure. These charming little plants are commonly found in the dense region of the high-altitude forest.
6) Taluka village from Phulara
Taluka (2,108M) is an ancient village in Uttarakhand. On the last day of the trek, as we walk on the antique lanes of the village, we can witness the turquoise blue Supin River from the distance, heritage huts built on wood and sand, and the vibrant attires of the villagers. The humble people of this scenic hamlet show us a glimpse into their rich pahadi culture (mountain lifestyle). Other popular treks like Har Ki Dun start from Taluka.
7) Amaranth or Pigweed
Amaranth is a famous summer and autumn crop of the Garhwal region. It’s rich in fiber and starch. Locals extract wheat from it to make bread and sweet dishes. It is compactly filled with pinkish-red flowers and can grow up to 2 meters in size. Shepherds and mule men use it as their staple food during long journeys on the mountains. We can witness the villagers in Taluka working under the scorching sun to cultivate this magic crop.
We are all looking for a rare place to lose ourselves in the lap of nature and discover a feeling of freshness with peace and tranquility. The Phulara Ridge trek is a compact Eden that offers a sparkling dose of thrill and scenic delights. We hope you liked the images we showcased above, and we hope you get to experience them for yourself.
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