Phata is a key transit point in the Garhwal Himalayas, primarily for those heading to Kedarnath. It's also a good base for exploring other high-altitude destinations.
Tungnath and Chandrashila Peak. The trail starts from Chopta, a few hours' drive away. The climb to Tungnath, the world's highest Shiva temple, takes about four hours. The further trek to Chandrashila summit offers wide-screen views of Himalayan peaks.
Valley of Flowers National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this alpine valley is a carpet of wildflowers during the monsoon months. It's open from July to September. The trek begins from the village of Govindghat.
Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh. On your way up or down from the mountains, stop in Rishikesh. Every evening at sunset, the banks of the Ganga at Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan come alive with the sights and sounds of the fire ceremony.
Auli. Known for its winter skiing from December to March, Auli is beautiful year-round. In other seasons, its oak and rhododendron meadows are perfect for long walks with views of Nanda Devi.
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun, which serves the Garhwal region. From the airport, you can hire a taxi for the journey to Phata.
By Rail: The closest major railhead is in Haridwar. From Haridwar, you can find buses and taxis heading up towards the Char Dham route.
By Road: Rishikesh is the main road hub and the gateway to Garhwal. Phata is located on the main road connecting Rishikesh to Kedarnath.
The mountains are accessible for much of the year, but each season is different. The clearest skies and most pleasant weather are from March to June and again from September to November. This is the best time for trekking and sightseeing.
The monsoon season, July and August, brings heavy rain and the risk of landslides, making road travel unpredictable. Winter, from December to February, sees heavy snowfall at higher altitudes, closing access to places like Chopta and Auli. The Char Dham yatra season runs from May to October, making this a very busy time on the roads.