Kuari Pass Trek Booking Options
Kuari Pass Trek without Transportation: INR 8,300/- Per Person.
Kuari Pass Trek with Transportation (Rishikesh to Rishikesh): INR 9,900/- Per Person.
Fix Diparture Dates
Oct 2024: 26 (Available), 27 (Few slots left).
Nov 2024: 2 (Available), 5 (Available), 9 (Available), 10 (Available), 16 (Few slots left), 17 (Available), 23 (Available), 24 (Available), 30 (Available).
Dec 2024: 1 (Available), 7 (Available), 8 (Available), 14 (Available), 15 (Available), 16 (Available), 17 (Available), 18 (Available), 19 (Available), 20 (Available), 21 (Available), 22 (Available), 23 (Available), 24 (Available), 25 (Few slots left), 26 (Few slots left), 27 (Available), 28 (Available), 29 (Available), 30 (Available), 31 (Few slots left).
Jan 2025: 1 (Available), 2 (Available), 3 (Available), 4 (Available), 5 (Available), 6 (Available), 7 (Available), 8 (Few slots left), 9 (Available), 10 (Available), 18 (Few slots left), 19 (Available), 25 (Available), 26 (Available), 27 (Available).
Feb 2025: 1 (Available), 2 (Available), 8 (Available), 9 (Available), 15 (Few slots left), 16 (Available), 22 (Available), 23 (Available).
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Overview
Whether you're an experienced trekker or just starting out, the Kuari Pass Trek is an essential adventure. You'll be treated to breathtaking views of some of India's most renowned peaks, including Mt. Nanda Devi (25,673 feet) and Mt. Dronagiri (23,182 feet), no matter the season. Among Lord Curzon's many achievements in India, his exploration and promotion of the trek route from Joshimath through Kuari Pass in the Garhwal Himalayas stands out. At an altitude of 4,264 meters, Kuari Top feels like an arena where majestic mountains have stood the test of time. This trek offers a chance to see towering peaks, including the 7,000-meter club of Kamet (7,756m), Trishul (7,120m), Chaukhamba (7,128m), the magnificent Nanda Devi (7,817m), and its twin, Nanda Devi East (7,434m). You'll also encounter other impressive summits like Nanda Ghunti, Hathi Ghoda Parbat, Neelkanth, Dronagiri, Mukut Parbat, Mana, Rishi Pahad, and Changbang.
In winter, the Kuari Pass offers a unique opportunity. While most mountain passes in the Himalayas are snowbound, Kuari Pass remains accessible during this season. Although you won’t be crossing the pass in the traditional sense, you’ll hike to it and enjoy the stunning views from the top.
The Kuari Pass trek begins at Joshimath in the Chamoli district, a popular destination for trekkers and pilgrims alike. This four-day trek (or six days when you factor in travel from Rishikesh to Joshimath and back) takes you through renowned pilgrimage towns like Rishikesh, Devprayag, Joshimath, and Haridwar. Spanning 31 kilometers, the trek provides spectacular views of India's second-highest peak, Mount Nanda Devi.
Reaching an altitude of 12,516 feet, the Kuari Pass trek offers stunning panoramas of peaks like Dronagiri, Chitrakantha, Chaukhamba, and Tali High. The journey takes you through picturesque meadows and vibrant forests filled with rhododendron and oak trees, enhancing the trek's beauty. Along the way, you'll also catch glimpses of the sacred rivers Bhagirathi and Alakananda, adding to the adventure's thrill.
The snow-covered landscape during winter creates a magical experience, with a carpet of snow blanketing the forests and delicate snowflakes resting on the oak leaves—a scene that would delight anyone.
One of the trek's most refreshing aspects is traversing the beautiful Himalayan meadows, known locally as “Bugyals.” Don’t miss the serenity and splendor of these meadows, especially the vast, rolling pastures of Gorson Bugyal. You’ll also have the chance to visit Auli, famous for its stunning ski slopes in winter.
The Kuari Pass Trek is classified as easy to moderate, making it suitable for anyone eager to experience the Himalayas.
Your journey will take you through several lesser passes, including Vinayak Pass and Tali Top, eventually leading to the trek’s highest point, Kuari Top, at 13,990 feet. This trek is manageable and rewards your physical effort with breathtaking views of the stunning Himalayan range. The highlight is the spectacular vista of the Nanda Devi Massif. So, if you're ready to immerse yourself in the serene meadows and snowy slopes of the Garhwal Himalayas, pack your bags and head towards Haridwar. Tirupati Travels will guide you along the Curzon Trail through Kuari Pass, allowing you to soak in the incredible scenery along the way.
What Makes Kuari Pass Trek Unique?
The Kuari Pass Trek is unique for several reasons:
Spectacular Views: The trek offers breathtaking panoramic views of some of the highest peaks in India, including Nanda Devi, Kamet, and Trishul, making it a paradise for mountain lovers and photographers.
Historical Significance: This trek was popularized by Lord Curzon, who explored and mapped the route. His legacy is still felt today, and trekkers can walk in the footsteps of history while enjoying the natural beauty.
Accessibility in Winter: Unlike many other high-altitude treks that are inaccessible during winter, the Kuari Pass remains open, allowing trekkers to experience its stunning snow-covered landscapes during the colder months.
Diverse Flora and Fauna: The trek passes through lush forests of rhododendrons, oaks, and pines, offering opportunities to spot various wildlife, including Himalayan birds and other unique species.
Cultural Experience: Starting from Joshimath, the trek allows trekkers to experience local culture and visit important pilgrimage towns like Rishikesh, Devprayag, and Haridwar, enriching the overall journey.
Meadows and Bugyals: The trek includes picturesque meadows, known as bugyals, which are lush, green pastures that provide a serene and tranquil environment, particularly in spring and summer.
Moderate Difficulty Level: The Kuari Pass Trek is classified as easy to moderate, making it accessible for beginners while still offering a challenging experience for more seasoned trekkers.
Variety of Landscapes: The trek features diverse terrains, from dense forests and rolling meadows to rocky paths and snowfields, providing trekkers with a rich and varied experience throughout the journey.
Breathtaking Sunsets: The sunsets witnessed from various viewpoints along the trek are truly magical, casting a warm glow over the majestic Himalayan peaks.
Overall, the Kuari Pass Trek stands out for its combination of natural beauty, historical significance, cultural richness, and accessibility, making it a must-try adventure for anyone exploring the Himalayas.
Is Kuari Pass Trek Easy?
The Kuari Pass Trek is generally considered an easy to moderate trek, making it accessible for beginners and enjoyable for experienced trekkers alike.
Is Kuari Pass Trek Safe?
Yes, the Kuari Pass Trek is considered safe for trekkers, especially when proper precautions are taken. Several factors contribute to its safety, making it a good choice for both beginners and experienced trekkers.
Is Kuari Pass Trek Difficult?
The Kuari Pass Trek is considered a moderate-level trek. It's not overly difficult, making it suitable for beginners with some trekking experience or physically active individuals. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:
Altitude: The highest point of the trek is around 12,500 feet (3,810 meters), which is not too high but still requires acclimatization.
Duration: The trek generally takes 5 to 6 days, covering around 33 kilometers. The daily distances are manageable, but there are a few steep sections.
Terrain: The trail passes through forests, meadows, and some rocky sections. While the terrain is diverse, the well-defined paths and gradual ascents make it less challenging compared to more technical treks.
Weather: Winter months (Dec-Feb) add difficulty due to snow, while spring and autumn are considered more favorable with milder conditions.
It’s a good trek if you want a challenge without venturing into something too strenuous.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Reach Joshimath.
Altitude: 2,050 m/ 6,750 ft.
Travel Time: 256 Km Drive - Approx. 10 Hours
The 10-hrs drive to Joshimath may be long and tiring, but the stunning scenery will keep you captivated throughout the journey. As we ascend, the majestic river running alongside us grows wilder and more exhilarating. Along the way, we’ll pass through the Panch Prayag, the five sacred confluences of the Ganga—Devaprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag, and Vishnuprayag—each offering a glimpse into the spiritual significance of this revered river.
Day 2: Joshimath to Dhak By Drive and Trek to Gulling top.
Altitude: 2,900 m/ 9,600 ft.
Trek Time & Distance:12 km drive and 5 km of trek.
In Joshimath, a stunning series of snow-capped mountains will welcome us, appearing far more inviting than they did at the beginning of our journey to the base camp. After an early breakfast, we’ll set off for Dhak village, a rugged 45-minute drive away in the Joshimath Tehsil. From Dhak, our trek begins. Keep an eye out for the gentle slopes of The Sleeping Lady Mountain, a natural formation resembling a reclining woman.
The trek starts with a steady ascent from Dhak, as the dirt path leaves the road and climbs toward Tugasi village. The trail features a few sharp switchbacks before flattening out, followed by a gradual incline. The terrain is rough here, with sparse greenery to the left of the terraced farms, but the vast views across the Garhwal region more than compensate. Watch for the shimmering silver of the Dhauli-Ganga River winding through the valley below, and catch sight of the Vishnugad Tapovan Hydroelectric Power Station in the distance. Snow is unlikely at this elevation.
Around 20-25 minutes into the hike, we’ll arrive at Kharchi village, where you can refill your water bottles and take a short break. The trail continues on a similar rocky path, with the valley stretching out to the right. The climb steepens with more switchbacks, leading us to Lower Tugasi. Here, the trail splits, and we’ll follow the one running alongside a small hydro-powered flour mill. After another 10 minutes, we’ll reach Upper Tugasi, a picturesque area with fields of flowers and wheat, thatched-roof houses, and small streams flowing through the village.
As we continue the steady ascent, leaving the farmlands behind, the awe-inspiring Dronagiri mountain will come into view, towering dramatically in the distance. We’ll set up camp in open meadows, surrounded by oak forests and with the majestic Dronagiri as our backdrop.
If you're feeling adventurous, ask the trek leader to guide us on a short hike to Gulling Top this afternoon, where you can explore the snow-laden forests on your own. Be ready for breathtaking views of the Dronagiri peak, especially at dawn the next morning when the first light illuminates the majestic mountain, creating a spectacular sight from our campsite.
Day 3: Gulling Top to Tali.
Altitude: 3,350 m/ 11,000 ft.
Travel Time & Distance: 5.5 km km of 5-6 hrs
Make sure to wake up early the next morning for the 5-hour trek into the serene forests of Talli. After the challenging climbs of the previous days, today’s ascent will be gentler, with smooth slopes that make for a more relaxed and enjoyable walk.
About 20 minutes into the trek, you'll reach a wide, open green meadow that offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains. After a brief rest, we’ll continue, crossing a small stream before entering a dense, mixed forest filled with rhododendrons, oaks, and walnuts. If you’re trekking in late March, you might see rhododendrons in bloom, with their white and pink flowers adding a splash of color to the trail.
In the heart of winter, the entire forest is likely to be blanketed in snow, creating a magical landscape of light and shadow in the conifer-covered woods of Gulling. This is where we’ll set up our second camp for the trek.
As we hike, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Hathi-Ghori peaks shining in all their glory, along with Dronagiri mountain, now slightly to the right, adding to the majestic scenery.
Day 4: Tali to Kuari Pass via Khullara Top and back Tali.
Altitude: 3,800 m/ 12,500 ft.
Travel Time & Distance: 7-10 km of 5-6 hrs.
Day four is summit day, and it’s likely to take 7 to 10 hours, depending on your group’s pace. Be prepared for snowy conditions and strong winds along the slopes, and make sure you’re dressed warmly. There won’t be any water sources along the way, so carry enough to last throughout the day.
The initial part of the hike involves a moderate 3.5-kilometer climb toward the Khullara summit. You’ll cross frozen streams and bridges, and the ridge that follows is a steep ascent to the highest point, made even more challenging by the snow. Every 15 minutes or so, you'll get a chance to stop and catch your breath. After about two hours, you’ll reach Jhandi Dhar, a good place to rest. You can have lunch either during the trek or when you reach the temple at the base of Kuari High Pass.
Ensure your shoes are tightly secured. Trekup India will provide high-quality crampons, but you’ll need to bring your own gaiters. If you don’t have any, you can easily purchase them in Joshimath at a reasonable price.
Reaching the summit rewards you with a spectacular panorama of Garhwal’s grand peaks, including Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Balakun, Neelkanth, Mukut Parvat, Kamet, Abhi Gamin, Mana I, Ghori Parvat, Hathi Parvat, Dronagiri, Kalanka, Changabang, Nanda Devi, and Nanda Ghunti.
The beauty of this view is truly unmatched.
Day 5: Tali to Joshimath via Gurson Bugyal and Auli.
Today, we’ll head toward Auli, renowned as the skiing capital of India and one of the most famous destinations in South Asia. We'll explore the breathtaking snow-covered valleys that extend to Gorson Bugyal and enjoy a delightful return trip to Auli. Walking through the Bugyals of Gorson is a relatively easy and pleasant experience, as the terrain is mostly flat. However, heavy winter snowfalls can sometimes render the area less vibrant. By March, as the winter snow begins to thaw, skiing becomes a popular activity in the region.
Upon reaching Auli, you can take a scenic cable car ride to Joshimath. This ride offers stunning views of the picturesque ski resort, the gently sloping snow-covered hills, and the beautiful pine forests tinged with shades of brown.
Day 6: Departure from Joshimath.
On Day 6, you will depart from Joshimath and head towards Rishikesh, covering a distance of 256 kilometers, which will take approximately 10 hours. The journey will begin early in the morning to ensure you arrive in Rishikesh by the evening.
You can expect to reach Rishikesh between 7:00 and 8:00 PM, so plan your travel arrangements for your hometown accordingly.
As you drive back to Rishikesh, take the opportunity to reflect on and cherish the memories of your trek.
Sumit Gupta
Travel Expert
Since 2005 Mr. Sumit Gupta is working hard to provide a best travel experience to each customer in north India. He is based in Dehradun Uttarakhand, providing seemlessly Chardham and other tour services to 1k+ customers every month.
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