Kuari Pass Trek

Kuari Pass Trek

INR 8,999/-

Trek Overview

Located in the heart of Garhwal Himalayas, Kuari Pass is one of the most magnificent sites in India to explore, acting as an amphitheatre for the stalwart Himalayan mountain range.

The trek is also known as Lord Curzon's Trail because it was Lord Curzon who made this beautiful discovery. Being an easy trek, it is an absolute blessing for anyone not prepared for a rigorous trek yet wanting to experience trekking.

The trail offers a 360-degree view of peaks from the 7,000m club including Trishul, Kamet, Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, and Nanda Devi East, along with Mukut Parbat, Mana, Rishi Pahad, Changbang, Nanda Ghunti, Hathi Ghoda Parbat, Neelkanth and Dronagiri.

Highlights

Dense oak and rhododendron forests of ancient origin, interspersed with open grounds and lush green meadows, make the trek much more interesting and intriguing.

The campsites — Khulla with Mt. Dronagiri forming the backdrop, and Chitrakantha amidst mighty forests — are ethereal and awe-inspiring.

Difficulty & Distance

Kuari Pass is classified as an easy-moderate trek, ideal for beginners despite its high altitude, rocky terrain and steep climbs. Average daily trekking is 4-5 hours, except on the pass-crossing day which takes about 8 hours.

Starting from Dhak through Kuari Pass up to Auli, the trail covers a complete distance of 21.5 km.

Best Time & How to Reach

The finest time to do the Kuari Pass trek is within March, April and May, or in the post-monsoon season for exceptionally clear skies.

By Air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. By Train/Bus: Haridwar has excellent connectivity with Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow and other major cities.

Itinerary

Day 1: Haridwar pickup and drive to Joshimath

Altitude 6,724 ft · 256 km · 10-12 hours

Journey begins at Haridwar Railway Station, following Badrinath Road up to Joshimath, passing the Panchprayag — five sacred confluences of the Ganga.

Day 2: Joshimath to Dhak to Gulling Top

6,724 ft → 9,600 ft · 18 km · 4 hours trekking

Drive to Dhak village then trek uphill through the 'Sleeping Lady Mountain' trail, past Kharchi and Tugasi villages, camping near Dronagiri peak views.

Day 3: Gulling Top to Tali Top and descent to Tali forest basecamp

9,600 ft → 11,070 ft · 4 km · 3-4 hours

A moderate ascent through oak and rhododendron forest with views of Nanda Devi, Kalanka, Changbang, Dronagiri, Hathi Parvat and Gori Parvat.

Day 4: Tali Forest to Kuari Pass and back via Khullara

11,800 ft → 12,516 ft · 14 km · 9-10 hours

The steep ridge climb along Lord Curzon's Trail offers a 360-degree Himalayan panorama, before returning via Jhandi Top to Tali forest camp.

Day 5: Tali forest camp to Joshimath via Gurson Bugyal and Auli

11,480 ft → 6,724 ft · 21 km · 7 hours

Descend through the snow-covered valleys of Gorson Bugyal to Auli, India's skiing capital, then take the cable car ride down to Joshimath.

Day 6: Drive from Joshimath to Haridwar

256 km · 10 hours

Cabs arranged at Joshimath drop you to Haridwar railway station.