Kuari Pass Trek

From: ₹ 9,000

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Duration

5 Night 6 Days

Cancellation

Up to 7 days

Group Size

12 people

Languages

English, Hindi

About this activity

Overview

Known as the “Curzon Trail,” it is a gorgeous moderate-level journey through alpine forests, high-altitude meadows, and quaint mountain villages. The Garhwal Himalayas’ Kuari Pass Trek is perfect for both beginners and seasoned trekkers alike, carrying an altitude of 12,516 feet. The best part is Kuari Pass itself; this offers some of the best panoramic views of some of India’s tallest peaks-Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba.

Thereafter, the trail leads from Joshimath through oak and rhododendron forests and traditional Garhwali villages, giving a firsthand witness to the mountain lifestyle and hospitality. As the climb progresses, these open into vast meadows, or Bugyals, perfect for camping with a backdrop of towering peaks.

Kuari Pass is the climactic summit of the trek and provides a tremendous sense of achievement and awe as trekkers stand atop a ridge with clear, panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The sense of being circumscribed by these enormous, ancient peaks is very humbling, and the beauty in the landscape is surreal and deeply serene. The pass allows one to get a proper view of the utter scale of the Himalayas, which is a sight that takes very long to go away from the depth of the heart.

Quick Facts:

Region: Garhwal, Uttarakhand
Start/ End Point of the Trek: Rishikesh
Duration: 6D/5N
Kuari Pass Trek Height: 12,516 feet
Kuari Pass Trek Difficulty Level: Moderate
Best Time to do Kuari Pass Trek: March to April, September to November.

How to Reach-

The Kuari Pass Trek starts from Rishikesh. To reach there, you can choose from any of the following transport options-

By Road-

Rishikesh is approximately 240 kilometers (150 miles) from Delhi, and the drive takes around 5–6 hours. Regular bus services (including Volvo and state-run buses) operate between Delhi and Rishikesh.

By Train-

Rishikesh has a railway station of its own. Haridwar Railway Station is the closest major railway station, about 25 kilometers (15 miles) from Rishikesh. Haridwar is well-connected to major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Varanasi, and Amritsar. Popular trains like the Shatabdi Express and Jan Shatabdi run daily between Delhi and Haridwar. You can take a local bus, taxi, or shared auto-rickshaw from Haridwar to Rishikesh, which takes around 30–45 minutes.

By Air-

The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Rishikesh. You can take a taxi or a shared cab from Jolly Grant Airport to reach Rishikesh in about 30–45 minutes.

Departure Dates

Available Dates

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Included/Excluded

Transport support from Rishikesh to Rishikesh
Meals starting from Day 1 dinner to breakfast
Camp Accommodation on triple/quad sharing basis
Homestay/Guesthouse accommodation on Day 1 & Day 5
Forest Entry and all toll
Professional guide, and support staff.

Anything which is not included in the above inclusion.
Porters or Mule to carry your personal Luggage.
Any kind of Personal Expenses.
Personal Medication.

Itinerary

Depart from Rishikesh early in the morning.
The drive begins on the Rishikesh-Haridwar Road, heading towards Haridwar, a town well-known for its religious significance.
As you move ahead, the route will take you through the Shivalik Hills and along the banks of the Ganges River.
The early hours provide a chance to witness the stunning, winding river valleys and the lush, green landscapes of the region.
Continue towards Devprayag, where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers merge to form the Ganges.
The views of the confluence are mesmerising and a perfect opportunity for photos.
Continue the journey towards Joshimath, passing through Karnaprayag and Nandaprayag—towns known for their beautiful riverside views and temples.
Arrive in Joshimath, a quaint town located at an altitude of 6,150 feet.
Check into your accommodation and spend the night resting.

After an early breakfast in Joshimath, depart for Dhak Village, the starting point of your trek.
Begin your trek from Dhak Village, following a well-defined trail that gradually ascends through lush oak and rhododendron forests.
Along the trail, you’ll come across magnificent views of the Himalayan range, including glimpses of Nanda Devi and other surrounding peaks.
As you get closer to Gulling Top, the trail opens up to beautiful meadows and views of the snow-capped peaks.
The landscape here is rugged yet enchanting, with the changing terrain adding to the beauty of the trek.
Reach Gulling Top, your campsite for the night.
The evening will be perfect for stargazing as you witness the clear, star-filled skies high in the Himalayas.

Wake up early to catch the first light of dawn over the Himalayas.
Start your trek from Gulling Top, heading towards Khullara Top, a slightly higher campsite.
The trek begins with a gradual ascent through alpine meadows, dotted with colorful wildflowers.
The trail remains easy to follow, winding through gentle inclines and stretches of grassy land, with tall trees occasionally providing shade.
The crisp mountain air and peaceful atmosphere add to the charm of the trek.
Arrive at Khullara Top, the campsite located on a ridge, surrounded by expansive meadows and offering some of the best sunrise and sunset views on the entire trek.
Settle into your tents for the night, enjoying the tranquility and the cold mountain air.

Wake up, enjoy a warm breakfast at the campsite and prepare for the day’s trek, which will be the most challenging and rewarding part.
Begin your trek towards Kuari Pass, a majestic high-altitude pass at an altitude of 12,516 feet.
The trail begins with a steady ascent, offering increasingly spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
The terrain gradually transitions from meadows to rocky paths as you approach the high-altitude pass.
As you ascend, you’ll pass through a variety of terrains, including alpine meadows, rocky ridges, and barren slopes.
The scenery is awe-inspiring, with panoramic views of the snow-covered peaks of Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Trishul, and Chaukhamba.
After approximately 4–5 hours of trekking, reach Kuari Pass, offering a spectacular 360-degree view of the surrounding peaks.
Spend some time at the pass to take in the magnificent scenery, rest, and enjoy the sense of accomplishment.
Later, begin your descent back towards Khullara Top. The return trek will take about 2–3 hours.
Once you reach the campsite, unwind with a cup of tea and snacks as you enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Overnight at Khullara top.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the campsite in Khullara Top while taking in the final views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Begin your descent from Khullara Top towards Dhak Village, following the same trail that you took earlier in the trek.
You will pass through the same picturesque meadows and oak forests.
Reach Dhak Village, where the trek ends, and drive back to Joshimath.
Arrive back in Joshimath.
After checking into your accommodation, you can relax and freshen up after the long trek.
Enjoy a warm dinner, sharing your experiences with fellow trekkers and celebrating the successful completion of the trek.

After a relaxing breakfast in Joshimath, pack up your belongings and get ready for the journey back to Rishikesh.
As you drive through the mountains, you’ll pass along the Alaknanda River and witness the beautiful river valleys, terraced fields, and quaint villages.
Enjoy the views of the Ganges River and the foothills of the Himalayas as you approach your destination.
Upon arrival, you will have time to unwind, reflect on the incredible trek you just completed, and perhaps explore Rishikesh for the evening.

Frequently asked questions

The best time to undertake the Kuari Pass trek is typically during the summer and autumn months, specifically from March to April and September to November. This period offers the most favorable weather conditions for trekking.

The Kuari Pass trek is considered a moderately challenging high-altitude trek. This is a beginner-friendly trek with manageable trekking conditions.

Himtrek does provide easy accessibility to almost all types of equipment required for the Kuari Pass Trek on a rental basis with reasonable prices and extremely good quality. The equipment can be arranged on prior notice.

During the Kuari Pass trek, average daytime temperatures can range from 13°C to 15°C. Nights are much colder, with temperatures often plunging below freezing, temperatures can range from -3°C to -4°C.

The Kuari Pass Trek typically reaches its highest point at 12,516 feet above sea level.

Activity's Location

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India

From: ₹ 9,000

Kuari Pass Trek

About this activity