Kuari Pass
Overview
Located in the heart of Garhwal Himalayas, Kuari Pass is one of the most magnificent treks in Uttarakhand to explore. Being an easy trek, it is an absolute blessing for anyone who is not prepared for a rigorous one and yet wants to experience the marvelous feeling of wandering along the trails of relatively unspoiled wilderness. The maximum altitude of the trek is 12,763 ft. The trek is also known as Lord Curzon’s Trails because it was Lord Curzon who happened to make the discovery of this trek-route. Several regions of the trek allow you to have a 360-degree view of the Himalayan peaks which undoubtedly form the heart of the trek. It offers the view of peaks from 7000 meters club including Trishul (7120m), Kamet (7756m), Nanda Devi (7817m), Chaukhamba (7128m), and the majestic twin peaks of Nanda Devi East (7434m). Other prominent peaks that make their appearance include Mukut Parbat, Mana, Rishi Pahad, and Changbang, Nanda Ghunti, Hathi Ghoda Parbat, Neelkanth, Dronagiri, and many such mountains tops. The trek commences at Joshimath, which lies in the Chamoli district of Himalayas. Gradually, Joshimath has come to be popular as a hub for trekkers and pilgrims in the Gharwal region of the Himalayas. Apart from mighty mountain ranges, the region is also the home of several perennial rivers which most importantly includes the Pancha-Prayag – namely, Devprayag, Karnaprayag, and Rudraprayag. Other rivers include Pinder, Kaliganga, Nandakini, Buriganga & Dhauli Ganga. Another treasure that this trail beholds is the cultural treasure, the small remote hamlets that you will cross through on your way uphill. It will enrich your knowledge about the culture and life of mountain folks. Flora and fauna found in the place make it even more captivating and enticing. Himalayan black bears and the paw prints of leopards are also sometimes sighted on the track uphill. The trail is almost throughout accompanied by thick forest covers with mixed vegetation of Oak, rhododendrons, and other coniferous trees. In the month of March, the glimpses of white and pink cherry blossoms are seen. The trail with a combination of smooth and rugged terrain, mostly covered with snow is no less than a paradise for trek enthusiasts.
Highlights
One of the major attractions of the trek is the expanse of dense forest consisting of oak and rhododendrons. The forests are of ancient origin which makes them even more spectacular. The trails make its way through patches of thick forests followed by open grounds and lush green meadows further followed by forests. This interplay of landscapes makes the trek much more interesting and intriguing.
A gorgeous feature that attracts swarms of people from across the globe to this place is the army of mountains that it unravels to you- starting from Nandadevi and Dronagiri and further ascending to the sight of Neelkanth, Mukut Parbat, Rishi Pahad, Changbang, and the like. The view of the horizon adorned with these jewels is beautiful enough to restore the dead to life. Kuari Pass trek with the view of such a skyline introduces you to the eternal beauty of Earth.
Another major highlight which makes Kuari Pass Trek a wonder that it is, is the ethereal setting of the campsites. Contrary to the popular belief that trekking is all about ascending and descending rush, Kuari Pass trek compels you to pause. It offers you the campsite that makes you want to stay and adore the blessings of nature. Whether it be the Khulla campsite with Mt. Dronagiri forming the backdrop or the campsite at Chitrakantha amidst the mighty forests, everything about the campsites at Kuari Pass Trek is awe-inspiring.
Short Itinerary
Rishikesh pickup and drive to Joshimath/Lower Auli
Joshimath/Lower Auli to Dhak to Gulling Top
Guling Top to Khullara/Tali Campsite
Khullara/Tali Campsite to Kuari Pass and return to Khullara campsite/Tali Campsite
Khullara camp - Lower/AuliJoshimath via Gurson bugyal (11150 ft) and Auli (9680 ft)
Drive from Lower Auli/Joshimath to Rishikesh
Includes
Transport
Forest Permit and entrance fee
Accommodation in Hotel Auli / Joshimath
Accommodation in tents on twin share basis
All meals: breakfast, packed lunch, tea, coffee, snacks, soup and dinner
High quality tents
Excludes
Personal insurance
Personal use trekking equipment
Tipping to guide and porter
Domestic airport tax (RS 170 = USD 3)
Donation to the local people Medical Certificate
On first day En Route to base camp the Breakfast and Lunch are Not Included
Health and Safety
- Balance: As well said a balanced mind and body gives out best in every condition and that too works in Himalayan treks as well.
- Legs Strength : Body and Legs Strength is required to carry body weight as well as the backpack while trekking in uneven multi terrains. Generally, a good strength on legs works out good in any Trek. One can gain legs strength by doing simple Squats.
- Muscle Flexibility : While trekking in Trans Himalayan region with a flexible body one can easily achieve full range of movement and this can be really helpful for trekkers as well as trek leads. A good flexible will be an advantage while walking on trails, climbing and river crossing etc. Flexibility can be achieved by simple stretching, yoga etc.
- Cardiovascular Endurance: Cardiovascular endurance is defined as the ability of lungs and heart to transmit oxygen to the body muscles. All Himalayan treks are basically ascending descending the slopes and for this trekkers should be having a good cardiovascular endurance. Anyone planning for a Himalayan trek can attain this capacity by doing any cardio exercise like running, swimming, cycling etc.
Cancellation
Cancellation charges are based on the total trek fee, irrespective of the amount paid either full or partial.
The cancellation policy is based on the original booking time and original start date of the trek.
- Cancel before 30 days of trek start date and get full refund after deduction of 2.5% payment processing fee.
- Cancel before 15 days of trek start date and get refund after deduction of 20% of total trek fee.
- Cancel before 10 days of trek start date and get refund after deduction of 40% of total trek fee.
- Cancel before 5 days of trek start date and get refund after deduction of 60% of total trek fee.
- Trek fee is non-refundable if you cancel within 4 days before trek start date.
Have any questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Kuari Pass is classified under the category of the easy-moderate trek. Therefore this is considered as the most ideal trek for a beginner. Yet being a trek it offers its own sets of challenges, which include the high altitude, rocky terrains, and trail that involves a steep climb. One should, hence, be both physically fit and ideally equipped before undertaking the trek. The trek starts at an altitude of 6,900 feet from Dhak which further reaches up to a maximum altitude of 12,763 feet above sea Level which is encountered at the pass. The temperature variations and the weather conditions are also fierce which demands before-hand preparations. The average trek duration experienced everyday forms an average of 4-5 hours except on the day involving the crossing of the pass when it takes an average of 8 hours. This short span of the trek is another factor which makes it favourable for beginners.
Starting from Dhak through Kuari pass up to Auli, the trail covers a complete distance of 33 km. Kuari Pass Trek is extremely flexible in the context of its itinerary and trail because it can be approached from many different tracks. If approached with Dhak as the starting point, further two trails options are available up to Khullara campsite- one through Guling and another through Akhrotghetta. On the way down from Auli, there are again two options for camping which include the beautiful site of Chitrakantha and Tali.
Starting from
₹7900 +5% GST
Best Season:October To March