About Kuari Tapovan Trek
This trek route is popularly called the Curzon trail. It has been
named so, after the Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon. The trek route is
consisting excellent piece of scenic beauty with great Rhododendron
forest. Cross the trek route, covered with meadows – the high peaks
standing at distance will guide you through out the route. Extraordinary
beauty of the Himalayas will show you panoramic views throughout the
route. Nanda Devi peak will be visible from Auli and you will like shiny
beauty in the noon sky, from there. However, more beauties are waiting
for you in the next part of the route. The best part of the trek is from
Khulara. The journey to Tapovan and Joshimath from there is so pleasant
for your eyes that you will forget to close the eye-lids in the entire
route.
The journey of the trek starts from Joshimath. You will have to ride
till 6000 feet from the location to Auli. Natural beauty from the
location with the peaks of Nanda Devi loving your appearance is really a
striking one. From there, you will reach Gorson, the land covered with
lush meadows. It will just look like a second heaven from your spot. The
slopes and the perfection of them will give you a message that nature
god is bet in geometry, if accuracy is concerned. From the Gorson Top,
your next destination will be Tali. Ridges and Himalayan View, while
trekking through the route will appear to be a painting on the canvas.
Snow from all sides of trek is going to give you a perfect show of white
cover.
Experience of the trek route is surely going to be a special one in
your memory. Such outstanding features of topography collected
altogether will not only please you, but will make you dreamy. Changes
of the background of your portrait are so elaborative and prominent,
that you will remain in dilemma, regarding which canvas to choose. The
lush meadows will seem to have doubled the gravitational force of earth,
while the coming up snow laden mountain tops are no less than them. You
will feel that you are attached to them for eternal lives, otherwise
how you can feel so much magnetic feel from them. Rataban, Ghori Parbat
along with Hathi Parbat, from the Kuaripass, will confuse you totally.
All the mountains will look similar, but you will feel amused to feel
that all the mountains are pulling you with different magnetism.
Area : Garhwal Himalayas
Duration : 09 Days (3 days travel/6 days trekking)
Best Season : Mid May - Mid October
Grade :Moderate
Altitude : 4150 mts
Total Trekking : 66 K.M
Kuari Tapovan Trekking Tours Highlights
- Amble over the lush meadows of Gorson.
- Relish the view of the magnificent peak, like Kedarnath (6,940 m), Chaukhamba (7,138 m), Neelkanth (6,596 m), Kamet (7,756 meters), Gauri Parbat (6,708 meters), Hathi Parbat (6,727 meters), Nanda Devi (7,816 meters), Bethartoli (6316 meters) and Dunagiri (2,400 meters, from the Kuari pass.
- Explore the ancient trading route.
Best Time to Visit
April to June and September November is the ideal time to do this trek. One can also do this trek from November to March.
Summer (April to June): 19°C to 29°C
April marks the onset of summer season, and this is the best time to go for trekking.
Monsoon (July to Mid September): Avoid trekking during the monsoon season as the roads remain blocked due to rain, and there are more chances of landslides.
Autumn (Mid September - Early November) – is also a good time to go for trekking. During this time of the year, you will experience lush greenery all round.
Winter (Mid November to March): (-8) °C to 12°C
During the winter season, trekking here becomes little difficult as
heavy snowfall tend to occur. If planning to trek in the winter months,
don't forget to carry heavy woolen clothes and shoes. Otherwise, it will
be little difficult to survive.
Where is the Kuari-Tapovan?
A part of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Kuari is a mountain pass in
Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Located at an elevation of 4265 meters
above sea level, the pass has always been a center of attraction for all
the trekkers and is known for its unique wild grandeur. The pass is a
wonderful place to relax amid the scenery and see the view of the peaks
like Kedarnath (6,940 m), Chaukhamba (7,138 m), Neelkanth (6,596 m),
Kamet (7,756 meters), Gauri Parbat (6,708 meters), Hathi Parbat (6,727
meters), Nanda Devi (7,816 meters), Bethartoli (6316 meters) and
Dunagiri (2,400 meters)
How to Reach?
By Air: Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport, which is 260 Km from Joshimath.
By Rail: Haridwar Railway Station is the nearest rail-head, which is 270Km from Joshimath.
By Road: Joshimath is well connected with other parts of Uttarakhand.
Kuari Tapovan Trek (Detailed Itinerary)
Day 01: Delhi – Haridwar - Rishikesh
In the morning we will board Shatabdi Express at 06.50 AM for Haridwar. It will take around 4½ hours by train to reach at Haridwar. After you reach at Haridwar you will meet our tour Guide. Haridwar is one of the prominent 7 holy cities for the Hindu devotees. People say that here the footprints of Lord Vishnu were found on the bank of the holy Ganga River, giving the holy river its sacredness. Positioned at the base of the incredible Shivalik Hills, Haridwar is the city from where the River Ganga passes through the mountains and begins its long journey of (2000 kms) across different parts of the cities India and finally concludes at the Bay of Bengal.The route of this sacred and life giving river Ganga also called as Maa Ganga was home to one of the most prehistoric civilizations in the world. On arrival at this sacred city Haridwar you must visit the famous 'Ghats' situated besides the banks of the River Ganga where thousands of devotees arrive to offer their prayers and take a holy dip in the consecrated Ganges.
Haridwar is the doorway for the pilgrims to the Hindu place of worship at Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri and Gangotri further up in the soaring mountains. All these are significant are destinations, every Hindu is to visit these consecrated shrines to get salvation. Kumbh Mela, one of the major events that hold's a lot of significance for the Hindus is celebrated here in Haridwar. It is the biggest parishioners of people in the globe.
From here we will move ahead to our next destination Rishikesh. It will take about 45 minutes to reach Rishikesh by road. In the evening we will visit the Ganga river bank to attend and be a part of the spectacular and moving Aarti with sounds and chanting. Rishikesh is well known for its picturesque exquisiteness and the incredible spiritual experience.
Surrounded by the Shivalik Range of the Himalayas, it is fabled that when Raibhya Rishi performed penance hard on the banks of the holy Ganga River, God Vishnu appeared by the name of "Hrishikesh" and presently famously known as Holy city "Rishikesh". We will stay overnight in the hotel.
Day 02: Rishikesh – Joshimath (245 kms/8-10 hrs)
After having an early wholesome breakfast we will drive to Joshimath and pass through Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnprayag and Nandprayag the famous convergence of the Garhwal Himalayas. On arrival at Joshimath check in to hotel. Dinner and overnight in a hotel in Joshimath.Day 03: Joshimath – Auli – Gorson Bugyal
After having early breakfast we will drive toward Auli. One of the finest ski resorts in the country and also famous for its ropeway connection from the Joshimath. Here meet our trekking crew and trek to Gorson Bugyal a spectacular high altitude grassland and also known for its picturesque views and unending rolling meadows and blossoming wild flowers (3 kilometers) it is a very easy and relaxing trek with altitudes varying from (2591 metres to 3049 meters) and while on the way of the trail you can see loads of fabulous Himalayan peaks. Arrangements made for dinner and an overnight stay in tents.Day 04: Gorson - Tali (9 kms /5 to 6 hours)
Today we will start the trek a little early, in order to see and capture the fabulous view at the pass. The trail from Dhakwani moves ahead and continues to ascend through the forest till the time we cross away the tree line. From this point, the trail pass through to the left of the valley that is just below the pass and continues further on with a series of ascends and descends leading towards the pass. While on the way you can take some time out for relaxing in the midst of stunning surrounds and enjoy taking photographs of the spectacular surrounds at the pass.The trail from the pass climbs further till you reach at the top. From this point you can see incredible views of the Dronagiri peak. Afterwards, the trail descends downwards to a point with a divergence to Tali and Tapovan. If you will continue the trail to Tali, you will reach a crest with a temple with prayer flags. From this point the magnificent Nanda Devi peak comes into view. The trail further goes past pastures and then enters a forest leading toward the campsite situated at Tali. We will be staying overnight in the tents.
Day 05: Tali - Kuaripass base
On this day we will begin our trek from Tali to Kuaripass base. Today we will be trekking along the ridge; the trail gradually ascends towards the ridge above Tali. Just underneath the pass, the trail passes through an extensive meadow offering fabulous views of the Himalayan Range. In the North of Joshimath is the Chaukhamba range, Narayan Parbat (5965 metres) and Neelkanth (6596m) and while the Abi Gamin (7355 metres), Kamet (7756 metres) and Mana peak (7272metres) extend towards the Tibetan border.In the middle of the foreground, the main Himalayas in the surrounding area of the Bhiyundar valley and Hem Kund include Doonagiri (7066 metres), Rataban (6166 metres), Hathi Parbat (6727 metres), Ghori Parbat (6708 metres), and Nilgiri Parbat (6474 metres) dominates the peaks to the North side of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. The Kuaripass (3840 metres) is by not a very demanding trek; here we will have lunch and then go downward for about an hour to the reach at base camp located at Khulara.
Day 06: Kuaripass base - Kuaripass - Khulara
The Kuaripass trek is also mostly referred as "Curzon trail". The trek in this segment of the region is moderately challenging, but it is worth as while on the trail you get spectacular views of the towering snow covered mountains which is a treat for the eyes.Day 07: Khulara - Tapovan - Joshimath
It is the last day of the trek is a relaxing and leisurely walk. Today, we will trek all the way down towards Tapovan. Afterwards from here it is just about (1 hours) drive to Joshimath. After reaching at Joshimath you can relax and unwind in the hotel.Day 08: Joshimath - Rishikesh
After having wholesome breakfast we will drive to Rishikesh. We will be having Lunch on the way. Upon your arrival at Rishikesh check into the hotel and get some rest. Evening time is free to travel around and explore the marketplace, and purchase local souvenirs. We will be staying overnight at the hotel.Day 09: Rishikesh - Delhi
In the morning transfer to Haridwar train station and catch AC train for Delhi at 06:05 hrs. Arrival at Delhi by 11:45 hrs.Tour & Services End.
Things to Carry for Kuari Tapovan Trek
- Windproof jacket
- Warm and thick Fleece / Full-sleeve
- Woolen sweater
- Thermal inner wear (upper & lower)
- Woolen cap, Woolen gloves
- Woolen socks and regular socks (3-4 pairs)
- Scarf/muffler (optional)
- Comfortable Trekking/Hiking shoes
- Lightweight floaters/sandals/slippers
- Raincoat / Poncho
- Small light weight towel
- Sturdy Water bottle
- Cap / Hat
- Sun glasses
- Walking stick / Trekking pole
- Sunscreen Lotion
- Lip Balm
- Torch / Flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Personal medications
- Personal toiletries
