About Kuari Pass Trek
One of the most popular treks in the Indian Himalayan region that is
located in the Garhwal Himalaya, the Kuari Pass trek draw in thousands
of explorers from all over the world every year. The route to Kuari Pass
was once traversed by Lord Curzon in 1905 and hence the Kuari Pass trek
is often dubbed as 'Lord Curzon Trail'. The trek passes through the
thick alpine forests of oak and conifer, Rhododendron and birch, teeming
with a variety of animals and birds life and NOT TO YOUR SURPRISE, you
may even come across leopard pugmarks or a Himalayan black bear on this
trail. The trek to Kuari Pass is thus connected with each and every
elements of adventure that embarks upon often and on steep ascends and
descends, narrow and tricky paths and gushing streams. Further, the
journey is worth the effort something you will soon realize when you
capture the picturesque silver horizon keeping parallel to the spotless
blue sky. Throughout the trail you can simply treat your eyes on the
spectacular views of the Trishul at 7,120 meters, Kedarnath at 6,968
meters, Kamet's pyramid of granite 7,756 meters, Neelkanth at 6,596
meters, the square-topped summits of Gauri Parbat and Hathi Parbat,
Badrinath, the icy crest of Dunagiri, Rishikot, Changabang at 6,864
meters and the legendary twin peaks of Nanda Devi at 7,740 meters.
Area : Garhwal Himalayas
Duration : 9 Days (6 days trekking and 3 days travelling)
Best Season : Mid April - November
Grade :Moderate
Altitude : 4150 mts
Total Trekking : 55 K.M
The trek to Kuari Pass starts from Selu Bagar, which is a drive able distance from Ghat. The trail from Selu Bagar heads to Ghunni, which is a short trek of approximately 2–3 hours. From Ghunni the trail snakes through a rich undulating landscape that is bedded with several species of alpine trees and wild flowers. You will also come across a small village, Ramni, which is inhabited by a Himalayan tribe who are living a harmonious life full of colours and spirits. Thereafter, the trek to Kuari Pass becomes strenuous as the trail continues with a steep climb to Jhinjhi village en route to Vinayak Pass. Throughout the trail, from Ghunni to Jhinjhi that traverses through an open meadow with stunning views of some of the Himalayan jewels, one can frame the panorama of Nanda Ghunti and Chaukhamba. Gradually the journey passes through the beautiful forests of Rhododendron, followed by pasture grasslands for sheeps and cattle with some nomadic huts. At Vinayak Pass one can pay a visit to the Ganesha temple that is embroidered with a prayer flag. From Jhinjhi the trail continues along the river Birahi Ganga and leads to Pana village. From Pana the trek to Kuari Pass via Dakhwani cuts across every element of nature, thick forest, streams, varied landscapes and wildlife making it truly surreal. The trek downhill from Kuari Pass leads to Tali and thereafter to Joshimath via Auli.
Kuari Pass Trekking Tour Highlights
- The lush green Gorson meadow
- Grand views of 4 peaks of Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Mana, Kamet, Hathi, Ghodi, Trishul, Nandaghunti, Nanda Devi, Dunagiri
- Witness an ancient trading route.
- Tali lake
- Verdant forest
- Panchachuli base camp
Best Time to Visit
Temperature in summer remains between 19̊C to 29̊C while in winter the temperature falls upto -8̊C and the maximum temperature can go up to 12̊C. Thus, these two seasons are fit for the trek to Kuari Pass.Weather in Kuari Pass
Summer: Kuari Pass Trek is best during summer season starting from April till mid-June. The calm and pleasing summer sun makes the trek enjoyable. Carrying Light woolens is adviced.
Monsoon: In monsoon, the route becomes muddy and slippery for the trekkers. It is better to avoid trekking in this season.
Spring: Spring month's mid-September to early November are considered best time to trek Kuari Pass. The trekking is fun with lush greenery all around and the calm weather.
Winter: The trek becomes difficult during the winter season. Heavy woolen clothes and shoes are must for trekking during winter.
Where is the Kuari Pass?
Kuari Pass is located in the vicinity of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, which is at an altitude of 4265 meters above sea level. Kuari Pass is the major trekking destination in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The Pass is at the center of the most incredible regions of Garhwal and is known for its unique wild grandeur. The background below the valley is the entrance to the formidable Rishi Gorge, which was once considered un-penetrable. Kuari Pass is has a moderate altitude of 12,200 feet but it is replete with views that are unprecedented. The camping grounds of Gulling, Chitrakantha & Tali are the major attractions of the trek. The trails leading from Tali Top to Kuari Pass gives an impression of doing a full an alpine expedition as one traverse through grounds that are layered with snow. For the first-timers, the Kuari Pass trek can be an enthralling experience as the trek includes rock climbing, walking through the dense forests and the snow-laden trails.How to Reach Kuari Pass?
By Air: Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport, which is 208Km from Nandprayag and 268Km from Joshimath.By Rail: Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest rail-head, which is 191Km from Nandprayag and 251Km from Joshimath.
By Road: Nandprayag and Joshimath is well connected with other parts of Uttarakhand.
Kuari Pass Trek (Detailed Itinerary)
Day 01: Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh
In the morning, take an AC train for Haridwar at 06:50 hrs. After arriving at Haridwar, meet our guide and who will help you transfer to Rishikesh and assist you with checking in to your hotel. Evening time is free for leisure activities. Overnight stay at the hotel.Day 02: Rishikesh - Nandprayag - Ghat (210 kms/7-8 hrs)
After the breakfast, we will drive towards the Ghat via Devprayag. The Ghat is the base of our trek. Arrival at the Ghat by evening, here we will have a night stay at a guest house.Day 03: Ghat - Sutol - Ghunni (14 kms by road & 3 kms trek)
In the morning, we will board local jeep for Sutol village, and from here trek to Ghunni village. In this day, we will camp at Ghunni school ground. Overnight stay in the tent.Day 04: Ghunni - Jhinjhi Village (14 kms/6-7 hrs)
Today, we shall wake up early as the day is scheduled for a long trek towards Jhinjhi village. The trek is a mix of many up & down. Overnight stay in the tents.Day 05: Jhinjhi - Pana Village (14 kms/6-7 hrs)
After breakfast, we will set out for the Pana village. Today, we will be trekking through a valley, forest, along the river and finally cross the bridge. We will pitch our tents at Pana village. Dinner and overnight in the tents.Day 06: Pana - Dakhwani (14 kms/6 hrs)
Today, we will be trekking towards Dakhwani, the trek is mix of forest, alpine meadow, water fountains and side streams. Overnight stay in the tents.Day 07: Dakhwani - Kuari Pass (3800 mts/ ft) - Tali (9 kms/5-6 hrs)
After an early breakfast, we will trek towards Tali meadow via Kuari Pass Trail. One will be able to see the magnificent view of peaks like Dronagiri, Nanda Devi, Changbang, Hathi Godhi Parvat etc from the pass. Overnight stay in tents.Day 08: Tali - Auli- Joshimath - Rudraprayag (7 kms trek and 115 kms drive/7-8 hrs)
The last day of our trek is going to be easy. We will trek towards Auli meadow, which is one of the beautiful ski resorts in Indian Himalaya. From there, we will drive downwards to Rudraprayag via Joshimath, Chamoli and Karnprayag. Overnight stay in hotel in Rudraprayag.Day 09: Rudraprayag – Haridwar (160 kms/5 hrs) - Delhi
In the morning after the breakfast, we will drive to Haridwar and from here catch AC Train for Delhi at 18:05 hrs. Arrival at Delhi by 22:45 hrs.Tour & Services End.
Things to Carry for Kuari Pass Trek
The following list only mentions the essential elements. You have to prepare a list of clothes and small personal articles that will be needed during the trek.- A small backpack of about 40 ltr. It shall contain all that is required during a trekking day.
- A kit-bag with padlock or a big backpack. It will contain the 12 kg of personal belongings, which will be carried by porters. We advise you to protect the inside of the kit-bag with a plastic bag.
- A good sleeping bag.
- A walking stick (optional).
- A frontal lamp or an electric torch.
- A foam mattress is provided, but if you have a self-inflating mattress, we advise you to bring it.
- Hiking shoes.
- A sweater
- A fleece jacket
- A waterproof jacket preferably Gore-Tex
- Good trousers
- Waterproof trousers preferably Gore-Tex
- Gloves and cap
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream
- A water bottle
Fixed Departure Dates 2018
| 04 May, 2018 | 11 May, 2018 | 18 May, 2018 |
| 25 May, 2018 | 01 June, 2018 | 08 June, 2018 |
| 15 June, 2018 | 22 June, 2018 | 14 September, 2018 |
| 21 September, 2018 | 28 September, 2018 | 05 October, 2018 |
| 12 October, 2018 | 19 October, 2018 | 26 October, 2018 |
| 09 November, 2018 | 23 November, 2018 |
