Trek to Kuari Pass [Premium]
If you’re looking for an easy trail to start your Himalayan journey, look no further, Kuari Pass trek is the just the right trek for you. This easy to moderate trail was discovered back in early 1900s by the then Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon. The trail then got named after the keen trekker and has been called the Lord Curzon trail ever since. Kuari pass trek height is 13,989 ft (4,264 m), this trail is blazing with gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains, mystical forests and breathtakingly gorgeous meadows.
Situated in the heart of the Garhwal region in Uttarakhand, this trail offers a diverse terrain that is perfect for a beginner to explore the Himalayas and fall in love with it. The total Kuari pass trek distance is 40+ kms.
Snow Trekking
The winters are a great way to explore the Garhwal region when it is drenched entirely in snow. Kuari Pass Trek offers the best experience during winters. The forests would be making way to the autumn and the meadows would be carpeted in snow. For a first-timer, this is a brilliant opportunity to trek through the thrilling terrains of the Himalayas. If you’ve trekked to the Himalayas before, this trek will surely be an epic snow adventure waiting to happen.
Rhododendron Forests:
All through the Kuari pass trek, you get to trek through the mystical and ancient forests adorned with Oak and Rhododendron trees. The forests are a perfect treat for photography lovers with tall trees touching the sky, the rays of the sun making its way through the canopy to the ground and a trail with a clearing leading to a magical meadow.
The Views!
The Kuari Pass trek route goes through Nanda Devi Sanctuary. The entire trek route gives you a good close up view of the revered Mt. Nanda Devi along with other peaks such as Mt. Chaukamba, Mt. Dronagiri, Hathi Parvat, Ghoda Parvat, and Trishul Parvat. All of this makes this trek a perfect escapade from the monotony of daily life. Best time for Kuari pass trek is considered to be in the spring season. But Kuari pass winter trek is a different experience altogether.
Picture Perfect Campsites
Ever imagined what it would feel like to wake up with a view of the snow-capped mountains? This trek is all about picture-perfect campsites and great camping experiences for kuari pass winter trek. Cozy up in your camps with blankets or brave the snow and chat the night away in front of a bonfire, make new friendships and be a true nature’s nomad. When you camp in the Himalayas, you’ll get to experience what a nomadic life feels like. Making this wild enough for an unforgettable experience.
Panch Prayag
To reach the Kuari pass trek Uttarakhand, you have to travel via the five sacred river confluences in the Garhwal Himalayas. Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag, and Vishnuprayag in the ascending flow sequence of their occurrence.
- Devprayag is the confluence of the two holy rivers, the Bhagirathi - the chief stream of the Ganges and the Alaknanda. It is the first Prayag on the way to Badrinath. Beyond this confluence, the river is known as the Ganges.
- Rudra Prayag is the confluence where the river Alaknanda meets the Mandakini River. The confluence is named after god Shiva, who is also known as Rudra.
- Karn Prayag is the location where Alaknanda River is joined by the Pindar River that originates from the Pindar glacier, below the Nanda Devi Mountain range.
- Nandaprayag is the confluence where the Mandakini River joins the main Alaknanda River.
- Vishnuprayag - The Alaknanda River, which originates from Satopanth glacier is joined by the Dhauli Ganga River near Joshimath (on Joshimath - Badrinath route). Alaknanda flows in front of the Badrinath temple, one of the most revered Hindu shrines.
Location
Highlights
- 4 Treks in one trip
- 1N stay at Auli
- 3N camping stay along the trail
- Travel via the 4 major confluences of River Ganga
- Camp along the trail to Kuari Pass
- Trek to Khullara and get a glimpse of Pangarchulla Peak
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Rishikesh and witness the Ganga Arati
- Day 2: Travel to Auli via 4 holy confluence on River Ganga (Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnprayag, Nandprayag).
- Day 3: Trek to Taali from Auli via Gorson Bugyal
- Day 4: Acclimatisation trek to Gorson Top
- Day 5: Trek to Kuari Pass and then to base camp at Khullara
- Day 6: Trek to Dhak from Khullara and then take a jeep drive to Joshimath
- Day 7: Travel back to Rishikesh
- Day 8: Travel back home
OR
- Day 1: Arrive in Rishikesh and witness the Ganga Arati
- Day 2: Travel to Joshimath via 4 holy confluence on River Ganga (Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnprayag, Nandprayag).
- Day 3: Travel to Dhak and Trek to Guling from Joshimath
- Day 4: Trek to Khullara
- Day 5: Trek to Kuari Pass and then to base camp at Khullara
- Day 6: Trek to Dhak from Khullara and then take a jeep drive to Joshimath
- Day 7: Travel back to Rishikesh
- Day 8: Travel back home
Detailed Itinerary for Kuari Pass Trek:
Day 1: Rishikesh
Altitude: 1,220 ft (372 m)
For the Kuari pass trek, arrive in Rishikesh and check in to the hotel. Meet your fellow trekkers in a meet and greet session where you will also be prepped for the upcoming trek. In the evening, head out to witness the magnificent Ganga Arati and explore the authentic local cultures of India. Stay the night at Rishikesh.
Day 2: Auli
Altitude: 8,218 ft (2,505 m)
Travel Duration: 7-8 hours
On day 2 you start your journey from Rishikesh to Auli for kuari pass trek india. Witness the four confluences of the sacred River Ganga (Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandprayag) en route and also get the very first glimpse of the snow-clad peaks when you're about to arrive in Joshimath. Check in to the hotel and stay the night at Joshimath.
Day 3: Taali
Altitude: 10,887 ft (3,318 m)
Trek Duration: 6-8 hours
Kuari pass trek route starts from here. On day 3, we start trekking towards Taali from Auli. During this trek, we meander through the narrow pathways right behind the Gorson Top trail. The trail is gorgeous with an open meadow all through. Tonight, we camp in Taali.
Day 4: Gorson Top
Altitude: 12,772 ft (3,893 m)
Trek Duration: 6 hours
Today we start trekking from Taali to Gorson Top. This trek, although slightly steep, is breathtaking and extremely rewarding because of the majestic views of the revered Mt. Nanda Devi, Hathi Parvat, Ghoda Parvat, Mt. Neelkant and the mighty Mt. Dronagiri.
Day 5: Kuari Pass
Altitude: 13,989 ft (4,264 m)
Trek Duration: 6 hours
Wake up early and start your trek to Kuari Pass. Get enchanted with the majestic views along the way. On the kuari pass trek route, you will get to see various Himalayan peaks and frozen waterfalls along the way as you head towards your camp to Khullara base. Today's trek will be the toughest and you challenging as you will be trekking in snow entirely. Kuari pass trek height is 13,989 ft (4,263 m).
Day 6: Joshimath
Altitude: 6,150 ft (1,875 m)
Trek Duration: 6 hours
Today is an easy trek to Dhak through the beautiful meadows and small villages. We will pass through Dhak, a smaller block in Joshimath. The views of peaks like Hathi Ghoda, Barmal & Mana will be your constant companion in today’s trek. We will reach Dhak by afternoon. Travel to Johsimath and stay overnight.
Day 7: Rishikesh
Altitude: 1,220 ft (372 m)
On your last day, you travel back to Rishikesh from Joshimath via road.
Day 9: Your City
Travel back to your city.
Trek Insurance
Trekking in the Himalayas comes with its own set of risks. While adventure is fun and can be extremely thrilling, nature can be unpredictable, and to help secure you during your trek, it is of utmost importance that you are covered with insurance.
We've gone a step ahead and made sure that you don't have to worry about scouting for the best insurance option out there. When you trek with us, your insurance comes as a part of your inclusions. To know more about the benefits covered and sum insured, click here.
Risk and Liability
We will endeavor to make your program smooth and as pleasant as possible. However, the entire course of trekking depends on the ranges of the mighty mountains, physical health, and environmental conditions. Therefore, TrekNomads shall not be responsible for any changes in the itineraries due to unavoidable circumstance and natural disasters such as landslide, road blockage, flood, snowing, cancellation of flight and delay, any types of sickness including altitude sickness.
Fitness Criteria
This trek requires a good level of fitness.
If you're not already following a fitness regime, you would need to follow the regime that will be shared with you. The training routine is spread over four months and you would be expected to work out at least 4 times a week. The regime is designed to help you climb smarter even in higher altitudes. The regime consists of a good combination of exercises that works on all parts of your body including - Upper Body, Core, Endurance, Lower Body, Shoulder strength and along with streamlining your breathing pattern. When followed religiously, you can rest assured that you will be ready for the trek. Not only does this regime help you with the trek, but it will also help you inculcate a sense of fitness in your day-to-day life.
Do’s and Don’ts:
- We believe in leaving the mountains in a better condition, which is why we follow a no-litter policy on our treks. Each trekker will have to bring back the waste that is created during the trek.
- Trekking is best enjoyed when you’ve worn comfortable clothes. Try and avoid wearing Jeans, bright colours and heavy apparels as much as possible.
- A lighter backpack always helps you have a better trek, try and carry just as much as needed.
- Always be in sight of your trek lead, if you feel the need to stop for any reason at all, please keep the trek lead informed.
- If you do come across any reptiles, animals or even insects during the trek, please keep your calm and let it patiently pass by. Any kind of noise and panic will scare them as well.
- Do not venture out into the forest/waterfalls on your own as it may be dangerous.
- Trekking is a good adventure, having said that, it is our primary responsibility to take good care of ourselves and be compassionate towards fellow trekkers
- If, at any point, during the trek, you feel uneasy or unwell, please inform the trek lead immediately
- Tune in to the sounds of nature while on a trek and avoid carrying speakers or playing music during the course of the trek
- To help you enjoy the trek to the fullest, we avoid smoking and consumption of alcohol, and other intoxicants during the course of the trek
Inclusions
- Transportation to & fro from Rishikesh in a private vehicle
- 2 nights 3-star hotel stay with breakfast at Rishikesh
- 1-night resort stay at Auli (Depending on the trek route)
- 1-night hotel stay at Joshimath
- 3 nights of tented accommodation
- Accommodation on a double/triple sharing basis
- Trek equipment: Sleeping bags, Mattresses, Utensils, Ropes
- Tents: Trekkers tent (twin/triple sharing), Kitchen & Dining tent, Toilet tent
- Porter for 1 - 60 ltr Bag (Max 10 kgs)
- Entry Permit Fee, Guide Fee & Driver Bata
- Standard vegetarian food for breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner during trek days
- 4 days of trekking with an experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek guide and assistant trek guide (Number of guides depending on the group size)
- 1 Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader
- Insurance, meals, transportation daily salary of guide & porter
- Nomads are allowed to carry only 10 kg personal luggage on trek
- Basic First Aid Kit
- Personal accident insurance
- All government, local taxes and service charges
- 15% discount coupon on Gokyo Trek Apparel and Gear
- 10% discount coupon on Fast&Up products
- 20% discount coupon on BMore products
- Personalized Dri-Fit T-shirt
- TrekNomads goodies
Exclusions
- The cost to reach Rishikesh and back
- Airport Pick up and Drop Off
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guide, chef, porter, etc (calculated per person)
- Excess baggage charges, if it exceeds 10 kg
- Local sightseeing and entrance fee, camera fee, etc
- Mineral water or any type of soft drinks
- Hot water for shower, etc, during the trek
- Extra meals apart from inclusions
- Food during travel days
- Lunch and dinner at Rishikesh 3-star hotel stay
- Any other expenses incurred apart from inclusions
- All personal, medical, evacuation and emergency expenses like extra day stay out of itinerary, helicopter services and vehicle charges due to delays, landslides and evacuation
- Expenses incurred for guide or porter during extra days stay, transport, flight, helicopter service, etc (divided amongst the group which utilises the services of guides/porters on extra days)
- Expenses incurred for accommodation, travel, food, etc due to the closure of trek route by government officials, defence personnel and tourism department based on weather conditions, security concerns, etc
Treknical Details
Altitude Map:
- Joshimath: 6,150 ft (1,875 m)
- Auli: 8,218 ft (2,505 m)
- Dhak: 7,601 ft (2,317 m)
- Khullara: 11,100 ft (3,383 m)
- Kuari Pass: 13,989 ft (4,263 m)
Other Details:
- Trek Gradient: Moderate-Difficult
- Trek Distance: 40+ Km
- Assembling Point: Rishikesh
- Average Temperature: -2°C to 20°C
- Travel Distance: 700+ Km
- Best Months to trek: March, April, May, June, From Mid September, October, November, December
Trek Gradient
Moderate
FAQ's
Kuari Pass Trek FAQs
How Difficult is the Kuari Pass Trek?
Kuari Pass is categorized as an easy-to-moderate trek. It is one of the best winter treks for beginners to start with.
Where Is the Kuari Pass Trek?
Kuari Pass is situated in the Nanda Devi National Park in Chamoli District of Uttarakhand state in India.
What are the base and trek distances of the Kuari Pass Trek?
Kuari Pass trek distance is 37 km. It is a long trek that starts from Auli or Dhak village.
Is there any trekking experience needed to do this trek?
It is not essential to have a trekking experience to do the Kuari Pass trek. But if you are an experienced trekker, it is the cherry on the cake. We also recommend undertaking a fitness regimen that includes cardiovascular and running exercises one week before the trek.
What is the best time to visit Kuari Pass Trek?
March - June and September - December is the best time to visit the Kuari Pass trek. In winter, Kuari Pass Trek offers the best views.
Is the Kuari Pass Trek safe?
Yes, the Kuari Pass Trek is relatively safe. The Kuari Pass Trek's difficulty level is "easy-moderate," so the route is not very dangerous. Although, staying attentive and taking the necessary precautions during the trek always helps avoid any hassles.
How to reach the base camp?
The assembling point of this Kuari Pass Trek is Rishikesh. You can reach Rishikesh by bus, train, flight, or private vehicle. From Rishikesh, you will travel to Auli/Joshimath. The trek will start from Auli. Kuari pass trek distance is 37 km. Kuari pass height is 3,814 m (12,516 ft).
Will there be an A.T.M. on the trail?
A.T.M.s are available at Joshimath. Carry enough cash when you leave Rishikesh or from your base city.
What is Kuari Pass altitude?
Kuari Pass trek reaches a maximum altitude/height of 3,814 m (12,516 ft)
Will there be toilets/restrooms on the Kuari Pass trek?
The lodges at Tapoban and Auli will have concrete toilets. On the other days, bio-toilets will be set up along each campsite. A bio-toilet has a deep pit, where one can answer nature’s call. Do reach out to us for Kuari Pass Trek package details.
Is a good cellular network available on the Kuari Pass trek?
On the Kuari Pass trek route, You will get a good network signal till Joshimath. You will also get a 4G network at Auli on day 1. On the trail, you might have intermittent signals on the first and last day of the trek. You will get Jio and B.S.N.L. network coverage at the base camp if the weather conditions are good.
Will there be a safe place available to store all the luggage that I do not require?
On the Kuari Pass trek route, you can keep your luggage at the base camp for the duration of the trek. At the end of the trek, all the belongings from the cloakroom can be collected.
What is the Nearest railway station for the Kuari Pass trek?
The nearest railway stations are Dehradun, Kathgodam, and Haridwar.
What is the Kuari pass temperature like?
The Kuari Pass temperature during summer remains between 19 and 29 C while the winter temperature drops to -8 C. Kuari Pass weather may get extremely cold during winter.
Which is the nearest big city? How to reach from here?
The nearest big city is Rishikesh. The further journey to Joshimath shall be made by road. Rishikesh to Joshimath/Auli will take around 8-12 hours by road. The travel time may vary due to road conditions, landslides, weather, traffic, and other similar reasons.
What types of stays/accommodations will be available on the Kuari Pass trek?
There will be a resort/hotel stay in Auli, and the rest will be in campsites. Do reach out to us for Kuari Pass trek package details.
Type of Trek
Himalayan Treks