Pass is the passage between two mountain ranges. It is created due to land erosion caused by steam or glaciers. It is like a gap or pathway between high-altitude mountains. Passes often prove helpful while crossing mountains with rugged terrain. Historically, passes have been used for human settlements, trade, and business among various nations. Many passages have deep-rooted historical importance.
How did Kuari Pass get its name?
In 1905, British Viceroy Lord Curzon became the first person to trek Kuari Pass via Gorson Bugyal.On reaching, he asked the locals about the name of the place. The locals replied that the place has no name, as no one usually goes there. It is an untouched and unexplored place. Lord Curzon replied, “What is the name of such a place in the local dialect?” The villagers said Kuari. Lord Curzon named it “Kuari Pass” as a result.
Kuari Pass is situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas at an elevation of 12,516 ft. It is surrounded by the serene, rich biodiversity of Nanda Devi National Park and the flora and fauna that grace the environment. It is a 5-night, 6-day trek covering an overall distance of 30 km. The base camp is Joshimath, which is a tiny village in Uttrakhand. The trek is open all year, except for the months of July to September due to heavy rains. The best time to visit Kuari Trek is in the autumn and winter months. It has an easy-moderate difficulty level. It is a beginner-level trek and is also loved by experienced folks. It does have certain steep and tough sections while trekking, hence it is essential to have good fitness levels. The temperature during the winter swings between 10 °C and 15 °C during the day and 0 °C and -15 °C at night. During summer and spring, the temperature is pleasant and warm.
Kuari Pass is considered an exquisite winter trek. Firstly, most passes are closed during the winter due to extremely rugged climatic conditions. Kuari Pass is the only pass that is open and trekkable during the winter. This makes this trek unique. It attracts trekkers from all around India. Secondly, it is also distinguished by mountain views of Mt. Nanda Devi (the highest mountain peak in India), Mt. Nilkantha, Mt. Trishul I and II, Mt. Nanda Ghunti, Mt. Mrighunti, Mt. Chaukhamba, and Mt. Hathi Ghoda. It is an absolute paradise for mountain lovers. Thirdly, it ticks the boxes of forest, meadows, snow, and unforgettable views of all major mountain peaks in the Himalayas.
Along with Kuari Top, you also get to witness the Khullara campsite, Gorson Bugyal, and Tali Top. These places will not disappoint you, but instead, surprise. Each place has unique and brilliant views to captivate you. Every campsite is going to bestow you with clear views of the mammoth Himalayan mountains. Alongside, the forest trail is silent and alluring with its oak and rhododendron trees covered in a shade of snow. The forests give way to expansive white meadows. The mighty peak shadows us all along the trek.
At Karchhi/Dhak, the pine trees surround you in patches along the trail. You’ll witness the remote village life, small huts, and shepherds along with their ponies, mules, goats, and sheep. Guling Top is graced with brown and golden oak trees, blue pine trees, and birch trees. Tali Campsite and Auli have a small, yet beautiful lake. It has a village temple as well. Mt. Nanda Devi is very evident from Kuari top to Auli. The views will spellbind you. Massive summit views, green meadows hidden beneath a blanket of snow, and extensive scenery
The Khullara campsite is on an open meadow. Camp here and enjoy the endless white velvet layer of snow that covers the mountains. Campsites are always near a water source. The trail from Khullara towards Tali Top and Kuari Top is steep and might take extra effort to climb up. It will be a mix of both ascents and descents. Trekking for 1.5-2 hours on the summit ridge, with popping mountain news on both sides. The Pangarchulla Peak can also be seen. The descent from Kuari Top to Tali Top is through a forest. The overnight camping at Tali Top will be surrounded by dense forest and oak trees. Auli has a modestly decent walk down the trail, which is around 1.5 hours of trek.
Kuari Pass is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure trek. It is only the trekkable winter pass in India and also gifts you views of all major mountains in the Greater Himalayan region.
From Dehradun: 280 Km, 10-hour drive
From Rishikesh: 253 Km, 8-hour drive
Altitude: 6696 ft
At 6.00 a.m. there will be a pickup from Dehradun/Rishikesh. We shall drive all the way to Joshimath, which is the base camp for the Kuari Pass Trek.
It will be an 8–10-hour journey with beautiful and scenic views of forests, rivers, and mountain peaks. We shall cross the holy towns of Devprayag, Karnapragyag, Rudrapragay, Chamoli, and Panch Prayag. Reach Joshimath late evening. There will be an overnight stay in Joshimath at a guest house with dinner.
Trek: 4 km, Time: 6 hours, Altitude: 9840 ft.
Early morning breakfast. We shall have a quick briefing by the trek leader and an introduction among fellow group members. We shall depart from Joshimath and head towards Karchhi/Dhak village. It will be a one-hour drive. On reaching the village, we shall start our trek towards Guling Top (4 km). It will be a 3–4-hour trek. On the way, we shall explore the local houses and rocky terrain. Witness a few glimpses of the massive Nanda Devi Peak and Hathi Ghoda Peak.
On reaching Guling Top, lunch will be served. Explore Guling Top, get acclimatized, and rest in nature’s lap. There will be an overnight stay in tents, along with dinner.
Trek: 8 km, Time: 7-8 hours, Altitude: 12,516 ft
There will be an early morning breakfast, and after that, we shall leave for Kuari Pass. The trek will be divided into two sections. The first trek is to Kuari Top (4 km), and the second is to Tali Top (4 km). The trek during winter is difficult as there are knee-deep snow deposits. Prior preparation is important for a good trekking experience. The summit gives 360-degree views of Mt. Nanda Devi (one of the highest mountains in the world and the largest in India), Hathi Ghoda peaks, and Dronagiri peaks. Kuari Pass is one of the few treks that allows you to see all of the major mountain peaks up close and personal. We shall spend some time at Kuari Top and then proceed towards Tali Top.
While trekking, packed lunch will be provided. After reaching Tali Top, tents will be set up for an overnight stay, followed by dinner and rest.
Trek: 8 km, Time: 6-7 hours, altitude loss: 9390 ft.
Wake up to awesome morning views at Tali Top. After breakfast, we’ll leave for Joshimath via Auli. The first part of the trek will be towards Gorson Bugyal. The first person to trek this bugyal and reach Kuari Pass was British Viceroy Lord Curzon. After Gorson Bugyal, we shall trek to Auli, which is a very scenic camping place with fantastic views. Lastly, we shall reach our base camp, i.e., Joshimath. We’ll have an overnight stay at a guest house/hotel. A hot dinner will be served, followed by some rest. Trekkers can explore Joshimath, in and around areas and local markets and temples in the near vicinity.
Distance: 4 km; Trek: 3-4 hours; Drive: 6 hours
It will be the last day of the trek. Post breakfast, we shall leave early in the morning from Barnala Tal campsite and head towards Barsu village. It will be a descending trail. It will have serene forest views, hear the chirping of birds, and feel the forest chills.
After reaching Barsu, we shall leave for Dehradun by vehicle. It will be a 6-hour drive across the Uttarkashi district. We bid goodbye, and that’s the end of a beautiful and memorable trek.
It is the final day of the trek. We shall have breakfast and leave for Dehradun or Rishikesh. It will be a lovely, scenic drive of 8–9 hours. We go with beautiful memories of nature, views, and new friends. We’ll reach the destination in the late evening and say goodbye to everyone.
It is situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is surrounded by the Nanda Devi National Park on one side, which is in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas, and its base camp is Joshimath, which is around 8 hours away from Rishikesh.
Both the cities, Dehradun and Rishikesh, are well connected to all major cities. Rishikesh has great connectivity via roads and railways. Dehradun has access to all kinds of conveyance, including flights.
Buses and trains ply between New Delhi and Dehradun and Rishikesh on a regular basis. The nearest airport in Dehradun is Jolly Grant Airport, which is 40 km away.
The height of the summit is 12,516 feet.
It is a 6-day, 5-night trek covering approximately 30 kilometers.
A pass or pathway between two mountain ranges. It is naturally created by land erosion over a period of time. It is mostly found at high altitudes between 8,000 and 5,000 ft.
The best time to visit Kuari Pass is during late autumn and the whole of the winter season. It is a winter trek and is famous for its snow and white landscape, complemented by the astonishing Himalayan mountain peaks.
Fresh snowfall is experienced in December. There will be snow deposits and snow-covered trails from January to March.
Yes, as per the itinerary, nutritious home-cooked meals are provided. It includes dal, rice, roti, sabji, poha, and tea or coffee. The food is cooked keeping in mind the energy requirement for the trek. Apart from that, you can always carry fruits, nuts, energy bites, or bars for extra energy.
Yes. It is available subject to a minimum charge.
Children above the age of 8 are allowed with adults. Adults above 55 years of age are also allowed, subject to a medical certificate and good fitness levels.
We provide accommodations in guest houses or hotel stays at the base camp. On the trek, tents will be set up along with sleeping bags. It will be on a dual-sharing basis.
Necessary and basic trekking gear, such as trekking shoes, a trekking pole, and sufficient layers
Jackets and warmers are required. We encourage trekkers to be well prepared for the trek, as weather conditions are unpredictable. Plus, there are rental shops at the base camp that provide trekking gear on a rental basis.
It is an easy to moderate-level trek. The accent is gradually spread evenly across all the days of the trek. Due to changes in climatic conditions, it might be difficult sometimes. But it is very much trekkable by beginners as well. We have experienced trek leaders to guide you through the entire trek.
