Travel far enough and all the things which bind us to the tedious side of life no longer apply, we could be anyone; going anywhere. That’s when the doorway to Kuari Pass opens, being true to its meaning, nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas.
Kuari Pass trek is an alluring trekking spot for travellers and tourists from all around the world, including Europeans and Americans, and that too since the British Era. Also known as the Curzon Trail or the Viceroy Hunting Trail, the discovery of this trek dates back to British India. The trek was explored by Lord Curzon along with other travellers accompanying him in 1905, hence the name.
Kuari Pass trek trails along the River Ganga, starting at Joshimath and gradually ascending towards the summit, offers you the most breathtaking view of the majestic and the rarest Himalayan peaks. Mt. Nanda Devi is one such rare sight which you can witness via Kuari Pass trek along with other magnificent peaks including Kamet, Dronagiri, Trishul, Bertholi, Hathi Ghodi Parvat, Mana and Neelkanth. Standing at an altitude of 3876 m, the trek is an easy to moderate trail.
Although the trek is a delight for all seasons, the Kuari pass winter trek is an overwhelming experience altogether. Walking through the beautiful oak forests covered with layers of snow, camping in snow-clad meadows beside the frozen lakes, beholding the spectacular views of the snow-covered mountain peaks throughout the trek makes you feel like you are experiencing a magical tale.
The Kuari Pass Trek is an exquisite adventure for both the beginners and the trained trekkers to experience the Himalayas and unfold the treasures it beholds. Ranging from Gorson Bugyal to Auli, the trek is famous for its varied nature and scenic landscapes. Be it the vast green stretches of land, the enchanting rhododendrons, oak and deodar forests or the spectacular views that the trek proffers, it's all pure magic.
The journey from Dehradun comprises a view of vibrant and green cities passing you.
Joshimath, the sacred place in the lap of the Himalayas is the starting point of most of the Himalayan treks as well as home to many pilgrim centres, Badrinath being one of them. The Kuari pass trek also begins from Joshimath which is at an elevation of 6696 feet. You can reach Joshimath via bus or car. You can also book through us and make your travel hassle-free, the buses depart at 7:00 am from Dehradun to reach Joshimath.
The ride into the Himalayas begins early in the morning from Dhak village in Joshimath. It is a half an hour drive from Joshimath.
The trek from Dhak is quite memorable: walking through dusty trails in between houses with roofs painted white with snow, ancient bridges and forested slopes, we reach Tugasi village. Here we get a closer look at the Himalayan village life in houses made up of stone walls, mud floors and slate roofs. As we trek further, the setting switches between the gradual ascent of approximately 4 km along the Tali lake.
We arrive at Tali Forest Camp, our final destination for the day, by evening. Pitch the tent in the clearings amidst the walnut forest and take the needed dose of rest for the next adventurous day.
On the most exhilarating day of this climbing expedition, you'll face an arduous trek of 12 km from Tali forest camp to Kuari Pass at an elevation of 12763 ft.
First, we reach Khullara, then we climb the broken bridge finally reaching Kuari Pass.
Each and every step you take towards the summit, unveils more and more of its majestic landscape. At the summit, you see the golden feathers of its cap; Neelkantha, Nanda Devi, Hathi Ghoda Parvat, Dronagiri, Pangarchulla, and Chaukhamba. The peaks watching over you from all directions. After spending some time at the summit and soaking in all we can, we descend to the Tali camp site where we'll be camping for the night.
After eating the scrumptious breakfast accompanied by the view of the Tali Lake and Mt. Nanda Devi in its background, we trek through a narrow path of 1.5 km reaching Gorson Bugyal. The frame changes to that of far-fetched snow cladded meadows. We reach Auli, the Himalayan ski resort surrounded by oak and coniferous forests followed by a drive to Joshimath.
From Joshimath, it's time that we bid you all adieu. Make sure to book late-night buses to reach back to your destination.
The following is a list of things that we suggest that you carry with you. It is not expected to be a comprehensive list; rather, it is intended to remind you of those items that we feel are essential for your comfort during the trek. However, we recognize that you may have your personal preferences for clothing, which may be equally appropriate.
Backpack with Rain Cover - (Should be more than 50-70 Liters)
Daypack 20 Liters -Collapsible (This will require on summit day)
Head Torch with Spare Batteries
Sunglasses with UV Protection
Sun Cap / Hat
Trekking Poles (If required)
Poncho / Rain Coat (Protect from rainfall and Snowfall
Padded / Down Jacket
Fleeces Jacket
2 Quick Dry Trek Pants
3 Quick-Dry T-Shirt (full sleeve)
Thermals Inners (upper and lower)
Woolen Cap
Neck Gaiters/Balaclava
Waterproof Gloves
Undergarments
Trekking Shoes (Waterproof & High Ankle)
Woollen socks - (2 pairs)
Cotton Socks - (3 pairs)
Floaters
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Sunscreen (40+ SPF)
Toilet Paper
Lip Balm
Hand Sanitizer
Moisturizer
Quick Dry Tawal
Soap
Personal Medicines prescribed by the doctor, if any (Consult your doctor before coming)
Combifilm - Half Strip
Digene - 1 Strip
Cetirizine - 1 Strip
Painkiller Tablet - Half Strip
Muscle Relief Spray
Knee Cap (if you are prone to knee pain/injury)
ORS/ Electrals - 5 Pouch
Band-aid - 5
Antibacterial Powder
Leak-Proof Lunch Box with a spoon
2 Water Bottles/Hydration Pack
Plate and Tea Mug
Medical form signed by the doctor
Disclaimer form, signed by the participant
Rent Gear Voucher (If you have rented gear from TripMoody)
Valid ID Proof Photocopy (that has mentioned Address)
Sufficient Cash
Camera (optional)
Power Bank (optional)
Tripod (optional)
Protein Bars, Snacks and Dry Fruits
Dehradun is very well-connected to the important Cities in Uttarakhand (Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Uttarkashi), Chandigarh (150 km), Delhi (Kashmere Gate ISBT-250 km), and Ambala (140 km) by means of state-run and private buses at a reasonable cost. It is advisable to choose Volvo buses over ordinary buses, to ensure a more comfortable journey in the mountainous terrain.
Note: - The bus journey from Delhi to Dehradun takes 7 to 8 hrs for 250 km and it is advisable to book your tickets around 9-10 pm in the night to reach early in the morning for your treks and to avoid delays.
Dehradun Railway Station is one of the biggest and busiest railheads of Uttarakhand after Haridwar. Dehradun Railway Station is connected to all major cities of the country like New Delhi, Lucknow, Jaipur, Ajmer, Mumbai, Lucknow, Varanasi, Patna, Kolkata, Bangalore and Chennai, circuitously. The railway station is located at the heart of the city which is 2 km away from ISBT and the City Centre. Cabs, autos, and sharing rickshaws are easily accessible for exploring all parts of the city. Besides the railway station, there is the Dehradun Hill Bus stand which offers regular services to Mussoorie and Dhanolti.
The nearest airport is at Jolly Grant, located approximately 22 km away from Dehradun City Centre. Domestic flights connect Dehradun with Delhi, Chandigarh, Banglore, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Kolkata. Once you reach the airport, you can take prepaid taxis outside the airport which can be availed to get transferred to the main city of Dehradun and it has easy access to the holy towns of Rishikesh (25km) and Haridwar (32 km).
The major airlines operating in this airport are IndiGo, Jet Airways, Spice Jet and Air India.
Nearest Airport: - Jolly Grant (DED), Dehradun
Nearest International Airport: - Delhi International Airport (DEL)
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
5% Deduction
Cancellations up to 15 days prior to departure date
25% Deduction
Cancellations up to 7 days prior to departure date
50% Deduction
Cancellations less than 7 days prior to departure date
No Refund