Kuari Pass Trek
Trek Overview
Trek Itinerary
How to reach
Cost Term
Gear Recommended
Trek Overview
Region: Chamoli Garhwal, Uttarakhand
Duration: 5 Nights 6 Days
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Max altitude: 3800 meters
Approx trekking: 31 kms
Kuari Pass Trek is a well known name to those interested in trekking. It is a favorite camping spot approached through a narrow goat trek route. Kuari, literally means Virgin. When Lord Curzon, the pioneer of this trek came via this pass it was the untouched trail. Then he gave the name to this trek Kuari Pass.
This trek can be organized throughout the year but it is famous only for winters. However this trek becomes a bit challenging in this time thus its level called moderate. The white rug of snow, spread on the meadows and firmly standing peaks, makes this place picturesque and definitely eye pleasing. This trek offers a panoramic view of the clusters of Himalayan peaks.
Beautiful Gorson Bugyal/ meadows and world famous ski destination Auli come in the route of this trek.
In winter this trek is accessible only from Joshimath, via Dhak and Tugasi Village. Earlier this trek started from Dhak Village but due to road development, vehicles can go 6km further up to Tugashi Village.
This trek also organized from Famous Ramani Village, this is long route and accessible only in summer and autumn.
History
The Kuari Pass trek found fame in the early 1905’s when heroic adventurer and mountaineer Lord Curzon used the passage in his pioneering explorations of the region. The Kuari Pass trek is known as the Curzon Trail (named after the former British viceroy of India “Lord Curzon”). This trail is very famous among European and American travelers.
Best time to visit?
Summer allows the trekkers to explore the ranges. However, trekkers also prefer exploring the Kuari Pass during winters when the ranges are totally immersed in snow making it an ideal winter trek.
Level of fitness required?
The difficulty level of this trek ranges from easy to moderate thus, if you want to do this trek, your fitness level must be quite good and you must have habit of exercising and walking.
Duration of the trek?
5 nights and 6 days
Trek Itinerary
Trek Itinerary
Day 1 – Haridwar to Joshimath. Approximate 10hrs.
Early morning vehicle will pick up from Haridwar. After half an hour of driving. The beautiful city Rishikesh, also known as the yoga capital, comes en route. A specticular view of the Ganges, Ram Jhula Bridge can be seen during a pass through the city. Further, four Prayag among Panch Prayag, Devprayag (Confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda River), Rudraprayag (Confluence of Mandakini and Alaknanda River), Karnprayag (Confluence of Pinder and Alaknanda River) are also famous sight scene of the route. In approximately 10 hrs. of Journey, the vehicle reaches Jyotirmath (Old name was Joshimath) town. Check in to the Hotel. If time permits people can visit Narsimha Temple and Jyotirmath (the meditation place of Adiguru Sankaracharya) and an old tree called Kalpavraksha.
Some documents preparation before dinner and Briefing post dinner.
Day 2 – Joshimath to Tugashi Village drive and Further Trek to Gulling Top. 17 km drive and 3km trek.
Open your eyes with some excitement of trekking and get ready. After breakfast vehicle will pick up to drive from Dhak Village and further to Tugashi Village 17km. However, a few years back Dhak village was the starting point of the trek but due to the construction of the road, Tugashi village is also accessible by car. This village is the starting point of the trek. After 3km of short trekking, trekkers reach to first campsite Gulling top. From this campsite beautiful Dronagiri peak gives attention. Night stay in tents with little tiredness and a lot of positivity.
Day 3 – Gulling Top to Tali Forest (3200m). 4.5 km or 4 to 5 hrs.
After having a hot delicious breakfast in the lap of nature at the campsite. Having packed lunch trek starts for Tali forest. This day stretch is 4.5 km ascend and the entire stretch goes through the beautiful forest of Oak, Rhododendrons, and wild nuts sun plays hide and seek during the trek. After 4-5 hours of trekking, trekkers reach Tali forest campsite. If time allows trekkers can walk up to Tali lake, which is 2 km from the campsite and famous for its sunset view over Nanda Devi and Droonagiri peak. Night stay in tents.
Day 4 – Tali Forest to Kuari Pass Summit (3800m) and back to Base camp. 13km
This day will be summit day. Early morning trekkers are briefed by the trek leader and start trekking for Kuari pass summit by 7:00 am, after keeping packed lunch and water bottle in a day sack. After 3km of ascending trekkers reach to viewpoint named Jhandi Dhar. From there they can see the view of the Himalayan snow-capped peak. Reaching submit point by 12:00 or 12:30 trekkers have lunch and click photographs and move back with the satisfaction of achievement to Base camp. Night stay in tents.
Day 5 – Tali Forest to Joshimath via Gorson Bugyal and Auli. 11km trek and 14km drive.
After having breakfast and keeping packed lunch, trekkers start to trek back to Auli. This day trek goes via Tali lake, Beautiful Gorson Bugyal, and world-famous ski destination Auli. Trekkers can choose cable car to go to Joshimath from Auli but at their own cost. They charge 500.00 per person. Night stay at Joshimath in the hotel.
Day 6 – Joshimath to Haridwar. 10 Hrs. approx.
Drive back for Haridwar, carrying a lot of remarkable clicks in mobile, camera, and heart as well.
Trek Itinerary for summer
Day 1: Drive from Haridwar to Joshimath (8 to 9 hours) by Jeep on sharing basis & an overnight hotel stay
Day 2: Drive from Joshimath to Gorson (3510 m) – 13 kms drive to Auli – 5 kms trek – Overnight stay in tents on sharing basis
Day 3: Trek from Gorson to Khulara (8 kms)
Day 4: Trek from Khualara to Kuari Pass (4268 m) to Pangarchulla (5700 m) and Khulara (9 kms)
Day 5: Trek from Khulara to Tapovan to Joshimath
Day 6: Drive from Joshimath to Haridwar
How to reach
How to reach
By-air-: The nearest Airport is Jolly Grant Airport which is located around 40 KM from the Haridwar has a daily flight from Delhi to Haridwar.
By-train-: Haridwar railway station is one of the major railway stations in Uttarakhand and well connected by major Indian cities.
By-road-: Uttarakhand Transport Corporation and many private transport services provide road connectivity from Haridwar and Rishikesh to Joshimath and also regular bus services are from Delhi to Haridwar and Rishikesh from ISBT Kashmere Gate, Delhi.
Cost Term
Trek Cost Term:
If you want conveyance facilities from Rishikesh/Haridwar/Dehradun to Joshimath you can contact us by e-mail. The cost is dependent on number of people as well.
Included in the cost:
– Transport from Haridwar to Joshimath and back to Haridwar.
– Accommodation (2 nights hotel stay & 5 nights in tent stay on sharing basis).
– Meals while on trek (hygienic vegetarian food) which included breakfast, packed lunch and dinner.
– Qualified & experienced trek guide.
Not included in the cost:
– Meals during drive from Haridwar to Badrinath and back to Haridwar.
– Unscheduled stay due to road blocks etc.
Gear Recommended
Gear recommended for Trek
1. Rucksack with a rain cover (50 to 60 liters)
2. Day Sack with rain cover (30 to 40 liters)
A sturdy rucksack and day sack with a water/rain cover is recommended as during the monsoon the rain showers will greet the trekker as s(he) walks into the majestic valley
3. Trekking shoes
A good pair if trekking shoes with a quality bottom is a must for doing this trek. Waterproof shoes are recommended. Avoid shoes made of foam and cloth.
4. Thermal wear (Upper and Lower)
Temperatures dip specially in night and morning even in June. Thus, make sure you keep thermal wear.
5. Cotton sock (2 pairs)
6. Woolen socks (2 pairs)
7. Undergarments (2 pairs)
8. Gloves (1 pair)
9. T-shirts
10. Trek Pants
11. Woolen cap
12. Sun cap
13. Heavy jacket
14. Raingear
15. Water bottle
16. Sunglasses
17. Sunscreen lotion
18. Toiletries: Tooth Brush, Tooth Paste, Toilet Soap, Tissue papers, etc.
19. Head lamp or torch with extra batteries
20. Personal first aid kit