Region
Garhwal, Uttarakhand
Total Drive
282 + 282 km
Total Trek
32 km
Trek Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
Max. Altitude
12,500 ft.
Trek Duration
5 Nights & 6 Days
Railway Station
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Nearest Airport
Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Short Itinerary
✅ Day 1: Drive Rishikesh / Haridwar to Joshimath (270 km / 9 -10 hours).
✅ Day 2: Drive to Dhak / Tugasi Village (12 km – 40 minutes) & Trek to Gulling (4.5–5 km)
✅ Day 3: Trek from Gulling to Khullara (5-6 km, 4-5 hrs).
✅ Day 4: Khullara to Kuari Pass (3,820 m) via Tali Top & Return (10-11 km / 6-7 hr)
✅ Day 5: Trek back to Dhak / Tugasi Village (10-11 km), Drive to Joshimath (12 km Drive)
✅ Day 6: Drive Joshimath to Rishikesh / Haridwar (270 km, 9-10 hrs).
🌿 Highlights: Khullara and Tali meadows, Nanda Devi – Trishul – Kamet – Chaukhamba Himalayan peaks, Dense oak & rhododendron forests and scenic trails.
Why Kuari pass is a Must-Do Trek?
- 🏔️ Panoramic Himalayan Peaks: Nanda Devi, Hathi Ghoda, Chaukhamba, Kamet, Trishul
- 🌿 Verdant Meadows: Khullara and Tali Bugyals provide sweeping sunrise & sunset vistas.
- 🌸 Flora & Fauna: Ancient oak, rhododendron forests, rare Himalayan birds.
- 🏕️ Historic Trail: Followed by Lord Curzon in 1905, hence also known as Curzon’s Trail.
- 🏡 Village Culture: Insight into Garhwali lifestyle in Dhak, Tugasi and Joshimath.
- ✅ Ideal for both beginners and experienced trekkers
Why choose Kuari Pass Trek?
Iconic Himalayan Views
Standing at 3,820 m, Kuari Pass opens an uninterrupted 360-degree panorama of the Garhwal Himalaya. Peaks like Nanda Devi (7,816 m), Dronagiri, Hathi Ghoda, Chaukhamba, Kamet and Trishul dominate the skyline. Clear winter skies or post-monsoon mornings turn the horizon golden, making it a dream spot for landscape photographers and trekkers chasing unforgettable mountain vistas.
Historic Curzon’s Trail
Kuari Pass is often called Curzon’s Trail, named after Lord Curzon who explored this route in 1905. Walking these meadows connects you with over a century of Himalayan exploration history, blending modern trekking with the romance of early mountaineering. The trail still follows traditional shepherd paths, giving trekkers a sense of heritage and authenticity.
Beginner-Friendly Gradient
With moderate altitude gain and daily hikes of 5-11 km, Kuari Pass is a safe first Himalayan trek. The well-defined trail, gentle ascents, and reliable campsites at Gulling, Khullara, and Tali make it suitable for families, students, and corporate groups who want real Himalayan adventure without technical climbing.
Verdant Meadows & Forests
The route winds through oak, rhododendron, and deodar forests, gradually opening into wide bugyals (alpine meadows) like Khullara and Tali. In spring, the rhododendrons bloom crimson; in autumn and winter, the meadows turn golden or snow-white, offering a changing palette of colors every season.
Rich Culture & Village Life
From Joshimath to Dhak and Tugasi, trekkers pass through welcoming Garhwali villages, terraced farms, and traditional wooden homes. Conversations with locals, glimpses of hill farming, and sacred spots like the Jyotirmath temple enrich the journey with authentic cultural experiences.
All-Season Appeal
- Spring & Summer (March-June): Blooming forests, clear trails, pleasant temperatures
- Autumn (September-November): Crisp skies, golden meadows, crystal mountain views
- Winter (December-February): Fresh snow, soft light, and a true Himalayan snow trek experience
This flexibility makes Kuari Pass an all-round destination for nature lovers and photographers.
Perfect Blend of Adventure & Comfort
Kuari Pass combines the thrill of high-altitude trekking with comfortable campsite logistics. Clean water sources, gentle terrain, and proximity to Rishikesh / Haridwar mean you can experience authentic Himalayan trekking without spending days in difficult transit or dealing with extreme altitude.
The Kuari Pass Trek is the ideal choice for beginners, photographers, and culture seekers. Its breathtaking Himalayan views, historic trail, and easy gradient create a trek that is adventurous yet approachable, perfect for your first Himalayan journey or a repeat visit to savor the Garhwal range in different seasons.
Brief Itinerary
Rishikesh / Haridwar to Joshimath (2,050 m)
Drive Distance: 270-250 km | Travel Time: 9-10 hours
- Morning pickup from Haridwar Railway Station or Rishikesh bus stand.
- Drive along the Ganga and Alaknanda rivers, crossing the famous confluences at Devprayag (Ganga originates), Rudraprayag and Karnaprayag.
- Roads wind through terraced farms, pine forests and hanging villages.
- Accommodation: Guesthouse or hotel at Joshimath.
- Evening trek briefing, equipment check and acclimatisation walk.
Drive to Dhak Village (2,000 m) & Trek to Gulling (2,800 m)
Drive: 12 km (30-40 minutes) | Trek Distance: 4-5 km | Trek Duration: 3-4 hours
- Trail starts with a gentle climb through village fields and small water streams.
- Forest changes from oak and rhododendron to patches of deodar.
- First glimpses of Dronagiri and Hathi Ghoda Peaks.
- Campsite: Gulling Bugyal – serene meadows, clear night sky for stargazing.
Trek from Gulling to Khullara (3,400 m)
Trek Distance: 5-6 km | Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
- Steeper ascent today, weaving through dense oak and alpine forests.
- Birds like Himalayan Monal and woodpeckers are commonly spotted.
- Reach Khullara Meadow, a vast alpine clearing offering unhindered views of Dronagiri Peak.
- Spend the afternoon exploring nearby ridges, photography, and soaking the silence of the bugyals.
- Overnight in tents under a blanket of stars.
Khullara to Kuari Pass (3,820 m) via Tali Top & Return
Trek Distance: 10-11 km (round trip) | Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
- Start early for clear weather at the pass.
- Cross Tali Forest & Tali Top, an open ridge showcasing the Pancha-Chuli, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Kamet and the mighty Nanda Devi (7,816 m).
- Final ascent to Kuari Pass, where a 360° view of Garhwal Himalaya awaits.
- Enjoy packed lunch, photography, and a quiet moment at the top.
- Descend back to Khullara for night halt.
Trek back to Dhak, Drive to Joshimath
Trek Distance: 10-11 km | Drive: 12 km
- Leisurely descent via Gulling and Dhak Village.
- Drive back to Joshimath; freshen up, explore Jyotirmath temple or Kalpavriksha tree.
- Evening free for market strolls, last-minute souvenirs.
- Overnight at Joshimath guesthouse.
Drive Joshimath to Rishikesh/Haridwar
Distance: 270-250 km | Travel Time: 9–10 hours
- Breakfast and departure. Scenic return with memories of Nanda Devi, bugyals and oak forests.
Things to Carry
- 🧥 Clothing: Layered wear, waterproof jacket, thermals
- 🥾 Footwear: Sturdy trekking shoes with good grip
- 🎒 Essentials: Backpack (40-50L), trekking pole, headlamp
- 🥤 Hydration: Water bottle, ORS sachets
- 🍫 Snacks: Energy bars, dry fruits
- 🩹 Medical Kit: Personal medicines
Includes All
- ✅ Accommodation (Guest House / Camp as per Itinerary)
- ✅ All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ) during the Trek
- ✅ Transportation (Rishikesh to Lohajung & Return)
- ✅Experienced Trek Leader & Supportive Staff
- ✅Permits & Entry Fess for the Trek
- ✅Trekking Equipment (Tent, Sleeping Bag, mattresses)
- ✅First Aid Medical Kits
- ✅Bonfire (Wherever allowed)
Excludes All
- ❌Meals during the Transist (Rishikesh - Lohajung - Rishikesh)
- ❌Personal Expenses (Laundary, Phone calls, Tips etc.)
- ❌Porter & Offloading Expenses
- ❌Bottled water, Beverages or Personal Snacks
- ❌Anything not specifically mentioned in the 'Includes All' section
FAQ's
March-June for blooming rhododendrons and clear meadows, October-December for crisp skies, golden meadows and snowline near the pass.
Rated Easy-Moderate. Daily walks of 5-11 km with gradual altitude gain. Basic fitness required.
No. This is a perfect first Himalayan trek, safe for beginners who are medically fit.
Guesthouse / hotel in Joshimath; alpine tents on trek with sleeping bags & mats.
Yes, but you’ll encounter snow from December to March. Proper gear, experienced guides and layered clothing are essential.
Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Hathi Ghoda, Kamet, Trishul, Chaukhamba and more.
Mobile network works in Joshimath and Dhak. Beyond that, signal is intermittent. Carry power banks for cameras & phones.
Yes, forest permits are issued at Joshimath.
