Moderate
Kuari Pass trek
A classic Himalayan trek in Uttarakhand, renowned for its spectacular views of Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Kamet, Chaukhamba, and other Garhwal peaks.
Days
6
Adventure Type
Trekking
Base Camp
Pipalkoti
Season
Spring | Winter
Month
January | February | March | April | November | December
Country
India
Altitude
12750 Ft.
Grade
Moderate
Rail Head
Haridwar/Rishikesh is the nearest rail head to the base camp
Stay
Camping (Twin sharing) & Hotel/Guesthouse (Separate for male & Female)
Food
Veg meals while on trek & at Hotel/Guesthouse
Location
Uttarakhand
Distance
27 Km.
Trail Type
Circle trail | Camping in various locations, starting and ending at the same point.
AirPort
Jolly Grant Airport, which is 21 km away from Rishikesh
Nestled in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas, the Kuari Pass trek is one of the best winter treks that our country has to offer. Situated at an elevation of 12,516ft, it is also known as the Lord Curzon trail, named after the former Viceroy of India during the British Raj who was the first person to complete this trek in 1905. His connection to this trek is one of the reasons why it’s popular among not just Indian travelers but fascinates a lot of American and European travelers from all over the world as well.
The Kuari Pass trek itinerary follows the same path, as it was carried out back in the day, starting from Joshimath and ending at Kuari Pass, covering a 28km long trail that consists of gentle slopes, coniferous forests, and stunning views of the snow-capped mountains in the backdrop. During the long trail of the Kuari Pass Trek, we traverse through some of the hidden nearby villages like Tugasi, Guling, and Khullara where you get to take a closer look at the local customs and traditions of Uttarakhand.
The trekking route with its scenic views of the Pangarchulla, Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Dronagiri, Hathi Ghoda, and Nilgiri mountain ranges is what captivates the attention of travel enthusiasts and makes people seek out this particular trek. Not to mention that with its snow-covered oak forests and pearly meadows, it manages to leave a lasting impression on snow fanatics and nature lovers alike.
The trek starts from the town of Joshimath which is the base camp for the Kuari Pass trek and traverses through Himalayan hamlets followed by Oak and Deodar Forests and then giving way to some pristine Bugyals which are meadows stretched like a tapestry on the trail. The breathtaking view of the Nanda Devi Massif in the backdrop is the highlight of this trek. Camping under the stars, waking up to a spectacular view of the Himalayas, all while making memories that you will reminisce upon for the rest of your life, the Kuari Pass trek is more than just an adventure, it’s an experience of a lifetime, one that you can’t miss out on. Since the Kuari Pass trek comes in the easy-to-moderate category, it is convenient for both beginners as well as experts, making it accessible for a large group of people who are looking for trekking destinations during the winter season.
Among other wonders that this journey has to offer, some lucky trekkers can discover paw prints of Himalayan bears and snow leopards giving them a glimpse at the wildlife that coexists in peace with nature. Overall, The trek to Kuari Pass is a blessing because it provides a perfectly balanced trip that offers adventure for thrill seekers as well as serenity for people who want to attain a certain sense of peace.
The best time to do the Kuari pass trek is from the months of November to March. Although it’s one of the few particular treks that is accessible for travel enthusiasts throughout the year, during these months, the weather in this region is perfect and makes the overall experience a thousand times better. So, if you have been spending your time, wondering and trying to plan the perfect winter trek, then look no further because this is as good as it gets.
Tax Benefit
+5% GST (goods and services tax).
Services
Pipalkoti to Pipalkoti
Meeting Point
( Pickup/ Drop Point ): Rishikesh
Reporting Time
6:00 am
Drop Time
6:30 pm to 7:30 pm (Timings are subject to change based on weather and road conditions).
Important
Please reach Rishikesh a day before to avoid any delays.
Flora and Fauna
Picturesque Campsites
Forest Trails
Meadows and Bugyals
Winter Snow Wonderland
Nanda Devi Peak
Joshimath
Auli
01
DAY
Rishikesh to Joshimath (254 Kms, 10 Hours Drive)
- The group will assemble at the pickup point at 06:00 AM.
- Upon reaching Joshimath, we will check into our designated homestays. The rest of the day is at leisure.
- Dinner will be served in the evening followed by an Overnight stay.
- Pickup Point – Natraj Chowk/Tapovan Chowk
- Timing – 6.30 am (Tentative)
02
DAY
Drive from Joshimath to Tugasi (14 Kilometers, 45 Mins Drive) | Trek to Guling (4 Kilometers, 5 Hours)
- After early morning breakfast, we’ll head out for Tugasi Village.
- Upon reaching Tugasi, we will start our trekking journey. The roads will be replaced by dirt trails taking you through the tiny Himalayan Hamlets that adorn this trail. The clearing then gives way to green canopies as you move closer to Guling which is our campsite.
- Upon reaching Guling, we will have lunch. The rest of the day is at leisure.
- In the evening, we will have some ground bonding activities followed by dinner and overnight stay in camps.
03
DAY
Trek from Guling to Khullara (6 Kilometers, 7 Hours)
- After early morning breakfast, you will be given necessary instructions regarding the trekking trails.
- We will start trekking from Guling to Khullara.
- En-route, we will have our packed lunch. Later in the evening, we will check into our campsite at Khullara base.
- The rest of the day is at leisure. As the dawn starts to fall, you will get to witness the magical starry skies above.
- Dinner followed by overnight stay at Khullara base camp.
04
DAY
Trek to Kuari Pass | Back to Khullara (6 Kilometers, 7 Hours)
- Post breakfast, a small briefing session with necessary details about the rest of the trek will be provided.
- Afterwards, we will begin our trek to Kuari Pass. Witness the sun rising from the great Himalayan ranges where you will catch a glimpse of Chaukhamba Massif, Nilkantha peaks, Nanda Devi peaks, and many more.
- After spending some time at the summit, marveling at the beauty of the majestic mountains, we will descend towards the Khullara basecamp.
- Dinner followed by an overnight stay in tents at Khullara
05
DAY
Trek from Khullara to Tugasi (12 Kilometers, 6 Hours) | (Drive to Joshimath (14 Kilometers, 45 Mins Drive)
- After early morning breakfast, a small briefing session with necessary details about the rest of the trek will be provided.
- We will begin trekking from Khullara to Tugasi Village.
- En-route, we will have our packed lunch.
- Upon reaching Tugasi, we will start the drive to Joshimath.
06
DAY
Drive from Joshimath to Rishikesh (254 Kms, 10 Hours Drive) | End of tour
- Post breakfast, we will check out of our accommodations.
- We will drive from Joshimath to Rishikesh. You can enjoy the scenic views of some of the Prayag’s like Dev Prayag, Rudra Prayag, Karn Prayag.
- Upon reaching Rishikesh, the group will dissemble and part their ways with fond memories.
- End of Tour.
- Drop off Timing: 7.00 PM
- It is recommended to book your return bus after 10.00 PM.
One of the most common questions before any Himalayan trek is simple: what should you pack? A smart packing list keeps you comfortable on the trail without making your backpack unnecessarily heavy.
The easiest way to pack is to go step by step, either from head to toe or toe to head. That simple pattern helps you stay organized and lowers the chance of forgetting essentials.
01 Backpacks
Choose a backpack that feels comfortable on your shoulders and hips. For a week-long trek, a 60 to 70 liter backpack is usually enough for your clothing, gear, and personal essentials.
- Main backpack: Good hip support, shoulder support, and easy-access pockets.
- Daypack: Useful for short hikes, sightseeing, and carrying daily essentials when the main bag is not needed.
02 Footwear
- Trekking shoes: Prefer waterproof shoes with high-ankle support.
- Walking or hiking sandals: Great for camp use, resting your feet, or stream crossings.
- Sneakers: Optional, but useful for travel days or relaxed time around camp.
- Socks: Carry 3 to 5 pairs that are warm, comfortable, and quick-drying.
03 Clothing Layers
- Jacket: A good quality hiking or trekking jacket for layering.
- Pants: Lightweight, quick-drying trekking pants, plus a warm lower layer for colder nights.
- T-shirts and base layers: Carry 3 to 4 warm, comfortable tees along with a long-sleeve layer.
- Thermals and leggings: Two pairs of thermals and warm leggings are ideal for cold mornings and evenings.
- Undergarments: Pack according to your personal requirement.
- Buff or balaclava: Essential for protecting your neck and throat from wind and cold.
- Beanie cap and hiking hat: A beanie helps in cold weather, while a sun hat protects you during the day.
- Gloves: One warm pair is usually enough.
04 Rain Protection
- Raincoat and rain pants: Helpful in changing mountain weather.
- Rain poncho: A practical option during longer spells of rain.
- Rain covers: Carry waterproof covers for both your backpack and daypack, especially for gadgets.
05 Gadgets and Useful Extras
- Trekking poles, mobile phone, camera, and spare batteries.
- Power bank, lightweight flashlight or headlamp, and waterproof ziplock bags for electronics.
- Plug or converter, sunglasses, and a 1 liter water bottle.
- A journal and pen, a good book, and a map or guidebook if you enjoy documenting the journey
06 Hygiene and Toiletries
- Sunscreen with UV protection and lip balm or salve.
- Quick-drying towels, toilet paper, tissues, or wet wipes.
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouth freshener, shampoo, deodorant, and talcum powder.
- Biodegradable soap, nail clipper, and any personal daily-use items.
- Sanitary pads or tampons if needed.
07 First Aid and Energy
Carry a personal first-aid kit with the basics you may commonly need on an adventure trip, and always consult your doctor before taking any medicine.
- Antiseptic wipes or water syringe, butterfly bandages, sterile gauze pads, and elastic bandages.
- Latex gloves, medicines for upset stomach, cold, flu, fever, headache, and basic pain relief.
- ORS sachets, pain relief spray, bug repellent, and any prescription medicines you already use.
- Medicine for high altitude concerns such as Diamox or a similar alternative, only after medical advice.
- Carry some energy bars and non-alcoholic energy drinks for quick support on the trail.
Important note: Check what gear can be rented or purchased through BookMyHikes and what you should bring from home. Keeping your backpack light makes the trek more comfortable and enjoyable.
Inclusions
- Accommodation:2 Nights in a Hotel / Homestay on a triple/quad sharing basis and 3 Nights Tented accommodation on a triple sharing basis.
- Transportation:Surface transfer from Rishikesh – Joshimath – Rishikesh by Sumo / Bolero / Tempo Traveller ( Depends on the number of travelers).
- Meals:All Meals from (day 1 Dinner to day 6 Morning tea ) are included. We provide simple nutritious vegetarian food on all days of the trek.
- Snacks:Morning / Evening Tea / Coffee with light snacks.
- Camping logistics:Trekking tent, Sleeping bags, Mattresses, Dining tent, Kitchen tent and Toilet tent.
- Trek Leader:Qualified and Experienced Trek leader and support staff.
- Permits:All necessary fees and permits. (For Indians)
- Trekking Equipment:Gaiters, Micro Spikes, and Rope if required.
- Safety Equipment:Walkie / Talkie , Basic First Aid kit with Oximeter, Blood Pressure Monitor and Oxygen Cylinder.
- Guide ratio:Local experience guide ( depends on the group size).
- Others:Cloak Room facility available at base camp for extra luggage.
Exclusions
- Any expenses of personal nature.
- Meals during transit.
- Insurance of any kind.
- Unscheduled delay due to landslide.
- Cost Escalation due to “ Force Majeure and Evacuation charges”.
- Anything not mentioned explicitly in the above program.
Note: Bag offloading cost is Rs 1200 (maximum weight should not be more than 10 kg)
Life is unpredictable and we understand sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and it is our endeavour to make it as easy possible for you. However, please understand we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation and ration in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of programme. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below :
Cancellation Timeline
-
30 days before the event Best cancellation window with the lowest deduction.Deduction 15% Lowest cutReturn 85% Monetary Refund Into original payment mode
-
15-30 days before trek start Moderate cancellation window before core ground arrangements intensify.Deduction 50% Mid-stage cutReturn 50% Cash Voucher Valid for 12 months
-
Less than 15 days before trek start Late cancellation window after trek operations are mostly aligned.Deduction 100% Higher cutReturn No Refund
Voucher Rules
After applicable cancellation deductions, the remaining amount is refunded only in the form of a trek voucher. The voucher can be used for any trek, tour, or yatra booked with BookMyHikes.
The trek voucher is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
The voucher must be used for the same number of persons for whom it was issued.
The voucher cannot be redeemed as a cash refund and cannot be extended beyond its expiry date.
To redeem a voucher, email BookMyHikes 15 to 20 days before the new trip date.
What is the difficulty level of the Kuari Pass Trek?
Kuari Pass is generally considered an easy to moderate trek. It is suitable for beginners with reasonable fitness, although the altitude and winter snow can make certain sections more challenging.
What is the maximum altitude of the Kuari Pass Trek?
Kuari Pass is located at approximately 12,500 ft (3,800 m) above sea level.
What is the best time to do the Kuari Pass Trek?
Popular trekking periods are March to June and September to January. Spring offers pleasant trails and clearer landscapes, while winter is popular for snow trekking.
Is Kuari Pass Trek suitable for beginners?
Yes. Kuari Pass is considered one of the more accessible Himalayan treks for beginners. However, trekkers should prepare for several hours of walking each day and changing mountain weather.
How many days are required for the Kuari Pass Trek?
Most Kuari Pass itineraries take approximately 5–6 days, depending on the chosen route, starting point, and acclimatization schedule.
What is special about the Kuari Pass Trek?
Kuari Pass is particularly famous for its panoramic views of major Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi and Dronagiri. Forest trails, alpine meadows, mountain campsites, and beautiful winter snow make the trek rewarding across different seasons.
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