Kuari Pass Trek

• Starts from Sankri and follows scenic trails through dense pine, oak, maple, and rhododendron forests.
• Passes through Juda Ka Talab, a beautiful high-altitude lake that often freezes during winter.
• Features snow-covered meadows, alpine campsites, and forest clearings along the route.
• Reaches Kedarkantha Base Camp, offering spectacular mountain views and excellent stargazing opportunities.
• Includes a rewarding ascent to the Kedarkantha Summit at approximately 12,500 ft (3,810 m).
• Offers panoramic views of Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, Black Peak, Draupadi Ka Danda, and the Gangotri and Yamunotri ranges.
• Provides a classic winter trekking experience with snowfields, frozen lakes, and snow-covered forests.
• Concludes with a descent through forests and meadows back to Sankri.
• Considered an easy to moderate Himalayan summit trek, making it suitable for beginners with basic fitness and trekking experience.

The Kuari Pass Trek is one of Uttarakhand’s most celebrated Himalayan trails and is often associated with the historic journeys of British explorer Lord Curzon, leading to its nickname, the “Curzon Trail.” The trek offers a perfect combination of dense forests, expansive alpine meadows, traditional mountain villages, and some of the finest panoramic views of Himalayan peaks in India.

Unlike many treks that focus on a single destination, the Kuari Pass route continuously unfolds new landscapes, making it highly rewarding for both beginners and experienced trekkers. The trail passes through oak and rhododendron forests, scenic campsites, high ridgelines, and open grasslands before reaching the spectacular Kuari Pass viewpoint.

Day 1 — Rishikesh to Joshimath
Scenic drive through river valleys and mountain roads, passing Devprayag and Rudraprayag along the Alaknanda River.

Day 2 — Joshimath to Dhak, Trek to Gulling
Drive to Dhak and begin the trek through forest trails and village paths with a gradual ascent.

Day 3 — Gulling to Khullara
Trek through rhododendron forests before the trail opens into scenic meadows, with beautiful mountain views and campsites.

Day 4 — Khullara to Kuari Pass and Return
Early morning ascent to Kuari Pass, offering panoramic Himalayan views, snow sections during winter and spring, and spectacular views of Nanda Devi and neighboring peaks. Return to camp after exploring the pass.

Day 5 — Khullara to Tali and Auli Region
Descend through forests and open ridgelines with scenic views of the Auli region, experiencing a mix of alpine and woodland landscapes.

Day 6 — Return to Joshimath and Drive Back
Complete the trek and return to Joshimath, followed by a drive through the scenic Garhwal Himalayas, marking the end of the trek.

Participants should ideally be able to:

• Walk 5–7 hours per day
• Cover moderate distances comfortably
• Handle continuous uphill sections
• Carry a daypack

Recommended preparation includes:

• Jogging
• Stair climbing
• Cycling
• Hiking
• Endurance exercises

Starting Point

Joshimath, Uttarakhand

Nearest Airport

Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

Nearest Railway Station

Haridwar Railway Station

Most trekkers travel onward by road from Haridwar or Dehradun to Joshimath before beginning the trek.

Clothing

• 1 full-sleeve & 1 half-sleeve quick-dry T-shirt

• 2 fleece T-shirts

• 1 wind stopper/fleece jacket

• 1 windproof jacket

• 1 down feather/hollow jacket

• 1 pair thermal innerwear (upper & lower)

• 1 trekking pant (synthetic quick-dry)

• 1 wind stopper/fleece pant

• 1 pair waterproof gloves

• 1 pair fleece/woollen gloves

• 1 poncho/waterproof jacket and pant

Head Gear

• 1 head torch

• 1 sun cap

• 1 woollen cap

• 1 balaclava

• 2 woollen buff/neck-gaiters

• UV-protected sunglasses with dark side cover; contact lenses or photochromatic glasses recommended for spectacle users

Footwear

• 1 pair of water-resistant, high-ankle trekking shoes with good grip

• 1 pair of comfortable floaters/flip-flops

• 4 pairs of cotton socks

• 3 pairs of woollen socks

• 1 pair of gaiters (if required/provided by TTH)

• 1 pair of micro spikes (if required/provided by TTH)

Backpack

• 50–60 L backpack with rain cover and comfortable shoulder straps

• 20–30 L daypack with rain cover if off-loading is opted

• Walking stick (advisable, at least one)

• 2 thermos flasks of one litre each; avoid hydration packs

• Small tiffin/lunch box

• Energy bars, dry fruits and electrolytes

• Personal medical kit as advised by your doctor

Personal essentials

• Sunscreen

• Moisturiser

• Chap-stick/lip balm

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Toilet paper & wipes

• Hand sanitizer

• Antibacterial powder

• Quick-dry towel

Important

• Carry adequate warm layers and rain protection.

• Keep your water in thermos flasks as recommended.

• Use good-quality trekking shoes with proper ankle support and grip.

Tip: Don't overpack. For an easy to moderately difficult Himalayan trek, focus on proper layering, reliable footwear, rain protection, hydration, and essential personal items.

Refund percentages vary depending on cancellation timing:

• Earlier cancellations receive higher refunds/vouchers.
• Emergency situations may qualify for special refund consideration.