Kuari Pass Trek
- Uttarakhand, India
6 Days & 5 Nights
Trek Duration
12,500 ft.
Maximum Altitude
22 Kms.
Trekking Distance
Easy to Moderate
Trek Difficulty Level
Expert Leaders
Hands-On Adventure
Comfy Transport
Nutritious Meals
Adventure Safety
Leave No Trace
Departure Once every month from December to March
Overview
Kuari Pass Trek: The Lord Curzon Trail of Uttarakhand
Sitting at around 12,600 ft in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, the Kuari Pass Trek is a 6 day journey through some of the grandest Himalayan landscapes in India. Famous for its unbeatable views of Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Hathi-Ghoda Peaks and Kamet, this trail is often called the “window to the Himalayas.” It’s perfect for beginners yet deeply rewarding for seasoned trekkers, thanks to its mix of forests, rolling meadows, and wide, open high-altitude passes.
Starting from Joshimath, the trail takes you through ancient oak and rhododendron forests, shepherd villages, and expansive bugyals like Gorson and Tali. In winter, Kuari is a snow paradise, with powder-white meadows stretching as far as you can see. In summer, the forests glow green and the valleys bloom with fresh wildflowers. Every bend on this trail opens up to a new, postcard-worthy frame of the Himalayan giants.
Kuari Pass Trek Package: What to Expect
Think of Kuari Pass as a 6 day Himalayan experience where every day opens up a bigger, broader mountain panorama. You’ll trek through deep forests, cross gentle ridges, and finally climb to the iconic Kuari Pass, where the entire snowline of the Garhwal Himalayas stands right in front of you like a natural amphitheatre. Peaks like Nanda Devi, Hathi-Ghoda and Dronagiri dominate the horizon while you learn essential trekking basics, trail reading, efficient pacing, and camping skills.
With The Nativs, you also get a slightly unique itinerary designed to avoid the crowd-heavy timings of other groups. Instead of rushing through the days, we plan the trail so you get the best light at the most scenic spots, especially at Tali, Gorson Bugyal, and the pass itself. Expect quiet mountain sunsets, serene forest camps, and long, uninterrupted views without the traffic of big batches.
With meals, guides, and permits sorted, your job is to enjoy the trail, connect with locals, swap stories with fellow trekkers, and take home memories that will stay long after your phone battery runs out. For beginners, Kuari is gentle and safe, for experienced trekkers, it’s refreshing, scenic, and deeply soul-stirring.
How to Prepare for the Kuari Pass Trek
Though beginner friendly, the Kuari Pass has steep forest climbs and long meadow stretches, so prep with basic cardio, squats, and a bit of mobility work. Good trekking shoes, a warm padded jacket, thermals, gloves, and a reliable rain layer are essential. Pack light but smart, water bottle, snacks, a headlamp, sunscreen, and a small first-aid kit.
If you don’t own all the gear, Joshimath has rental shops where you can pick up poles, ponchos, and other equipment. With The Nativs, all your essentials are covered, your focus should be on pacing yourself, staying hydrated, and keeping the trail clean using the eco-bag we provide. Respect the mountains, they reward you for it!Read More
Highlights
- Trek to Kuari Pass at 12,600 ft, following the legendary Curzon Trail with wide-open mountain views throughout the journey.
- Witness unmatched panoramic vistas of Himalayan giants like Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Hathi-Ghoda, Kamet, Neelkanth, and Chaukhamba towering above 20,000 ft.
- Trek through ancient oak, rhododendron, and deodar forests, opening into expansive bugyals like Gorson and Tali that feel straight out of a Himalayan movie scene.
- Ideal for beginners with basic fitness, offering an accessible yet incredibly scenic high-altitude experience.
- Explore the diverse ecosystem of the Nanda Devi Biosphere, home to musk deer, Himalayan black bears, monals, and other high-altitude wildlife.
- Camp in peaceful, open meadows and quiet forest clearings, far from the chaos of crowded trails.
- Experience authentic Garhwali culture in Joshimath, Tugasi, and nearby villages through homestays, food, and mountain stories.
- A photogenic trek in every season, snowy ridges in winter, flower-filled forests in spring, and golden meadows glowing at sunrise and sunset.
Trek Itinerary
Your journey begins in the early morning from Rishikesh, driving along one of the most scenic mountain highways of Uttarakhand. The route takes you through Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, and Karnaprayag, each with stunning river confluences and Himalayan views. By late afternoon/evening, you reach Joshimath, the vibrant base town for the Kuari Pass trek. After check-in and freshening up, relax, explore the market, and we prepare for your trek ahead!
Post breakfast, you’ll drive 12 Kms to Tugasi Village, the starting point of your trek. Tugasi offers a glimpse into quiet Himalayan village life before the adventure begins. The trail starts with a gradual ascent through Tugasi village, passing terraced farmlands and local homes. As you move higher, the landscape transitions into dense oak forests, filled with fresh mountain air and birdsong. Reach Gulling Top Campsite, nestled deep within the forest. Hot tea, snacks, and a peaceful forest setting welcome you to your first night under the stars!
Today’s trek continues through oak and rhododendron forests, with occasional clearings offering beautiful glimpses of Dronagiri Peak. The terrain includes a mix of short climbs and easy walks, making the day both scenic and comfortable. As you approach Khullara, the forest opens into wide meadows and serene spaces perfect for quiet moments. Khullara Campsite is one of the highlights of Kuari Pass, located right at the edge of the forest with sweeping views and a truly calming atmosphere!
The summit push begins early. Carry only essentials as you make your way across rolling meadows, ridges, and snowy stretches (in winter). After about 3.5–4 hours of trekking, you reach Kuari Pass (12,500 ft), one of the most breathtaking vantage points in the Garhwal Himalayas. The skyline explodes with giants like Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Kamet, Neelkanth, Chaukhamba, Hathi-Ghoda Parvat, and more. Spend time taking in the views, clicking photos, and absorbing the feel of standing above the world. Return to Khullara Camp for a warm meal and a restful night!
Wake up to sunrise over the forest canopy, enjoy breakfast, and start descending towards Tugasi. The descent is long but scenic as you revisit the forests and village trails. Once at Tugasi, a short drive brings you back to Joshimath, where a comfortable stay awaits, hot showers, warm beds, and a relaxing final evening!
Your last morning in the mountains begins with an easy checkout. After final goodbyes to your trek team and fellow trekkers, begin your return drive to Rishikesh. Enjoy the river views and mountain landscapes one last time. You’ll reach Rishikesh by evening, marking the end of your Kuari Pass adventure!
What's Inside the package?
Package Inclusion
- Comfortable transport from Rishikesh to Rishikesh.
- Clean & scenic accommodation in Homestay on sharing basis, Camping in Tents on triple sharing basis.
- Nutritious and delicious meals on trek, Breakfast, Lunch, Tea/Snacks, Dinner.
- All camping equipment is hygienic and expedition grade, including Dome tents, Sleeping bags, Stools, Cutlery, Toilet tents, Technical equipment, First aid.
- All required permits.
- Professional and experienced trek leader, guide, and support staff.
- Strict adventure safety protocols.
- Eco-friendly practices throughout.
- No hidden charges.
Package Exclusion
- Any kind of personal expenses.
- Meals during transit (Rishikesh to Joshimath & Joshimath to Rishikesh).
- Charges of mules/porters/carrying your personal luggage.
- Medical cost.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under inclusions.
- Any kind of emergency evacuation charges.
- Personal insurance.
- Personal medical kit.
- Any equipment that needs to be rented or is not mentioned in inclusions.
Map
trek FAQs
The Kuari Pass Trek is considered beginner-friendly to moderate, making it ideal for first-time trekkers and those looking to step into high-altitude trekking. The trail features gradual ascents through forests and meadows, with a rewarding but manageable climb to the pass. Daily distances are comfortable, and our experienced trek leaders ensure your safety while you enjoy wide Himalayan views, peaceful oak forests, and the iconic Nanda Devi range.
Kuari Pass is beautiful year-round, but the best seasons are December–March for snow lovers and April–June for lush greenery and blooming forests. Winters offer stunning snow-covered meadows and crystal-clear views of Nanda Devi and Dronagiri, while late spring brings vibrant rhododendron forests and warm days perfect for camping. It’s best to avoid the monsoon months as the trails become slippery and visibility drops.
Joshimath is approximately 250 km from Rishikesh, taking around 8–10 hours by road depending on weather and traffic. The drive is incredibly scenic, passing through river valleys, confluences, and mountain towns like Devprayag and Rudraprayag. It’s a long but beautiful journey that sets the tone for your Kuari Pass adventure.
On the Kuari Pass Trek, we provide comfortable, well-organized camps equipped with warm sleeping bags, thermal liners, and insulated mats to ensure a cozy night’s rest. Campsites at Guling and Tali are carefully selected for safety, scenic beauty, and peaceful surroundings. You’ll enjoy hot meals, clean setups, and evenings under star-filled skies, allowing you to experience the raw charm of the Himalayas without compromising on comfort.
Pack sturdy trekking shoes, warm layers, a good rain jacket, a daypack, water bottles, and any personal medications. Since Kuari Pass involves both forest trails and high-altitude meadows, layering is essential to adjust to quick weather changes. Our team will share a detailed packing list so you can travel light while staying fully prepared for chilly nights, snow patches, and long but rewarding trekking days.
Yes! Kuari Pass is known for its beautiful snow-covered trails during December to March. Expect sparkling white meadows, soft snow patches, and breathtaking views of snow-draped Himalayan peaks. Even first-time trekkers can enjoy the snow safely under the guidance of our experienced team, turning the trek into a true winter wonderland experience!