Kuari Pass Trek

Kuari pass trek is considered as the best trekking destination for beginners. If you are heading to the Himalayan region for the first time, then Kuari pass is the perfect place for you to trek. Kuari pass provides an easy and moderate trek. That is why this trek is ideal for those who are starting their trek in the Himalayas. Kuari pass means the doorway.

Lord Curzon explored this trek; therefore, this trek is also known as the Curzon trail. The Kuari pass is situated at the altitude of 3876 meters, and it passes through the forest of Oak, Deodar, and Pristine Rhododendron that are covered in layers of snow. The Kuari pass trek is scenic as you will get the spectacular view of the Himalayan region at its fullest. There you will find a series of meadows and forests.

You also can get a glimpse of the peaks of Dronagiri, Bertholi, Kamet, Trishul, Mana, Neelkanth, and Ghodi Parvati. Not only for beginners, but the Kuari Pass trek is also suitable for trained trekkers. As the trails of this trek are not very tough, beginners get the chance to learn all about trekking practically in this Himalayan region. For season trekkers also, Kuari Pass trek is the best trekking destination to rejuvenate. There are three things about the Kuari pass trek, that will be with you throughout the entire trekking.

The Kuari pass trek begins from Joshimath, located in the Chamoli district that is the centre of trekkers and pilgrims in this Himalayan region. Here you can see the confluences of some rivers that include Kaliganga, Pindar, Mandakini, Dhauli Ganga, and Birehiganga.

Then you have to trek through the remote Himalayan villages. You also can get a glimpse of the pug marks of the Himalayan black bears or the leopards in the forests. The actual refreshing part of this entire trekking is while you will walk through the beautiful Himalayan meadows. In the local tongue, these meadows are called as ‘Bugyals’.

Here in the Kuari pass, you will explore the serenity and beauty of the Himalayan meadows that you will praise throughout your entire life. Here you will see the most remarkable Gorson Bugyal that is consisted of wide undulating green pastures. On the Kuari pass trek, you will also see Auli, that is well known for its excellent skiing slopes in winter.

Archaic forest trails of Kuari pass

In Kuari pass, you will find many beautiful forests to trek. The forests are very archaic and laid out perfectly. In most of the forests, you will see Rhododendrons and Oak trees. The forests are not so dense and not so thin. When you trek through the forests, you can see the sweeping view of the forests from a distance. That is why the forests offer a spectacular view.

Whenever you will get out of the forests to a meadow and then get back in another forest again. The two different types of landscapes will surely amaze you while trekking in this area.

See the excellent campsites

Except for the ancient forest trails, you also get some excellent campsites in the Kuari pass trek. As campsites are a very vital part of trekking, you must look for such perfect campsites. So, while you will trek in this Himalayan region, you will get a few campsites with excellent settings.

As trekking is not only about going one place to another place, you must need these campsites where you can take some rest. There is Chitrakantha campsite, situated in the centre of the forest and the Khullara campsite that includes mount Dronagiri at its backdrop. Particularly for these great campsite settings, you will get a fantastic trekking experience in the Kuari pass trek.

Be amazed by the excellent mount views

Mountain views are one of the best attractions of the Kuari pass trek. From the first moment of the trek, you will get the chance to get the glimpse of the superb mountain views. Mount Dronagiri and the mount Nanda Devi is situated right in the front of the Kuari Pass. As you will trek higher, you will get a glimpse of more mountains.

These mountains provide an excellent view of this Himalayan region.

Who can go for the Kuari pass trek

The persons who are going to trek for the very first time surely can go for the Kuari pass trek. You must have to fit, and you should have enough stamina to cover at least 5 kilometres within 45 minutes without stress.

If you want to go for this trek, you also should have the capability of carrying a backpack of 10 kg weight. The persons who deal with heart issues, asthma, epilepsy, and high blood pressure will not be approved to go for this trek.

What is famous in Kuari pass

Kuari pass is renowned for an expedition, trekking, winter trek, snow trek, Viceroy Hunting trail, camping and the Curzon trail. Foreigners, individuals, and groups can trek in this Himalayan region. This trail also offers a scope to the trekkers to see the inner Himalayan region while trekking the Kuari pass.

If you belong to the group of adventure and mountain lovers, then this trek will surely provide the best experience of your life. This place is encircled with gorgeous forests, and here at Kuari pass, you will get the chance to discover the excellent view of sunrises and sunsets.

At the highest point of this trek, you will get the glimpse of some gigantic elevations such as Chaukhamba, Dronagiri, and Trishul.

Conclusion

Even if you leave the attractions of this place, still you will get an excellent experience ultimately while trekking the Kuari pass. The beautiful surroundings and the challenges of this trek will make this trek worth doing both for beginners and experienced trekkers.

Day 1: Haridwar to Joshimath

Altitude: 6724 ft
256 kms drive, approx 10 hours

Trekkers will be picked from Haridwar at 6:30am in a Tata Sumo or a similar vehicle (cost is included)

• Arrive at Joshimath by approx. 5 pm – (tea, briefing of the trek & dinner)
• Breakfast and Lunch on the way (exclusive of charges)
• Accommodation at the guest house
• Telephone Network- Available

Day 2: Joshimath – Gulling Top

Altitude: 9600 ft
12 kms drive and 6 kms trek, approx 4 hrs

• The trail is a mix of steep and gradual ascent, mostly through villages.
• Hot lunch at camp site
• Water Points- Available at villages in passing
• Accommodation in tent
• Peaks spotted: Dronagri, Hathi Parvat, Gori Parvat
• Drive from Joshimath to Dhak village (6790 ft) (12 kms)
• Trek from Dhak village to Tugasi village (8040 ft) (3.5 kms trek)
• Trek from Tugasi village to Gulling village (8990 ft) (2 kms trek)
• Gulling village to Gulling top camp site (9600 ft) (0.5 km Trek)

Day 3: Gulling Top to Tali Forest Camp

Altitude: 11070 ft
4 km trek, approx 5 hrs

• Gulling Top to Forest Hut (first and last water point) (9840 ft) (1 km trek)
• Forest hut to Tali top (Tali lake is there, steep ascent ) (11480 ft) (2 km trek)
• Tali top to Tali top forest camp site (gradual descent) (11070 ft) (1 km trek)
• Oak, Rhododendron (mostly pink and white), walnut forest
• Accommodation in tent
• Peaks:  Nanda Devi, Kalanka, Chang bang, Dronagri, Hathi Parvat, Gori Parvat

Day 4: Tali forest camp to Kuari pass and back via Khullara top

Altitude: 12,763 ft
15 km trek, approx 11 hrs

• Tali forest camp to Khullara top (moderate ascent) (11800 ft) (3.5 km trek)
• Khullara top to broken bridge with frozen stream (traverse walk) (12300 ft) (2.5 km trek)
• Broken bridge to KUARI PASS (Strenuous climb) (12763 ft) (1.5 km trek)
• Today is the toughest day
• Carry enough water (no water source on the way)
• Early morning after breakfast start trek to Kuari pass
• Peaks: Kedarnath Peak, Kedardome, Chaukhambha, Balakun, Neel Kantha, Mukut Parvat, Kamet, Abhi Gamin, Mana I, Ghori Parvat, Hathi Parvat, Dronagiri, Kalanka, Chang Bang, Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghunti

Day 5: Tali forest camp – Joshimath via Gurson bugyal (11150 ft) and Auli (9680 ft)

8 km trek, approx 7 hrs, 13 km drive

• Tali forest camp to Tali lake (111480 ft) (1 km trek)
• Tali lake to Gurson bugyal (11150 ft) (3.5 km trek)
• Gurson bugyal to Auli (9680 ft) (3.5 km trek)
• Auli to Joshimath (6724 ft) (13 km drive)
• Breakfast at Tali camp site
• Lunch Pack on the way
• Joshimath (evening tea, debriefing, dinner)

Day 6: Joshimath to Haridwar

256 km drive, approx 10 hrs

• Ride will commence at 6 am, reaching destination at around 6 pm

Note: On Day 6, you’ll reach Haridwar between 6 pm and 7 pm. You can book your travel any time after 8 pm.

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