Irrespective of whether you are a pro trekker or an amateur, the Kuari Pass trek is that you want to do. It is a must-do for the views of several of India’s most celebrated mountains – Mt Nanda Devi  and Mt. Dronagiri – no matter which season it is. 

In winter, there’s another attraction. While the majority of the mountain passes withinside the Himalayas lie buried in snow, Kuari Pass is the solely trekkable mountain pass in winter. Even though you don’t conventionally move through the pass, you trek all of the way to the pass, sufficient to look at the beautiful views from atop .

On a handful of occasions, you would possibly stumble upon the footprints of the uncommon Himalayan Bear or Leopard. The foremost attraction of the Kuari Pass trek is that you could camp amidst the luxurious greensward meadows, which include widespread verdant pastures with Himalayan Views. The Kuari pass is interpreted as the Doorway. The Kuari Pass trek is possibly the excellent recognized trek withinside the Garhwal Himalayas.


History of Kuari Pass Trek

The history of this trek dates back to 1905, when Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, trekked to Joshimath from Ghat whilst crossing over this astounding Pass. It has been referred to as the Curzon’s Trail considering this fact then. Extremely famous among British and American trekkers, the Kuari Pass trek gives majestic sight of the Twin Peaks of Nanda Devi-, and the Nanda Devi East, Kamet, Dronagiri Hathi Parbat, and Ghori Parbat.


AreaGarhwal Region
Duration9 Days
Best SeasonApril – June & Sept – Early Dec (Except Jul & Aug)
GradeModerate
Altitude4150 meters
Approximate km55 K.M
Kuari Pass Trek Mainpoints

Highlights of Kuari Pass Trek

  • Snow is an ordeal on its very own in this trek.
  • Grand sights of four peaks of Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Mana, Kamet, Hathi, Ghodi, Trishul, Nandaghunti, Nanda Devi, Dronagiri
  • The transformation in the scenery with each climb of the meadows of Kuari Pass is extraordinarily stunning in any season.
  • Kuari pass trek is an excellent way to rejuvenate.

Kuari Pass Trek Location

Kuari Pass is a popular trek near Auli, Joshimath in Uttarakhand. Kuari pass trek has another name which is Lord Curzon’s trail. Kuari pass is positioned at an altitude of 4200m and trekkers will have the added pleasure of crossing snow patches. During the trek, you will pass 3 lesser passes and 5 tributaries of the Ganges, the Pinder, Kaliganga, Nandakini, Birehiganga & Dhauli Ganga.

Best Season for Kuari Pass Trek

The Kuari Pass trek may be enjoyable and thrilling at any time of the 12 months excluding the monsoons. The temperature throughout the summer is between 19 to 29 degree Celsius while throughout winters it drops from 12 to 8 degree Celsius. 


How to Reach Kuari Pass Trek

Kuari Pass Trek is nicely linked with almost each of the vital cities and towns of Uttarakhand. Dehradun is the closest region that is properly linked with most of the state and town within India. 

By Air: 

Jolly Grant Airport is the airport serving Dehradun, positioned approximately 25 km from the town. There is an everyday flight from Delhi to Dehradun.

By Train: 

Take the overnight train to Dehradun from Delhi:

  • Nandadevi Express – Train no: 12205 (Departure 11:50pm; Arrival – 5:40am)
  • Dehradun Express – Train no: 12687 (Departure – 9:10pm; Arrival – 5:00am)

By Road: 

There is an ordinary bus service from Delhi to Dehradun from Delhi’s  Kashmere Gate. From there you need to come to Dehradun Railway Station. Vehicles are accessible for pick-up from Dehradun Railway Station at 6:30 am. Dehradun is approximately 2.5 hours from Haridwar and 1.5 hours from Rishikesh.


Itinerary for Kuari Pass Trek

Day 01: Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh 

In the morning, take an AC train for Haridwar at 06:50 hrs. After arriving at Haridwar, Evening time is free for leisure activities. 

Read more: Kalindi Khal

Day 02: Rishikesh – Nandprayag – Ghat 

After breakfast, drive in the direction of the Ghat via Devprayag. The Ghat is the bottom of the trek. Arrive on the Ghat by dawn.

Day 03: Ghat – Sutol – Ghunni 

In the morning, board a local jeep for Sutol village, and from right here trek to Ghunni village. Stay overnight in a tent. 

Day 04: Ghunni – Jhinjhi Village (14 kms/6-7 hrs)

Today, wake up early because the day is scheduled for an extended trek in the direction of Jhinjhi village. The trek is a combination of many ups & downs. 

Day 05: Jhinjhi – Pana Village (14 kms/6-7 hrs) 

After breakfast, set out for Pana village. Today, hike via a valley, forest, alongside the river and eventually cross the bridge, pitch your tents at Pana village. 

Day 06: Pana – Dakhwani (14 kms/6 hrs) 

Today, hike closer to Dakhwani, the trek is a blend of forest, alpine meadow, water fountains, and side streams. 

Day 07: Dakhwani – Kuari Pass (3800 mts/ ft) 

After an early breakfast, trek in the direction of Tali meadow through the Kuari Pass Trail. One might see the spectacular view of peaks like Dronagiri, Nanda Devi, Changbang, Hathi Godhi Parvat, and so on from the pass. Overnight stay in tents. 

Day 08: Tali – Auli- Joshimath – Rudraprayag (7 km trek and a hundred and fifteen km drive/7-eight hrs) 

The final day of the trek goes smoothly. Trek in the direction of Auli meadow. From there, drive downwards to Rudraprayag through Joshimath, Chamoli, and Karnprayag. Overnight stay in Rudraprayag. 

Day 09: Rudraprayag – Haridwar (one hundred sixty km/five hrs) – 

In the morning after breakfast, drive to Haridwar and from there catch the AC Train for Delhi.


Frequently asked Question ( FAQ) for Kuari Pass Trek

Is the Kuari pass trek difficult? 

The Lord Curzon Trail, as the trek is also known, is difficult but not risky. It is moderately challenging with some steep climbs and altitude which goes up to 15,419 feet.

How long is the Kuari Pass Trek?

The total distance covered during the Kuari pass trek on the Dhak-Kuari Pass-Auli trail is 21.5 km.

What is the best time to go for the Kuari pass trek?

The ideal time to go for the Kuari trek depends on what you expect to get out of your trekking adventure. The hike can be done in the summer and winter months. During summer, you get to experience soul-soothing greenery, pleasant days and cool nights. In winters, the landscape is stunningly white and the weather makes it up for a challenging experience.

What are some of the sights I can see in Kuari Pass Trek?

From Kuari Pass the view is one of the best in the Himalayas. All the peaks in the upper Dhauliganga valley, Badrinath valley, and Chaukhamba/Satopanth valley peaks can be seen. Hati & Ghora Parvat, Mukut, Rishi, Kamet, Dronagiri, Nilgiri Parvat, Ratavan, Neelkanth, Mana, and Chaukhamba are also visible. From Tali, Gurson Bugyal, and Auli you can see Nanda Devi. 

How do I reach the Kuari pass?

Take a flight to Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, Hire a cab to reach Dehradun City as the airport is 29 km away. Also the Dehradun railway station is located in the center of the city which is well connected to all the major cities of the country. 

What is the height of Kuari Pass?

Kuari Pass trek attains the highest altitude of 12,516 ft.