Overview
Kuari Pass follows part of the historic Lord Curzon Trail through the Garhwal Himalayas. The trek starts from Dhak Village near Joshimath and climbs steadily through oak and rhododendron forests before reaching wide alpine meadows like Gorson Bugyal. As the trail gains elevation, the forests give way to open ridges with increasingly dramatic Himalayan views.
The highlight is Kuari Pass at 12,516 feet. From here, trekkers enjoy one of the finest mountain panoramas in Uttarakhand, including Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Hathi Parvat, Ghori Parvat, Kamet, Chaukhamba, and Neelkanth. Unlike summit treks, the focus here is the continuous mountain scenery rather than a single peak.
Winter brings fresh snow across the trail, while spring covers the forests with blooming rhododendrons. Daily trekking distances are moderate, making Kuari Pass well suited to first-time trekkers who have prepared with regular walking and basic cardio training.
Photos And Videos
Highlights
- Historic trekking route known as the Lord Curzon Trail.
- Panoramic views of Nanda Devi and Dronagiri.
- Walk across the scenic Gorson Bugyal meadows.
- Dense oak and rhododendron forests.
- Snow-covered trails during winter.
- Wide Himalayan ridge walks.
- Beginner-friendly mountain pass trek.
- Excellent sunrise and sunset viewpoints.
- Rich variety of landscapes in a short duration.
- Easy road access from Joshimath.
Trek Details
Seasons
Departure Cities
Terrain
Itinerary
- 1
Rishikesh to Joshimath
Drive along the Alaknanda River through Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, and Chamoli before reaching Joshimath. The journey takes around 10–11 hours. After checking into your guesthouse, meet the trek leader, review equipment, and prepare for the trek.
- 2
Joshimath to Gulling via Dhak
Drive a short distance to Dhak Village before beginning the trek. The trail climbs through terraced fields and dense oak forests before opening into clearings with mountain views. Reach Gulling campsite by afternoon and enjoy your first close views of the Nanda Devi massif.
- 3
Gulling to Khullara
Continue climbing through forests filled with oak and rhododendron trees. As the trail gains altitude, open sections provide expansive views of Dronagiri, Hathi Parvat, and Ghori Parvat. Khullara campsite sits in a beautiful meadow and serves as the base for the pass crossing.
- 4
Kuari Pass Summit and Return to Khullara
Start early for the gradual climb to Kuari Pass. The final approach follows broad ridges that offer continuous Himalayan views. Spend time at the pass before descending carefully to Khullara. During winter, snow can make this day more demanding but not technical.
- 5
Khullara to Dhak and Drive to Rishikesh
Descend through forests back to Dhak Village, completing the trek. Begin the return drive toward Joshimath and continue to Rishikesh. Most groups reach late in the evening, so an overnight stay before onward travel is advisable.
Things to Carry
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