Kuari Pass trek was explored in 1905, by the British viceroy of India Lord George Curzon, By his name Kuari Pass is also known as “Curzon Trail.”Giving trek both natural beauty and historical significance. Located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, the trails towards the summit pass through Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, crossing through dense Oak and Rhododendron forests. Kuari Pass trek height is 3,650 meters (12,000ft). From the summit, we can see the most famous Himalayan Mountains like Nanda Devi, Trishul, Hathi Gori Parvat, Kamet, Chaukhamba, Dronagiri, and Neelkanth.

Why You Should Do Kuari Pass Trek?

The Kuari Pass trek is a popular trek in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, known for its breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. There are several reasons why people choose to do this trek:

Scenic Beauty: The Kuari Pass trek offers stunning vistas of some of the highest peaks in the world, including Nanda Devi, Kamet, and Trishul. The trail takes you through lush green meadows, dense forests, charming villages, and alpine landscapes, providing a visual treat for nature lovers and photographers.

Adventure and Challenge: The trek presents a moderate level of difficulty, making it suitable for both experienced trekkers and beginners. It involves ascending to an altitude of around 4,264 meters (13,990 feet) at Kuari Pass, which adds a sense of adventure and achievement. The trail includes steep climbs, narrow ridges, and sometimes even snow, providing a thrilling experience for adventure enthusiasts.

Cultural Immersion: The region is inhabited by local communities like the Garhwali and Tibetan people, giving trekkers an opportunity to interact with and learn about their rich culture and traditions. You can visit small mountain villages, interact with the locals, and get a glimpse of their lifestyle, architecture, and cuisine.

Flora and Fauna: The Kuari Pass trek takes you through diverse ecosystems, including oak and rhododendron forests, which are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. You may come across different bird species, Himalayan wildlife like musk deer, and if you’re lucky, you might spot the elusive snow leopard.

Solitude and Serenity: While the Kuari Pass trek is gaining popularity, it still offers a sense of solitude and tranquility compared to more crowded treks in the region. The pristine surroundings, untouched landscapes, and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal choice for those seeking a break from the chaos of daily life.

Trekking Infrastructure: The trek is well-established with designated campsites, trekking routes, and experienced local guides and porters available. This infrastructure ensures a relatively comfortable and safe trekking experience, especially for those who are new to trekking or prefer some level of support.

Picturesque Campsites: The campsites along the trek are incredibly scenic, offering clear skies, starlit nights, and open meadows surrounded by forests. Places like Gulling and Khullara are popular spots for camping.

Forest Trails: The trail takes you through dense oak and rhododendron forests, adding to the scenic beauty. The forested sections are rich in biodiversity, and during spring, the rhododendrons bloom in vibrant red and pink.

Meadows and Bugyals: The trek involves walking through vast meadows or bugyals that open up into incredible mountain views. The lush greenery in summer and the snow-clad landscapes in winter create a picture-perfect contrast.

Relatively Easy Trek: Kuari Pass is a moderately easy trek, making it accessible to beginners. Despite its ease, the trek offers majestic views and a sense of accomplishment when reaching the pass.

Winter Wonderland (if done in winter): In the winter months (December to February), Kuari Pass becomes a winter trek. The snow-covered landscapes, frozen streams, and a completely white panorama offer a different charm. The trek is popular for snow trekking during this time.

Short Itinerary: 

Day 1: Drive from Dehradun via Rishikesh to Joshimath Market Base Camp

Altitude Gain: 2,089 ft to 8,530 ft | Drive Distance: 280 km | Drive Duration: 9 to 10 hours | Overnight Stay: Joshimath Hotel   (Twin/Triple Sharing) | Pick-up point for High On Himalaya: Prince Chowk, nearby Dehradun Railway Station | Route: Dehradun → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar (Garhwal) → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Nandaprayag → Joshimath.

Day 2: Drive from Joshimath to Tugasi Village by Taxi, same day Trek to Gulling Campsite

Altitude Gain: 7,545 ft to 8,530 ft to 9,264 ft | Trek Distance: 3 km | Trek Duration: 3 to 4  hours | Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Overnight Stay: Gulling Campsite (Twin Sharing)

Highlights

Drive from Joshimath to Tugasi (15 km), then begin your 4 to 5 hour trek to Gulling camp. The trail offers scenic views of valleys, forests, and snow-capped peaks. Enjoy the stunning Himalayan panorama at Gulling and camp overnight amidst tranquil surroundings.

Day 3: Trek from Gulling Camp to Khullara Campsite

Altitude Gain: 9,264 ft to 11,014 ft | Trek Distance: 5.5 km | Trek Duration: 8 to 9 hours | Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Overnight Stay: Khullara Campsite (Twin Sharing).

Day 4: Trek from Khullara to Kuari Pass Summit and descend back to Khullara Campsite

Altitude Gain & Loss: 11,014 ft to 12,516 ft to 11,014 ft | Trek Distance: 8 km | Trek Duration: 8 to 9 hours | Trek Difficulty: Moderate | Overnight Stay: Khullara Campsite (Twin Sharing).

Highlights

Begin early from Khullara for the steep ascent to Kuari Pass (4,264 m), where breathtaking views of Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Kamet, and Chaukhamba await. After soaking in the summit views, descend through alpine meadows to Khullara viewpoint for an evening of rest amid majestic Himalayan vistas.

Day 5: Trek from Khullara to Tugasi Village Road head and Same day Drive to Joshimath

Altitude Loss: 11,014 ft to 8,530 ft to 7,545 ft | Trek Distance: 8.5 km | Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours | Drive Distance: 15 km | Drive Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour | Overnight Stay : Hotel stay in Joshimath-(Twin/Triple sharing)

Highlights

Descend from Khullara to Tugasi Village, a 8.5 km trek taking 4–5 hours through forests and terraced slopes. From Tugasi, drive back to Joshimath, enjoying scenic mountain views and valley landscapes along the way. Reflect on your trek as you return to base.

Day 6: Depart from Joshimath to Dehradun via Rishikesh

Altitude Loss: 8,530 ft to 2,089 ft | Drive Distance: 280 km | Drive Duration: 9 to 10 hours | Drop-off point for High on Himalaya trekkers: Prince Chowk, nearby Dehradun Railway Station | Route: Joshimath → Nandaprayag → Karnaprayag → Rudraprayag → Srinagar (Garhwal) → Devprayag → Rishikesh → Dehradun.