About the Kuari Pass
The Kuari Pass trek takes you deep into the Himalayas, where you’ll drink from sparkling streams, camp in alpine forests, and visit remote villages. At night, you and your group will stop at magnificent campsites, enjoying delicious hot meals, and sleeping like babies in tents pitched under starry skies.
As you approach the scree-covered slopes near Pangarchula, you’ll receive the full mountain experience of roping up and clambering over boulders. There's no half-ways on this trek. Every sight, every peak, every meadow - the scenery is larger than life, and makes for a dramatic trek that you'll never forget.
Kuari Pass trek itinerary
Most operators will pick you up from Haridwar and drive you to Joshimath to start the trek. If your package does not include transport, you’ll have to get to Joshimath on your own. You’ll spend a night here, in tents or in lodges, and will start the trek the next day. You’ll camp in the open at Khulara or Tapovan, and ascend to Kuari Pass the next day. If your itinerary includes Pangarchula Peak, you’ll begin the climb from Kuari Pass itself, and will return by the early evening for a night of camping. The next day, you’ll begin the descent to Joshimath.
If you’re going to Uttarakhand, you might be interested in our blog on Top Things to do in Uttarakhand.
Kuari Pass difficulty level
The Kuari Pass trek is considered a moderately challenging trek that is suitable for fit beginners. In the winter, the low temperatures and the snow can make the trek a little more challenging.
However, if your itinerary includes Pangarchula Peak, you’ll have one day of climbing that can be quite tough. You’ll be scaling 15,419 feet, and this really puts your muscles to the test. For this stretch, your guide will explain some climbing techniques, and may even rope up for tricky sections if needed.
Kuari Pass winter trek
Also known as the Lord Curzon Trail, this trail remains open almost all year round, and is a popular winter trek. The pass lies at the edge of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. It is surrounded on all sides by towering mountains, which makes for some epic scenery in the winter. From Kuari Pass, you’ll get enchanting 360 degree views of the Chaukhamba Range to one side, while the summits of Mana, Kamet and Abl Gamin extend on the other side all the way to the Tibet border.
In the winter, blankets of snow covers everything, transforming the green pine forests and the stark rock faces into sparkling white perfection. The trail gives you some of the finest views of Himalayan giants like Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, and Trishul. It is said that the views on the Kuari Pass winter trek are the best in the Indian Himalayas.
If you’re a first-timer or are looking for an easier trek, check out our blog post on Easy Snow Treks in India.
Kuari Pass – Best time to go
During the summer, the Kuari Pass trek is gorgeous, and will give you unlimited views of greenery and mountain peaks in the distance. The camping experience is wonderful, and you’ll have cool nights and pleasant days. However, if you’re looking for a fun challenge, try the Kuari Pass winter trek. The trails are covered in snow, and you’ll have stunning views of the landscape blanketed in white.
Apart from the Kuari Pass trek, there are many winter treks in Uttarakhand that you might want to check out during this season.
Top Kuari Pass and Pangarchula treks
Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Trip Description
The trek to Kuari Pass gives you some of the best views amongst the Himalayan treks in this region. You'll be breathing in the crisp mountain air, walking through lush forests, fields, and narrow village paths. For the Kuari Pass trek, You'll walk along routes that are flanked with snow-capped peaks in the distance. From the trail, you'll get close views of legendary Himalayan peaks like Mana, Kamet, Dronagiri, and the ridges of the Nanda Devi sanctuary.
While the Kuari Pass trek itself is an unforgettable experience, the highlight is clearly the Pass itself. Here, you feel the rush of victory and adrenaline because you've reached your destination. The winds rush through the Kuari Pass, buffeting your body, and making you feel like throwing your arms up and screaming for joy! The Kuari Pass trek is a whole different feeling.
While the Kuari Pass trek itself is an unforgettable experience, the highlight is clearly the Pass itself. Here, you feel the rush of victory and adrenaline because you've reached your destination. The winds rush through the Kuari Pass, buffeting your body, and making you feel like throwing your arms up and screaming for joy! The Kuari Pass trek is a whole different feeling.
- Accommodation for 2 nights in guesthouse in Joshimath on twin/triple sharing
- Accommodation in tents for 3 nights on twin/triple sharing
- Sleeping bags and mats
- All meals from lunch on Day 2 to breakfast on Day 5
- Toilet tents for your comfort
- Mules and porters to carry common camping equipment
- Permits and entry charges
- First aid kit
- Trek guide and support staff fees
Inclusions
- Transport from Haridwar-Joshimath-Haridwar (this will cost you approximately INR 1000 per person, one way in sharing vehicles)
- Personal porters
- Meals during the drive to Joshimath
- Meals in Joshimath
- Insurance
- Charges for still/video cameras
- Personal expenses including telephone calls, laundry, tips, personal porter charges, etc.
- Additional costs incurred due to weather or other unforeseen situations
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
Exclusions
Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Trip Description
The Kuari Pass trek is one of the most gorgeous treks in the Himalayas, and is suitable for fit beginners looking for a bit of a challenge. However, with Pangarchulla Peak added on to the itinerary, you'll find an element of thrill too. Getting to the peak involves waking up early, in the dark hours of the morning. You'll trek through the dark forests as the sun rises slowly from behind the peaks. As the sky grows brighter, you'll see Pangarchulla Peak ahead of you. You'll never forget seeing the morning sun turning the Himalayas gold. nding elements.
- Transport from Haridwar to Haridwar
- Accommodation in tents on triple sharing basis
- Accommodation in guesthouse (2 nights) on triple sharing basis
- Sleeping bags and mattresses
- Meals while on trek (veg + egg)
- Trek equipment
- All necessary permits and entry fees
- First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder
- Mountaineering qualified and professional trek leader, guide and support staff
- All applicable taxes
Inclusions
- Any kind of personal expenses
- Food during transit
- Insurance
- Mules or porters to carry personal luggage
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the inclusions
Exclusions
Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Trip Description
The Kuari Pass trek is one of the most scenic treks in the Himalayas, but with the addition of the Pangarchula Peak, it becomes a memorable adventure as well. Also known as the Lord Curzon Trail, this trek is a moderately challenging one, except for one day when you’ll put your climbing muscles to the test as you climb to Pangarchula Peak, which stands tall at 15,419 feet. Your guides will take you through a brief course on climbing techniques, and may even rope up certain sections if needed. This trek to Kuari Pass will be a thrill for fit trekkers who enjoy a challenge.
- Accommodation for 5 nights in alpine tents on twin-sharing basis
- Clean and fresh sleeping bags, camping mattresses
- Separate toilet tents for men and women
- Kitchen/dining tent
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6
- Forest entry charges, permits and camping fees
- 2 guides for the group
- First-aid kit
- Porter/mule charges for carrying camping equipment and rations
- All applicable taxes
Inclusions
- Transport from Haridwar-Auli-Haridwar (can be arranged for INR 3150 per person)
- Upgrade to triple-sharing Swiss tent with attached washroom in Auli, for INR 1500 per person
- Porter or mule for personal bags (can be arranged for INR 1400 per person)
- Any charges for video cameras, still cameras, etc.
- Alcohol, soft drinks, beverages, etc.
- Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
- Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road blocks, bad weather, etc.
- Insurance
- Any meals/services not mentioned in the inclusions
Exclusions
Joshimath, Uttarakhand
Trip Description
The Kuari Pass trek is perfect for those who want to experience the grandeur and majesty of the Himalayas. There's no half-ways on this trek. Every sight, every peak, every meadow - the scenery is larger than life, and makes for a dramatic trek that you'll never forget.
While this 5-day trek is not a difficult one, it takes you up to a pretty high altitude in a short time. This means you'll have some steep inclines to scale at your own pace. You'll be camping on snow, walking through snow, and playing in snow.
While this 5-day trek is not a difficult one, it takes you up to a pretty high altitude in a short time. This means you'll have some steep inclines to scale at your own pace. You'll be camping on snow, walking through snow, and playing in snow.
- Two nights stay in Joshimath
- Meals during the trek
- Forest permits/camping charges (if any)
- Tents
- Sleeping bags/mats
- Safety equipment
- Services of trek guide, cook, helpers
- Porters or mules for carrying common supplies
- Services of an experienced trek leader
- All applicable taxes
Inclusions
- Personal utensils
- Transport from Dehradun - Dehradun (can be arranged for INR 2600)
- Meals during road journeys
- Meals at hotels or guesthouses
- Porters for personal luggage (can be arranged for INR 964 per person, for a 12 kg bag)
- Any insurance
- Any expense of personal nature
- Any expense not specified in the inclusions list
Exclusions
Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Trip Description
The Kuari Pass trek, also referred to as the Lord Curzon trail trek, is surely one of the finest and most popular treks in the Indian Himalayas. The trail gives you some of the finest views of Himalayan giants like Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, and Trishul. In the winter, the Kuari Pass trek is even more magnificent, thanks to a blanket of snow covering everything. On this 5-day trek of moderate intensity, you will climb through beautiful mountain villages and see their culture and hospitality. You will walk through flawless meadows, and stay at gorgeous campsites, but most of all, you'll get the full winter mountain experience.
- 1 guide per 6 trekkers, or 2 guides for groups of 12
- Accommodation in a deluxe mountain lodge in Auli on single/double occupancy basis for 2 nights
- Camping in high quality tents for 2 nights
- Camping gear: sleeping bags, mattresses, stools and tables, mess tent, toilet tents with portable toilet seats.
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 till breakfast on Day 5 as well as snacks, tea and coffee
- Porter or mule charges for carrying camping equipment and rations
- Forest entry charges, permits and camping fees
- First aid kit
- All applicable taxes
Inclusions
- Transport from Haridwar-Auli-Haridwar (can be arranged for INR 2415 per person)
- Porter/mule for personal bags (can be arranged for INR 1260 per person, per bag)
- Any meals or services not mentioned in inclusions
- Any charges for video cameras or still cameras
- Charges for alcohol or soft drinks or beverages
- Personal expenses like tips or laundry or telephone calls
- Any costs arising from unforeseen circumstances like landslides, bad weather or road blocks, etc
- Insurance
Exclusions
Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Trip Description
Fresh mountain air. Snowy trails. Wide open spaces. 360 degree views extending from the Tibet border, encompassing the entire Garhwali Himalayan range. Sounds like heaven right? Go on the Kuari Pass Trek in winter, and that’s exactly where you feel like you’re going!
Being one of the few trekking destinations that are open in the winter, this is a popular end-of-the-year trek. But it’s also the spectacular views that make this so famous. As trekkers walk through lush fields, forests and remote villages, they are rewarded with enchanting views all around of the Chaukhamba Range to one side while the summits of Mana, Kamet and Abl Gamin extend on the other side all the way to the Tibet border.
Being one of the few trekking destinations that are open in the winter, this is a popular end-of-the-year trek. But it’s also the spectacular views that make this so famous. As trekkers walk through lush fields, forests and remote villages, they are rewarded with enchanting views all around of the Chaukhamba Range to one side while the summits of Mana, Kamet and Abl Gamin extend on the other side all the way to the Tibet border.
- Accommodation in camp sites and guest house at Joshimath
- Trekking equipment
- Permits and entry charges
- All meals starting from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6
- First aid kit
- Trek guide and support staff fees
Inclusions
- Transport from Haridwar-Joshimath-Haridwar (Can be arranged at an additional cost - The total cost of transportation one way is Rs. 6000 (to be shared among 5-6 people, i.e Rs. approx Rs.1000 per person one way) – to be paid directly to the driver.
- Personal porters
- Meals during the drive to Joshimath
- Meals in Joshimath
- Insurance
- Charges for still/video cameras
- Personal expenses including telephone calls, laundry, tips, portage charges, etc.
- Additional costs incurred due to weather or other unforeseen situations
- Anything not mentioned above in the inclusions
Exclusions
Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Trip Description
The Kuari Pass winter trek is one of the most gorgeous treks in the Himalayas, and is suitable for fit beginners looking for a bit of a challenge. In the winter months, the upper parts of the trail are buried in snow.
This 6-day snow trek to Kuari Pass gets more challenging as you go along, and you'll end with a couple of days of steep climbing. The fourth day of the trek is one of the toughest, when you'll climb a steep slope through oak and rhododendron forests to get to Khulara camp. This is at an elevation of 11,122 feet and is one of the most picturesque campsites. If you're lucky, you might even see a Himalayan Bear or a snow leopard.
This 6-day snow trek to Kuari Pass gets more challenging as you go along, and you'll end with a couple of days of steep climbing. The fourth day of the trek is one of the toughest, when you'll climb a steep slope through oak and rhododendron forests to get to Khulara camp. This is at an elevation of 11,122 feet and is one of the most picturesque campsites. If you're lucky, you might even see a Himalayan Bear or a snow leopard.
- Transport from Haridwar to Haridwar
- Accommodation in tents on triple sharing basis
- Accommodation in guesthouse (2 nights) on triple sharing basis
- Sleeping bags
- Camping mattresses
- Toilet tent
- Kitchen and dining tent
- All meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 6 (veg+egg)
- Porters/mules to carry common equipment and ration
- All necessary permits and entry fees
- First aid medical kit
- Oxygen cylinder
- Mountaineering qualified and professional trek leader, guide and support staff
- All applicable taxes
Inclusions
- Any kind of personal expenses
- Food during transit
- Insurance
- Mules or porters to carry personal luggage (can be arranged for INR 300 per day, per bag)
- Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, road blocks, medical evacuation, etc
Exclusions
Joshimath, Uttarakhand
Trip Description
The Kuari Pass trek is one of the best treks in India, not just because of the route and views, but because of the experience of trekking. You'll trek through vast rolling meadows, through pine and deodar forests, and up beyond the tree line, where the views of snowy mountains surrounds you. From this trek, you'll get to see views of Himalayan legends like Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Kamet, Kedarnath and Neelkanth up close.
This trek combines the gorgeous route to Kuari Pass with a climb to Pangarchulla Peak at 14,700 feet, which can be quite tricky, with a steep trail and unpredictable weather. But you'll end with a dip in the hot springs at Tapovan, which is perfect to soothe those aching muscles.
This trek combines the gorgeous route to Kuari Pass with a climb to Pangarchulla Peak at 14,700 feet, which can be quite tricky, with a steep trail and unpredictable weather. But you'll end with a dip in the hot springs at Tapovan, which is perfect to soothe those aching muscles.
- Porters for client's personal bag (1 soft bag of 10 kgs per person)
- Transport in shared private vehicle from Joshimath to Auli and back
- Accommodation in Himalayan Abode hotel on twin sharing basis for 2 nights in Joshimath
- Accommodation in twin-sharing tents for 3 nights on trek
- Sleeping bags
- Sleeping mats
- Toilet tent
- Kitchen and dining tent
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6 (veg and egg)
- Mules/porters for camping gear
- Conservation and trekking permits
- English speaking guide
- Trekking crew charges
- All applicable taxes
Inclusions
- Any transport, activities or accomodation not mentioned in inclusions
- Any travel to Joshimath
- Travel insurance or any kind of insurance
- Medical treatment or expenses in case of emergency or evacuation
- Mules or porters for extra personal luggage
- Any extra meals or beverages
- Personal expenses like gifts, sightseeing, tips or donations
Exclusions
Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Trip Description
The Kuari Pass trek is one of the best treks in India, not just because of the route and views, but because of the experience of trekking. You'll trek through vast rolling meadows, through pine and deodar forests, and up beyond the tree line, where the views of snowy mountains surrounds you. From this trek, you'll get to see views of Himalayan legends like Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Kamet, Kedarnath and Neelkanth up close.
This trek combines the gorgeous route to Kuari Pass with a climb to Pangarchulla Peak at 14,700 feet, which can be quite tricky, with a steep trail and unpredictable weather. But you'll end with a dip in the hot springs at Tapovan, which is perfect to soothe those aching muscles.
This trek combines the gorgeous route to Kuari Pass with a climb to Pangarchulla Peak at 14,700 feet, which can be quite tricky, with a steep trail and unpredictable weather. But you'll end with a dip in the hot springs at Tapovan, which is perfect to soothe those aching muscles.
- Porters for client's personal bag (1 soft bag of 10 kgs per person)
- Transport in shared private vehicle from Haridwar-Joshimath-Auli-Haridwar
- Accommodation in Himalayan Abode hotel on twin sharing basis for 2 nights in Joshimath
- Accommodation in twin-sharing tents for 3 nights on trek
- Sleeping bags
- Sleeping mats
- Toilet tent
- Kitchen and dining tent
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6 (veg and egg)
- Mules/porters for camping gear
- Conservation and trekking permits
- English speaking guide
- Trekking crew charges
- All applicable taxes
Inclusions
- Any transport, activities or accomodation not mentioned in inclusions
- Any accommodation in Haridwar
- Travel insurance or any kind of insurance
- Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, road blocks, medical evacuation, etc
- Mules or porters for extra personal luggage
- Any extra meals or beverages
- Personal expenses like gifts, sightseeing, tips or donations
Exclusions
Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Trip Description
The Kuari Pass trek, also referred to as the Lord Curzon trail trek, is surely one of the most popular and finest treks in the Indian Himalayas. We added an adventure element to this trek by introducing trekking in snow, and skiing on snow-filled slopes.
On this 6-day trek of moderate intensity, you will climb through beautiful mountain villages, and experience their culture and hospitality. You will walk through flawless meadows, and stay at gorgeous campsites that offer panoramic views of some magnificent Himalayan peaks.
On this 6-day trek of moderate intensity, you will climb through beautiful mountain villages, and experience their culture and hospitality. You will walk through flawless meadows, and stay at gorgeous campsites that offer panoramic views of some magnificent Himalayan peaks.
- 1 guide per 6 trekkers, or 2 guides for groups of 12
- Accommodation in a deluxe mountain lodge in Kund on double occupancy basis
- Camping in high quality tents, clean fresh sleeping bags, camping mattresses, camping stools and tables, mess tent, toilet tents with portable toilet seats while camping
- Transport in Tempo Traveller/Xylo from and to Haridwar
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 till breakfast on Day 6 as well as snacks, tea and coffee
- Quality skiing equipment
- Experienced and knowledgable ski instructors
- Porter or mule charges for carrying camping equipment and rations
- Forest entry charges, permits and camping fees
- First aid kit
- Service tax
Inclusions
- Porter/mule for personal bags
- Any meals or services not mentioned in inclusions
- Any charges for video cameras or still cameras
- Charges for alcohol or soft drinks or beverages
- Personal expenses like tips or laundry or telephone calls
- Any costs arising from unforeseen circumstances like landslides, bad weather or road blocks, etc
- Insurance
Exclusions
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Trip Description
This is an exciting 6-day trek to Kuari pass in the Garhwal region of the northern state of Uttarakhand. The trek takes you to scenic locations which offer magnificent views of the mighty Himalayas. Participants get an opportunity to camp in the wilderness of the Himalayas.
This is an easy trek, that is perfect for newbies trekkers looking for their first taste of adventure in the Himalayas.
IMPORTANT: This is not a fixed departure trip, so a minimum group size of 6 pax is required to make a booking. This will be a private trip, just for your group.
This is an easy trek, that is perfect for newbies trekkers looking for their first taste of adventure in the Himalayas.
IMPORTANT: This is not a fixed departure trip, so a minimum group size of 6 pax is required to make a booking. This will be a private trip, just for your group.
- Road transportation from Rishikesh to Rishikesh
- Accommodation in tents on a twin-share basis during the trek
- All camping gear (4 season tents, kitchen tent)
- Meals as specified (Jain food can be made available on prior request)
- Permits and entrance fees
- English speaking guide
- Cooks and porters
- Mules (for luggage)
Inclusions
- Accommodation in Rishikesh
- Personal Insurance
- All alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
- Any services or costs not mention in the inclusions
Exclusions
Trip Description
One of the best ways to get a splendid view of the Himalayas, the Kuari Pass trek is a must for both, beginners and experienced adventure travellers.
This is a moderate trek that passes through dense forests of oak, pine, rhododendron, fir and deodar. It takes you through vast bugyals (meadows) and numerous streams.
This is a moderate trek that passes through dense forests of oak, pine, rhododendron, fir and deodar. It takes you through vast bugyals (meadows) and numerous streams.
- Third AC travel from Mumbai to Haridwar and Haridwar to Mumbai.
- Train travel from Ghaziabad to Haridwar
- Transport by non A/C vehicle from Haridwar to Ghat and Joshimath to Haridwar.
- Accommodation on multiple sharing basis (Hotel at Joshimath and camping in other places)
- All veg. meals (From Breakfast at day 3 to Dinner at day 10)
- Qualified and experienced guides
- Camping equipment
- Cooking staff
- Porters / Ponies
- Forest entry fee
- Required permits
Inclusions
- Personal expenses like cold drinks, mineral water, etc.
- Food during train travel
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions
Exclusions
FAQs about the Kuari Pass trek
Can beginners do the Kuari Pass trek?
The Kuari Pass trek is graded as moderately challenging. This means that prior trekking experience helps, but fit beginners can attempt it too. In the winter, the climb will be more difficult, thanks to the low temperatures and the thick snow that covers the trail.
How difficult is the Pangarchula Peak climb?
Climbing to Pangarchula Peak is tough, and may require you to rope up for the more difficult patches. In the winter, the weather at the peak can be stormy and unpredictable. At the base, the trek leader will decide if trekkers can attempt the climb, based on the weather conditions.
What is the best season for the Kuari Pass trek?
The Kuari Pass trek is very scenic in summer, when the days are pleasant and nights are chilly. The forests and meadows are lush green, and the skies are clear and blue. You’ll get beautiful views of the mountains all around, so this is a popular time for photographers. However, in the winter, the all-white landscape is absolutely stunning, with snow-blanketed meadows and white-capped mountains all around.
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