Kuari Pass Trek
Walk in the footsteps of Lord Curzon along one of the Himalayas’ finest winter ridgelines, with unparalleled 360° vistas of India’s highest summits including Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, and Kamet.
About Kuari Pass Trek
Ideal for: Beginners & Amateurs
Discovered in 1905 by Lord Curzon during his tenure as Viceroy of India, Kuari Pass (literally translating to “Doorway”) remains Garhwal’s most storied and visually rewarding mountain passage. The trail was meticulously chartered to forge an alpine trade and reconnaissance route connecting the Alaknanda and Kali river valleys while unveiling the majestic inner Himalayan barrier.
What elevates Kuari Pass into the pinnacle of Himalayan trekking is its unparalleled 360-degree amphitheater panorama. From the pass and adjacent ridge vantage points, you stand face-to-face with India’s highest and most sacred mountain sanctuaries: the imposing south-west face of Mt. Nanda Devi (7,816m), the jagged pyramid of Dronagiri (7,066m), Kamet (7,756m), Trishul (7,120m), Chaukhamba, and the twin peaks of Hathi-Ghodi Parbat.
Unlike monotonous steep-scree passes, the trail gently weaves through ancient silver birch, rhododendron, and towering Himalayan oak groves. As you emerge above tree line, expansive rolling snow carpets and alpine meadows (the celebrated Gorson Bugyal) unfurl into endless golden-lit vistas, making it equally thrilling for enthusiastic first-timers and seasoned alpine photographers.
Trail conditions are clear up to Guling camp. Microspikes and gaiters are being provided complimentary to all trekkers for the Kuari Pass summit stretch above 11,000 ft.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
6-Day Expedition Plan-
Day 1
Rishikesh/Haridwar to Joshimath
Drive approx. 250–270 km (10–12 hrs) along the Alaknanda valley via Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag and Nandaprayag. Altitude gain: ~372 m to 1,875 m. Overnight in a Joshimath guesthouse — this is also your last reliable phone network and ATM stop, so withdraw cash and make calls here.
Return Journey -
Day 2
Joshimath–Dhak drive, trek to Tugasi–Gulling
Short drive (~12 km) to Dhak village (6,790 ft), where your forest permit is checked. Trek roughly 5–6 km through Tugasi village (your first — and last easy — water refill point) into oak forest up to Gulling (approx. 9,000–9,600 ft). 3–4 hrs, gradual ascent. Overnight in tents.
Return Journey -
Day 3
Gulling to Khullara / Tali
A steady 4–5 hr climb (~4 km) through thinning forest into open meadow, gaining views of Dronagiri, Hathi Parvat and Gori Parvat en route. Camp at Khullara or Tali (approx. 11,000–11,500 ft) — this is your last reliable water point before summit day, so fill every bottle here.
Return Journey -
Day 4
Khullara to Kuari Pass and back
Summit day — 6–7 hrs, 10–12 km round trip, the toughest and most rewarding day. No water source on this stretch; carry 2+ litres per person. The final push to 12,516 ft crosses an exposed, occasionally snow-packed ridge (this is where fresh snow or fog most often causes route confusion — a qualified guide matters here). At the pass: a small shrine, prayer flags, and the full panorama. Descend back to Khullara for the night.
Return Journey -
Day 5
Khullara to Auli via Gorson Bugyal
Weather-dependent: if conditions allow, descend through Gorson Bugyal's rolling meadows into Auli (more scenic, ~9–10 km); otherwise retrace the route via Tugasi back toward Dhak. Overnight in Auli or Joshimath.
Return Journey -
Day 6
Auli/Joshimath to Rishikesh
Return drive of approx. 250–280 km (9–11 hrs) back to Rishikesh/Dehradun, retracing the Alaknanda valley route. Trek officially ends by evening.
Return Journey
Inclusions
- Forest Department entry permits & camping fees
- Accommodation: guesthouse in Joshimath, twin-sharing tents on trek
- All meals from Day 2 dinner to Day 6 breakfast
- Qualified trek leader and support/kitchen staff
- Mules/porters for common camping equipment
- First-aid kit and oxygen cylinder with trek leader
- Forest camping ground charges
Exclusions
- Transport to/from Rishikesh or Haridwar (unless specified)
- Personal trekking gear (see Things to Carry)
- Porter charges for personal backpack (available on request, paid separately)
- Meals during road travel days (Day 1 and Day 6 en route)
- Anything not mentioned under Inclusions
- Any cost arising from delays due to weather, roadblocks, or landslides
- Insurance (strongly recommended, arranged individually)
Your Trek Leader
Ronit Negi
Leading treks out of Joshimath since 20XX, X+ Kuari Pass winter batches completed.
Trekker Reviews
Verified reviews from GoogleNandini Singh
I did Kuari Pass trek in December 2025 but didn’t got any snowfall but it was freezing cold enough. I did this trek with Mountain Marks trek company. If anybody is looking for winter treks then Kuari pass should be in consideration, it’s a moderate trek and not that steep but the views from the pass is just stunning.Kuari pass trek should be there in everyone’s bucket list.
Sachin
Great 3-day trek, especially the summit day. You get see so much snow. Good to start with in early and return afternoon. Normally it takes 4-5 hours to and from Base Camp (Khullara Campsite). It’s actually one of the best beginner winter treks in India
Yashita
I recently completed the Kuari Pass trek, and it was an unforgettable adventure. The trail winds through stunning alpine forests and opens up to breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks like Nanda Devi and other giants in the Himalayas. Every step was a mix of wonder and challenge, the climb is steep in parts, but every bit of effort is rewarded with panoramic views. If you love the mountains and don’t mind a challenge, Kuari Pass is pure magic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a water source on the summit day?
Will I have mobile network during the trek?
Is Kuari Pass doable if I have mild knee issues?
Do I need a permit, and can I get one myself?
Is Kuari Pass safe for solo women trekkers?
What's the coldest it gets, and when?
Related Expeditions
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