Hampta Pass Trek
Base camp: Manali (trek starts at Jobra)
- Moderate
- Max 14,015 ft (4,272 m)
- Mid-June - October
Starting from
₹7,900 / person
Latest Trail Advisory Uttarakhand, India Moderate 4.9 (144)
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.
Starting from₹9,500/ person
Trek at a glance
- Duration5N / 6D
- DifficultyModerate
- Max altitude12,516 ft (3,815 m)
- Trek distance24–27 km (round trip, Dhak to Dhak)
- Base campJoshimath
- Best seasonDec - Apr & Oct
- Group sizeMax 15 per batch
About The Kuari Pass Trek: The Historic Curzon Trail
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.
Important advisory: 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-wise Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dates & Trek Fee
Flexible dates
Standard Batch Departure (5N/6D)
Available
₹7,500/ person
Flexible dates
Private Group Trek (5N/6D)
Available
₹14,000/ person
Prices are per person. Pick a batch to send an enquiry; we confirm availability before any payment.
Difficulty & Fitness
Trek grade
Fitness & eligibility
Kuari Pass is rated as a Moderate trek. While ideal for fit beginners, it requires adequate cardiovascular preparation.
Safety & support
Windproof & waterproof jacket • 3 layers of warm fleece / sweaters • Trekking pants (2 pairs) • Thermal innerwear (2 sets)
Package Details & Policies
What is included
- 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
What is excluded
- 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)
Free cancellation up to 7 days before departure.
Booking Terms:
You must pay 30% of the booking amount to book a journey. Upon receipt of this payment, you will receive a confirmation shortly. The balance amount should be paid on the day of arrival before commencing the journey.
Cancellation Terms:
- Any cancellation on or before 30 days from the scheduled journey will not be deducted from the booking amount.
- For cancellations 30 to 15 days before the scheduled journey, a cancellation fee of 50% of the booking amount will be deducted.
- Cancellations within 7 days or less of the scheduled journey will attract a cancellation fee of 100% of the booking amount.
- In case of a ‘No Show’ (immediate failure without prior cancellation), no refund will be issued under any circumstances.
Refund Terms: If your booking is canceled, any applicable refunds will be processed within 10 business days using the original payment method.
Confirmation Policy:
- On successful booking, customers will receive a confirmation voucher via email within 24 hours.
- If the preferred time slots are unavailable, an alternate schedule will be arranged as per the customer’s choice, and a fresh confirmation voucher will be sent via email.
- Customers may cancel their booking before confirmation, and a full refund will be processed.
Cancellation Policy:
- Cancellation 3 days before the travel date will attract a cancellation fee of 0% of the total travel cost.
- Cancellations made 1 to 3 days before the travel date will attract a cancellation fee of 40% of the total travel cost.
- Cancellation between 0 hours to 1 day before the travel date will attract a cancellation fee of 100% of the total travel cost.
Trekker Reviews
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.
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
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?
No. From Khullara/Tali camp to Kuari Pass and back, there is no stream or tap along the route. Fill all your bottles at camp the night before — carry at least 2 litres per person.
Will I have mobile network during the trek?
Joshimath has reliable network (mainly BSNL/Jio). Signal gets patchy near Dhak and Tugasi and disappears entirely from Gulling onward. Inform family before you start the trek, not once you're on trail.
Is Kuari Pass doable if I have mild knee issues?
The ascent is gradual on most days except the summit push, which has a steep, occasionally snow-packed final stretch. Trekking poles and a slower, guided pace help a lot; anyone with a known knee condition should consult a doctor and inform the trek leader in advance so the descent can be paced accordingly.
Do I need a permit, and can I get one myself?
Yes — the route lies inside the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve buffer zone, so a Forest Department permit is mandatory. Most trekkers let their operator arrange it as part of the package; it can also be obtained directly from the Forest Office in Joshimath with ID proof, though this takes extra time on Day 1.
Is Kuari Pass safe for solo women trekkers?
Yes, when done with a registered operator in a group with a trek leader and support staff — this is the norm on this route, not the exception. Camping is in shared but gender-considerate tent arrangements; confirm specifics with your operator before booking.
What's the coldest it gets, and when?
Night temperatures at Khullara/Tali camp typically range from 4°C in October–November down to -8°C or lower in January, with daytime highs of 8–15°C depending on sun and altitude. Snow cover is heaviest December through February.
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Ready for the Kuari Pass Trek?
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