Accommodation: 2 Nights in a Hotel / Homestay on a triple/quad sharing basis. 3-night Tented accommodation on a triple-sharing basis.
Kuari Pass Trek
MAX ALTITUDE
12516 FT
GRADE
EASY TO MODERATE
DURATION
6 DAYS
TREKKING KM
28 KM
SUITABLE FOR
BEGINNERS, COUPLES
REGION
UTTARAKHAND
OVERVIEW
Nestled in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas, the Kuari Pass trek is one of the best winter treks that our country has to offer. Situated at an elevation of 12,516ft, it is also known as the Lord Curzon trail, named after the former Viceroy of India during the British Raj who was the first person to complete this trek in 1905. His connection to this trek is one of the reasons why it’s popular among not just Indian travellers but fascinates a lot of American and European travellers from all over the world as well.
The Kuari Pass trek, as it was carried out back in the day and continues to follow the same path till today, starts from Joshimath and ends at Kuari Pass, covering a 28km long trail that consists of gentle slopes, coniferous forests, and stunning views of the snow-capped mountains in the backdrop.
During the long trail of the Kuari Pass Trek, we traverse through some of the hidden nearby villages like Tugasi, Guling, and Khullara where you get to take a closer look at the local customs and traditions of Uttarakhand.
The trekking route with its scenic views of the Pangarchulla, Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Dronagiri, Hathi Ghoda, and Nilgiri mountain ranges is what captivates the attention of travel enthusiasts and makes people seek out this particular trek. Not to mention that with its snow-covered oak forests and pearly meadows, it manages to leave a lasting impression on snow fanatics and nature lovers alike.
The trek starts from the town of Joshimath which is the base camp for the Kuari Pass trek and traverses through Himalayan hamlets followed by Oak and Deodar Forests and then giving way to some pristine Bugyals which are meadows stretched like a tapestry on the trail. The breathtaking view of the Nanda Devi Massif in the backdrop is the highlight of this trek.
Camping under the stars, waking up to a spectacular view of the Himalayas, all while making memories that you will reminisce upon for the rest of your life, the Kuari Pass trek is more than just an adventure, it’s an experience of a lifetime, one that you can’t miss out on.
Since the Kuari Pass trek comes in the easy-to-moderate category, it is convenient for both beginners as well as experts, making it accessible for a large group of people who are looking for trekking destinations during the winter season.
Among other wonders that this journey has to offer, some lucky trekkers can discover paw prints of Himalayan bears and snow leopards giving them a glimpse at the wildlife that coexists in peace with nature. Overall, The trek to Kuari Pass is a blessing because it provides a perfectly balanced trip that offers adventure for thrill seekers as well as serenity for people who want to attain a certain sense of peace.
The best time to do the Kuari pass trek is from the months of November to March. Although it’s one of the few particular treks that is accessible for travel enthusiasts throughout the year, during these months, the weather in this region is perfect and makes the overall experience a thousand times better. So, if you have been spending your time, wondering and trying to plan the perfect winter trek, then look no further because this is as good as it gets.
Day 1: Rishikesh to Joshimath (254 Kms, 10 Hours Drive)
The group will assemble at the pickup point at 06:00 AM
Upon reaching Joshimath, we will check into our designated homestays. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Dinner will be served in the evening followed by an Overnight stay.
Note: The pick-up point would be Rishikesh ISBT (tentative).
Day 2 : Drive from Joshimath to Tugasi (14 Kilometers, 45 Mins Drive) | Trek to Guling (4 Kilometers, 5 Hours)
After early morning breakfast, we’ll head out for Tugasi Village.
Upon reaching Tugasi, we will start our trekking journey. The roads will be replaced by dirt trails taking you through the tiny Himalayan Hamlets that adorn this trail. The clearing then gives way to green canopies as you move closer to Guling which is our campsite.
Upon reaching Guling, we will have lunch. The rest of the day is at leisure
In the evening, we will have some ground bonding activities followed by dinner and an overnight stay in camps.
Day 3 : Trek from Guling to Khullara (6 Kilometers, 7 Hours)
After early morning breakfast, you will be given the necessary instructions regarding the trekking trails.
We will start trekking from Guling to Khullara.
En route, we will have our packed lunch. Later in the evening, we will check into our campsite at Khullara base.
The rest of the day is at leisure. As the dawn starts to fall, you will get to witness the magical starry skies above.
Dinner was followed by an overnight stay at Khullara base camp.
Day 4 : Trek to Kuari Pass | Back to Khullara (6 Kilometers, 7 Hours)
Post breakfast, a small briefing session with necessary details about the rest of the trek will be provided.
Afterwards, we will begin our trek to Kuari Pass. Witness the sun rising from the great Himalayan ranges where you will catch a glimpse of Chaukhamba Massif, Nilkantha Peaks, Nanda Devi Peaks, and many more.
After spending some time at the summit, marvelling at the beauty of the majestic
mountains, we will descend towards the Khullara base camp.
mountains, we will descend towards the Khullara base camp.
Dinner was followed by an overnight stay in tents at Khullara.
Day 5 : Trek from Khullara to Tugasi (12 Kilometers, 6 Hours) | (Drive to Joshimath (14 Kilometers, 45 Mins Drive)
After early morning breakfast, a small briefing session with necessary details about the rest of the trek will be provided.
We will begin trekking from Khullara to Tugasi Village
En route, we will have our packed lunch.
Upon reaching Tugasi, we will start the drive to Joshimath.
Check in to our designated homestay at Joshimath where we will have dinner and
spend the night.
spend the night.
Day 6 : Drive from Joshimath to Rishikesh (254 Kms, 10 Hours Drive) | End of tour
Post breakfast, we will check out of our accommodations.
We will drive from Joshimath to Rishikesh. You can enjoy the scenic views of some of the Prayag’s like Dev Prayag, Rudra Prayag, Karn Prayag.
Upon reaching Rishikesh, the group will dissemble and part their ways with fond
memories.
memories.
End of Tour.
INCLUSIONS
Transportation: Surface transfer from Rishikesh – Joshimath – Rishikesh by Sumo / Bolero / Tempo Traveller (Depending on the number of travellers).
Meals: All Meals from (day 1 dinner to day 6 Breakfast) are included. We provide simple nutritious vegetarian food on all days of the trek.
Snacks: Morning / Evening Tea / Coffee with light snacks.
Camping logistics: Tent, Sleeping bags, Mattress, Dining tent, Toilet tent
Trek Leader Qualified and Experienced Trek leader and support staff.
Permits: All necessary fees and permits.
Trekking Equipment: Gaiters, Micro Spikes, and Rope if required.
Safety Equipment: Basic First Aid kit with Oximeter and Oxygen Cylinder
EXCLUSIONS
5% GST
Any expenses of personal nature.
Meals during transit.
Insurance of any kind.
Unscheduled delay due to landslide.
Cost Escalation due to “ Force Majeure and Evacuation charges”.
Anything not mentioned explicitly in the above program.
THINGS TO PACK
01
Backpack (Min 55 Ltrs with rain cover)
You must pick a good quality backpack with a comfortable fit and straps that won’t give you shoulder pain. You can check out your nearest Decathlon store for a good trekking backpack.
02
Day backpack (20 – 30 Ltrs):
When you head towards the summit, you are required to carry only a few necessary items and for that, you need a day backpack as you will leave your bigger one on the campsite.
03
Floaters or Sandals
Although the entire trek requires good quality shoes, you still need to let your feet breathe to avoid chafing and blisters. When you are at the camp, a good pair of sandals and floaters will help you to move freely.
04
Trekking Shoes
A good trekking shoe is comfortable, provides ankle support, and has a good grip as well. They shouldn’t be chunky, instead, they should be lightweight and
sturdy.
05
Quick Dry Tees
You must keep at least three pairs of quick dry tees so that you can
wash them in between stops for proper hygiene.
06
Track Pants
A good pair of track pants made of polyester will let your skin breathe. They’re lightweight, dry easily, and comfortable to walk around in. You can easily avoid
chafing and rashes by investing in a good pair of track pants.
07
Pair of Cotton Socks
Cotton socks are extremely comfortable to move around in and are lightweight as well which is why you can always count on a good pair of cotton socks while trekking. However, keep in mind to change them and avoid wearing them when they are wet.
08
Pair of Woolen Socks
A good pair of woollen socks, especially merino, are comfortable, limit odours and provide adequate insulation from the cold so you can wear them at night.
09
Poncho
A poncho is an evolved form of a raincoat that provides coverage to your body as well as your bag and ensures total water protection from rain.
10
Heavy Jacket
It’s emphasized that you need to carry proper layers so you can avoid getting cold which is why you need to carry a heavy jacket that you can put on over your
other clothes.
11
Pair of Thermal
Thermal is a piece of garment that helps in keeping your body warm in cold temperatures. It is a necessary item that you need when going on a high-altitude
trek.
12
Quick-dry towel
A quick-dry towel will help in maintaining proper hygiene. It must dry quickly because the wet fabric will only increase the chance of bacterial growth.
13
Windproof Jacket
As you ascend towards high altitude, you get hit by chilly winds and a windbreaker jacket is designed to resist them. They are lightweight and are made of synthetic fibres.
14
Woollen Cap
A woollen cap will help prevent cold when you ascend to high altitude.
You can also cover your ears to avoid any pain and discomfort you might face in them when going at high altitudes.
15
Gloves
Insulated gloves help in maintaining proper body heat in your hands and also
provide a better grasp on trekking poles
16
Sun Cap
A lightweight sun cap with side flaps is perfect to keep your head cool and
avoid sunburns on a sunny day.
17
Scarf or Balaclava
Along with sun rays and chilly winds, you also get hit by dirt and grime during treks which is why it’s important to carry a scarf or balaclava so you can cover your face when needed.
18
Lip Balm
Your lips can become chapped due to the harsh cold winds so it’s important
to keep them moisturized.
19
Cold Cream & Sun Screen (SPF 40+)
To avoid sunburns and chafing, you need to put on sunscreen as well as cold cream.
20
Antibacterial powder
To avoid rashes that develop from a bacterial infestation in your armpits and other parts of your body.
21
Water Bottle 1 Lt
Hydration is extremely important when it comes to trekking. Carrying a water bottle that you can refill with Himalayan water is a must.
22
Headlamp or torch
You can’t rely on moonlight when you are in the mountains. A torch or even a headlamp with a fresh pair of batteries is always a good idea to bring along.
23
Bag for all your Toiletries
A bag with all your essentials including napkins, toothpaste, sanitisers, paper soap, etc should be carried in a ziplock bag.
24
Personal Medications and basic medical kit
A few cuts and bruises are almost inevitable when you are on a trek so carrying a medical kit with bandages, Dettol, etc is necessary.
25
Dark Sunglasses / People who use spectacles (Use Photochromic glasses instead of contact lenses)
Photochromatic glasses are specs that are designed to transform into anti-glare shades depending upon exposure to the sun. They are good when it comes to eye protection but one can also opt for clip-on glasses etc.
26
Trekking Pole
The trekking pole assists in more than one way. It saves energy while also providing stability and helps you to maintain proper balance.
27
Documents
Identification proofs like Aadhar Card, and Drivers License.
28
Extra Polythene
In case your clothes get wet or your garments don’t dry, you can carry them in polythene. However, make sure that all the plastic that you are carrying into the
woods leaves with you. Don’t litter in the mountains.
29
Camera
This should be obvious. To make sure that you get to capture all the great moments from your trek. Make sure that you have enough storage and some extra batteries as well.