Kuari Pass Trek

duration Duration 6 Days / 5 Nights
altitude Maximum Altitude 12516 ft
visit Best time to visit Sept - Jun
age Minimum Age 8+
Camp Base Camp Joshimath
Camp Accommodation type Tents
About the Kuari Pass Trek

Kuari Pass Trek starts with a drive from the famous spot of Uttarakhand, Rishikesh to Joshimath. Joshimath is the hub for travellers who are going to Auli. Joshimath offers a great view of the Himalayas, it gives a feeling of being surrounded by the mountains. 

Also Check: Auli Chopta Tour Package

If you are one of those who have not done any trek in the past and who wish to view the magnificent Himalayas from very close, then Kuaripass Trek is for you. The Kuari in the local language means the doorway, it is one of the beautiful treks in the Himalayas and attracts beginners to have a taste of adventure.

The journey from Rishikesh to Joshimath passes through the 4 Prayags - Devprayag - which is a confluence of river Alaknanda and river Bhagirathi, Rudraprayag - which is a confluence of river Alaknanda and river Mandakini, Karanprayag - which is a confluence of river Alaknanda and river Pindar, Nandprayag - which is a confluence of river Alaknanda and river Nandakini. The Prayag basically means the confluence and they offer a magical view every time you visit the place.

Also See: Nag Tibba Trek

After reaching Joshimath on Day 1, enjoy your sunsets with hot meals served at the guest house. On Day 2 get ready for a drive to Dhak village from where you will start your trek by foot to Gulling Top, passing through the dense forest of Oak and Rhododendron with views of the Himalayas running along with you. The terrain changes from dense ancient forest to green meadows and that is very spectacular, indulging into the beauty of the meadows.

The Kuari pass altitude of approx 12,500 ft is not very tough for beginners and on day 4 you will be conquering the Kuari Pass. The pass itself is very majestic as it stands tall with Kedarnath, Kedar Dome, Chaukhamba, Neel Kantha, Mukut Parvath, etc. Try capturing each and every moment of it, soaking in the natural splendor at Kuari pass height. Once done, head back to Tali campsite via Khulara and end your day with hot meals. The total Kuari Pass trek distance is around 15 kilometers.

The Tali campsite is another iconic campsite on the Kuari Pass Trek map. During the trek, you can enjoy the morning and evening sun rays playing with the mountains like Nanda Devi, Kalanka, Chang Bhang, Hathi Parvat, Gori Parvath, etc. Also, you can experience sub-zero camping at Tali campsite during winters which again turns into an adventure.

Also See: Brahmatal Trek

While heading back you trek down passing through the meadows of Gorson Bugyal which offers a lush green environment with surroundings of Oak trees. During winter Kuari Pass trek is adorned with snow covering the entire Gorson Bugyal under a thick sheet of snow. Many travellers around the globe visit this place in order to enjoy the skiing experience.

The Kuari pass location is truly magical and will never fail to impress and leaves a mark of magnificent Himalayas on your heart. 


Also See: Popular Treks in Uttarakhand

This trip will not only show you what a trekker's paradise is, but it will also take you through many major holy destinations of the country. An outstanding confluence of rivers will meet you along the way as you make your way through. The revered town of Joshimath will be your launchpad. The Garhwal mountains profoundly stand as your companions along the way. What’s so special about the Kuari Pass itinerary, is its views. It’s a natural amphitheater to some of India's tallest peaks. Nanda Devi peak, Trishul peak, Chaukhamba peak, etc are some of the examples of the magnificent peaks you see on this trek. 

When trekking here in autumn, the tree leaves will change their colors to a beautiful golden, giving the whole trek a mystical feel. Keep an eye out for the wildlife animals on the trail, you’ll find many. Leopards and Himalayan Black bears are some of the common sightings here. You can even trace their foot markings in the sand. Beautiful red rhododendrons can be found along the Kuari Pass Trek route, decorating the whole hike. So, wait no further and book your Kuari Winter Trek with Moustache, today!

Day 1: Drive from Rishikesh to Joshimath

 

Altitude: 6,150 ft

Meal Included: Dinner

Stay type: Stay at guest houses on double / triple sharing basis.

Drive: 260 km (9 hrs drive)


  • Take a cab from Rishikesh to Joshimath, it will take around 8-9 hours to reach.
  • The journey from Rishikesh will be full ascend and descends, during the journey you will pass through 4 Prayags, Devparyag, Rudraparyag, Karanprayag and Nandprayag.
  • Joshimath is the stop point for the crowd of Auli and a start point to winter skiing.
  • Reach Joshimath in the evening, step into your guest house and with a hot meal served and retire for the day.

 

Day 2: Drive to Dhak and trek to Gulling Top

 

Drive: 12 km (30 min)

Altitude: 9,600 ft

Trek: 6 km ( 4 hours)

Stay Type: Stay at tents on a Double / Triple sharing basis.

Meal Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Evening Snacks - Dinner


  • Give a great start to the day with hot breakfast served while overlooking the clear bends of the mountains.
  • After breakfast get ready for a drive to Dhak village, it will take around 30 min to cover a distance of 30 km.
  • The trek starts from Dhak village to Gulling top, a 6 km trek which will approximately take 4 hours to complete.
  • 20 - 30 mins into the trek you will reach Karchi from here you can fill up your water bottles again.
  • This trail is a mix of gradual & steep ascent which will pass through most of the villages, enjoy the views of Dronagiri peak in some parts of the trek.
  • After reaching the gulling top, enjoy the clear views of Dronagiri, Hathi Parvat and Gori Parvat. Enjoy your nutritious meal at the campsite and retire for the day at campsite.

 

Day 3: Gulling Top to Tali

 

Altitude: 9,600 ft to 11,070 ft

Trek: 4 km ( 5 hours)

Stay Type: Stay at tents on a Double / Triple sharing basis.

Meal Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Evening Snacks - Dinner

 

  • Wake to a chilly morning, have your breakfast with a magnificent view of the peaks.
  • After breakfast head to Tali, a 4 km trek which will take around 5 hours to complete.
  • The trail will be full of mixed forest, Rhododendron, Oak and the walnuts. The hike will take you to an altitude of 11,070 ft.
  • An hour into the trek you will forest hut which is also a source to fill water bottles back.
  • Reach the Tali campsite and enjoy the view to the peaks like Nanda Devi, Kalanka, Chang Bhang, Hathi Parvat, Gori Parvath etc.
  • Rest your day at Tali campsite.

 

Day 4: Tali to Kuari pass and back to Tali via Kulhara

 

Altitude: 11,070 ft to 12,516 ft and back to 11,070 ft

Trek: 15 km ( approx 11 hrs)

Stay Type: Stay at tents on a Double / Triple sharing basis.

Meal Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Evening Snacks - Dinner

  • Start your day with an early breakfast at the campsite, the trail Kuari pass and back will take 11 hours to complete. Before starting the trek fill your water bottles as it is a long day with very minimal drinking water sources.
  • From Tali campsite you will start your trek Kulhara top, passing through the forest of Oak
  • From Kulhara you will pass through the broken bridge and from there again a steep trail starts.
  • After reaching Kuari pass, you can have a glistering view to the peaks of Kedarnath, Kedar Dome, Chaukhamba, Neel Ka ntha, Mukut Parvath etc. Spend enough time to memorise this majestic view of the trek.
  • After a blissful time at the Kuari pass, it's time to head back to Tali campsite.
  • Since it's a long day, start your hike light. Try not to take any unnecessary personal belonging with you, enjoy the trek while trekking lightly.
  • You will be back to the campsite in the late evening, take your hot meal and retire for the day.

 

Day 5: Tali to Auli va Gorson Bugyal and drive to Joshimath

 

Altitude: 11,070 ft to 6,150 ft.

Trek: 8 km (approx 7 hrs)

Drive: 13 km (30min)

Stay Type: Stay at tents on a Double / Triple sharing basis.

Meal Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Evening Snacks - Dinner

  • After a relaxed breakfast at the campsite, start your day, gather and pack your belongings and head to Gurson Bugyal.
  • The trek from Tali to Gorson Bugyal is 3.5 km, which sits at an altitude of 11,500 ft.
  • Gorson Bugyal is a vast land of green pastures supported by Oak trees, during winters this area is discovered under a thick sheet of snow which sometimes is very difficult for a trekker to pass through.
  • From Gorson Bugyal we will trek to Auli which will take another 4 hours to complete. The trail will pass through the lush vegetation of apple, orchids and oak forest.
  • After reaching Auli you will be taken back to Joshimath by a shared cab, another 30 mins and you check in your guest house. Put an end to the tiring day with a hot meal served at the guest house.

 

Day 6: Joshimath to Rishikesh

 

Meal Included: Breakfast

Drive: 260 km (9 hr drive)

  • Wake up to a relaxed morning at the guest house, have your breakfast and bid bye to the beautiful adventures of the trek.
  • Take a cab and start your drive to Rishikesh which will take approximately 9 hours to complete.

The trek ends here.

Air: Book a flight to Dehradun airport and take a cab to Rishikesh.

Road: Rishikeh has a good road connectivity. There are regular buses from Delhi to Rishikesh which takes arround 5-6 hours.

Rail: Rishikesh has a railway station, you can book a train direct to Rishikesh or book a train to Dehradun / Haridwar and take a cab or bus from there to reach Rishikesh

1. Shirts / T-shirts –2/3, Jeans / Trekking Pants -2.

2. Windproof jacket of decent quality (no flimsy wind cheaters please!) preferably with a hood.

3. Warm and thick Fleece / Full-sleeve Woollen sweater.

4. Thermal inner wear (upper & lower), Scarf/muffler (optional).

5. Woollen cap, Woollen gloves, Woollen socks & regular socks (3-4 pairs).

6. Comfortable Trekking/Hiking shoes (shoes with a thick sole are recommended).

7. Lightweight floaters/sandals/slippers.

8. Raincoat / Poncho, Small light weight towel.

9. Water bottle (sturdy ones, no empty Bisleri bottles!!).

10. Cap / Hat to keep the strong sun away from your face.

11. Sun glasses, Walking stick / Trekking pole.

12. Sunscreen Lotion, Lip Balm, Torch / Flashlight (with extra batteries).

13. Medicines, if requiring any specific medication.

14. Personal toiletries.

15. Day pack/small bag which you will carry on your back every day and keep your essentials in it.

Inclusions:

 

1. You will be greeted by our trek team on your arrival at Joshimath.

2. All stays included from Joshimath to Joshimath on sharing basis:

(i) Guest house on day 1 & 5.

(ii) Alpine / Dome tents on day 2, 3, 4.

3. All meals included from Day 1 dinner to Day 6 breakfast. Vegetarian meals will be served throughout the trek.

4. Skilled local staff who have ample knowledge of the route

5. Hot water in buckets can be provided on request depending on availability, while staying at guest houses in Joshimath only.

6. Kitchen, dining and toilet tents will be used during the trek.

7. Cooks/Helper for carrying common equipment like rations/tents/utensils/groceries.

8. All trek essentials included–

(i) Accommodation - tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats etc

(ii) Safety equipment - microspikes, gaiters as per requirements and basic first aid kit with a portable oxygen cylinder.

(iii) Permit - forest and camping fee included.

9. Covid Related Information

 

Exclusions:

 

1. The above trek charges does not include the GST charges (5%).

2. Personal essentials -

(i) Equipment - Gumboots, trekking poles, etc.

(ii) Insurance - Personal and travel insurances.

(iii) Beverage - Mineral water bottles/bottled or canned beverages

(iv) Snacks - Chocolate, dry fruits, protein or nutrition bar.

(v) Entertainment - Camera or drone fees.

3. Transportation - The charges of transportation on day 1 and 6 are to be borne and shared between the trekkers.

4. In case if your trek remains incomplete or uninitiated because of "force majeure", medical emergency or by personal choice after you arrive at the starting point, you will not be able to get refund, reschedule or replace any services that remain unutilized by you.

5. Any additional cost incurred due to changes in Government Guidelines related to travel/trek/COVID-19 will be borne by the Guest.

6. Anything which is not included in Inclusion.

7. Separate tents on request, will be charged extra (INR 1,500 per tent)

1. If cancellations are made 25 days prior to the start date of your trek/tour/activity, no cancellation fee will be charged.

2. If cancellations are made between 4-25 days prior to the start date of your trek/tour/activity, EITHER 75% of the total booking amount will be returned to the guest (25% of the total booking amount will be charged as cancellation fee) OR whole advance amount can be adjusted against any trek within next 12 months.   

3. Rescheduling of the tour/trek is applicable only once, after that if you want to cancel your tour/trek or reschedule it again, it is not possible and you do not get any refund.

4. If cancellations are made within 4 days from the start date of your trek/tour/activity, 100% of the total booking amount will be charged as a cancellation fee.

5. If you book the tour/trek/activity by making a partial payment of the total booking amount and fail to make the 100% payment before 30 days from the date of travel. In this case, your booking will get canceled automatically and can only be reconfirmed once you make the full payment, depending on the availability of slots.

6. In case if your tour/trek/activity remains incomplete or uninitiated because of "force majeure", medical emergency, government policy changes, local strikes, or by personal choice after you arrive at the starting point, you will not be able to get a refund, reschedule or replace any services that remain underutilized by you.

7. Cancellations are strictly subjected to cancellation policies mentioned on the website & are irrespective of the date of booking.

8. The applicable refund amount will be processed within 10 business days.

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