Kuari Pass Trek | A Simple, Scenic, and Unbelievable Trek

Kuari Pass Trek is a very romantic Himalayan trek, and it is ideal for first-timers and oldies alike. The trek is renowned not just because of its beauty but also because of its history, as it has a place of preference for Lord Curzon, the first mapper and trekker of this trail. So, it is locally referred to and famous by the name of Lord Curzon’s Trail.

This trek is a blend of adventure, nature, and culture—an experience that you will not forget till the end of eternity. Whether you visit it in the winter or summer season, there is always some surprise waiting for you at Kuari Pass Trek.

The Beauty and Meaning of Kuari Pass

“Kuari” is entrance, and thus the name is apt. It is a gateway to the powerful snow-covered Himalayan giants. Kuari Pass landscapes are breathtaking with 360-degree views of legendary peaks such as Kamet, Dronagiri, Trishul, Hathi-Ghodi, Bertholi, Mana, and Neelkanth. The scenery is breathtaking and offers the best mountain scenery of all the Himalayan treks.

The trek is blessed with verdant oak, deodar, and rhododendron forests that envelop the trek in a cool and colorful environment. During springtime, the rhododendrons are in full bloom in shades of red and pink, casting a spell of beauty on the landscape. In the winter season, the same forests are covered with thick snowfall, and the whole trek is an alpine wonderland.

Why Kuari Pass Trek Is Special

Compared to the majority of the high-altitude Himalayan treks, which are closed if it snows, Kuari Pass Trek is one of the few treks that are open and accessible even in winter. This is the hallmark of this trekking experience, allowing trekkers to see snowy landscapes without having to endure sheer misery.

The hike is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. The trail itself is neither steep nor rocky and is ideal for novices or a person looking for a moderate hike. However, it is equally ideal for experienced hikers because of its unparalleled mountain views and peace.

With every turn of the trail comes a surprise—tiny meadows, snow-covered ridges, and icy streams. Villages, pine groves, and starry skies are seen during the daytime and nighttime, respectively, at higher altitudes. It is as if we are marching towards an imaginary world.

The Best Time to Do the Kuari Pass Trek

Kuari Pass Trek can be done nearly every month of the year, but it is advisable to visit there from December to March in order to see its true beauty. There, the entire track is white because of the snow, which creates a gorgeous white landscape.

But spring (April to June) is also excellent to travel. The weather is good, and fields are green and alive. Rhododendrons bloom beautifully, adding a splash of colors to your pictures.

If tramping along snow trails and tenting in snowfields is your hobby, winter would be your season. If colored woods and blue skies are your canvas, summer or early fall would be perfect.

Route and Starting Place

The Kuari Pass Trek base villages are Karchhi and Tugansi, 12 kilometers from Joshimath—a popular town in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Joshimath is a hub of many treks and people of the region, including the popular Valley of Flowers and Badrinath.

Joshimath is very well connected by road to major towns like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun. The world capital of yoga, Rishikesh, would otherwise be the trekker’s point of departure. There are reasonable hotels, hostels, and guesthouses to overnight in before embarking on the trek.

One is suggested to arrive in Rishikesh one day prior to the trek to unwind and acclimatize. Then the trekking teams can advance by road to Joshimath—a drive of about 9 to 10 hours on scenic mountain roads and river valleys.

How to Reach

By Air:
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, which is 20 km from Rishikesh and 268 km from Joshimath. There are direct flights between Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Dehradun. It is quite simple to find taxis or cabs to share from there to Rishikesh upon arrival.

By Train:
The nearest railway head is Rishikesh railway station. Haridwar, 25 km away from here, is connected better by train to other large Indian towns. It may be possible to travel in a taxi, local bus, or shared cab from Haridwar to Rishikesh or even up to Joshimath.
Overnight Volvo or deluxe buses are available from Delhi’s ISBT Kashmere Gate to Rishikesh. During peak travel seasons like Christmas, New Year, and Republic Day weekends, it’s best to book tickets in advance. The road journey from Rishikesh to Joshimath is scenic and thrilling, passing through Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Karnaprayag.

Trek Experience

The Kuari Pass Trek generally lasts 5 to 6 days. The trek goes through beautiful meadows such as Gulling and Tali, where camps are typically fixed. Upon going further, the forest is not dense, and the snow-white summit is seen coming into view.

The most unforgettable experience of this trek is sleeping beneath the star-filled night sky while camping. The stillness, broken only by whistling winds and cracking fire, makes you closely connected to nature.

The final climb to Kuari Pass is the most exciting section of the trek. On the summit, you get a broad 360-degree view of the grand Himalayas. To be on top of the clouds with mountains all around is just unimaginable.

Why You Should Opt for Kuari Pass Trek

In case you have a fantasy for your first Himalayan trekking or peaceful vacation in the midst of snow and woods, Kuari Pass Trek is a perfect choice. It has everything—panoramic views, simple trails, thick greenery, and the town’s culture of the mountains.