Kuari Pass Trek

About the Kuari Pass Trek

Kuari Pass Trek in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand gives you everything you could want in a winter Himalayan trek — panoramic mountain views, snow-covered trails, alpine meadows, 360-degree vistas, and beginner-friendly paths. For anyone searching for the best winter treks in India, it’s impossible to make a list without Kuari Pass at the top.

From the very first day, you are rewarded with stunning views of Mt. Nanda Devi, Gauri Parbat, Nanda Ghunti, Hathi Parbat, Neelkanth, Dronagiri, Kamet, and Lampak I & II. The trail takes you through gorgeous oak and rhododendron forests, vast meadows like Gorson Bugyal, and charming Himalayan villages.

For beginners, this trek is an absolute delight. “Breathtaking” will be the word on the tip of your tongue throughout the journey and that’s no exaggeration when the trek itself is such a winter treat. The moderate difficulty level offers incredible rewards — ridge climbs, serene forest walks, and the thrilling ascent to Kuari Pass at an altitude of 12,516 ft (3,815 m). Covering a distance of approximately ~28 km over 5–6 days, the trek is perfect for both novice and experienced trekkers.

Historically referred to as Curzon’s Trail, this legendary route was once traversed by Lord Curzon himself. Trekking here allows you to witness Uttarakhand’s seasonal beauty — in winter, the path transforms into a pristine snowy wonderland with crisp, clear air.

Kuari Pass Trek Highlights at a Glance

• Trek Distance: ~28–33 km

• Max Altitude: 12,516 ft

• Duration: 6 Days

• Difficulty: Moderate (Beginner-Friendly)

• Start/End Point: Joshimath

• Best Season: Nov–Mar (Winter Snow) & Mar–Jun, Sep–Dec (Clear Views)

• Key Views: Mt. Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Chaukhamba & more.

For a complete analysis of trek duration and distance, check out this blog on Kuari Pass Trek Duration.

Kuari Pass Trek Experience: What Your Journey Feels Like

The Kuari Pass Trek begins in Rishikesh, where the group assembles early in the morning for the scenic Himalayan drive to Joshimath or Pipalkoti. The route follows the winding mountain roads alongside the Alaknanda River, passing through picturesque Himalayan towns and confluences of sacred rivers. By evening, you'll check into cozy homestays, enjoy a hearty dinner, and rest for the adventure ahead.

The next morning, a short drive takes you to Tugasi Village — the gateway to the Kuari Pass Trek. From here, the trail leaves the road behind, winding through charming Himalayan hamlets and terraced farmlands before entering lush green forests. By afternoon, you’ll arrive at Guling Campsite, surrounded by lush greenery, where warm meals and evening campfire activities await under the starry sky.

From Guling, the route climbs steadily towards Khullara Base Camp. The dense forests slowly give way to alpine meadows, revealing panoramic views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks. By evening, the campsite at Khullara offers one of the best stargazing experiences in Uttarakhand, with crisp mountain air and a canopy of countless stars.

The highlight of the trek is the summit day to Kuari Pass. The trail opens to panoramic views of some of the most iconic Himalayan peaks — Chaukhamba, Nilkantha, Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, and more. Standing at the pass is a humbling experience — the Garhwal Himalayas stretch endlessly before you. After soaking in the views, you’ll descend to Khullara for another peaceful night.

The journey continues with a descent through meadows and forests back to Tugasi Village. From here, a short drive returns you to Joshimath or Pipalkoti for a comfortable night’s stay. The next morning, the drive back to Rishikesh offers one last chance to admire the beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas, passing through famous river confluences like Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Karnprayag.

Completing the Kuari Pass Trek leaves you with more than just photographs — it’s the unforgettable mix of Himalayan landscapes, trekking camaraderie, and the thrill of standing atop one of India’s most scenic mountain passes.

For a detailed day-wise breakdown, you can also check the complete Kuari Pass Trek Itinerary

Why Kuari Pass is the Best Winter Trek in Uttarakhand

Known as the “Land of the Gods,” Uttarakhand is home to some of the most stunning trekking trails in India — and the Kuari Pass Trek stands out as one of the finest. While it’s beautiful in every season, Kuari Pass is considered the best winter trek in Uttarakhand thanks to its accessibility, beginner-friendly trails, and the chance to walk on snow-covered meadows with Himalayan peaks towering all around. Here’s why this trek deserves a spot on your bucket list:

Stunning Views of the Nanda Devi Range

Unlike many treks where summit views are only seen at the end, Kuari Pass offers Himalayan panoramas from day one. Peaks like Mt. Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Chaukhamba, Kamet, and the Hathi–Gauri range dominate the skyline throughout the journey. The sight of Mt. Nanda Devi from Gorson Bugyal is especially unforgettable.

Pristine Snowfields in Winter

Come winter, vast meadows along the Kuari Pass route are blanketed in powdery white snow. Trekking across these open snowfields feels like stepping into a Himalayan winter dream — perfect for those seeking the ultimate snow trek experience in Uttarakhand.

The Historic Curzon Trail

Part of the Kuari Pass route follows the historic Curzon Trail, named after Lord Curzon, who explored this region in the early 1900s. Walking along this trail lets you retrace the footsteps of past adventurers, adding a unique sense of history to your journey.

Beginner-Friendly Yet Rewarding

Despite its rich rewards — ridge walks, panoramic views, and snowy meadows — the Kuari Pass Trek is graded as moderate difficulty. Its gentle gradients make it suitable for first-time trekkers, while still offering experiences seasoned trekkers cherish.

Kuari Pass Trek Difficulty: A Moderate Challenge

Several factors affect the difficulty level of a trek in Uttarakhand. Based on these factors, treks are categorized into three levels: Easy, Moderate, and Difficult. The Kuari Pass Trek difficulty level falls under the moderate category.

For beginners, Kuari Pass offers the perfect balance of challenge and reward. The trek climbs to a maximum altitude of 12,516 ft (3,820 m), where risks of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) may occur, especially during the steep initial ascents. The Kuari Pass Trek is easily conquerable with the right training and preparation. Due to snow and slick conditions, the trek can be a little difficult in the winter, but it is regarded as easy in other seasons. Because of its moderate difficulty, the Kuari Pass Trek is appropriate for novices who want to go on a high-altitude hike.

Terrain Challenges

• Steep ascent on Day 1 with an elevation gain of 2.75 km (~1500 ft).

• Narrow 1 km overhanging trail from Tali to Gorson Bugyal, overlooking Dhak Valley.

• Winter snow and slippery forest sections may require extra caution.

• Poor signage from Gorson Bugyal to Auli pine forests — navigation can be tricky in fog or mist.

Weather Challenges

• Sudden rain or snowfall can drastically change trail conditions.

• Rain makes forest paths muddy and slippery.

• Heavy snow may block routes, requiring fresh trails to be cut.

• Temperatures drop below zero in late autumn and winter; Khullara campsite is one of the coldest points, demanding proper layering.

Altitude Considerations

• The trek reaches 12,500 ft, where AMS risks begin.

• Rapid altitude gain, especially the first 1,500 ft ascent, can trigger altitude-related issues.

• Both beginners and seasoned trekkers may feel symptoms — hydration, rest, and gradual pace are essential.

Emergency Exits & Medical Help

• Closest exits from Khullara and Guling campsites lead to Dhak Village.

• On the Gorson Bugyal side, the nearest exit point is Auli.

• Primary healthcare facility: Joshimath (20 km by road from Karchi).

• For major medical needs, the best option is Dehradun, about a 7–8 hour drive from Auli or Karchi.

Who Can Join Kuari Pass Trek - Fitness & Eligibility

The Kuari Pass Trek is rated moderate in difficulty, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers with decent fitness levels. It takes six days to complete and covers a total distance of approximately ~28 km, climbing to an elevation of 12,516 feet. While the route rewards you with breathtaking Himalayan views, it also brings a few challenges — including navigating through misty trails, crossing narrow ridges near Gorson Bugyal, and managing steep ascents.

To enjoy the trek comfortably, participants should aim to meet certain fitness benchmarks:

• Run 5 km in under 33 minutes or 10 km in under 75 minutes without excessive strain.

• Cycle 15 km in about 45 minutes.

• Carry a 10–12 kg backpack (or 3–5 kg if opting for the off-load service).

With proper preparation and guidance from our expert trip captain, even first timers can easily conquer this trek. Trekking with JustWravel comes with the added benefit of having AMC and BMC-certified trek leaders, skilled in first aid and well-versed with the terrain, ensuring both safety and an enriching mountain experience.

If you are planning for the first time, here’s a detailed Kuari Pass Trek Guide to help you prepare better.

Kuari Pass Trek Highlights & Scenic Beauty

Stretching across ~28 km of diverse Himalayan terrain, the Kuari Pass Trek is a mix of alpine beauty, cultural encounters, and seasonal charm. The journey begins from Tugasi village, meanders through quaint hamlets like Guling, and gradually ascends into lush oak and rhododendron forests before opening up to expansive high-altitude meadows.

Here, every turn in the trail reveals something new: oak trees dusted with snow in winter, rhododendrons in full bloom during spring, and golden meadows in autumn. At its highest point (12,516 ft / 3,820 m), Kuari Pass offers one of the most dramatic 360° Himalayan views, including Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Chaukhamba, and even the outline of Pangarchulla Peak.

With its mix of rich forests, open meadows, and unmatched Nanda Devi trek views, the Kuari Pass trail is a must-do for anyone seeking a rewarding Himalayan adventure in any season.

Major Attractions on the Kuari Pass Trail

• Panoramic Himalayan Views – Witness sweeping vista of Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Dronagiri, and other Garhwal Himalayan peaks.

• Alpine Camping – Experience camping in Khullara and other meadows surrounded by wildflowers in summer and snowfields in winter.

• Scenic Forest Trails – Walk through oak and rhododendron forests alive with exotic flora and Himalayan birdlife.

• Cultural Experience – Meet the warm villagers of Garhwal and discover their traditional mountain lifestyle.

• Seasonal Beauty – Winter snow trails and spring blossoms make Kuari Pass one of the best treks in Uttarakhand year-round.

Best Time to Visit Kuari Pass Trek

The Kuari Pass Trek is among the best winter treks in India, but it isn’t limited to just one season. Except during the monsoon months of July and August, this trek remains accessible throughout the year. Each season — winter, spring, summer, and autumn — offers its own unique beauty. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the best season to trek Kuari Pass:

Kuari Pass Trek in Winter (Mid-November to February)

• Temperature: Day 8°C to 14°C | Night -8°C to -14°C

• The trail transforms into a snow-covered wonderland, with snow visible even at the base camp in January.

• Trekkers are treated to postcard-perfect views: pine and oak forests blanketed in snow, powdery flakes on branches, and sweeping panoramas of Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, and Chaukhamba.

• Winter also means live snowfall experiences and snowball fights, but it’s more challenging than summer or autumn. Carry 5–6 warm layers to stay safe and comfortable.

Kuari Pass Trek in Spring (March to April)

• Temperature: Day 13°C to 17°C | Night 0°C to 5°C

• Spring is a magical transition season where the lower campsites thaw into lush green meadows while the upper reaches like Kuari, Gorson, and Khullara remain snow-covered till mid-April.

• Expect a colorful blend of snow patches, blooming rhododendrons, wildflowers, and fresh greenery.

• Spring is ideal for those who want snow plus vibrant landscapes without the extreme cold of winter.

If you are still confused about when to go, here’s a detailed article on the Best Time to Visit Kuari Pass Trek.

How to Reach Kuari Pass Trek

By Air: The nearest airport to Joshimath is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, located at a distance of 272 km from Joshimath. This airport is well-connected to major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. From the airport, you can either hire a cab or take the road to reach Joshimath.

By Rail: The closest railway station is Rishikesh, which is located 250 kilometers away. Rishikesh has regular trains from Delhi and other cities, making it a convenient option for trekkers. From Rishikesh, you can continue to Joshimath by private taxis, shared cabs, or state-run buses. These transportation options are also available from other popular destinations like Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, and more.

By Road: Joshimath is 484 km from Delhi via NH334 (approx. 14 hrs). Another option is NH7 (527 km, ~15 hrs), though slightly longer. Regular Delhi to Rishikesh buses (both government and private) are available. From Rishikesh, travelers can easily reach Joshimath by hired cars, shared jeeps, or taxis.

Kuari Pass Trek Permit & Rules

• A trekking permit is mandatory for the Kuari Pass Trek.

• Permits can be obtained from the Nanda Devi National Park Forest Office.

• Trekkers must follow all rules and respect local culture and traditions.

• Practicing Leave No Trace principles ensures the trail’s natural beauty remains preserved.