KUARI PASS TREK – AN OVERVIEW
Kuari Pass trek is a famous trek in Garhwal Himalayas, which is also known as the Lord Curzon Trail being first discovered by Lord Curzon, (the famous former Viceroy of India and a keen trekker) is a spectacular trek to the Kuari Pass adjoining through the outer wall of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, crossing passes and beautiful small river in the Garhwal.
Kuari Pass Trek is exclusively popular among the travellers. At an elevation of 4265m in the heart of Chamoli District of Uttaranchal. In the north eastern region of Garhwal, the Kuari Pass Trek brings the high altitude meadows of Gorson Stunning views of the big Himalayan peaks, of Nanda Devi, Hathi parvat, Ghodi parvat and Dronagiri. The trek will take the travellers through the blossoming green fields, small pahadi villages and the forests of the area.
The spectacular views of Himalayan peaks like- Trishul (7120 m) Kedarnath (22,994 ft/6968 m), Kamet (7756 m), Neelkanth (6596 m), the square-topped summits of Gori Parbat and Hathi Parbat, Badrinath, the icy crest of Dunagiri, Rishikot, Changabang (6864 m), Kedarnath and Choukhamba (7128 m) and the legendary twin peaks of Nanda Devi, (7740 m), surrounded by the majestic walls of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary adds delights to the Kuari Pass Trek.
While trekking along the region of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, you will encounter lush green fields, serene meadows, wildlife rich dense forests, and enchanting, serene villages.
Kuari Pass trek begins in a village named Ghat, which is known for its beautiful grassy fields and riverside camping.On the way to Ghat village on our first day, we will drive alongside rivers like the Ganges and Alaknanda.
The sounds of these flowing river make your journey refreshing
BRIEF ITENARY – KUARI PASS TREK
Day 1 Rishikesh – Ghat (175 kms – Drive 7-8 hrs), morning drive from Rishikesh to village Ghat
Day 2 Drive from Ghat to Selu Bagar – walk starts to – Jhinjhi Village (16 kms/7-8 hrs) – hault for the night
Day 3 Walk from Jhinjhi – Pana Village (8 kms/4-5 hrs)
Day 4 From Pana to campsite at Dakhwani (3300 mts/10824 ft) 14 kms/5 hrs
Day 5 From Dakhwani to Kuari Pass (3800 mts/ ft) – Tali campsite (9 kms/5-6 hrs) – hault for the night at campsite
Day 6 Walk from Tali – Auli (end of walk) – drive to Joshimath (2550 mts/8364 ft) 17 kms/5-6 hrs
Day 7 Trek ends, drive from Joshimath – Rishikesh (248 km – 7/8 hrs drive)
TREK COST : Rs. 30000/- PER PERSON
Number of Days: 07 Days
Kuari Pass Trek distance : 55 kms
Category : Moderate to Difficult Adventure
Area: Gharwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India
Highlights: Nanda Devi Sanctuary, Kuari Pass Summit, forest, meadows, important peaks
Highest point: 4265 m
Kuari Pass Trek best time : Jan to April & September to December
DETAILED ITENARY – KUARI PASS TREK
(LORD CURZON TRAIL)
Day 1: Rishikesh – Ghat Village (175 kms – Drive 7-8 hrs)
Morning meet and greet by our team, drive to Ghat village via Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnprayag and Nandprayag, the most holy confluences of Garhwal Himalayas. Overnight in camp.
Day 2: Ghat – Selu Bagar – Jhinjhi Village (16 kms/7-8 hrs)
Morning drive to Selu Bagar, a small center with a handful of shacks serving as village shops and is our starting point for the trek. You meet our ponies/porters at this point. From here its walk through the village full of colors of Himalayan inhabitants makes hike more entertaining.
The trail from this point climbs with a couple of switch backs which again becomes gentle and takes you to an open meadow with gorgeous views of Nanda Ghunti peak. From the pass the trail starts to drop down gently and in point in times becomes steep, which continues to drop passing through Sem Kharak and finally takes you to the Jhinjhi village. Dinner and Overnight in the camp.
Day 3 : Jhinjhi – Pana Village (8 kms/4-5 hrs)
Today’s walk begins with a chance to experience the way of life and culture of the people in Jhinjhi village. You’ll also enjoy some nice views of nearby villages and impressive Himalayan peaks along the way.
The path is mostly easy, taking you through a lovely Rhododendron forest and past Kaliagad until you reach the village of Pana. To end the day, there’s a short uphill climb of less than a kilometer to reach our campsite above Pana village, where we’ll spend the night.
Day 4 : Pana – Dakhwani (3300 mts/10824 ft) 14 kms/5 hrs
The trail is easy to follow beyond the campsite. It goes through a beautiful Rhododendron forest, with a few small hills to climb. Eventually, it leads to a ridge. From there, the path continues gently through the forest and opens up to a meadow called Sartoli. This meadow serves as a camping site and a place for sheep and cattle to graze.
From Sartoli, it takes about half an hour to reach the campsite at Dhakwani. There, you can enjoy a cup of tea with a delightful taste. Dinner and night stay at this campsite.
Day 5 : Dakhwani – Kuari Pass (3800 mts/ 12500 ft) – Tali (9 kms/5-6 hrs)
On this day, it’s best to start early to witness a breathtaking view at the pass. The trail from Dakhwani keeps going uphill through the forest until we leave the tree-covered area. At this point, the path moves to the left side of the valley, just below the pass. It then zigzags its way up to the pass.
Once you reach the pass, you’ll be treated to an absolutely amazing view of the majestic Greater Himalayas. Take your time, relax, and capture some stunning photographs at this spot. Afterward, the trail goes slightly up to a small hill where you’ll get an excellent view of the Dronagiri peak.
Following this, the trail goes downhill to a point where it splits into two paths, one leading to Tapovan and the other to Tali. Continue on the trail to Tali, which leads to a ridge with a temple and prayer flags. From here, you’ll be able to see the impressive Nanda Devi peak. The trail then passes through pasturelands, enters a forest, and finally leads to the campsite at Tali, where we’ll spend the night.
Day 6 : Tali – Auli – Joshimath (2550 mts/8364 ft) 17 kms/5-6 hrs
This morning, you can take it easy and relax. The trail from Tali involves a gradual climb along a mountain ridge. This path is narrow, so you’ll need to walk carefully until you reach Gorson meadows. From here, you’ll be surrounded by the stunning Himalayan mountains. The majestic Nanda Devi peak stands out among them.
Walking across Gorson meadows is a lot of fun and very enjoyable. Eventually, you’ll see some man-made structures in the distance, which mark the village of Auli. It’s time to bid farewell to the ponies and porters. You’ll then hop on a jeep for a 13-kilometer ride to the town of Joshimath.
Joshimath is a bustling marketplace and provides supplies to nearby villages. You’ll spend the night in a hotel there.
Day 7 : Joshimath – Rishikesh (248 km – 7/8 hrs drive)
In the early morning, we will take a drive to Rishikesh. Along the way, we will make a stop at Rudraprayag for lunch, a place where the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers come together. By evening, we will reach Rishikesh and check into a hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Kuari Pass Trek – Lord Curzon’s Trail
The Kuari Pass Trek, often referred to as Lord Curzon’s Trail, is a well-loved trekking route nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. If you’re planning to go on this adventure, you might have some questions in mind. Here are some frequently asked questions about the Kuari Pass Trek:
What is the Kuari Pass Trek, and why is it called Lord Curzon’s Trail?
The Kuari Pass Trek is a high-altitude trek that takes you through the breath taking landscapes of the Garhwal Himalayas. It is named after Lord Curzon, the former Viceroy of India, who explored this trail in the early 1900s, and with us you will get to experience the original trail.
How challenging is the Kuari Pass Trek?
The Kuari Pass Trek is considered moderately challenging, suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. It is required to be in good physical condition and acclimatize properly to the altitude.
When is the best time to embark on the Kuari Pass Trek?
The ideal times for the Kuari Pass Trek are during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) seasons. While winter treks are possible for experienced hikers, heavy snowfall can make it quite demanding.
How long does it take to complete the Kuari Pass Trek?
Typically, the Kuari Pass Trek spans about 6 to 7 days, including acclimatization and rest days, covering a distance of approximately 55 kilometers.
What are the major highlights of the Kuari Pass Trek?
Captivating views of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Hathi Parvat, Ghodi Parvat, and Dronagiri. Serene meadows, lush green fields, dense forests, and charming remote villages.Trekking alongside iconic rivers such as the Ganges, Alaknanda, Bhagirathi, and Mandakini. Immersion in local culture by interacting with villagers.
Is prior trekking experience necessary for the Kuari Pass Trek?
While prior trekking experience is beneficial, the Kuari Pass Trek is open to beginners who are physically fit and prepared for high-altitude hiking. Some physical conditioning before the trek is advisable.
What permits and permissions are required for the Kuari Pass Trek?
To enter specific areas along the trail, permits are necessary, and they can be arranged through the Mapping The Himalayas trek organizers.
What should I pack for the Kuari Pass Trek?
Essential items include warm clothing, a sturdy backpack, good trekking shoes, necessary medications, and personal essentials. You should also refer to the specific packing list provided by Mapping The Himalayas.
Is the Kuari Pass Trek safe?
Generally, the Kuari Pass Trek is safe, provided you prepare adequately and follow the guidance of experienced guides. Weather can change anytime at high altitudes.
How can I book the Kuari Pass Trek?
You can book your Kuari Pass Trek by contacting Mapping The Himalayas in Rishikesh. We have experienced guides, quality equipment and snow gears.
The Kuari Pass Trek offers a transformative experience, combining the beauty of nature with the thrill of adventure.