Winter Kuari Pass trek is among the most scenic excursions that you will ever take through the Himalayan Mountains. The mountain pass is located in the Garhwal region of the state of Uttarakhand. It lies to the south of the Tibetan Plateau and is within the enchanting Nanda Devi National Park. Well-known as the Lord Curzon trail, the Kuari pass trek’s spectacular views make it one of the finest treks in the Indian Himalayas. Winter season is the ideal time to undertake the excursion as the snow makes the region look amazing. The trail offers a chance to discover the inner Himalayan region in a very short duration.

For adventure & mountain lovers, this trek is undoubtedly filled with a rare experience altogether. You will get to meander through the never-ending meadows with mountains surrounding you as you bask in the glory that is the Himalayas. Encircled with gorgeous forests, and a chance to view mesmerizing sunsets and sunrises, Kuari Pass trek will surely pull your heartstrings. Get bowled over by the way of life of the locals, and mingle with the shepherds to know more about their mountainous life. The high point of the trip would be the views of Nanda Devi (7816 m) along with other gigantic elevations like Dronagiri (7066 m), Kamet (7757 m), Chaukhamba (7128 m) and Trishul (7120 m) peaks.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Dehradun to Joshimath | (Drive: 294 km | 9 hrs)

We start very early from Dehradun and reach Joshimath by evening. The drive is through the towns of Devprayag, Rudraprayag, which happen to be two of the 5 prayags or confluences of rivers, having religious significance. We can arrive at Joshimath by early evening.

Day 2: Drive to Dhak village and trek to Guling (2,800 m) via Dhak (2,100 m) | Drive: 30min; Trek: 3-4 hrs

After breakfast we drive to Dhak, towards the road to Tapovan. The trek begins at Dhak. The trail goes uphill towards our right away from the road. Over half of the path is open and without shade. We pass two villages on the way. We enter a forest about a kilometer before reaching the campsite of Guling. The camp has views towards the peak of Dunagiri.

Day 3: Guling (2,800 m) to Lower Khullara (3,250 m) | Trek: 4-5 hrs

The trail today has a gradual slope up. We walk among oak, rhododendron and pine forests. Khullara is an open meadow with a view of surrounding peaks like Dunagiri, Hathi and Ghodi.

Day 4: Khullara to Talli (3,350 m) via Kuari pass (3,820 m) | Trek: 6-7 hrs

We have an early breakfast and start walking uphill towards the pass. We reach a ridge, cross it and take a left. The path leads us away and towards our right to the pass. We spend some time here and then head back along the same way till we reach the ridge again. From here instead of heading down towards Khullara, we walk along the ridge towards Taali. We reach a small hillock with flag, named Chitrakantha. From here we get This spot has stunning panoramic views. We can see the peaks including Chaukhambha, Neelkanth, Mana, Hathi, Ghodi and Dunagiri. We walk down the other side and proceed towards our campsite. Taali is located inside the forest and is closed from all sides

Day 5: Tali to Auli via Gorson Bughyal and drive to Joshimath | Trek: 4-5 hrs trek + Drive

On this day, the walk is easy. The forest clears away soon. We pass by Taali lake, which is often frozen in winter. As we keep traversing towards Auli, the view of Nanda Devi peak becomes clearer towards our back. After crossing Gorson Bugyal, a large meadow, we enter a forest. A short walk further, the skiing destination of Auli presents itself. A vehicle takes us back to Joshimath from here.

Day 6: Joshimath to Dehradun | Drive: 9 hrs

We leave from Joshimath and reach Dehradun by early evening.

FAQs:

1) What is the best time to go for this tour?

Winter Kuari Pass is best experienced in the winter season between December - March. If you adore snow, you must trek to Kuari Pass as the entire region is covered in a thick blanket of snow. If you want to see the rhododendrons in bloom, then Spring is perfect for you. You will get clear skies and a stunning view of the Garhwal mountains after the monsoon season in September and October. No matter what the season is, every scenery looks like a postcard picture when you trek to Kuari Pass.

2) How difficult is the trek?

The difficulty level of the trek is moderate to tough owing to the thick covering of snow along the way. All said and done, it is certainly better to go on this trip in winters than summers.

3) How cold can it get on the trip?

On the first two days of the trip, the weather is pleasant, but it does get considerably cold at higher elevations. Here, the temperature can drop to around -5 degree Celsius, and the winds are pretty strong too. Hence, it is advised that you carry sufficiently wind-proof and warm clothing.

4) How much do we walk per day?

Every day, we walk for almost 5 to 7 hours and complete a distance of 7 to 9 km.

5) Is taking anti-altitude sickness medicines like Diamox advisable?

As the maximum altitude that you will touch on the excursion is roughly 13500 feet, Diamox will not be needed. However, if you have had problems adapting to such elevations, you are advised to consult a doctor beforehand.

6) Will our group have a trek leader or guide?

Yes, you will be guided and led by an experienced mountaineer, who has certificates in first aid.

7) How big are the groups?

Usually, we take 18-20 people in one group, and sometimes there can be as less as 6-7 people trekking together. In addition to hikers, the groups also consist of porters, cooks and helpers.

8) Is the trip safe for women?

The safety of women is highly important to us, and our staff and trek operators are polite and helpful towards them. Mountain dwellers are quite honest and respectful of women, so females have nothing to worry about.

9) What do we carry on the tour?

Before the start of the trip, you will be given a proper list of all necessary things, which you will be required to carry with you.

10) Will someone carries my luggage if I am not able to?

Absolutely. Just tell us 15 days before the commencement of the excursion, and we will arrange a porter for you.

11) What kind of shoes should I carry?

It is essential to have shoes that make hiking easier. Make sure that your trekking shoes are warm, and made of waterproof material. Also, check that their soles are strong, and at the same time, your footwear should be comfortable. Before coming on the trip, walk for 3-4 kilometres every day for a week so that you settle into them, and they become more comfortable.

12) How many travellers will stay in one tent?

Usually, each tent will have no more than three persons.

13) How fit should the participants be?

As with all treks, this one too requires that you are fully fit to undertake it. To get into shape, you can exercise for 30 minutes, and jog or walk 3-4 km each day for about a month, before beginning the expedition.

14) What kind of food do we get during the tour?

Only Indian vegetarian food and eggs are served on the trip.

15) Where can clean drinking water be procured along the way?

You should ask your trek leader about sources of safe drinking water. For a bonus, you are advised to use Chlorine tablets to purify the water further.

16) What type of vehicles are used for ground transportation?

For ground transportation, we use MUVs like Tempo Traveller Bolero, Max or any car, equivalent of them.

17) Will a doctor travel with us?

No, but our trekking leaders and guides are well-versed in Wilderness First Aid and have certificates for the same. They are aware of the problems that group members may face at high altitudes, and as a precaution, they carry all necessary medicines with them. It is however advised that you get checked by a physician to see if you are fit for the excursion.

18) Should I bring my medicines?

Absolutely. You should carry whatever medicines you are using for added safety.

19) Can the itinerary be changed?

Not usually because the itineraries are well-planned. However, you can consult your guide and other members of the group to see if they agree on small changes.

20) Can a trip be customised?

Customising the trip is possible, depending on the number of participants. The cost, however, may vary as per requirement.