Kuari Pass Trek

Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Joshimath
Day 2: Drive from Joshimath to Dhak and Trek to Guling
Day 3: Trek from Guling to Khullara
Day 4: Trek from Khullara to Kuari pass and back to Taali
Day 5: Trek from Taali to Auli trek via Gorson Bugyal; Drive to Joshimath
Day 6: Drive from Joshimath to Dehradun

Points to Remember:

• Documents Required: Trekkers should carry a copy of the Aadhar Card (Indian National) or a copy of the Passport and visa(International Tourist) along with the Medical Certificate signed by a Doctor.
• Accommodation: Trek stays in an A-Shape tent/ North Face Tent. Built to withstand extreme weather conditions and, at the same time, make you comfortable after a hard day’s trek.

• • Do not litter the Mountains. Kindly carry all the non-biodegradable bags with you and throw them in the dustbin.
  • Please do not feed animals (especially dogs) with biscuits.
  • Biscuits can cause health issues; their fur starts shedding, which makes it difficult for them to survive in the winter.

• Cloakroom: We have a cloakroom facility available for extra luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave their luggage behind at no charge.

In Himalaya Shelter, we provide you with the option to customize your trekking experience. Whether you're a solo traveler, a group of friends, or a family, you can opt for our personalized tailor-made trekking program. This customized trek will be exclusively designed for you, taking into account your specific requirements for transportation, accommodation, meals, and any other premium facilities you may need during the trek. No other participants will be added to your group. Choosing a customized trek will enable you to fully enjoy the trek with your loved ones. Click here to learn what a Customized Trekking program looks like.

• Khullara Campsite: This Khullara campsite itself is a beautiful part of the trek. The tent is pitched on open meadows which are surrounded by oak and rhododendron forests. As you zip out the tent you will have the best views of Dronagiri and Hathi Gauri parvat, especially in the evening with the sunset light that glows in orange color.
• Lord Curzon’s Trail: As you climb from Khullara, you walk on meadows then the trail comes is Lord Curzon’s trail. That trail has history but also has a view from the trail. As you cross the stream you see a narrow valley in which the stream continuously flows.
• The Summit: From the summit of Kuari Pass you will see different mountains in each four directions,  Mt Nandadevi, Mt Kamet, Chaukhamba massif, Trishul and many other peaks.
• Gorson Meadows: After Tali, the trail opens into Gorson Bugyal. It feels like endless grassland. There you will hear bells, as mules, horses and cows eating grass. This Gorson bugyal has flowers in Spring and snow sheets in winter. 
• Tali Campsite: This Tali campsite is very calm and quiet. You hear the chirpings of birds and can even watch birds. The lake tali seems very quiet and in winter it gets freezing and that looks amazing. 
• Views of Nanda Devi: Obviously, Mt Nanda devi is the main character of the trek. People often separate to only witness her. And also she often remains hidden behind the clouds. She looks like a goddess itself.

The difficulty level of the Kuari Pass trek is easy to moderate; the altitude of the pass is 12,500 ft. One has to walk 5 to 6 hours each day with gradual ascents and descents. At last, when it reaches very near to the summit, it is steep and can make you tired. But the trek is beginner-friendly and safe.

But in winter it can be tough. If you are fit, or have basic fitness, it can make the trek easy. And it is still easy for experienced trekkers.

Reach to Kuari Pass Trek from Various Places

From Delhi:

• By Road:  The distance from Delhi to Kuari Pass starting point (Joshimath) is approximately 476 km via NH-7 and 512 km via NH-334. Traveling by bus, taxi, or self-driving are all viable options. The bus journey takes about 12 to 14 hours, while a taxi ride typically spans 11 to 12 hours. If you plan to self-drive, ensure you check road conditions beforehand.
• By Train: There isn't a direct train route from Delhi to Joshimath. You can take a train to either Haridwar or Rishikesh and then proceed by bus or taxi to Joshimath.

From Dehradun:

• By Road: The road distance between Dehradun and Joshimath is approximately 290 km. You have the option to travel by bus, taxi, or self-drive. The bus journey takes around 9 to 10 hours. If you choose to self-drive, do check road conditions prior to departure.
• By Train: Similar to Delhi, there's no direct train route from Dehradun to Joshimath. You can take a train to Haridwar or Rishikesh and then proceed by bus or taxi to Joshimath. The train journey to Haridwar or Rishikesh takes approximately 2 to 3 hours.

From Rishikesh:

• By Road: The road distance between Rishikesh and Joshimath is approximately 270 km. You have the option to travel by bus, taxi, or self-drive. The bus journey takes around 7-8 hours, while a taxi ride usually takes 5-6 hours. If you plan to self-drive, ensure you check road conditions beforehand.

From Auli:

• By Road: The road distance between Auli and Joshimath is approximately 13 km. You can opt for a taxi or shared jeep to reach Joshimath, which takes approximately 30 minutes.

These starting points offer different routes to embark on the Kuari Pass Trek, each with its own scenic journey and varying travel durations. Before your trip, make sure to verify road conditions and transportation availability for a smoother and more enjoyable adventure. Safe travels!

The Kuari Pass Trek is like a beautiful journey through different chapters of nature's storybook. Every season paints a unique picture on this trail, making it an adventure worth experiencing. Let's take a closer look at what each month brings:

March-April:-

• Weather: During the Kuari Pass Trek in March and April, the weather is usually pleasant. The sun shines gently, and sometimes there might be a little rain shower to freshen things up.
• Scenery: During this time, the meadows turn into a lush sea of green. It's like nature's canvas coming to life with a burst of colorful wildflowers.
• Temperature: Temperatures along the Kuari Pass in the daytime usually range from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius, with nights being cooler, typically between 0 and 5 degrees Celsius. It's important to bear in mind that temperatures may vary with altitude, and higher elevations often entail colder conditions.

May-June:-

• Weather: May and June bring warmer days. The sun shines bright, making it a perfect time for exploring.
• Scenery: Spring is in full swing, and the meadows and slopes explode in a riot of colors. It's like walking through a living painting with rhododendrons and alpine blooms cascading down the hillsides.
• Temperature: In May and June, the Kuari Pass Trek sees warmer weather compared to March and April. Daytime temperatures typically range from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, while nighttime temperatures hover between 5 to 10 degrees Celsius. Nevertheless, it's important to note that at higher altitudes, temperatures can still drop below freezing during the night.

July-August:-

• Weather: Monsoon brings a refreshing change. The rain washes the landscape, creating a vibrant and almost dream-like beauty but avoid trekking in Kuari Pass during the monsoon season due to the occasional showers, slippery trails, and landslides.
• Scenery: The monsoon turns the region into a lush, green paradise. Waterfalls cascade down the slopes, and the forests become a haven for a variety of plants and animals.
• Temperature: The temperature in Kuari Pass Trek during the month of July-August is generally warm and humid, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius and average nighttime temperatures ranging from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. However, the temperature can vary depending on the altitude and the weather conditions.

September-October:-

• Weather: September and October welcome trekkers with clear skies and cool, refreshing air. It's the perfect weather for an invigorating trek.
• Scenery: The meadows turn golden as autumn sets in. The landscape is dotted with golden leaves, creating a picturesque view against the towering peaks.
• Temperature: In September and October, daytime temperatures along the Kuari Pass Trek typically range between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius, while nights tend to be cooler, with temperatures between 0 and 5 degrees Celsius. It's worth noting that temperatures may fluctuate with altitude, with higher elevations often experiencing colder conditions.

November-February:-

• Weather: Kuari Pass weather in winter brings a calm, snowy blanket to the region. The air is crisp, and the landscape shimmers in the gentle winter sun.
• Scenery: The meadows and slopes transform into a sparkling, snow-covered wonderland. The quiet of the winter landscape adds a touch of magic to the trekking experience.
• Temperature: The temperature in Kuari Pass Trek during the month of November-February is cold, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 5 to 10 degrees Celsius and average nighttime temperatures ranging from 0 to -5 degrees Celsius. However, the temperature can vary depending on the altitude, with the higher altitudes being colder.

Notice: All trekkers are strictly advised not to carry unnecessary plastic items such as disposable bottles, single-use cutlery, polythene bags, and food wrappers during the trek. We encourage the use of reusable bottles, tiffin boxes, and cloth bags to minimise waste and protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. Your cooperation is essential in ensuring a clean and sustainable trekking experience

How to Pack Smart for the Kuari Pass Trek

Before you go on the Kuari Pass Trek, a backpack is important. For a smooth trek and to enjoy your trek without any worry, it is important to pack your bag properly. Wrong packaging can turn your trek into the worst. Here’s a simple guide to help you get it just right.

Must-Carry Documents

Before you go on any trek, keep this:

• A valid ID proof (Aadhar card, driving license, or passport)
• Medical fitness certificate
• Adventure insurance—for peace of mind in the mountains

Accessories You’ll Need

• A sturdy backpack with a rain cover
• Waterproof trekking shoes (your feet will thank you!)
• Trekking poles for balance
• Sun cap & sunglasses to fight the glare
• Headlamp/flashlight for dark trails
• Lunchbox and water bottle
• A route map and keep an eye on the latest weather update
• A camera to capture memories
• Power bank

Toiletries (Think Hygiene & Comfort)

• Biodegradable soap
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Tissues (avoid wet wipes because they are non-biodegradable)
• Hand sanitizer
• Lip balm & sunscreen (sun at altitude is harsh)
• Small towel & comb

Clothing: Dress in Layers

In the Himalayas proper layering is important. Layers are your protectors. Stick to light, quick-dry, warm, and waterproof clothing.

Spring, Summer & Monsoon:

• 1 trek pant
• 1 lightweight shirt
• 1 fleece sweater
• 1 poncho
• Nylon innerwear

Autumn & Early Winter:

• 1 trek pant
• 1 thermal set
• 1 t-shirt
• 1 fleece sweater
• 1 padded jacket
• 1 poncho

Peak Winter:

• 1 trek pant
• 1 thermal set
• 1 t-shirt
• 1 fleece jacket
• 1 padded jacket
• 1 windproof jacket
• Waterproof gloves

Extra basics for all treks:

• 3 t-shirts (wear one, carry two)
• 2 pairs of thermals (wear one, carry one)
• 2 quick-dry pants (wear one, carry one)
• 3 pairs of socks (wear one, carry two)
• 2 pairs of gloves (wear one, carry one)
• 1 padded jacket (always keep it handy for sudden chills)

Medical Kit

Some essential things:

• Bandages & antiseptic wipes
• Pain relievers
• Personal prescription medicines
• Altitude sickness tablets
• Blister care kit (trust me, blisters can ruin a trek)

Physical Fitness Preparation for Trek:

To overcome the difficulty level of Bali pass trekking, it requires strong cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and overall physical fitness. Incorporate these exercises into your routine to increase strength, stability, and stamina, which will help you tackle difficult terrain sections of the trail at high altitudes.