Uttarakhand trek
Kuari Pass Trek
The Curzon Trail, with Nanda Devi on the horizon
Kuari Pass is a moderate trek near Joshimath in Uttarakhand, part of the old Curzon Trail, reaching about 12,500 ft with wide views of Nanda Devi and Dronagiri. It takes about 6 days from Rishikesh, and works most of the year outside the monsoon, with snow from late December to March.
- Max altitude
- About 12,500 ft (3,815 m)
- Duration
- About 6 days from Rishikesh
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Best time
- October to April, snow from late December to March
- Base
- Karchi or a nearby village above Joshimath
- Getting there
- Rishikesh or Dehradun, then a long drive to Joshimath
Kuari Pass trek: View of Himalayan Peaks Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Kamet, Mana, Gori Parbat and Hathi Parbat from Kuari Pass
Why people pick Kuari Pass
- Some of the widest big-mountain views on a beginner-friendly trek
- Can end at Auli, the ski slopes above Joshimath
- Oak and rhododendron forest in the lower sections
Route, day by day
The usual shape of the trek. Exact camps and timings vary by operator and conditions.
Fitness
Moderate. Winter snow makes the pass day slower.
What to carry
- Trekking shoes with ankle support, broken in
- Three warm layers and a waterproof jacket
- Headlamp, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Two water bottles
- Personal medicines and a small first aid kit
- Original photo ID
Kuari Pass questions
More treks
Easy-moderateKedarkantha
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- Max altitude
- 12,500 ft
- Duration
- 6 days from Dehradun
- Best months
- December to April
Easy-moderateValley of Flowers
A UNESCO valley that blooms for a few weeks each monsoon
- Max altitude
- 12,000 ft in the valley, higher
- Duration
- About 6 days from Rishikesh or Dehradun
- Best months
- July to September
Easy-moderateBrahmatal
Winter lakes with Trishul right in front of you
- Max altitude
- 12,250 ft
- Duration
- About 6 days from Kathgodam
- Best months
- December to March for snow