Kuari Pass:
The Kuari Pass trek gives you a chance to view this impressive skyline of these mighty mountains from close quarters.
Kuari Pass, a place with a lot of mesmerizing sights to relish is situated in Garhwal Himalayas. If you are a beginner in treks, then Kuari Pass trek would be the right step to start with. On the route, you will find numerous beautiful forests which are really old with blooming rhododendron and oak trees. There is an interlude of meadows which gives the forest entry so beautiful every time. The region is used extensively by the local shepherds, and it is a great activity to explore one of the richest meadows in the Himalayas to get a full view of the splendid snow-clad peaks. Their imposing and scenic presence can be witnessed from atop Kuari, which literally means “a getaway”.
The mountain views coming to your from the first day of the trek are the major attraction about Kauri Pass trek. Mount Nanda Devi, Dronagiri and some other peaks are the first ones visible and as you climb more, the array of several mountains will come to welcome you. It is always a splendid sight to gaze at the sky with the mountains touching the clouds every other time.
The campsites are also a pleasing inclusion every trekking expedition to Kuari Pass has. After each day’s trek, the camping will be the time which lets you get refreshed and prepare for the next day’s expedition. The Chitrakantha campsite amidst the thick forest or the Khullara campsite letting watch you the peaks rising in the background will be equally suitable to have a rejuvenating stay while Kuari Pass trek is processing.
Itinerary:
Day 1 -
Road journey from Haridwar to Joshimath. Overnight stay at Joshimath. (Drive/ 260km 10hrs)- Uphill Picturesque Drive, Devaprayag, Confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda
- Around 6am, assemble at Haridwar Railway Station. Begin a long distance, uphill drive from Haridwar to Joshimath. Along the way, stopover at Devaprayag, to witness the holy confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda Rivers to form the River Ganges. Arrive at Joshimath. You’ve the choice of overnight stay in tents/ a local guesthouse/ home stay.
Day 2 -
Drive from Joshimath to Chitrakantha. Trek begins. (Drive to Dhak Village 12km/ 1hr) (Chitrkantha trek 6km/ 4hrs)- Chitrakantha Peak (3,310m), Chaukhamba (7,138m), Oak and Rhododenron Forest, Local Life
- Today begins with a short 12km drive to Dhak Village, which is the start point of the trek. The meandering trail from here has gradual ascents and several shepherd trails. Take a look down below to watch the Dhauli Ganga River force its way to the nearby hydro power plant. Follow the trail to cross dense forests of oak, deodar, and rhododendrons.
- At the end of the descent is Chitrakantha, your first campsite. This is an impressive snow-capped ridge with views of the Chaukhamba peak. Replenish water supply from a nearby stream. Pitch tents. Retire for the day.
Day 3 -
Trek from Chitrakantha to Tali Top (Trek 6km)- Mountain Forests, Alpine Meadows
- Start your day early with warm up exercises followed by a wholesome breakfast. Today, you’ll trek for 6km to scale heights up to 3,500m. An interesting and magnificent trail taking you through dense mountain forests filled with rhododendrons, spruce, and silver birch before reaching a prominent ridge.
- An uphill trek for around 3km opens to lush meadows where you’ll find well defined tracks from a place called Tapovan. Camp in alpine meadows at the end of Tali Top.
Day 4 -
Trek from Tali Top to Kuari Pass via Khullar, Trek back to Tali Top- Nanda Devi Peak (7,816m), Himalayan Vistas, Rishi Ganga River
- This is a strenuous day. With a long distance trek ahead of you with gradual ascend leading to Khullar Top. To completely savour the unbelievable views of the imposing Himalayas, you’ll traverse over snow-filled patches to arrive at Kuari Pass. Gushing chill top winds greet you here. But the adversity is barely a hindrance for the view of the towering Nanda Devi Peak from here is truly phenomenal.
- Surrounded by what seems like an unending wall of mountains, find the Rishi Ganga River force its way out from the only available outlet to meet River Alaknanda. Spend quality time here. Prepare for a return trek to Tali Top along the same path. Savour campfire and savoury dinner by the campsite.
Day 5 -
Trek from Tali to Joshimath via Auli- Skiing destination Auli, Rishi Ganga River
- Dig into breakfast early in the morning after a round of routine exercises. Follow the downhill trail alongside Rishi Ganga River. Arrive at a motorable road and board vehicle to reach Joshimath.
- Along the way pass by Auli, a popular hill station and skiing destination. During winter months, you could also opt for a skiing experience here. Overnight stay at Joshimath.
Day 6 -
End of journey. Drive from Joshimath to Haridwar- Trip ends here
- Leave Joshimath early for your return journey home from Haridwar. This will be the last leg of your trip to the mountains. Take along a large pile of unforgettable memories in this Kuari Pass Trek.
Inclusions :
Advisory :
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Things To Carry :
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Stay :
Situated in the vast Garhwal Himalayas, Kuari Pass is a trek to remember due to its breathtaking views of some of the majestic peaks in Uttarakhand. Trekkers tend to take camping equipments along with them and set up camps at suitable location at night. Tour and trek operators usually provide tents and other equipments to the trekkers.
Food :
Again, it is not possible for anyone find a restaurant at Kuari Pass as the place is uninhabitable. Trekkers take the some snacks with themselves that they can purchase at lower altitudes, preferably before starting the trek. A cook can prepare a delicious cooked meal provided the ration is taken along with. Packaged food is usually the best option when travelling to higher altitudes.
History :
The Kuari Pass Trek got famous after Lord Curzon, Eric Shipton and Bill Tilman used the passage in their pioneering explorations of the region in 1905. The Kuari Pass trek is also known as The Curzon Trail (named after the former British Viceroy Of India “Lord Curzonâ€) and it is said that the path was specially improved so that he could do the trek.
In 1905 Lord Curzon reached Kuari pass from Ghat via Ramni, crossing few lesser passes (Vinayak Pass, Tali Top) and five major rivers - the Pindar, Kaliganga, Mandakini, Bheriganga and the Dhauliganga. This trek is very popular among European and American Travelers.
