How The Searching Souls team make your treks safe and comfortable?
Considered an easy-to-moderate trek into the Garhwal Himalayas, the Kuari Pass is ideal for beginners with basic fitness levels, yet still presents challenges like steep climbs, snow-covered areas, and cold nights. This trek is often referred to as the Lord Curzon Trail. The winter season adds to the challenge with icy conditions, hard-packed snow, and temperatures below freezing.
Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of the trek, outlining the difficulties, altitude gains, and overall toughness.
| Day | Route & Highlights | Distance / Duration | Altitude Gain | Difficulty Level | Key Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Day 1 |
Dehradun/Rishikesh → Pipalkoti/Joshimath (road trip) |
~280 km / 10–11 hrs drive |
~1200m |
Easy |
Long, tiring hillside drive |
Day 2 |
Tugasi Village → Gulling campsite |
3 km / 3–4 hrs |
~1300m |
Easy |
Steep initial climb, but shorter distance makes it manageable |
Day 3 |
Gulling → Khullara campsite |
6 km / 5–6 hrs |
~600m |
Easy-Moderate |
Long ascent, snow-covered trails, freezing night temperatures |
Day 4 |
Khullara → Kuari Pass Summit (12139 ft) → return to Tali campsite |
~8-9 km (round trip) / 6–7 hrs |
~355m |
Moderate |
Steep first 2.5 km, icy patches, frozen streams, strong winds |
Day 5 |
Khullara → Tugasi/Dhak → Pipalkoti/Joshimath |
8–9 km trek + road drive |
(Descent) |
Easy to Moderate |
Slippery descent on mud or black ice, risk of injury if rushed |
Day 6 |
Pipalkoti/Joshimath → Dehradun/Rishikesh (return drive) |
~280 km / 10–11 hrs |
Easy |
Long journey, fatigue |
Day 1:
Starting from Dehradun or Rishikesh, depending on your starting point, you’ll head to Pipalkoti or Joshimath, where you’ll stay at a hotel. This scenic drive is approximately 280 kilometers long and will take 10 to 11 hours.
Day 2:
It’s a one-hour drive from the hotel to Tugasi Village, where your trek starts. You’ll cover 3 kilometers, which takes around 3 to 4 hours, and gain 1300m in altitude from Piplakoti to Gulling. The trail is steep and a bit challenging at first, but the day is overall easier and gives you time to adjust to the upcoming challenge. The rewards are many – from breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks to the peaceful beauty of the snow-covered trails.
Day 3:
After fueling up with a healthy breakfast at Gulling campsite, we’ll head to Khullara Campsite, covering about 6 km in 5-6 hours and gaining 600m of altitude. This day will test your patience as it’s a longer trek, but the rewards are worth it. You’ll cross dense forests, walk on snow, and spot numerous water streams along the way. Eventually, the trail leads to Khullara campsite, a large open ground almost as big as a football field, offering stunning views of Himalayan peaks like Neelkanth, Dronagiri, Hathi Ghoda parvat, and more. Khullara is truly one of India’s most beautiful campsites. However, its beauty comes with a challenge – extremely low nighttime temperatures, which can feel even colder on clear, windy nights. Be sure to pack plenty of warm layers for this day.
Day 4:
At last, Summit Day has arrived after all your hard work from base camp to 11800 ft. Make an early start for the Kuari Pass Summit, located at 12139 ft, following an energizing breakfast at the Khullara Campsite. The first 2.5 km is a steep climb, but after that, the trail mostly descends and is straight. However, icy sections and frozen waterfalls make it tricky to navigate. With some caution, solid footing, proper gear, and a steady pace, you can achieve this feat.
Day 5:
Today is a Descend day to Tugasi/Dhak, followed by a journey to Pipalkoti or Joshimath. The return trek is just as stunning as the ascent, offering new views of the landscape. On this day, as you descend, it’s crucial to take your time and avoid rushing down a mix of mud and black ice, which creates extremely slippery terrain and can cause unnecessary injuries.
Day 6:
Here we get all set to finally reach the home, back from Pipalkoti OR Joshimath to Dehradun … You get back with loads of memories that you will hardly forget in your lifetime as the scenic wonders of this trek will engrave deeply in your mind & heart, as the Kuari Pass trek isn’t just a journey; it’s a chapter in your adventure story.
Key Preparation Tips
- Winter gear: Bring winter gears as suggested by your trek provider.
- Trekking equipment: Microspikes or gaiters can help prevent slipping on icy trails.
- Hydration and nutrition: Stay hydrated and pack high-energy snacks for long hikes.
- Acclimatization: The trail gains altitude steadily, so pace yourself and be patient.
- Safety mindset: Going downhill can be exhausting — be cautious and avoid rushing. Cut your nails.
The Kuari Pass trek is both accessible and thrilling, providing stunning Himalayan views of peaks like Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, and Hathi Ghoda Parvat. With proper preparation, this moderately challenging trek becomes a genuinely rewarding Himalayan adventure.