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KUARIPASS TREK
Uttarakhand · 6 Days / 5 Nights · Easy to Moderate
Starting from
₹7,999
Easy to Moderate
Difficulty
6 Days / 5 Nights
Duration
12,516 ft (3,815 m)
Max Altitude
Uttarakhand (Chamoli District)
Region
Upcoming Departures
There are currently no scheduled departures for this adventure.
About the Trek
Kuari Pass, often called the "Curzon Trail," is a classic 6-day trek in Uttarakhand offering stupendous 360° views of the Nanda Devi range and high Garhwal peaks from an altitude of 12,516 ft. Lord Curzon himself walked this trail in 1905 — and the landscape has scarcely changed since.
The route passes through jungles of rhododendron and magnolia, tranquil meadows at Panar and Khullara, and ends atop the magnificent Kuari Pass. This moderate trek is ideal for beginners who want sweeping Himalayan panoramas without requiring technical mountaineering skills.
Highest Altitude
12,516 ft (3,815 m)
12,516 ft (3,815 m) — Summit
Duration
6 Days / 5 Nights
Uttarakhand
Region
Uttarakhand (Chamoli District)
Best Season
November – March
The Itinerary
Drive Rishikesh to Joshimath
Drive from Rishikesh through Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli to reach the base camp town of Joshimath by evening. Check-in and briefing by trek leader. Overnight at Joshimath.
Trek Joshimath to Akhorghetta
Begin trekking from Joshimath through dense pine and oak forests, gaining steady altitude. The trail offers early views of the Garhwal peaks before arriving at Akhorghetta for the overnight camp.
Trek Akhorghetta to Khullara via Panar Meadow
A shorter but scenic day through the famous Panar meadow — a vast green expanse with 180° Himalayan views. Reach the Khullara campsite by early afternoon, giving you time to explore the ridge and acclimatize.
Day Hike to Kuari Pass and Return to Khullara
Early morning start for the Kuari Pass summit. From the pass, enjoy an extraordinary 360° panorama including Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Kamet, Hathi Ghoda, and Nilgiri peaks. Descend back to Khullara for the overnight camp.
Trek Khullara to Joshimath; Drive to Haridwar/Rishikesh
Trek back down through the forest to Joshimath, then a scenic evening drive back toward Rishikesh. Overnight at Haridwar or Rishikesh.
Drive to Rishikesh / Dehradun — Trip Ends
Return drive to Rishikesh or Dehradun. Trip concludes after breakfast.
Inclusions, Exclusions & Gear
Camping and guesthouse accommodation throughout the trek
All trek meals — vegetarian/vegan breakfast, lunch, and dinner
All permits and entry fees
Qualified trek leader, guides, cook, and support staff
Porters for communal gear
First-aid kit and oxygen cylinder on trail
Trek completion certificate
Am I Ready for This?
Difficulty
Moderate. Suitable for fit beginners with some hiking background. The pass crossing requires effort — plan and train ahead of time.
Age Range
Generally 12 to 55 years. Children must be with a guardian. Confirm any exceptions directly with the team before booking.
Fitness Prep
Run or cycle 4 to 5 km, three times a week for 4 weeks. Practice 15+ km day hikes with a loaded backpack on varied terrain.
Glacial River Crossings
Two stream crossings (Rani Nala, Hampta Nala) can be tricky in early summer. Use trekking poles and always follow your guide — the current is deceptively strong.
Fast-Changing Weather
Conditions near the pass change rapidly. Windproof layers are non-negotiable even on warm valley days. Always be layered up before the final push to the summit.
No Mobile Network
Expect no signal on trail. Download offline maps before leaving Manali, carry emergency contact numbers written down, and inform someone about your route.
No Permits Required
No special trekking permit needed. Carry government-issued photo ID (Aadhar or passport) — mandatory at Manali to Lahaul check-points on the highway.
Common Questions
Kuari Pass at 12,516 ft (3,815 m) is the highest point, reached on Day 4 during an early morning summit hike from Khullara.
Yes. Despite being rated Moderate, Kuari Pass is a great introductory trek with well-defined trails and manageable daily distances. Basic fitness is recommended.
Lord Curzon, the British Viceroy of India, trekked this route in 1905 and was so captivated by the views of Nanda Devi that it was named in his honor.
November to March for snow-covered trails and clear mountain views. The trek is also open April–June and September–November for milder conditions.
Joshimath is approximately 255 km from Rishikesh via NH58. You can take a shared cab or book a private vehicle. The drive takes 7–8 hours.
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