Where is the Kuari Pass?

Published on August 18, 2025

The Kuari Pass trek is a famous journey in the beautiful Himalayan mountains of Uttarakhand, India. The highest point you reach on this trek is about 3,650 meters (11,975 feet). What makes this trek so special is its history. It is also known as "The Curzon Trail."

The name "Curzon Trail" comes from Lord Curzon, who was a British Viceroy in India. In the early 1900s, he was an avid explorer and trekked through this very same path. The trail was already used by locals, but when he traveled through it, the route became known to the wider world as his trail. This trek is loved for its easy paths and amazing views of some of the highest mountains in India, which makes it a great choice for both new and experienced trekkers. A great way to prepare for this journey is by choosing a suitable Kuari Pass Trek Package that meets your needs.

Kuari Pass Trek Itinerary – Day-by-Day Route Plan

DAY 0: Delhi → Joshimath (Overnight Drive)

• Evening departure from Botanical Garden, Noida

• Overnight journey via Haridwar, Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag

• Scenic mountain roads from Rishikesh to Joshimath

• Distance: ~500 km | Travel Time: 12–14 hours

DAY 1: Arrive at Joshimath → Drive to Dhak → Trek to Guling

• Arrive in Joshimath by morning, freshen up, and have breakfast

• Drive to Dhak Village – the trek starting point

• From Dhak, you will be on trekking through steep ridges and sparse forests

• Trail offers panoramic views of the Hathi-Ghoda peaks

• Reach Guling Campsite by afternoon

• Trek Distance: ~5 km | Altitude: ~9,800 ft

• Stay: Tents at Guling

DAY 2: Guling → Trek to Tali Campsite

• After breakfast, you will be on trekking through beautiful oak and rhododendron forests

• Cross scenic sections like Chitrakantha ridge

• Clear weather reveals first glimpses of Mt. Dronagiri and Nanda Devi

• Reach Tali Campsite, a serene high-altitude camping spot

• Trek Distance: ~5–6 km | Altitude: ~11,000 ft

• Stay: Tents at Tali

DAY 3: Tali → Kauri Pass Summit → Return to Tali

• Early start today for the most scenic day

• You will be on trekking to Kauri Pass summit (12,516 ft)

• Uninterrupted views of Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Neelkanth, Chaukhamba

• Spend quality time at the top and descend back to Tali

• Trek Distance (round trip): ~10 km

• Stay: Tents at Tali

DAY 4: Tali → Trek to Dhak → Drive to Joshimath

• Final descent begins after breakfast

• You will be on trekking back to Dhak via Guling

• The downhill path retraces earlier forest trails

• Short drive from Dhak to Joshimath

• Free evening to explore the local bazaar or relax

• Stay: Guesthouse/Hotel at Joshimath

DAY 5: Joshimath → Delhi (Drive Back)

• Early morning departure by vehicle

• Drive along the Alaknanda River valley

• Reach Delhi by late evening/night

• Distance: ~500 km | Travel Time: 12–14 hours

Why Kuari Pass is Famous Among Trekkers and Travelers ?

The Kuari Pass trek is a favorite for many travelers and trekkers for two main reasons: the incredible mountain views and its suitability for beginners. This unique combination makes the Kuari Pass trek stand out among the many trails in the Himalayas. It offers a rewarding experience without the extreme difficulty of more challenging climbs.

The most famous part of the trek is the breathtaking 360-degree view from the top of the pass. As you stand there, you are surrounded by a magnificent circle of some of the highest and most famous Himalayan peaks. You can see majestic giants like Nanda Devi, Kamet, Dronagiri, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. This stunning panoramic view is a major reward for every step you take and is a highlight that trekkers remember for a lifetime.

Here's why it's so popular:

• Best Winter Trek for Beginners: Kuari Pass is widely known as the perfect winter trek for people who are new to the mountains. While many Himalayan trails become too difficult or dangerous with snow, this trek is a great choice for a first-time adventure. The paths are well-defined, and the climb is gradual, making it manageable even when it's covered in a blanket of snow. A good Kuari Pass tour package often includes all the necessary warm gear and a professional guide, making it a very safe and perfect entry into the snowy Himalayas.

• Diverse Landscapes: The trail offers more than just snow. The trek takes you through beautiful green forests of oak and rhododendron trees, across vast, open meadows, and beside clear mountain streams. The scenery changes every day, keeping the journey exciting. This diversity, combined with the spectacular mountain views, makes the trek a truly unforgettable experience.

Where Exactly is Kuari Pass Located in Uttarakhand?

Kuari Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass located in the beautiful state of Uttarakhand, India. It is part of the Garhwal Himalayas and is found specifically in the Chamoli district.

The trek to Kuari Pass usually starts from the town of Joshimath, which serves as the main base camp. The distance from Joshimath to the actual trekking start point is about 12 kilometers to a village like Dhak.

For most travelers, the journey to the base camp begins from the popular city of Rishikesh. The distance from Rishikesh to Joshimath is approximately 250 kilometers by road and can take 9 to 10 hours to drive due to the hilly and winding mountain roads. This long drive is scenic and takes you through several beautiful towns and river confluences.

How to Reach Kuari Pass Trek – By Air, Train and Road

The Kuari Pass trek is a famous journey in Uttarakhand's Garhwal Himalayas, but getting to the base camp is the first part of the adventure. The trek itself, known as the Kuari Pass trek from Joshimath, starts from nearby villages and not directly from the main city. This requires a bit of travel from major transportation hubs.

The first step for most people is to get to a major city in Uttarakhand. From there, the rest of your travel will be by road.

• By Air: The closest airport is Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport (DED). This airport has regular flights from major cities like Delhi. Once you land, you will have to take a bus or hire a taxi to get to Joshimath, which is the base camp for the trek. This drive is long, taking around 8-9 hours, but it is very scenic.

• By Train: The nearest major train stations are Rishikesh and Haridwar. Both of these cities are well-connected by train to different parts of India, especially Delhi. A common practice is to take an overnight train to Rishikesh. From there, the road journey to Joshimath begins.

• By Road: The road journey to the base camp is a major part of the experience. The most popular route is the Kuari Pass trek from Rishikesh, which involves a long, but beautiful, drive of about 250 kilometers to Joshimath. From Joshimath, you drive for another hour to a village like Dhak or Tapovan, where the actual trekking journey begins. The entire road route takes you through stunning valleys and along rivers, offering a perfect start to your mountain adventure.

Best Time to Visit Kuari Pass Trek – Month & Season Guide

The best time to visit the Kuari Pass trek depends entirely on the kind of experience you are looking for. The journey through this beautiful Himalayan trail changes with each season, offering different and amazing views.

Here is a simple guide to help you choose the right time for your trip:

• Summer (April to June): This is a very popular time to visit. The weather is warm and pleasant, the skies are clear, and the meadows are lush and green. During this season, you can see many beautiful flowers in full bloom. The trekking path is easy to walk on, making it a great time for everyone to enjoy the natural beauty.

• Winter (December to February): Kuari Pass becomes a magical winter wonderland during these months. The trail and the surrounding mountains are covered in a thick blanket of snow. It is a perfect time for a snow trek, offering a fun and challenging adventure with breathtaking views of the snow-covered peaks.

It is important to avoid the monsoon season, which runs from July to September. During this time, the region gets a lot of heavy rain. The trekking paths can become very muddy and slippery, and there is a high risk of landslides. This makes the journey unsafe and very difficult for trekkers.

Popular Attractions and Places Around Kuari Pass Trek

The Kuari Pass trek is a journey through a region filled with stunning natural attractions and places of interest. The entire route is surrounded by other highlights that make the trip more than just a simple trek. The total Kuari Pass trek Distance is around 33 kilometers, and a well-informed Kuari Pass Trek guide is crucial to navigating both the trail and the surrounding sights.

• Auli (Skiing Paradise): Located just a short distance from the trekking trail, Auli is one of India's most famous skiing destinations. In winter, its slopes are covered in thick snow, making it a hotspot for winter sports. Even in the summer, Auli is a beautiful place to visit, with green meadows and a long ropeway ride that offers amazing views of the Himalayan peaks.

• Gorson Bugyal: A key highlight on the trek itself, Gorson Bugyal is a vast and beautiful alpine meadow. In the summer, it's a huge green field filled with a variety of flowers. In winter, it is a magnificent snow-covered landscape. The trek passes right through this meadow, offering breathtaking views of peaks like Nanda Devi and Trishul.

• Tapovan Hot Springs: Near the trek's base camp in Joshimath, Tapovan is known for its natural hot springs. The sulfur-rich waters are believed to have healing properties. A visit here is a perfect way to relax and soothe tired muscles after a long day of trekking.

• Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve: The Kuari Pass trek lies within the buffer zone of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area is home to diverse wildlife and plants, and you'll experience a part of this natural wonder during your trek. The reserve is famous for its rugged beauty and is named after the sacred Nanda Devi Peak, which you can see from the pass.

Kuari Pass Trek Distance, Altitude and Difficulty Level

The Kuari Pass trek is a well-known journey that is a good choice for both new and experienced trekkers. It offers a great mix of a manageable route and rewarding views, and the difficulty level is not too high for most people.

Here are the key details about the trek:

• Total Distance: The total trekking distance is around 30 to 35 kilometers (about 18 to 21 miles). This distance is spread out over 4-5 days of trekking, which means you are not walking for too long each day. It's a comfortable pace that lets you enjoy the scenery.

• Altitude: The highest point you will reach is the Kuari Pass itself, which sits at an altitude of about 3,650 meters (11,975 feet). This altitude is high enough to offer amazing views of the snowy mountains without the extreme risks of very high-altitude climbing.

• Difficulty Level: The trek is considered easy to moderate. The path is well-defined, and the climbs are not too steep. It is a perfect trek for beginners who want to experience the Himalayas for the first time. Even in winter, when the trail is covered in snow, it remains manageable for those with a good guide and proper gear.

Highlights of Kuari Pass Trek and Himalayan Landscapes

The kuari pass trek is a journey filled with unforgettable moments and stunning sights that stay with you long after you've finished. From magnificent mountain views to peaceful forests and starry nights, every part of the trip is special. To experience all of this without any stress, many people choose a well-planned Kuari Pass trek package.

Here are some of the main highlights you will see:

• Sunrise over Nanda Devi & Chaukhamba: This is arguably the most breathtaking part of the trek. From your campsite, you get to witness the sun rising over the snow-covered peaks. As the first rays of light hit these giant mountains, they change from a dark blue to a beautiful orange and gold color. Seeing these famous peaks come to life is truly a magical sight.

• Oak and Rhododendron Forests: A large part of the Kuari Pass trek itinerary takes you through thick, beautiful forests. The air here is fresh and clean, and the paths are covered by tall oak and rhododendron trees. If you go in the spring, the rhododendron trees are full of red flowers, which makes the forest look like a painting.

• Camping under Starry Skies: After a long day of trekking, you get to camp in some of the most beautiful places in the mountains. At night, with no city lights around, you can see a sky full of millions of bright stars. Sleeping in your tent with the mountains all around you and a sky full of stars above is an experience you won't forget.

Stay Options for Kuari Pass – Camps, Homestays and Hotels

The Kuari Pass trek offers a mix of accommodation options that change as you move along the journey. Your choice of a place to stay depends on your travel style and where you are on the route, from the main towns to the remote trails. These options make the journey comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.

• Campsites at Tali and Khulara: During the actual trekking part of your trip, your accommodation will be in tents at specific campsites like Tali and Khulara. These camps are set up in beautiful locations, giving you a real feeling of being in the middle of nature. You will get to sleep in a warm sleeping bag inside a tent. This is a truly special experience, as you will be surrounded by the quiet mountains and a clear, starry sky at night.

• Homestays in Joshimath and Dhak: Before you start the trek, you will most likely stay in a homestay or a guesthouse in the towns of Joshimath or a nearby village like Dhak. Staying in a homestay is a wonderful way to experience local life and culture. You can talk to the local people and eat home-cooked meals, which makes your trip more personal and memorable.

• Hotels in Auli: For a more comfortable and luxurious stay, there are hotels in the famous hill station of Auli, which is close to the trek route. Hotels here offer more amenities like hot water, comfortable beds, and good food. A stay in Auli is perfect for relaxing and getting ready for the trek or for unwinding after you've finished.

Kuari Pass Trek Cost Breakdown – Stay, Food and Guides

The total cost of a Kuari Pass trek is made up of a few different parts, not just one price. Understanding these costs helps you see why a Kuari Pass trekking package is often the best choice for a smooth trip. This kind of package covers everything needed for the full Kuari Pass trek distance, which is about 30 to 35 kilometers.

Here is a breakdown of what makes up the total cost:

• Transport Cost from Rishikesh/Dehradun: This is a big part of the cost. The journey to the base camp at Joshimath is a long drive of many hours from cities like Rishikesh or Dehradun. The price of a taxi or a shared bus for this long journey is a major expense.

• Homestay/Camping Charges: Your stay costs are a mix of a comfortable guesthouse or homestay in Joshimath and tents on the trail. During the trek, you will sleep in tents at campsites like Tali and Khulara. All your meals, from the start of the trek to the end, are also included in this cost.

• Trekking Guide & Permit Fees: To keep you safe on the trail, a professional guide is essential. Their fees are a part of the total cost. You also need to pay for permits to enter the protected forest areas, and these fees are also included in a tour package.

Travel Tips for Kuari Pass Trek – Safety and Essentials

For a safe and enjoyable Kuari Pass trek, it is very important to prepare with the right information. Here are some key travel tips to help you get ready for your trip.

• Mobile Network Availability: Do not depend on your mobile phone for calls or internet on the trek itself. Mobile network is very weak or not available at all once you leave the main town of Joshimath. It is a good idea to inform your family and friends about your limited network availability before you begin the trek.

• ATMs and Hospitals: The main town of Joshimath is the last place where you will find ATMs and good medical facilities. You should withdraw enough cash for your entire trip from here. It is also important to know that the nearest hospital is in Joshimath, so bring all your medicines with you.

• Trekking Permits and Insurance: While you don't need a special permit for the entire Kuari Pass trek, you do need a permit to enter the Nanda Devi National Park area. Your trekking company will handle this for you. It is also a good idea to have personal travel or medical insurance. This can help you in case of any medical emergency or unexpected problems during your trip.

Best Kuari Pass Trek Packages by TourMyHoliday

TourMyHoliday offers a variety of well-planned Kuari Pass trek package options, made to fit different schedules and interests. These packages are designed to give you a complete and stress-free experience, handling everything from travel to camping gear. This allows you to fully enjoy the amazing views without worrying about the details.

Here are the main options you can find:

• 4-Day/3-Night Kuari Pass Trek Package: This is the most common package, perfect for a quick weekend trip or for beginners with limited time. It focuses on the core trekking route, taking you to the highlights of the trail and giving you a great feel for the mountains in a short amount of time. It is a good introduction to the trek.

• 5-Day/4-Night with Auli & Gorson Bugyal: This is a more complete trekking itinerary. It extends the journey to include a visit to Auli, a famous skiing destination, and more time to explore the beautiful Gorson Bugyal meadows. This package is for those who want a deeper experience of the region and to see more of the famous places around the main trail.

• 6-Day/5-Night Extended Itinerary: This is the most relaxed and immersive option. It provides more time for trekking and for rest, allowing you to go at a slower pace and truly enjoy the journey. It is ideal for people who want to take their time, do more photography, and enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas without feeling rushed. This package ensures you have the most complete and comfortable adventure possible.

Conclusion – Why Kuari Pass Trek is Worth Exploring

The Kuari Pass trek is a truly special journey that is worth exploring for many reasons. It offers a unique and memorable experience that sets it apart from many other treks in Uttarakhand. Its amazing views, simple paths, and easy access make it a top choice for anyone looking for a mountain adventure.

What makes it so special is its perfect mix of a manageable route and incredible rewards. You don't have to be a professional climber to enjoy the vast mountain views and the magnificent circle of peaks from the pass. It's a peaceful place that gives you a chance to truly connect with nature without a difficult climb.

Kuari Pass stands out because it is a trek that is perfect for everyone, from beginners to families. Whether you want to see the meadows covered in flowers in the summer or a blanket of snow in the winter, the trek offers a different kind of magic in every season. It is, without a doubt, one of Uttarakhand’s most loved treks.

FAQs About Kuari Pass Trek and Its Location in Uttarakhand

1. Where exactly is Kuari Pass located?
Kuari Pass is in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas. It lies near Joshimath and Auli, at an altitude of about 3,650 meters.

2. Why is Kuari Pass also called the Curzon Trail?
The trek is named after Lord Curzon, the British Viceroy of India, who popularized this route in the early 1900s.

3. How far is Kuari Pass from Joshimath?
The trek to Kuari Pass usually starts from Dhak village, around 12 km from Joshimath, and the total trekking distance is about 30–35 km.

4. What is the altitude of Kuari Pass?
Kuari Pass stands at an altitude of approximately 3,650 meters (11,975 ft).

5. Is Kuari Pass trek suitable for beginners?
Yes, Kuari Pass is considered one of the best treks for beginners. It offers moderate trails, gradual ascents, and rewarding views of Himalayan peaks.

6. What mountains are visible from Kuari Pass?
Trekkers get panoramic views of Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Hathi Ghoda, Kamet, Trishul, and Chaukhamba peaks.

7. Which is the best time to visit Kuari Pass?
March to June (spring–summer) for green meadows, and December to February for snow trekking are the best seasons.

8. How to reach the base camp of Kuari Pass trek?
Travelers can reach Joshimath by road from Rishikesh/Haridwar. From Joshimath, the trek usually begins from Dhak or Tugasi village.

9. How many days are required for Kuari Pass trek?
On average, 4 to 6 days are enough depending on the chosen itinerary, including travel and acclimatization.

10. Do I need a guide for Kuari Pass trek?
While experienced trekkers can attempt it solo, hiring a local guide is highly recommended for safety, navigation, and enriching cultural insights.