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Kuari Pass Trek

16 Days | Trekking 10 Days

A classic Garhwal trek along the famous Curzon trail, named after Lord Curzon, the viceroy of British India who walked this route. Our carefully planned itinerary balances fabulous trekking and sublime views across the Himalayas with visits to local villages and holy pilgrimage centres along the upper Ganges.

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Tour Highlights

  • The spectacular view of Nanda Devi from the Kuari Pass (4,150 metres)
  • Trek through the dense forest of oak, pine, rhododendron and deodar
  • Remote Himalayan villages, terraced farms and breathtaking viewpoints
  • The holy Ganges towns of Rishikesh and Joshimath
  • Flexible tailor-made booking options

Best Season In Season

  • May
  • Jun
  • Sep
  • Oct

Tour Details

The Garwhal Region is arguably the centrepiece of the Indian Himalaya, dominated by the awe-inspiring Nanda Devi Sanctuary. The area to the west is known as the outer sanctuary and makes for superb walking country, with magnificent panoramas of Nanda Devi, Trishul and the Badrinath peaks.

Starting from Delhi, we journey north into the mountains and the town of Srinagar, the largest centre in the Garhwal hills (not to be confused with the Kashmiri capital). After a short drive into the mountains, we’ll reach the trailhead at the village of Lohajung. From here, we’ll follow part of the approach route used by the 1936 expedition of Shipton and Tilman, which takes us through remote villages, forest and alpine pastures skirting the edge of the Sanctuary. We trek in the shadow of the great peak of Trishul, before ascending the Kuari Pass (at 4,150 metres, the highest point on the route).

From here there are outstanding views to the north, across the main Himalaya range towards Tibet. The tour concludes with visits to Joshimath and Rishikesh, sacred towns located on the Ganges and the destination for thousands of Hindu pilgrims each year, before returning to Delhi.

View Itinerary

  • Flexibility Guaranteed

    Please note: You can use this itinerary as a guide to fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have.

  • DAY 01 - Delhi

    Arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel for check-in, Afternoon and evening free

    Arrive at the international airport of Delhi. After a traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our KVT’s representative would assist you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is free to relax at the hotel or can explore the nearby area.

    Overnight Hotel

  • DAY 02 - Srinagar

    Early morning train from Delhi to Haridwar and then drive to Srinagar

    Early morning we will be transferred to railway station to board the train to Haridwar. Haridwar is one of the Hindu holy places in India and the site of the famous Kumbh Mela which occurs here after rotation of every 12 years. Many Hindu pilgrims from all over India visit here and take a dip in the Ganges River to purify their soul. Reach Haridwar railway station and drive towards Srinagar (Distance: 150km), a town located at the bank of Alaknanda River. Late afternoon we reach Srinagar and check-in to the hotel, evening free to relax at the hotel.

    Overnight Hotel

  • DAY 03 - Lohajung

    Drive from Srinagar to Lohajung

    Today after breakfast we leave Srinagar and drive towards Lohajung. The road gradually ascends as it follows the Alaknanda Valley through a timeless agricultural landscape. We pass through Rudraprayag where in 1920's Jim Corbett shot the "Rudraprayag leopard", a man eater who allegedly consumed some 125 people over the years. The 'prayags' are sacred confluences on the rivers that drain into the Ganges, and further along the valley is Karnaprayag, situated on the junction of the lovely Pindar River and the Alaknanda River. Shortly before Gwaldam, we turn off the main road to Debal and drive up to a switchback track to the road head at Lohajung with stunning views of Trisul (7120m) and Nanda Ghunti (6309m). We reach Lohajung and stay in the tents; Lohajung is also the base camp for the popular Roop Kund (also known as ‘Skeleton Lake’) and Homkund Trek (both are high altitude glacial lakes). (2234m | distance: 160km)

    Overnight Camp

  • DAY 04 - Didina

    Trek from Lohajung to Didina (Trek begins)

    This day the trek begins with an easy walk and descending through forest of Rhododendrons, oaks and pines. After walking for 2 hrs we reach on an iron bridge over the Neel Ganga River, this place is Raun Bagad. Then the trail begins to ascend as we cross the river and it is a zigzag trail that goes up to Didina village which is our campsite for the night. (Trek begins | 2634m | 5-6hrs trek)

    Overnight Camp

  • DAY 05 - Bedni Bugyal

    Trek to Bedni Bugyal through the alpine meadows of Ali Bugyal

    In the morning, we begin the trek with a steep climb through the dense forest of oaks. After climbing for 2½hrs we reach a largest, greenest beautiful meadow of Ali Bugyal (‘Bugyal’ means meadows in Garhwali language); the undulating meadows of Ali Bugyal will ignite the energy inside us to move ahead. We pass through Ali Bugyal and emerge above the tree line and will be rewarded with the mesmerizing view of the peaks of Chaukamba (7138m) and Nilkanth (6596m). We continue along the grassy ridge to the high grazing meadow of Bedni Bugyal. It is said to be one of the most stunning alpine viewpoints in the Himalayas. The mountains we will be watching through the trees are Trisul (7120m) with its three prongs representing Shiva's trident, Nanda Ghunti, Nilkanth and Chaukamba. (3354m | 6-7½hrs trek)

    Overnight Camp

  • DAY 06 - Wan

    Trek from Bedni Bugyal to Wan

    It is going to be an easy half day trek, so this morning we can spend some time enjoying the views at Bedni Bugyal and walk a little higher up to the valley towards Bagu Basa. Our walk today begins with a long steep descent through a fine forest of fir and rhododendrons to the river. We then climb up from the river to Wan, a typical Garhwali Village. We camp just above the village near the Tourist Bungalow on a wide tree fringed terrace. (2590m | 4-5hrs trek)

    Overnight Camp

  • DAY 07 - Sutol

    Trek from Wan to Sutol

    This morning after breakfast we start trekking through the trail that climbs up through the magnificent cypress trees towards the pass of Kukin Khal (3069m). After crossing the pass we enter to the village of Kanol a traditional Garhwali settlement with stone and slate houses and the village is perched in an idyllic location with stunning views of the snowcapped mountains. Then the trail will be a lengthy descent that takes us down to the Nandakini River, where we can stop for lunch. Then it is a gradual walk towards our campsite the village of Sutol, before reaching there we cross the Nandakni River through Iron Bridge and we reach our campsite below Sutol village. (2200m | 6hrs trek)

    Overnight Camp

  • DAY 08 - Dekhandar

    Trek to Dekhandar, with stunning views of Trishul

    Today after breakfast a short climb will lead us to Sutol village and then the trail goes up and down then we move down to a river gorge through the forest of fir. We cross the river by a footbridge and then a steep climb which takes us to a small temple. After walking for some hours through forest, riverside and crossing a river by footbridge the trial finally takes us to the campsite of Dekhandar; from here we would be blessed with some amazing views of Trisul. (2200m | 4-5hrs trek)

    Overnight Camp

  • DAY 09 - Ramani

    Trek through villages and open meadows to Ramani

    After finishing breakfast today we climb up from the campsite on a zigzag trail to an open grassy meadow. Snowcapped mountains now begin to emerge to the north above the forest. We climb through forest and reach our campsite at Ramani. Above the village there are some wonderful views, in one direction is the valley through which we have been walking and in the other the mighty peaks of Trisul (7120m) and Nanda Ghunti (6309m). (2550m | 4-5hrs trek)

    Overnight Camp

  • DAY 10 - Kaliaghat

    Trek to Kaliaghat en-route crossing the Ramani Pass (3064m)

    This is a long day trek with amazing views along the trail; we climb gradually towards Ramani Pass (3064m) the pass is locally known as Binayak Top. As the trail descends through pasturelands and enters into the forest of chestnut and walnut trees. We reach to the village of Jhenjipani then the trail goes down and lead us to a river and we cross the river by bridge and follow a steep ascent through zigzag trail that goes through forest. Finally we reach to the campsite of Kaliaghat, a beautiful small bugyal. (2300m | 6-7hrs trek)

    Overnight Camp

  • DAY 11 - Dhakwani

    Trek to Dhakwani

    Today our route traverses above Pana Village and then starts a steep climb into rhododendrons forest. The path now descends gently, traversing along the valley to the open meadows at Sartoli with views across to the Kuari Pass. The trail descends several streams before it plunges down a steep loose section - take care here. At the bottom, we see to the right where the river has carved out a deep rocky gorge. We keep on climbing and finally reach our campsite of Dhakwani, a large open pastureland used by shepherds to graze their herds in summer. (3341m | 5-6hrs trek)

    Overnight Camp

  • DAY 12 - Tali

    Trek to Tali en-route crossing Kuari Pass (4265m)

    We start early today to enjoy the views at the top of the pass. Now we follow the trail which zigzags to the top of the pass where the views are often cited as the best in the Indian Himalayas. Some of the peaks can be visible are Kamet (7756m), Chaukhamba (7138m), Dunagiri (7066m), Changabang (6864m), Nilkanth (6596m), Hathi Parbat also known as Elephant Peak (6727m) as well as Nanda Devi (7816m) and many more. After observing this breathtaking view we descent to the campsite of Tali from where we will have a spectacular view of sunset over the snowcapped peaks if the weather is clear. (5-6hrs trek)

    Overnight Camp

  • DAY 13 - Auli

    Descend to Auli (Trek ends) and then drive to Joshimath

    The trail from Tali is narrow and requires cautious walking as we follow a long undulating trail down to Auli with views of Nanda Devi all the way down to the ridge. The great Nanda Devi peak dominates all the other peaks. The crossing of Gorson Bugyal with its vast meadows and wild flowers is most enjoyable. Finally we reach at an important ski destination Auli in the Garhwal region of Indian state Uttarakhand. (Trek ends | 5hrs trek) Rest for a while then say goodbye to the ponies and porters; board the vehicle and drive towards Joshimath which is 14 km downwards road.

    Overnight Camp/Guest House

  • DAY 14 - Rishikesh

    Drive from Joshimath to Rishikesh

    This morning after breakfast we leave Joshimath for the long but spectacular drive towards Rishikesh. We follow the Alaknanda River most of the way and will reach Rishikesh in the late evening. Rishikesh is a popular pilgrimage and meditation center on the banks of the River Ganges. Later visit some of the Ghats at Rishikesh if time allows. (Distance: 260km approx.)

    Overnight Hotel

  • DAY 15 - Delhi

    Drive to Delhi en-route visit Har-Ki-Pauri at Haridwar

    After breakfast we drive to Haridwar, where we visit Har-Ki-Pauri (means ‘Footsteps of the Lord’) at Haridwar. It is a famous Ghat on the banks of the River Ganges in Haridwar in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Many Hindu pilgrims from all over India visit here and take a dip in the Ganges to purify their soul. We then have a fairly long drive back to Delhi arriving in the late evening. (Distance: 235km)

    Overnight Hotel

  • DAY 16 - Delhi

    Departure to the International airport of Delhi

    Now today you will be assisted by our KVT’s representative while checking out at the hotel then you will be transferred to the International Airport of Delhi to board the flight for back home.

Tour Map (Only key areas marked)

Send an enquiry

Flexibility Guaranteed! Using the above itinerary as a guide you can fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have. On receiving your enquiry we will respond with prices and work with you to create a truly personalised holiday experience that is in your budget and personal style.

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Enjoy complete flexibility in planning and booking our tours for a truly personalised India holiday that is in your budget and personal style.

  • Flexible travel dates and duration
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