Kuari Pass Trek

Quick Facts

Region

Uttarakhand

Duration

6 Days/5 Nights

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

Max Altitude

12,750 ft

Trek Distance

31 Kms

Best Season

Oct to April

Base Camp

Joshimath

Nearest Airport

Dehradun

Railway Station

Haridwar

Overview

Ridge walking at 12,750 ft with Nanda Devi and Trishul across the valley, finishing through the meadows of Gurson Bugyal.

Kuari Pass is a ridge-and-forest trek with some of the finest peak views in Garhwal, and its long October-to-April season means it can be walked in autumn colour or in deep winter snow. From Rishikesh the drive climbs past Devprayag and Chamoli to Joshimath. The walking begins above Tugashi village, rising through a mix of steep and moderate climbs to the camp at Gulling Top, 9,700 ft, known for its sunrises. Day three enters the mixed oak and rhododendron forest of Tali, camping at 11,050 ft. Summit day crosses Khullara Top to the Kuari Pass at 12,750 ft, where high snow and squalling wind on the ridges are part of the experience and the Garhwal peaks open up. The finale descends through dense forest into Gurson Bugyal, a vast green meadow with panoramic views of Nanda Devi and Trishul, ending at Auli — better known for its ski slopes.

Highlights

• Kuari Pass at 12,750 ft, reached by way of Khullara Top
• Panoramic views of Nanda Devi and Trishul from Gurson Bugyal
• Sunrise from the Gulling Top camp at 9,700 ft
• Mixed oak and rhododendron forest camp at Tali, 11,050 ft
• Finish at Auli, known for its skiing slopes
• Drive in past Devprayag and Chamoli
• 31 km across 6 days, graded Easy to Moderate
• A long season from October to April

Gallery

Day-wise Itinerary

1. Day 1

   Rishikesh to Joshimath via Devprayag

   • Drive 247km
   • 10-11 hrs

   Pickup: Rishikesh railway station.

   Transport from the Rishikesh railway station will be arranged by Bhraman Yatri. Breakfast and lunch will be offered on the way. While going from Rishikesh to Joshimath you will through some famous places like Rishikesh, Dhari Devi, Karnapray, and Chamoli that are known for their beauty and religious significance.

   Make sure that you keep your cameras ready to capture the eye-catchy views of nature.

   On reaching the Joshimath, you will be welcomed by a host of ice peaks.

2. Day 2

   Drive from Joshimath to Tugashi village (6950 ft) and Trek from Tugashi to Gulling top (9700 ft)

   • Tugashi 6950 ft; Gulling top 9700 ft
   • Drive 15km
   • Trek 3km
   • Drive 1 hr; Trek 4-5 hrs

   After having the morning breakfast, we will leave for Tugashi village which is located in the Joshimath tehsil. It is going to be a rocky drive. From here we will start the trek. This trek will begin with a rising and dirt path away from the main road, towards Gulling.

   From Upper Tugasi, you will reach Gulling top in almost 2-4 hours. Here you will find the trail a combination of steep & moderate climbs. Don't miss the mesmerizing views of sunrise from your camp early in the morning.

3. Day 3

   Gulling Top to Tali forest camp (11050 ft)

   • 11050 ft
   • Trek 4km
   • 4-5 hrs

   Wake up early in the morning because you will start the trek deep into the forest of Tali. You will have a perfect hike because the slope of ascent is quite even. After a few minutes of trek, you will enter into a little stream and enter into the mixed forest of oaks and rhododendrons. The stay will be scheduled at Tali forest camp.

4. Day 4

   Tali forest camp to Kuari pass summit (12750 ft) and return

   • 12750 ft
   • Trek 6 km each way

   On the fourth day, get prepared for some high snow & squalling wind on the ridges. We will head towards Khullara top which is a trek of almost 3.5km. You will be offered lunch at the base of the Kuari high pass. You will get the opportunity to explore some eye-catchy views of Garhwal peaks.

5. Day 5

   Trek from Tali forest Camp to Auli (9200 ft) via Gurson Bughyal and Drive to Joshimath

   • Auli 9200 ft
   • Drive 12km
   • Trek 8km
   • Trek 5-6 hrs; Drive 1 hr

   Trek from Tali Forest Camp to Auli via Gurson Bugyal is a spectacular finale. Starting early, the trail takes you through dense forest before opening up to the vast green expanse of Gurson Bugyal. This meadow offers panoramic views of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi and Trishul. Walking through the bugyal, with its gentle slopes and cool breeze, is a serene experience. The trail eventually leads to Auli, famous for its skiing slopes, where your trek ends. From Auli, a short drive will take you to Joshimath, marking the conclusion of your adventure.

6. Day 6

   Joshimath to Rishikesh

   • Drive 275km
   • 10-11 hrs

   Drop: Rishikesh.

   After breakfast in Joshimath, you embark on a scenic 10-11 hour drive to Rishikesh, covering 247 km. The route winds through picturesque landscapes, following the Alaknanda River and passing towns like Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Devprayag, where the Alaknanda meets the Bhagirathi to form the holy Ganga. As you descend, the cooler mountain air gives way to a warmer, subtropical climate. By evening, you reach the spiritual town of Rishikesh, marking the end of your journey.

What's Included

Things To Carry

• Rucksack (50-70 Ltr.)
• Trekking Shoes (Ankle Shoes)
• Jacket
• Fleece/Woolen Clothes
• Thermal Inner Wears (Both Upper and Lower)
• Gloves, Cap & Neck Cover
• Trek Pants & Trousers
• Sunglasses
• Water Bottles
• Moisturizer & Sunscreen
• Raincoat & Ponchos
• Power banks
• Personal Toiletries Kit
• Toilet paper roll and sanitizer
• Personal basic medical kit
• Government Photo Identity Card (Passport, Aadhaar Card, Driving license or Voter ID)

• A small hiking bag is used only if the main bag is given to a porter or mule. It is also needed on the final day of the summit climb.
• Rental gear like jackets, shoes, trek poles, headlamps, ponchos, and more is available at Sankri basecamp market.

Policies