Introduction
The Kuari Pass Trek is also known as the Lord Curzon Trail since it is believed to have been travelled by Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon. Kuari Pass Trek is perfect for beginners and those who want to experience what it’s like to live in the snow because it is located in the Garhwal Himalaya and close to the skiing resort of Auli.
The expedition also makes care to provide access points for seeing and experiencing the uncharted, rural culture, and way of life. The concept that this walk draws you closer to nature and helps you discover your own power holds true despite all the difficulties one may encounter while on it.
One of the most picturesque winter hikes in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, Kuari Pass is well known for its wide-open expanses of grassy terrain and stunning snow-covered Himalayan peaks. Kuari stands for “Virgin” and “Way” and crosses sands.
How to reach Kuari pass :
Kuari Pass begins in Rishikesh. It can be reached via Haridwar, for which there are several direct and indirect trains and buses from important Indian towns. Rishikesh is only about 24 kilometres from Haridwar. Once at Rishikesh, you can arrange your travel to Joshimath, which is located 256 kilometres away.
Kuari Pass Trekking routes :
The Kuari Pass trip offers a unique view of Uttarakhand’s nature and is a moderate hike in the Garhwal Himalaya. You will have the chance to see the sky-kissing peaks Kamet (7756 m), Trishul (7120 m), Chaukhamba (7128 m), the great peak of Nanda Devi (7817 m), and its twin Nanda Devi East (7434 m), as well as other less well-known but no less impressive peaks like Ghunti, Hathi Ghodi Parbat, Neelkanth, Dronagiri, Mukut You will pass through rural communities that are proud of their basic lifestyle and vibrant culture.
With the trees’ leaves changing yellow and orange and the brown mountain covered in white snow, Kuari Pass is a popular walk, so you may take advantage of the beautiful colours in the landscape. The Nanda Devi Massif vista, the Vinayak Pass, Tali Top, and the Gorson Bugyal among the trek’s highlights.
Best time to visit Kuari Pass :
The eastern peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas provide a fantastic picturesque backdrop for this trek in the winter, which is when you can really appreciate its appeal. These mountain peaks, specifically the MASSIF of NANDA DEVI, are recalling a rousing memory of the huge Himalayas on a very clear day. Despite being far away, these mountains give the impression of being extremely close.
Kuari Pass during winter :
The Pindar, Kaliganga, Mandakini, Birehiganga, and Dhauliganga are just a few of the major Himalayan water bodies that are traversed during the Kuari Pass winter trek. There are also three lesser-known Passes and the Birehiganga, Mandakini, and Kaliganga. There numerous hike routes available to reach the Kauri Pass. The first trek route follows the Curzon Trail, going from Ghat to Ramni, and the second trek route goes from Auli Bugyal to Gorson Top.
Kuari Pass Itinerary:
DAY 1:
From Rishikesh to Joshimath, board a state transportation bus. In Rishikesh, witness the breathtaking sight of the holy river Ganga flowing in perpetuity. Joshimath, which serves as a hub for pilgrims heading to Badrinath and Hemkund Sahib, is only a 7-8 hour drive away. Check into a guest home when you get in Joshimath and spend the night there.
DAY 2:
Arrive at Dhak Village, the starting point for the hike to Kuari Pass. Through the hemlock, oak, and rhododendron forests, proceed. You will arrive at the campsite at 3,310-meter-high Chitrakhana after descending for 6 kilometres. You’ll soon have a beautiful view of a small spring line leading to the velvety meadows. Set up your tents amidst the alluring views and get into your sleeping bags.
DAY 3:
Get up early to see a magnificent dawn. After breakfast, buckle up and start the 6 kilometre hike to Tali Top. You must proceed up the steep, rocky trail that winds through a crest of rhododendron, spruce, and silver birch trees above Chitrakhana. You will arrive at the prominent ridge top at 3,500 metres in about an hour. From there, it will take you only 30 minutes to get to an open meadow where the trail merges with the clearly marked trek to Tapovan. At Tali Top’s conclusion, you can set up camp amidst the winding meadows.
DAY 4:
It is a lengthy day’s walk, so get going early. In order to reach Kuari Top on this hike, one must first ascend gradually to Khullara Top and then cross a snow patch. From here, you may appreciate an unobstructed view of the magnificent Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi (7,816 m), the highest mountain in India, while feeling the cool breeze blowing away your problems. The mountains surround Kuari Top, creating an outlet where the Rishi Ganga carves a path through narrow gorges before joining the Alaknanda River. Once you get back to Tali Top, build a bonfire and have a delicious dinner at the campsite.
DAY 5:
After breakfast, walk down the Rishi Ganga River until you reach the road, where you may take a taxi to Joshimath. Once you get at Joshimath, check into a hotel and spend the night.
DAY 6:
Bid farewell to the hills, eat breakfast, and then leave early for Rishikesh.
