The short version
- 16 days, about 22–30 km on foot, topping out at 3,815m. Rated Hard on Trail to Tides.
- 2Best in Dec–Mar.
- 3Starts from Joshimath / Pipalkoti, reached via Rishikesh.
- 4One night gains more than 500 m above 3,000 m. That's common on Himalayan treks, but it's where altitude sickness tends to show up: go slowly the day before and drink well.
- 5Operators charge ₹10,000 to ₹12,000 per person; 4 listed, 3 verified.
The trek
Overview
Kuari Pass — formerly Lord Curzon's Trail — offers arguably the finest single view on a moderate Himalayan trek: from the 3,815m pass, Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Kamet, Hathi Parbat and Dunagiri — the whole Garhwal Himalaya — line one horizon. It's also a superb winter trek with reliable snow.
Right for you if
- First winter trek: snow walking, no technical skill
- You can walk 5–6 hours in snow with a daypack
- Winter camping is fine: nights down to −15°C
- You want Nanda Devi, Dronagiri and Kamet in one view
Think twice if
- You hate being cold: it's a winter trek, Dec–Mar
- Long drives make you sick: Rishikesh to Joshimath is 9–10 hours
- You're picturing green meadows: in season, it's all snow
Season
When to go
Winter: expect snow on the trail and camps well below freezing at night, often -10°C or colder near the top. Days are short and summit pushes start in the dark.
Spring: longer days and rhododendrons lower down. Snow can linger on high ground into May, and afternoons often bring cloud or a shower.
More on the Himalayan seasons: When to go.
Travel
Getting there
Meet in
Rishikesh
Nearest airport
Dehradun (Jolly Grant)
Nearest railway
Rishikesh or Haridwar
By road
Rishikesh to Joshimath, about 250 km and 10 to 11 hours
Most operators run a shared pickup from Rishikesh early on day one. Arrive the evening before so a late train or flight doesn't cost you the trek, and keep a buffer day at the end: mountain roads close for landslides and snow. Travel times are approximate.
Itinerary
Day by day
A typical plan, measured along the mapped trail: 9 km with about 1,690 m of climbing. The biggest day is day 2, climbing 1,070 m. Operators vary it a little.
- Day1
Dhak → Gulling
Drive from Joshimath to Dhak, then up past Tugasi village to a forest camp
≈3.9 km320 m80 msleep at 2,284 m
- Day2
Gulling → Khullara
Through oak and rhododendron to a meadow facing Dronagiri and Hathi Ghoda
3.9 km1,070 m0 msleep at 3,393 m
- Day3
Khullara → Khullara
via Kuari Pass
Up to the pass for the long row of peaks Lord Curzon came for, and back to camp
2.5 km290 m290 msleep at 3,393 m
- Day4
Khullara → Dhak
Down the way you came to the road
7.8 km100 m1,410 msleep at 2,106 m
Altitude
Altitude and acclimatisation
Start
2,106 m
Highest night
3,393 m
Highest point
3,671 m
Know the warning signs before you go: Altitude sickness.
Fitness
How fit you need to be
Rated Hard. A fair benchmark before you go: jog 5 km in about 35 minutes, and manage a 4 to 5 hour hill walk with a pack.
What this trek asks of you, on the ACE scale from 0 to 5:
Take the Matchmaker to compare yourself against these scores, and use the 8-week plan to close any gaps. How ACE works.
Paperwork
Permits and paperwork
- Forest department permits for treks inside sanctuaries and national parks. Operators normally arrange them; carry original photo ID.
- Carry original government photo ID and a few photocopies.
- Rules and fees change. Ask your operator what's included and what you need to bring, two weeks before you go.
More detail: Permits and documents.
Kit
What to pack
For Kuari Pass Trek in particular, on top of the standard layers:
- A down jacket rated to -10°C or lower, thermal bottoms, waterproof gloves, gaiters and microspikes (often provided)
- A warm down or synthetic jacket for nights near or below freezing
- Broken-in trekking shoes with ankle support, trekking poles, and a 25 to 35 litre daypack with a rain cover
The full list and how to layer: What to pack. The trek page has a tick-off checklist for this trek.
Safety
Safety on this trek
- Altitude is the main risk. Don't go higher with symptoms; descend if they get worse.
- Ice on the trail in winter: put microspikes on early, not after the first slip.
- Stay between the leader and the sweep, and respect the turnaround time on summit or pass days.
- Signal is scarce beyond the roadhead. Share your itinerary and your operator's emergency number with someone at home.
See also Trail craft and Insurance and emergencies.
Booking
Booking and cost
4 operators run this trek on Trail to Tides, from ₹10,000 to ₹12,000 per person. Prices usually cover the trek from the roadhead; check transport, permits and offloading.
- Trekup India4.3₹10,000
- Bikat Adventures4.8₹10,500
- Trek The Himalayas4.7₹11,900
- Indiahikes4.8₹12,000
What to ask before you pay: Choosing an operator.
Navigation
Offline map and GPX
Download the trail, with every overnight stop and its height, and load it on your phone before you lose signal.
Trail © OpenStreetMap contributors, via BRouter.
FAQ
Questions people ask
How difficult is the Kuari Pass Trek?
It's rated Hard on Trail to Tides. A fair benchmark before you go: jog 5 km in about 35 minutes, and manage a 4 to 5 hour hill walk with a pack. The highest point is 3,815m, so pace and acclimatisation matter as much as fitness.
When is the best time for the Kuari Pass Trek?
Dec–Mar. Winter: expect snow on the trail and camps well below freezing at night, often -10°C or colder near the top. Days are short and summit pushes start in the dark.
How many days does the Kuari Pass Trek take?
6 days including travel to and from the trailhead, with 4 walking days. Add a buffer day for weather or road delays.
How do I reach the Kuari Pass Trek?
Most groups meet in Rishikesh. Nearest airport: Dehradun (Jolly Grant). Nearest railway: Rishikesh or Haridwar. Rishikesh to Joshimath, about 250 km and 10 to 11 hours.
How much does the Kuari Pass Trek cost?
Listed operators charge from ₹10,000 to ₹12,000 per person. Check what's included: transport, permits, meals, tents and offloading vary.
Do I need a permit for the Kuari Pass Trek?
Forest department permits for treks inside sanctuaries and national parks. Operators normally arrange them; carry original photo ID.
This guide is built from Trail to Tides' trek data, mapped trails and operator listings, and checked by our team. Conditions change with weather and seasons: your trek leader's call on the day always comes first.