Kuari Pass Trek
6 Days · 12,516 ft · Lord Curzon Trail · Nanda Devi View · Joshimath
📅 6 Days
• 12,516 ft
🛕 Nanda Devi View
🥾 Moderate
6 Days · 12,516 ft · Lord Curzon Trail · Nanda Devi View · Joshimath
The kuari pass trek crosses a high mountain pass at 3810m (12,516 ft) in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, known as the Lord Curzon Trail after the British Viceroy who trekked this route in 1905. Total distance is approximately 20–22 km over 3 trekking days. Starting point is Joshimath (2743m) or nearby Dhak village — Joshimath is 270 km from Haridwar via Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli (9–10 hours). The pass delivers one of the most peak-rich panoramas on any moderate Garhwal trail — Nanda Devi (7816m), Dronagiri (7066m), Hathi Parvat (6727m), Kamet (7756m), Chaukhamba (7138m), and Nilkantha (6596m) all visible on clear days.
The trail climbs through oak and rhododendron forest from Dhak to Gulling (2400m), then across high-altitude bugyals (Khulara at 3600m) before the final push to the pass. Difficulty level is Moderate — the Khulara to pass section is steep and rocky, requiring trekking boots and basic mountain fitness. Best time is April–June for rhododendrons, wildflowers, and melting snow; October–November for crystalline autumn skies and golden forests. Winter (December–March) is possible via the Auli and Gorson Bugyal route for experienced trekkers. Altitude gain is approximately 1100m from Joshimath to the pass over 3 days.
Joshimath, the base for this kuari pass trek, also serves as the gateway to Auli skiing and the Badrinath pilgrimage — making combined packages possible. Dev Yatra plans complete packages from Haridwar including Joshimath transport, all camping, meals, certified guide, and permits.
Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Hathi Parvat, Bethartoli visible from Kuari Pass. One of the best mountain viewpoints on any Uttarakhand trek.
Khulara and Gorson bugyals — open alpine meadows with Himalayan wildflowers in summer season.
Historic trek route walked by British Viceroy Lord Curzon in 1905. Rich in mountaineering and colonial-era history.
Gulling and Tali camp spots in mixed forest and open meadow. Very scenic camping environment.
SUMMER SEASON
Wildflowers in bugyals. Rhododendrons in April. Clear mountain views. Snow melting. Most popular time.
AUTUMN
Excellent mountain clarity. Forests golden. Less crowded. Very good for photography. Slightly cold at camp.
WINTER
Snow-covered trail. Difficult conditions. For experienced winter trekkers. Auli side combination possible.
All our treks start from Haridwar . Reach Haridwar first:
Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun (35 km from Haridwar). Flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru. Airport pickup arranged.
Haridwar Railway Station — well connected pan-India. Overnight trains from Delhi reach Haridwar in 5-6 hrs.
Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate to Haridwar by Volvo (6 hrs). State buses connect Haridwar to trek base towns.
Delhi to Haridwar 210 km (4-5 hrs via NH-58). We arrange pickup from Delhi/Chandigarh/Dehradun on request.
Kuari Pass gives the most sustained high-altitude Himalayan view of any Garhwal trek in this difficulty grade — you spend most of the route above 3000m with Nanda Devi, Kamet, and Chaukhamba visible throughout. April–May has rhododendrons in bloom on the approach through Tapovan forest. October–November has crystal clear skies and golden oak forests. The trek is usually done as a 6–8 day circuit starting and ending at Joshimath or Auli. If you are doing it after Badrinath Yatra, the acclimatisation is already done — an ideal add-on.
The kuari pass trek is one of the finest moderate-grade Himalayan panorama trails in Uttarakhand, set in the Chamoli district at 3810m (12,516 ft). Also known as the Lord Curzon Trail, it was walked by British Viceroy Lord Curzon in 1905 and remains one of the most celebrated routes in Garhwal. Starting point is Joshimath (2743m), approximately 270 km from Haridwar via Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli — a drive of 9–10 hours. Total distance is 20–22 km over 3 trekking days; the full package including transport takes 6 days. Distance from Dehradun is around 295 km; from Delhi approximately 485 km.
Best time is April–June for rhododendrons in bloom, wildflowers on Khulara bugyal, and melting snow on the upper trail; October–November for crystal-clear autumn skies and peak visibility. Winter (December–March) is possible via Auli and Gorson Bugyal for experienced trekkers with full cold-weather gear. Difficulty level is Moderate — the Khulara to pass section is steep and rocky, but the overall altitude gain of ~1100m over 3 days is gradual. Temperature at the pass drops to -10°C in winter; rated sleeping bag is essential. Is this kuari pass trek safe? Yes — the trail is well-guided, well-marked, and within the altitude range healthy trekkers manage without supplemental oxygen.
The route passes through oak and rhododendron forest (Joshimath to Gulling), then the expansive Khulara bugyal (3600m) before the final rocky climb to the pass. Camping at Gulling and Tali offers immersive forest and meadow environments. The 360° summit view spans Nanda Devi (7816m), Dronagiri (7066m), Hathi Parvat (6727m), Kamet (7756m), Chaukhamba (7138m), and Nilkantha (6596m) — the most peak-dense panorama per unit of effort on any moderate Uttarakhand trail. Common comparisons: vs Kedarkantha — Kedarkantha is a winter summit trek; this route offers superior mountain views year-round. Vs Brahmatal: Brahmatal has a frozen lake focus; the pass here delivers a broader Himalayan panorama at higher altitude.
Dev Yatra's package from Haridwar covers transport to Joshimath, all camp and hotel accommodation, meals, certified local guide, permits, and safety equipment. Combined Auli skiing + kuari pass trek packages are available on request. For booking and current pricing, call or WhatsApp +91-8057146497.