Kuari Pass Trek

Overview

Long before it became a popular trek, Kuari Pass was a quiet Himalayan gateway used by shepherds and traders, later walked by Lord Curzon—earning it the name Curzon Trail. Today, it’s one of Uttarakhand’s most breathtaking journeys 🌄. The trail unfolds through oak and rhododendron forests, open meadows, and snow-clad ridges, with every turn revealing something new. From golden sunsets at Khullara to the unforgettable summit views from Kuari Pass, trekkers are rewarded with a grand panorama of Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Kamet, Dronagiri, and more 🏔️. After descending to Tali, the trek concludes at Auli., a serene forest campsite beside a mountain stream—perfectly blending history, nature, and Himalayan magic ✨.

Detailed Itinerary

Package Inclusions

• Accommodation at a basic Guest house/Homestay at Joshimath and tents on the trek: Stay will be arranged at a local guesthouse/homestay in Joshimath on a triple/quad/dorm-sharing basis. During the trek, accommodation will be in sturdy, all-weather tents on a double-sharing basis. Tents are equipped with ground insulation to ensure warmth and comfort.
• Transport from Tapovan (Rishikesh) to Joshimath and back to Tapovan (Rishikesh) as per the itinerary: Non-AC Tempo Traveller or Bus will be provided for group transport as per the trek itinerary. This includes both pick-up and drop-off at designated points in Tapovan (Rishikesh).
• Meals (Veg & Egg): Nutritious vegetarian meals, including occasional eggs, will be provided throughout the trek. This includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening snacks at the campsites. All meals are prepared by experienced trek cooks with hygienic cooking standards.
• Trek logistics: The trek includes all necessary logistical arrangements, such as 1) Kitchen tent: A separate tent will be set up for cooking. 2) Dry pit toilet tents: For sanitation in remote areas. 3) Sleeping tents, sleeping bags, and mattresses: Two-person shared tents with insulated sleeping bags suitable for high-altitude temperatures, along with sleeping mats for comfort.
• All necessary permits and entry fees (Indian citizens): All required forest permits, entry fees, and camping charges for Indian citizens are covered. For non-Indians, refer to exclusions.
• Basic first aid kit: The trek will be equipped with a basic first aid kit, including common medicines, bandages, and other medical essentials. An oximeter will be used to monitor oxygen levels, and an oxygen cylinder will be available for emergencies.
• Climbing rope and Ice Axe: The trek leader will carry a climbing rope and an ice axe as part of safety precautions. The rope may be used to fix secure routes for trekkers in difficult sections or to create a stretcher in case of an emergency. The ice axe will be used to break through hard snow or ice, as well as serve as an anchor for added stability on icy terrain.
• Well-qualified and experienced Trek Leader with support staff: A certified and knowledgeable trek leader will accompany the group, along with friendly and experienced local staff, including guides, cooks, and helpers, ensuring safety and enjoyable experiences on the trail.
• 4:1 Trekker-to-Guide Ratio for Safety: To ensure the highest level of safety and personalized attention during the trek, we maintain a 4:1 trekker-to-guide ratio. This means for every four trekkers, there will be one guide or support staff member. This allows for close monitoring of trekkers' health, quick response in case of emergencies, and better guidance on tricky sections of the trail. It also ensures that experienced guides are readily available to assist with any challenges, ensuring a safe and enjoyable trekking experience for all participants.
• Cloakroom facility at Joshimath: You can leave items such as clothes or shoes at the cloakroom in Joshimath before heading for the trek if they are not needed during the trek. The cloakroom will securely store these items until your return. Please note that only clothes and shoes are allowed; no valuables, including money, jewellery, laptops, or breakable items, should be left in the cloakroom. If you choose to leave any such items, it is your responsibility, and the company will not be liable for any damage or loss that may occur.

Package Exclusions

• Personal expenses: Any expenses of a personal nature, such as additional food items, snacks, souvenirs, or extra services not included in the package, are not covered.
• Campfire: Campfires are not allowed on the trek due to environmental regulations and the risk of forest fires. This ensures the protection of the local ecosystem.
• Bottled water/cold drinks: While the trek provides access to fresh water, bottled water, soft drinks, or any packaged beverages are not included. You should carry your own reusable water bottle.
• Insurance: Travel insurance, personal accident insurance, and medical insurance are not included. It is recommended to purchase appropriate insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergencies.
• Accommodation not listed in the itinerary: Any additional accommodation that is not mentioned in the itinerary, such as extended stays in Joshimath or Rishikesh, will need to be arranged separately and paid for by the trekker.
• Expenses due to mishaps: Any unforeseen circumstances such as medical issues, weather disruptions, landslides, political unrest, or strikes are not covered. Any extra expenses incurred in such situations will be borne by the trekkers as per actual rates.
• Emergency evacuation charges: Costs related to emergency evacuation due to injury, illness, or any other unforeseen circumstances are not included in the package and will be charged at actuals if needed. Additionally, any vehicle transportation, mule services, or accommodation utilized at Joshimath before the scheduled itinerary will also incur separate charges. This includes any transport arrangements made outside of the planned trek schedule or any accommodations booked prior to or after the trek dates. It is essential to understand that these expenses are not covered by the trek package and will be the trekkers' responsibility.
• Permits and entry fees (Non-Indian citizens): Non-Indian trekkers are required to pay any necessary permits and entry fees separately, as these are not included in the package for foreign nationals.
• Bag offloading: We offer a bag offloading service for trekkers at an additional charge of INR 1600 (Karchi to Auli) to enhance your trekking experience. Trekkers can offload a bag weighing a maximum of 10 kgs, which will be carried by mules or porters. Bags weighing more than 10 kgs will incur double the actual cost. We recommend using rucksacks as they are easier for porters to carry; duffle bags are also acceptable but may not be as convenient. Please note that trolley bags are not allowed, as they can be easily damaged during transfer on mules. Trekkers opting for bag offloading service should only carry a lightweight daypack, ideally between 20 to 25 liters, containing essential items such as extra layers of clothing, snacks, a headlamp or torch, personal first-aid supplies, and a water bottle etc. Additionally, please avoid placing laptops or any breakable items in offloaded bags. By utilizing this service, trekkers can walk more comfortably and enjoy the breathtaking scenery without the burden of heavy luggage. This not only helps reduce fatigue but also allows trekkers to remain more active and engaged with their surroundings, making for a more enjoyable and memorable trekking experience.