Why is Kuari Pass known as the 'Lord Curzon Trail'?

In 1905, Lord Curzon (then Viceroy of India) undertook this expedition to explore trade and travel routes into the Nanda Devi sanctuary and the Tibetan border. He was so enchanted by the grandeur of the mountain vistas from the pass that the trail has since been universally honored as the 'Curzon Trail'.

Which mountain peaks are visible from Kuari Pass?

Kuari Pass offers the most comprehensive mountain amphitheater in India. You get direct, unobstructed views of Mt. Nanda Devi (7,816m – India's second highest peak), Mt. Kamet (7,756m), Dronagiri (7,066m), Trishul (7,120m), Hathi-Ghoda Parvat, Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Mukut Parvat, and Mana Peak.

Is Kuari Pass a good trek for beginners and winter snow?

Yes! Kuari Pass is widely regarded as one of the best winter snow treks in India for beginners. The trail features gentle, well-defined forest switchbacks through golden oak forests, gradual altitude acclimatization, and exits through the world-famous ski resort of Auli.

What is the total trekking distance of the Kuari Pass circuit?

The total trekking distance from Dhak village through Gulling, Khullara, Kuari Pass (12,516 ft), Tali Top, and exiting at Auli is approximately 33 kilometers spread across 4 active trekking days (6 to 9 km per day).

Kuari Pass Trek 2026 | Nanda Devi View Packages

The Crown Jewel of Garhwal

Why Kuari Pass is India's Ultimate Mountain Vista Trek

Pioneered in 1905 by Lord Curzon and cherished by generations of global mountaineers, Kuari Pass (3,815m / 12,516 ft) in Chamoli district is universally celebrated for providing the most grand, intimate, and unobstructed front-row views of the high Garhwal Himalayan peaks anywhere in India.

While most Himalayan treks require days of grueling high-altitude moraine climbing to witness a single prominent summit, Kuari Pass rewards you from Day 2 with an uninterrupted 360-degree panorama of gigantic 7,000-meter snow massifs. The crowning glory is Mt. Nanda Devi (7,816m), India's second-highest summit and revered protector goddess, standing in dazzling prominence alongside Mt. Kamet (7,756m), Mt. Dronagiri (7,066m), Trishul (7,120m), Hathi-Ghoda Parvat, and Chaukhamba.

The trail is an aesthetic masterpiece: starting from the terraced fields of Dhak village, winding through ancient golden oak, rhododendron, and conifer forests, crossing the high alpine meadows of Khullara and Tali Top, and concluding with a scenic ridge descent through the snowfields of Auli, India's premier ski resort.

Nanda Devi Sanctuary Vista

Peer directly into the outer rim of the UNESCO World Heritage Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and the mythic Rishi Ganga gorge.

Exemplary Winter Snow Trek

From December to March, the trail is blanketed in sparkling powdery snow, making it one of India's safest and most scenic winter snowshoeing trails.

Trail Itinerary

Detailed 6-Day Expedition Roadmap & Daily Campsites

Drive Rishikesh to Joshimath via Panchprayag

Drive: 255 KM (8-9 Hours) | Altitude: 6,150 Ft

Depart Rishikesh early morning on an epic drive along the Alaknanda River highway. Witness the sacred Panchprayag river confluences: Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag, and Vishnuprayag. Arrive at the bustling mountain hub of Joshimath. Check into our lodge, enjoy hot dinner, and attend expedition orientation.

Drive Joshimath to Dhak & Trek to Gulling Top

Drive: 12 KM | Trek: 6 KM (4-5 Hours) | Altitude: 9,600 Ft

Short scenic drive to Dhak village roadhead. Begin trekking along gradual stone pathways past the terraced villages of Tugasi and Karche with stunning views of the Dhauli Ganga river and the Dronagiri peak. Enter a dense canopy of golden oak and rhododendron trees to reach the peaceful forest clearing of Gulling Top (9,600 ft). Camp in alpine tents with warm soup and stargazing.

Trek Gulling Top to Khullara Campsite

Trek: 5 KM (3-4 Hours) | Altitude: 11,100 Ft

A magical trek through ancient, moss-draped forest canopies of walnut and Himalayan cedar. As you gain elevation, the forest thins out onto the high alpine meadow shelf of Khullara (11,100 ft). The towering twin-horned peaks of Hathi-Ghoda Parvat, Dronagiri, and Chaukhamba dominate the skyline right above your tent. Afternoon acclimatization walk and sunset photography.

Khullara to Kuari Pass Summit (12,516 Ft) & Trek to Tali Forest

Trek: 9 KM (6-7 Hours) | Summit: 12,516 Ft → Tali (11,000 Ft)

Summit day! Start before dawn climbing along the ridge to Lord Curzon's Pass. Reach the windswept pass of Kuari Pass (12,516 ft) as golden morning sunlight illuminates the colossal southern face of Mt. Nanda Devi (7,816m), Kamet, Trishul, and Dunagiri in blinding brilliance. After celebrating at the pass, traverse the ridge to the secluded, frozen alpine tarn of Tali Forest campsite.

Tali to Auli Ski Resort & Drive to Joshimath

Trek: 8 KM (4 Hours) | Drive: 14 KM | Altitude: 8,200 Ft (Auli)

Trek across the rolling alpine pastures of Gorson Bugyal with continuous views of Mt. Nanda Devi. Descend through the famous ski slopes and artificial snow lake of Auli. Board our vehicle (or ride the famous Auli cable car ropeway) down to Joshimath. Check into your hotel for warm showers and a celebratory feast.

Drive from Joshimath back to Rishikesh / Haridwar

Drive: 255 KM (8-9 Hours)

Depart Joshimath in the morning, retracing the scenic Alaknanda River highway back to Rishikesh, arriving by 6:00 PM for your onward travel connections.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions: Kuari Pass Trek

Yes! Kuari Pass and the Gorson Bugyal ridge provide the most direct, close-up, and iconic view of Mt. Nanda Devi (7,816m) anywhere in the Himalayas. The mountain stands solitary and imposing right across the valley with its sheer south face and glacier moraines fully visible.

On all winter departures (December to March), we provide certified microspikes (crampons) for ice traction, waterproof snow gaiters to keep snow out of your boots, high-altitude sub-zero sleeping bags, and emergency oxygen cylinders.

All our packages include pickup and drop transportation from Rishikesh / Haridwar Railway Station in dedicated Tempo Travellers and SUVs. The 255 km drive along the scenic 4-lane All-Weather Char Dham highway takes approximately 8 to 9 hours with breakfast and lunch stops.

Book Kuari Pass Trek

6 Days / 5 Nights all-inclusive fixed departure batches available weekly.

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