Kuari Pass Trek - Lord Curzon Trail
The Kuari pass trek route was explored and popularized by Lord Curzon. From the Kuari top, you can spot the famous seven thousander peaks like Mount Kamet, Trishul, Chaukhamba, and the divine Nanda Devi to name a few. The Kuari Pass trek gives you an opportunity to view these mountains and others around from a single spot.
The trek starts from Joshimath which is located in the Chamoli district in the state of Uttarakhand. Walking through the small villages on the Lord Curzon’s trail gives you an opportunity to learn about the daily routine and lives of people who live in this remote location.
On the Kuari Pass Trek, you will be able to view a variety of changing landscapes, from walking through the dense forest of Oak and Deodar trees, to the vast green meadows known as bugyals everything at one place.
The first day of the trek begins with a drive to Joshimath from Haridwar. You will be picked up from Haridwar railway station for a 256 Km drive to Joshimath which will take approximately 10 hours and we are expected to arrive at Joshimath at the time of evening tea.
Even though it’s a long route, it is full of surprises starting from Haridwar all the way up to Joshimath. Driving uphill parallel to the holy river, we will cross the famous “Panch Prayag” - the five holy confluences of river Ganga i.e. Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnprayag, Nandaprayag & Vishnuprayag.
Brief Overview of the Day
After having breakfast in the morning, we will be driving to Dhak village which is approximately 12 km away from Joshimath and take one hour to reach there. Dhak is the village from where the actual trek begins and we start walking on a gradually ascending muddy trail.
The land here is rough and apart from the terrace farming, it is hard to find any greenery here. On the trail you will also be able to view the Vishnugad-Tapovan Hydroelectric Power Station built on the river Dhauli-Ganga. Soon we will cross the Kharchi village, on our way to Upper Tugasi region.
As we keep walking away from the farmlands in the upper Tugasi region, you will be able to spot the Dronagiri Peak rising up at a distance ahead of us. Soon we will reach our campsite for today at Gulling village where we will be spending the night.
Brief Overview of the Day
Today we will be heading towards Tali Forest Camp, the trail is a gradually ascending trail which is easier than the previous day and makes for a very enjoyable hiking experience. We will start off with walking deeper into the jungle of Tali.
On the way will be crossing dense forests of Oak and Rhododendrons with some clearings boasting the magnificent views of the nearby mountains. If you are visiting during the winters, you will find a white sheet of snow covering every inch of the ground with tall trees growing. As we keep walking further, we will reach the second campsite of the trek for night stay.
Brief Overview of the Day
The fourth day of the Kuari Pass Trek is the summit day and is going to be a long day as we have to trek 15 Km which will take around 10 hours. There are no sources of water on the trail, make sure to carry enough.
We will start by walking towards the first destination of the day - Khullara top which is at a distance of about 3 Km. We will be trekking on a strenuous path which becomes more challenging during the winter season when it remains covered with snow.
At the Kuari Top, you will be able to spot the magnificent Garhwal peaks Kedarkantha, Chaukhambha, Balakun, Neel Kantha, Nanda Devi, Changabang, Nanda Ghunti and others.
Brief Overview of the Day
Today is going to be a very exciting day as we are scheduled to visit one of the most famous destinations of south Asia also known as the skiing capital of India - Auli. We will walk through the mesmerizing valley of Gorson Bugyal.
The beauty of Auli is breathtaking and leaves its onlookers spellbound. Lot of people visit Auli every year in March to enjoy skiing. Upon our arrival at Auli, we will spend some time at the location and take a cable car back to Joshimath.
Brief Overview of the Day
Day six marks the last day of Kuari Pass Trek, we will leave early in the morning and are expected to reach Haridwar by evening. The 256 km long ride will take approximately 10 hours.
Brief Overview of the Day
By Air :-
Jolly Grant Airport is the airport serving Dehradun, located about 48 km from Haridwar. There is a daily flight from Delhi for Dehradun, reaching Haridwar one day early if coming by flight.
By Train:-
An excellent rail network connects Haridwar to other important cities like Delhi, Mussoorie, Mumbai, Varanasi, Lucknow, and Kolkata.
By Bus:-
There is regular bus service from Delhi to Haridwar, from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate.
Usually buses drop you at Haridwar bus station. From there you have to come to Haridwar Railway Station
THE CRAZY MOUNTAINEERS Tata Sumo or similar vehicles will pick-up you from Haridwar Railway Station at 6:30am.
Basics Gear | |
Back pack & rain cover | (50 - 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps |
Day pack + rain cover | 20 - 30 ltr (If hire a mule or porter) |
Walking stick | Advisable (At least one) |
Head torch | 1 Nos. |
Water bottle/Hydration pack | 2 bottles of one litre each |
People who use hydration pack | |
1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter | |
Carry at least one thermos flask | |
Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors |
Personal Medical Kit | Consult your doctor |
Be comfy at the Kuari Pass Trek | |
T-shirts | 2 Full sleeves (Non-cotton) |
Fleece T-shirts | 1 Nos. |
Fleece jacket | 1 Nos. (Alternative: a woollen sweater) |
Down feather / Hollofil jacket | 1 Nos. |
Wind & waterproof (jacket & pant) | 1 Pair |
Thermal inners (upper and lower) | 1 Pair |
Trek pants | 2 Synthetic (avoid shorts, fitting denims, capris) |
Poncho | 1 Nos. |
Think about your head | |
Sun cap | 1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well) |
Woolen cap | 1 Nos. |
Balaclava | 1 Nos. |
Neck-gaiters | 1 Nos. |
Sunglasses | Dark with side cover, it should be U/V protected. |
People who wear spectacles- | |
(A)- Use contact lenses. (Not for Chadar trek) | |
(B)- Photo chromatic glasses. |
Mind your step | |
Trekking shoes | 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip) |
Floaters/flip-flops | 1 Pair (Optional) |
Cotton socks | 5 pairs |
Woollen socks | 3 pairs |
Gaiters | 1 Pair (The Crazy Mountaineers team will notify you if required) |
Keep these handy | |
Waterproof gloves | 1 Pair |
Fleece/woollen gloves | 1 Pair |
Personal Utilities | |
Sunscreen cream | Hand sanitizer |
Moisturiser | Antibacterial powder |
Toilet Paper & wipes | Toothbrush and toothpaste |
Lip balm | Quick dry towe |
Cancellations prior to 24 days from the start of the trek
Book any other trek till one year or get 95% refund (Note: If the trek charges are more, the balance needs to be paid by the trekker)
Cancellation between 24 days and 14 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go for the same trek, with any other batch, till year or get 70% refund
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go on the same trek, in the same season, with any other batch or get 50% refund.
Cancellation less than 10 days to the start of the trek
Transfer your trek (same trek, same batch) to your friend. No cash refund.
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