ACCOMMODATION TYPE
Tents
PICKUP POINT
Rishikesh
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
12750 Ft.
TOTAL TREK DISTANCE
27 Km.
BEST SEASON MONTH
January | February | March | April | October | November | December
DESTINATIONS
Uttarakhand
TRIP TYPE
Treks
TREK DIFFICULTY
Moderate

Altitude: 1,350m / 4,400ft | Drive Distance: 220 km | 9-10 hours
Kickstart your adventure with a scenic drive from Rishikesh, a hub of spirituality and adventure. Witness stunning river confluences (the Prayags) and the majestic Alaknanda carving its way through the Himalayas. By late evening, arrive at Pipalkoti for a trek briefing, dinner, and overnight stay.

Day 02 :

Pipalkoti to Tugashi Village to Gulling Top

Altitude: Tugashi - 2,450m / 8,000ft | Gulling Top - 2,850m / 9,400ft | Drive: 50 km | 2-3 hrs. Trek: 3 km | 2-3 hrs. Accommodation: Tent
After breakfast, a short drive leads you to Tugashi village, where your trek begins. The trail ascends through charming terraced farms and oak forests, revealing captivating views of the Dhauli Ganga River and Dronagiri Peak. By evening, you’ll reach Gulling Top, where the golden hues of sunset light up the Garhwal ranges. Camp overnight under the star-studded Himalayan sky.

Day 03 :

Gulling Top to Khullara

Altitude: 3,350m / 11,000ft. Trek Distance: 5-6 km | 4-5 hrs. Accommodation: Tent
Trek through enchanting forests of oak, rhododendron, and walnut trees. The trail gradually transitions to snow-dusted terrain as you approach Khullara. After setting up camp, an acclimatization walk to Khullara meadows offers stunning vistas of peaks like Kamet, Hathi Parvat, and Trishul. Relax and prepare for the next day’s exciting challenges.

Day 04 :

Khullara to Kuari Pass via Khullara Top and Return

Altitude: Kuari Pass - 3,800m / 12,500ft. Trek Distance: 6-8 km | 5-6 hrs. Accommodation: Tent
Embark on a thrilling trek to Kuari Pass, traversing through alpine meadows and ridges. Marvel at the panoramic views of snow-clad peaks like Dronagiri, Hathi Parvat, and Chaukhamba. Known as the "Doorway to Heaven," Kuari Pass offers a unique mix of adventure and serenity. Return to Khullara camp to rest and acclimatize for the next day’s summit push.

Day 05 :

Khullara to Tugashi Village and Drive to Pipalkoti

Trek Distance: 7-8 km | 4-5 hrs. Drive Distance: 50 km | 2-3 hrs. Accommodation: Guest House
Descend through picturesque forest trails and charming village paths to Tugashi. From there, a short drive brings you back to Pipalkoti. Enjoy the comfort of a warm guest house, a hearty dinner, and reminisce about the trek with your fellow adventurers.

Day 06 :

Pipalkoti to Rishikesh

Drive Distance: 220 km | 8-9 hrs. Bid farewell to the mountains as you embark on your return journey to Rishikesh. The scenic drive offers a perfect opportunity to reflect on your adventure. By late afternoon, you’ll reach Rishikesh, marking the end of an unforgettable trek.

Journey to the Doorway of Heaven

Experience the magic of the Himalayas on the legendary Kuari Pass Trek, famously known as the Lord Curzon Trail. This extraordinary 6-day adventure through the heart of the Garhwal Himalayas offers trekkers an unparalleled combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and spiritual awakening that makes it one of India’s most sought-after winter treks.

Historical Legacy: Walking in Royal Footsteps

The Kuari Pass Trek holds a distinguished place in Himalayan history, earning its prestigious title as the Lord Curzon Trail after the former Viceroy of India completed this route in 1905. Lord Curzon’s pioneering journey through these ancient paths brought international recognition to this spectacular region, establishing it as one of the finest trekking destinations in the Indian Himalayas.

This historic trail was originally part of ancient trade routes that connected different regions of India for centuries, serving as vital pathways for commerce, communication, and cultural exchange. Today, trekkers follow in the footsteps of explorers like Eric Shipton and H.W. Tilman, who used this route to access the legendary Nanda Devi Sanctuary, adding layers of mountaineering heritage to every step of the journey.

Location and Geography: Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas

Nestled in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, the Kuari Pass Trek unfolds across the pristine landscapes of the Garhwal Himalayas, reaching an impressive altitude of 12,516 feet (3,815 meters). This strategically positioned pass offers unobstructed views of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary Wall – a magnificent ring of peaks that encircle India’s second-highest mountain.

The trek encompasses diverse ecological zones, from the temperate forests at lower altitudes to the alpine meadows near the pass. Starting from the spiritual town of Rishikesh, the journey traverses through Pipalkoti before ascending through traditional villages like Tugashi, where ancient Garhwali culture remains beautifully preserved.

The region experiences dramatic seasonal variations, transforming from lush green meadows during spring and summer to pristine winter wonderlands covered in deep snow from December through March. This seasonal diversity ensures that the trek offers entirely different experiences throughout the year.

Major Attractions: Nature’s Grand Spectacle

Panoramic Mountain Views

The crown jewel of the Kuari Pass Trek is its 360-degree panoramic views of the highest peaks in the Indian Himalayas. Trekkers are rewarded with spectacular vistas of:

Nanda Devi (25,643 ft) – India’s second-highest peak and the highest mountain located entirely within the country
Chaukhamba (23,522 ft) – The four-pillared mountain that dominates the eastern horizon
Dronagiri (23,182 ft) – The medicine mountain from Hindu mythology
Kamet (25,595 ft) – A pyramid of granite rising majestically
Hathi Ghoda Parvat – The distinctive elephant-shaped peak
Trishul (23,496 ft) – Named after Lord Shiva’s trident

Enchanted Forest Trails

The trek passes through some of Uttarakhand’s most pristine forests, featuring ancient oak, rhododendron, and walnut trees. These temperate forests are characteristic of the Garhwal region, thriving at elevations between 1,500 to 3,000 meters. During spring, the rhododendron forests burst into spectacular blooms, creating natural galleries of red, pink, and white flowers.

Alpine Meadows and Gorson Bugyal

The expansive meadows of Gorson Bugyal and Khullara offer trekkers the quintessential alpine experience. These vast grasslands, known locally as ‘bugyals,’ provide perfect camping grounds with stunning mountain backdrops. The meadows transform seasonally, offering wildflower carpets in summer and pristine snow fields in winter.

Cultural Immersion

The trek provides authentic encounters with traditional Garhwali villages where centuries-old customs and lifestyles remain unchanged. Trekkers witness terraced farming, traditional architecture, and the warm hospitality of mountain communities who have called these valleys home for generations.

Best Time to Do Kuari Pass Trek

The Kuari Pass Trek can be undertaken throughout most of the year, offering distinct experiences across different seasons. Based on the trek schedule and weather patterns, here’s your comprehensive guide to choosing the perfect time for your Himalayan adventure.

Prime Trekking Seasons

Winter Season (November – March)

Temperature Range: Day: -2°C to 10°C | Night: -15°C to -5°C

Why Choose Winter:

Experience pristine snow-covered landscapes and winter wonderland scenery
Crystal clear mountain views with excellent visibility of Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, and other peaks
Fewer crowds, ensuring a more peaceful and intimate mountain experience
Perfect for snow trekking enthusiasts and photographers

What to Expect: Heavy snowfall transforms the entire trail into a magical winter landscape. The trek becomes moderately challenging due to snow conditions, requiring proper winter gear and experience. Night temperatures can drop significantly, making warm clothing essential.

Fixed Departure Dates Available:

November 2025: 23-28 Nov, 30 Nov-5 Dec
December 2025: Multiple batches from 7-12 Dec through 28 Dec-2 Jan 2026
January-March 2026: Regular departures every few days

Spring Season (April – May)

Temperature Range: Day: 12°C to 20°C | Night: 0°C to 8°C

Why Choose Spring:

Witness stunning rhododendron blooms painting the forests in vibrant reds and pinks
Pleasant daytime temperatures with comfortable trekking conditions
Snow begins melting, revealing lush green meadows and wildflower displays
Ideal for nature lovers and families with older children

What to Expect: The landscape transitions beautifully from winter snow to spring blooms. Trails become more accessible as snow recedes from lower elevations, though higher reaches may still have snow patches. Occasional spring showers are possible.

Fixed Departure Dates Available:

April 2026: Regular departures from 3-8 Apr through 24-29 Apr

Autumn Season (October – November)

Temperature Range: Day: 10°C to 18°C | Night: -2°C to 5°C

Why Choose Autumn:

Exceptional mountain visibility with crystal-clear air post-monsoon
Stable weather conditions with minimal precipitation
Golden autumn foliage creates stunning landscape contrasts
Perfect for mountain view enthusiasts and photographers

What to Expect: Post-monsoon clarity offers some of the best mountain views of the year. The air is fresh and clean, providing sharp visibility of distant peaks. Days become shorter as winter approaches, requiring earlier starts.

Fixed Departure Dates Available:

October 2026: Multiple batches from 2-7 Oct through 30 Oct-4 Nov
November 2026: Departures through 27 Nov-2 Dec

Season to Avoid

Monsoon Season (July – August)

Not Recommended due to heavy rainfall, landslide risks, slippery trails, poor visibility, and complete cloud cover blocking mountain views. Most trekking operations are suspended during this period for safety reasons.

Our Recommendations

For First-Time Trekkers:

October-November or April-May – These months offer the best combination of good weather, manageable conditions, and spectacular views without extreme challenges.

For Snow Enthusiasts:

December-February – Experience the trek at its most challenging and beautiful, with pristine snow conditions and winter mountain views.

For Photographers:

October (clearest mountain views) or April (rhododendron blooms) – Both seasons offer unique photographic opportunities with excellent lighting conditions.

For Comfortable Weather:

April-May – Pleasant temperatures, longer daylight hours, and comfortable camping conditions make this ideal for those preferring milder weather.

Essential Planning Notes

Advance Booking Required: Book at least 20 days before your chosen departure date to secure your spot.

Fixed Departure Schedule: The trek operates on fixed departure dates with pre-planned itineraries, ensuring optimal group sizes and safety standards.

Seasonal Gear Requirements: Winter treks require specialized cold-weather gear, while spring/autumn treks need layered clothing systems to adapt to temperature variations.

Weather Preparedness: Mountain weather can change rapidly regardless of season. All trekkers should be prepared for sudden temperature drops, especially at higher altitudes.

The Kuari Pass Trek’s diverse seasonal offerings ensure that whether you seek snow-covered adventure, spring blooms, or autumn clarity, there’s a perfect time waiting for your Himalayan journey. Choose based on your experience level, weather preferences, and desired mountain experience for an unforgettable trek to the “Doorway of Heaven.”

Kuari Pass Trek

Trip Info

Itinerary

Overview

Inclusions And Exclusions

Best Time To Do

What To Pack

How Difficult

Itinerary