Kuari Pass, also known as Lord Curzon trail, is one of the beautiful mountain passes of Uttarakhand, located inside of Nandadevi Biosphere Reserve. The trek starts at Dhak village near Joshimath in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It’s famous for being one of the best winter treks in India and also a solid option for trekking in summer. This trek offers the best view of India’s 2nd highest peak Mt Nandadevi.
Highlights Of Kuari Pass Trek
- Summit View
The summit of Kuari Pass gives you views of greater himalayas, peaks like Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Chaukhamba, Hathi Ghoda and others. You will be surrounded by a god-like mountain. But it gets clearer in Autumn and winter. - Khullara and Taali Campsite
Khullara is one of the higher campsites on the trek. In winter, sometimes meadows covered in snow and mountain ranges are all also visible. - Kuari Pass in Winter
Kuari Pass ranks amongst the best Winter treks in Uttarakhand. The Gorson Bugyal is covered with snow, frosted forest and trails. - Auli
Auli is the exit of the trek. Auli itself is a famous hill station, it is wonderful in all seasons. - Mountain Views
Throughout the trek: from forest edges, ridges, meadows, campsites—peaks like Badrinath valley peaks, Kamet, Mana, Chaukhamba, etc. Especially from Gorson Bugyal and higher camps, mountains seem close and majestic.
Kuari Pass Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Joshimath
The drive distance is 290 km with a duration of 9 -10 hours, during this drive from Dehradun to Joshimath you will cross Devprayag and Rudraprayag, which have their own spiritual significance.
Day 2: Drive from Joshimath to Dhak and Trek to Gulingon
On the second day, there is a short drive to Dhak where the trek starts. After trekking 5 km you will reach Guling at altitude 9,186 ft (2,800 m).
Day 3: Trek from Guling to Khullara
On the third day, the trek starts in the early morning from Guling to Khullera at altitude . The trekking distance is 4 – 5 km.
Day 4: Trek from Khullara to Kuari pass and back to Taali
First you will gain height to Kuari Pass (12,900) then altitude loss to Taali (11,053).
Day 5: Trek from Taali to Auli trek via Gorson Bugyal; Drive to Joshimath
After trekking from Taali to Auli via Gorsan with a distance of 8 km. It takes 3 -4 hours to descend down.
Day 6: Drive from Joshimath to Dehradun
Go back to Dehradun with 290 km drive.
Best time to do Kuari Pass Trek
Kuari Pass remains open throughout 10 months. Every season has different beautiful shades.
Kuari Pass Trek in Winter(mid-November to February)
It will snow all around, from base camp to pass. The temperature is 8 to 10 degrees in daytime and -8 to -10 degrees at nighttime. This is best for those who want a snow adventure.
Kuari Pass Trek in Spring(March to April)
After snow, new freshness begins, snow melts and green meadows recovers, rhodo flowers blooms. Snow covered peaks, green forest and colourful flowers, very colorful landscape right.
Also an ideal time to visit.
The temperature remains 13°C to 17 °C during the daytime. And drops to 0 at night.
Kuari Pass Trek in Summer(May – June)
Summer is ideal for those who want warmth or a comfortable climate. The weather remains normal and days are sunny and long. During late summer in June you can get mild rain.
The temperature remains 18°C to 24°C during the daytime. And drops to 3°C to 8°C at night.
Kuari Pass Trek in autumn(September – October)
Autumn is ideal for those who clear mountain views. It’s vibrant everywhere.
The temperature remains 10°C to 15°C during the daytime. And drops to 0 at night.
Difficulty Level of Kuari Pass Trek
The difficulty level of Kuari Pass Trek is moderate. The total trekking distance is 22 km in which you will gain height from 7,785ft to 12,490. The terrain has ascents and descents everyday. In winter the trail gets more difficult and tricky.
Conclusion
The Kuari Pass Trek and Bali Pass Trek are among Uttarakhand’s best jewels: a wonderful combination of majestic Himalayan scenery, rich forests, broad meadows, and in winter, a white-covered paradise. For snow trekking in India, or simply a very scenic trekking in Uttarakhand, Kuari has both accessibility and awe on offer. It’s not the toughest, but the payoff—dawn over mountains, starry nights cold, silence of the forest—puts life in you. Whether you’re going during winter for snow or summer/autumn for blooming meadows and easy treks, Kuari Pass is every trekker’s bucket list.
FAQ: Quick Answers about Surya Top Trek
Why is the Kuari Pass Trek known as Lord Curzon Trail?
In 1905, Lord Curzon, the British Viceroy of India who explored the Kuari Pass.
In which months will we get snow?
Late November to February is the perfect time for snow.
In winter, how many layers are needed?
In winter no of 5 layers is compulsory, first layer is warmer, second is fleece, third puff or down jacket and 4th is windproof and waterproof jacket. And other accessories: woollen cap, warm socks, warm hand gloves, face buff.
What are mandatory documents needed to carry?
Government photo identity card, photocopy and original Aadhaar card and passport if you are a foreigner. Medical certificate and treadmill certificate for those who are above 62 years old.