India6 days
Kuari Pass Trek: Winter Ascent to 4,264 Meters
Six days across Garhwal's high-altitude pass, connecting Joshimath to Auli through snow fields and rhododendron forest
The Kuari Pass trek crosses the high-altitude frontier between the Hindu pilgrimage towns of the Alaknanda Valley and the skiing meadows of Auli. The pass itself sits at 4,264 meters on the southern flank of the Tibetan Plateau, within Nanda Devi National Park, and commands a direct amphitheater view of five major Himalayan peaks: Nanda Devi (7,817m), Kamet (7,756m), Chaukhamba (7,128m), Trishul (7,120m), and Nanda Devi East (7,434m). The route, historically known as the Lord Curzon trail, ascends from the forested slopes above Joshimath through rhododendron and hemlock stands, then climbs into open meadow and snow fields to the pass itself, before descending into the high grasslands of Auli. Winter conditions—significant snow cover and sustained wind—define the character of the trek.
Best time to go: April to October
Highlights
- Ascent to Kuari Pass with direct views of Nanda Devi and four other peaks
- Rhododendron and oak forest trekking through Akhod Getha meadow, first camp in the trek
- Snow-field crossing with views of Chaukhamba, Dronagri, Hathi Parvat, and Gori Parvat
- High-altitude grassland descent to Auli via Gorson Bugyal, an alpine meadow
- Winter alpine terrain: snow patches, high wind exposure, and thin-air acclimatization
Day by day
1Drive from Haridwar to JoshimathHaridwar to Joshimath · Joshimath
The trek begins with a 260-kilometer drive from Haridwar, a major city and railhead in the foothills, to Joshimath, a pilgrimage center on the Alaknanda River. Joshimath is the traditional starting point for journeys to Badrinath and Hemkund Sahib. The drive takes around 10 hours, climbing steadily into the Garhwal region. Hotel accommodation in Joshimath for the night.
2Dhak Village to Akhod Getha MeadowDhak Village · Akhod Getha · Akhod Getha Meadow · rhododendron, oak, and hemlock forest
A 10-kilometer drive from Joshimath brings you to Dhak Village, where the Kuari Pass trek formally begins. From here, the trail winds through dense rhododendron, oak, and hemlock forest, following traditional shepherd routes through the landscape. After approximately 6 kilometers of walking, the forest gradually opens into Akhod Getha, a sweeping alpine meadow that will serve as your first campsite. The magnetizing views of snow-dressed Chaukhamba dominate the northern horizon from here. You may encounter local shepherds who inhabit these meadows seasonally, descending during the harshest winters. A conversation with them often reveals stories woven into the landscape itself. A spring line runs along the crown of the meadow, providing reliable water supply. Take time to photograph the surrounding peaks, sit at the meadow's edge to absorb the vastness of the terrain, or simply rest in the company of fellow trekkers amid this beautiful alpine setting.
3Kuari Pass Day Trek from Akhod GethaKuari Pass · Akhod Getha
After breakfast, your trek leader will brief you on the day ahead—listen carefully to their guidance on managing the steep terrain. The 5-kilometer ascent to Kuari Pass climbs steeply toward Khullara, where snow patches begin to dominate the landscape. As you gain elevation, wind exposure increases noticeably. The final push brings you to Kuari Pass at 4,264 meters, where the vista opens dramatically: Nanda Devi and Nanda Devi East rise to the northeast, Kamet anchors the north, while Chaukhamba and Trishul frame the western horizon. Take time to absorb the scale of these mountains before retracing your steps back to Akhod Getha. The descent returns you to camp in the late afternoon. Settle into the evening with a hot dinner, then spend time with fellow trekkers or simply rest beneath the open sky.
4Akhod Getha to Gulling MeadowAkhod Getha to Gulling Meadow · Gulling Meadow · Gulling
The trek descends to Gulling, a secondary meadow campsite. Views shift from Chaukhamba (left behind to the south) to the broader northern panorama of Dronagri, Hathi Parvat, and Gori Parvat. The terrain remains open grassland with sections of remaining snow. Tented accommodation at Gulling.
5Trek to Auli via Gorson Bugyal, then Drive to JoshimathAuli · Gorson Bugyal · Joshimath · dense forests and expansive pasturelands toward Auli · Himalayan peaks (Nanda Devi, Hathi Ghodi, Dronagiri) · Auli to Joshimath
After breakfast, you'll trek 8 kilometers through dense forests and expansive pasturelands toward Auli. The trail ascends through changing terrain, passing through Gorson Bugyal's lush grasslands before reaching the verdant meadows of Auli. Throughout the walk, the Himalayan peaks dominate the northern horizon—Nanda Devi, Hathi Ghodi, and Dronagiri visible across the valleys. Pause to photograph the ravishing landscape and villages along the way. On arrival at Auli, lunch awaits before you drive the 15 kilometers back down to Joshimath, where you'll spend the night.
6Joshimath to HaridwarJoshimath to Haridwar · Harki Pauri
Your final day begins with breakfast before the 260-kilometer drive back to Haridwar, a journey of approximately 10 hours. If timing permits upon arrival in late afternoon or evening, you may join the Aarti ceremony at Harki Pauri. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Included
- All veg meals from Lunch on Day 2nd to Lunch on Day 5th
- 03 Nights Tented Accommodation on triple sharing basis.
- 02 Nights Guest House / Hotel in Joshimath / Govindghat on triple sharing basis.
- Morning, evening Tea/Coffee with light snack while on trek.
- All necessary fees and permits for Indians.
- Qualified and experienced Trek Leader and support staff
- Basic First Aid Medical Kits.
Not included
- GST @ 5%
- Any kind of personal expenses.
- Food during the transit.
- Surface transfer from Haridwar – Joshimath – Haridwar
- Insurance.
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the head "Price Includes".
- Cost escalation due to change in itinerary Natural reason of unforeseen conditions like Landslides, Road Blockage, Bad Weather, Social or Political Unrest, Strikes, sudden shut down of any govt office etc
- Any Meals During Transit.
- Any expenses of personal nature.
- All fees and permit for Non-Indian Residence.
Activities: Trekking