Kuari Pass Trek: Winter in the Garhwal Himalayas — 6 Days

Alpine trek through Nanda Devi National Park, winter snow routes, and peaks in the Himalayas

The Kuari Pass trek traverses the high meadows and forested ridges of Uttarakhand's Garhwal region, crossing a 3,820-meter alpine pass historically used by British administrator Lord Curzon. Winter transforms the route into a snow-covered landscape framed by five major Himalayan peaks: Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Kamet, Dronagiri, and Trishul. The six-day itinerary moves from the town of Joshimath upward through oak and rhododendron forests, across open meadows, and along high ridges where the panoramic views extend across multiple ranges. Encounters with shepherd communities and visits to high-altitude settlements like Auli (a winter sports destination) add human geography to the purely alpine experience. The trek remains compact enough to fit within a single week while accessing terrain and elevations typically reserved for longer expeditions.

Highlights

Drive from Dehradun to Joshimath through two of the five sacred river confluences (prayags) of the Garhwal region
Trek to Guling (2,800 m) through open terrain and oak forest, with views of Dunagiri peak
Cross Kuari Pass (3,820 m) on the historic Lord Curzon trail, with panoramic views of Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Mana, Hathi, Ghodi, and Dunagiri
Walk across Gorson Bugyal, a large high-altitude meadow often snow-covered in winter
Views of Nanda Devi (7,816 m) from multiple points along the ridge route
Potential sighting of Talli Lake, often frozen solid during the winter season
Visit to Auli, India's primary ski resort, reached via final descent through forest

Day by day

1Dehradun to JoshimathDehradun to Joshimath · Joshimath · Devprayag · Rudraprayag

The journey begins with a 294-kilometer drive from Dehradun eastward into the foothills. The route passes through Devprayag and Rudraprayag, two of the five confluences (prayags) where major Himalayan rivers converge—sites of religious significance in Hindu tradition. The drive takes approximately nine hours, with arrival in Joshimath expected by early evening. Joshimath serves as the gateway town for the trek and the base for the night's accommodation.

2Dhak to Guling via First Alpine AscentGuling · Dhak village · Dhak village to Guling

After breakfast, a 30-minute drive leads to Dhak village (2,100 m), where the trek formally begins. The trail ascends steeply to the right, away from the road, climbing through open, exposed terrain for roughly half the route. Two small villages break the ascent before the path enters oak forest approximately one kilometer before the campsite. Guling (2,800 m) sits at the forest's upper edge and commands views toward Dunagiri peak. The trek covers three to four hours of walking.

3Guling to Lower Khullara Through Forest and MeadowGuling to Lower Khullara · Khullara

The trail rises gradually through mixed forest of oak, rhododendron, and pine. After steady climbing, the forest opens into Khullara, an exposed alpine meadow at 3,250 meters. The meadow offers sightlines to the surrounding ridgeline, with Dunagiri, Hathi, and Ghodi peaks visible across the basin. The walk takes four to five hours.

4Kuari Pass Crossing and Ridge Walk to TalliKuari Pass · Taali · Chitrakantha

An early breakfast precedes the day's longest stage. The route climbs steeply uphill toward the pass, reaching a ridge and turning left along its crest. From this point, the trail leads rightward up to Kuari Pass (3,820 m), the trek's highest point and the historic route once traveled by Lord Curzon. After time spent at the pass, the descent retraces the same path back to the ridge. Rather than dropping back to Khullara, the route now follows the ridge eastward toward Taali, passing Chitrakantha, a small hillock marked with prayer flags. This vantage point delivers panoramic views across multiple ranges: Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Mana, Hathi, Ghodi, and Dunagiri. The final descent leads through forest to Taali (3,350 m), a sheltered campsite enclosed on all sides by trees. The day involves six to seven hours of trekking.

5Taali to Auli: Final Trek and Descent to Ski ResortAuli · Taali Lake · Gorson Bugyal · Auli to Joshimath

The walk is easier than the previous day. The forest soon clears, opening to high meadow as the route descends gradually. Taali Lake, often frozen solid during winter, lies along the path. As the trek progresses toward Auli, Nanda Devi comes into view to the south. The route crosses Gorson Bugyal, a large meadow, then re-enters forest for the final approach to Auli. A vehicle then transports trekkers from Auli back to Joshimath for the night. This stage involves four to five hours of trekking.

6Return Drive to DehradunJoshimath to Dehradun

The final stage is a nine-hour drive westward from Joshimath back to Dehradun, with arrival expected by early evening.

Included

All vegetarian meals starting from dinner on day 1 breakfast on the last day
Egg preparations will also be served
Professional guide, cook and support staff
Rent for camping equipment
Clean sleeping bags and mats
Good quality ‘A’ shaped or dome tents
Kitchen tents, common tents, toilet tents with portable toilet seats
Camping stools, gaiters and crampons
Forest entry charges for Indian nationals
For non-Indian passport holders
there will be an additional charge
Porter and mule support to carry camping equipment and NOT personal luggage
Tented accommodation throughout the trek on a triple sharing basis (Double Sharing for Couples)
Guesthouse accommodation on the first and last day on triple sharing basis

Not included

5%GST
Any kind of insurance
Food during the transit.
Baggage on ponies(each nag must not exceed above 8kg)
Lunch on drive
Meals on driving days
Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
Anything not specifically mentioned under the head "Inclusion".
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

Activities: Trekking