Descriptions
The Kuari Pass trek is a 6-day, 5-night winter trek in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district. It takes you from Rishikesh to a ridge at about 3,815 metres, with Nanda Devi on the skyline on a clear day. It needs no technical climbing. It does need a steady walker, because Day 4 runs 8 to 10 hours and two of the six days are spent on the road.
Before you book, you need two answers: whether this is too much for a first Himalayan pass, and what the price covers. Both are below, along with one thing worth knowing early. This itinerary is not the original Curzon route.
| Quick answer: The Kuari Pass trek runs 6 days and 5 nights from Rishikesh and back via Tugasi, Gulling and Khullara. The pass is at about 3,815 m (12,516 ft). It is graded moderate, and Day 4 is the longest at 8 to 10 hours. Snow is likeliest from December to February. The price is ₹17,500. |
Key Takeaways
- Book December to February if you want snow. Snowfall varies, so no batch can promise it.
- Plan eight days door to door from Delhi: arrive the day before Day 1 and travel home the day after Day 6.
- Train for four to six weeks. Summit day is the hard part.
- Compare operators on what the price covers from Rishikesh to Rishikesh, because some charge road transport separately.
- Before you pay, ask who arranges the forest permit, which equipment is included and whether taxes are extra.
Trip Facts
| Duration | 5 nights, 6 days |
| Region | Chamoli district, Garhwal, Uttarakhand |
| Start and end | Rishikesh |
| Trek starts at | Tugasi village, near Joshimath |
| Highest point | Kuari Pass, about 3,815 m (12,516 ft) |
| Highest camp | Khullara, about 3,350 m (11,000 ft) |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Walking distance | Roughly 22 to 25 km in total |
| Road distance | About 260 km on Day 1, about 220 km on Day 6 |
| Season | November to February (snow likeliest December to February) |
| Batches | Every Saturday departure |
| Price | ₹17,500 |
Kuari Pass Trek Route and Views
The route crosses the Garhwal Himalaya through mountain villages and terraced fields, then oak and rhododendron forest, then open slopes above the tree line. You drive from Rishikesh and start walking at Tugasi, the trailhead, a village near Joshimath. The trail climbs gradually through Gulling to Khullara, and a day's walk from Khullara takes you to the pass.
Kuari Pass Altitude and Views
The pass is at about 3,815 metres (12,516 feet). On a clear day you can see Dronagiri, Hathi Parvat, Gauri Parvat, Neelkanth, Chaukhamba and Nanda Devi, which is 7,816 metres high.
Many groups stop first at Kuari Top, the main viewpoint. The pass itself is a short walk beyond it.
Why it is Called the Lord Curzon Trail
The route is named after Lord Curzon, the British Viceroy of India. The historic crossing is usually described as a longer walk that starts at Ghat. This itinerary reaches the pass from Tugasi, so it is a shorter variant and not the original Curzon route.
Other Ways to Reach Kuari Pass
| Approach | Starts at | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Tugasi and Khullara (this itinerary) | Tugasi, near Joshimath | Road days at both ends, four walking days, and a camp at Khullara for two nights |
| Original Curzon route | Ghat, via Ramni | A longer multi-day walk that reaches the pass from the other side |
| Auli and Gorson Bugyal | Auli | Run by some operators, with a different set of camps |
Ask any operator which approach it uses before you compare prices or dates.
Program
| Day | Route | Stay | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rishikesh to Tugasi (drive, about 260 km) | Tugasi homestay | Dinner |
| 2 | Tugasi to Gulling (trek) | Gulling camp | Breakfast, lunch, dinner |
| 3 | Gulling to Khullara (trek) | Khullara camp | Breakfast, lunch, dinner |
| 4 | Khullara to Kuari Pass and back (trek, 8 to 10 hours) | Khullara camp | Breakfast, lunch, dinner |
| 5 | Khullara to Tugasi (trek), then Pipalkoti (drive) | Pipalkoti guesthouse | Breakfast, lunch, dinner |
| 6 | Pipalkoti to Rishikesh (drive, about 220 km) | None | Breakfast |
Day 1: Rishikesh to Tugasi
Drive up the Ganga and Alaknanda valleys, past Devprayag and Rudraprayag, to the Joshimath area. It is about 260 km. Expect 9 to 11 hours with stops, and longer after rain or road work. Dronagiri comes into view as you near Joshimath, and you sleep in a village homestay at Tugasi.
Only dinner is included on Day 1, so carry snacks and cash for lunch on the road. Ask us for the pickup point and time when you book.
Day 2: Tugasi to Gulling
You walk through village fields and terraces into oak and rhododendron forest. The climb is gradual. Use the day to find a steady pace, and camp at Gulling.
Day 3: Gulling to Khullara
The forest gives way to open alpine ground. In winter, parts of the path can hold snow or frozen streams, so shorten your steps and go slowly downhill. Near Khullara, Dronagiri, Hathi Ghoda, Kamet and Neelkanth come into view.
Khullara sits at about 3,350 metres (11,000 feet). You camp here for two nights, which means you sleep at that height the night before summit day.
Day 4: Khullara to Kuari Pass and back
This is the long day, usually 8 to 10 hours round trip. On paper the climb from camp to the pass is about 450 metres net, so time on your feet at altitude tests you more than any single steep section.
Start early, because mountain weather often turns by afternoon.
Day 5: Khullara to Pipalkoti
Walk down through the forest to Tugasi, then drive to Pipalkoti and check into a guesthouse. After three nights in camps, a proper bed helps.
Day 6: Pipalkoti to Rishikesh
The drive back is about 220 km and takes around 9 hours. Traffic and road work decide when you arrive, so skip same-evening trains and flights. Plan onward travel for the next morning. Late that night is the earliest that works.
Planning from Delhi: the Eight-Day Schedule
| Day | What happens |
|---|---|
| Day before Day 1 | Travel from Delhi to Rishikesh, 6 to 7 hours by bus, and sleep in Rishikesh |
| Day 1 | Drive to Tugasi |
| Days 2 to 5 | Walk to Gulling and Khullara, summit on Day 4, then walk down and drive to Pipalkoti |
| Day 6 | Drive back to Rishikesh and sleep there |
| Day after Day 6 | Travel from Rishikesh to Delhi |
That is eight days away from Delhi for a six-day trek, with roughly 480 km of road against 22 to 25 km on foot. Book your return ticket for the day after Day 6.
Kuari Pass Trek Difficulty
The Kuari Pass trek is graded moderate. The trail has no technical sections, only forest paths and open slopes. Cold nights, altitude and an 8 to 10 hour summit day do the real work. The first two walking days gain height gradually, so you have time to acclimatise before the pass.
Kuari Pass Trek for Beginners
First-time Himalayan trekkers can do this route if they are fit. That means walking briskly for hours on uneven ground, and a simple self-test is covering 5 km in about 35 minutes.
Train for four to six weeks with brisk walking, jogging or stair climbing, and break in your boots before you leave.
Best Time for the Kuari Pass Trek
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | December to February | Snow on the upper trail and cold nights. This is the Kuari Pass winter trek most people picture. |
| Spring | March and April | Snow melts from the lower camps first. Rhododendrons flower in the forest. |
| Summer | May and June | Mostly snow-free trail and warmer days. Clouds often build by afternoon, so start early. |
| Monsoon | July and August | Avoid. Rain, slippery trails and landslides on the roads. |
| Autumn | September to November | Clear skies after the monsoon and good mountain views. |
Book December to February if you want snow on this itinerary. Snowfall varies from year to year, so treat those months as likeliest, not guaranteed. Our batches run in the winter season.
How to Reach Rishikesh
Rishikesh is the start and the end point, and you should reach it the day before Day 1.
- From Delhi by road: about 240 km, 6 to 7 hours by bus from ISBT Kashmere Gate.
- By train: go to Haridwar, then take a road transfer of 25 to 30 km to Rishikesh.
- By air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is about 20 km from Rishikesh.
Kuari Pass Trek Cost and What is Included
The Kuari Pass trek package costs ₹17,500 from Rishikesh to Rishikesh.
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| 5 nights: 1 in a Tugasi homestay, 3 in camps at Gulling and Khullara, 1 in a Pipalkoti guesthouse | Included |
| Meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6 | Included |
| Road transport: Rishikesh to Tugasi, Tugasi to Pipalkoti, Pipalkoti to Rishikesh | Included |
| Trek leader or mountain guide and support staff | Included |
| Camping and kitchen set-up | Included |
| Basic first aid and emergency support | Included |
| Trekking equipment | As per the confirmed programme, so ask for the list |
| Forest permit | Not listed in the inclusions, so ask whether the fee is covered |
| Taxes | Not included if they are not part of the quoted price, so ask before you pay |
| Porter or mule for personal luggage | Not included |
| Travel and high-altitude insurance, including helicopter rescue cover | Not included |
| Meals not listed: breakfast and lunch on Day 1, lunch and dinner on Day 6 | Not included |
| Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry and tips | Not included |
| Extra costs from bad weather, roadblocks, landslides or delays | Not included |
When you compare operators, compare end to end. Some quote from a base village such as Pipalkoti or Joshimath and charge Rishikesh transport separately.
Kuari Pass Trek Packing List
- Waterproof boots with ankle support, and warm socks
- Thermal base layer, fleece, and a down or padded jacket (avoid cotton, which stays damp after a sweaty climb)
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Cap, gloves, neck warmer and UV sunglasses for snow glare
- Headlamp with spare batteries, and a power bank
- A thermos, because plain bottles can freeze on winter mornings
- Daypack with rain cover, and a trekking pole for descents
- Personal medicines, sunscreen and lip balm
Safety and Altitude
At about 3,815 metres, altitude sickness can affect fit people too. The CDC Yellow Book advises descending if symptoms get worse despite rest, and never going higher to sleep while you have symptoms. Confusion, loss of coordination and breathlessness at rest are emergency signs. Tell your trek leader at the first headache or bout of nausea.
Basic first aid travels with the team, as listed in the inclusions. Joshimath has the nearest medical facilities, and larger hospitals are hours away by road. Phone signal works in Joshimath but is patchy or missing on much of the trail, so tell family your schedule before you leave. Buy insurance that covers high altitude and evacuation, because the price does not.
Kuari Pass Trek Permit and Documents
A forest permit is needed for the trek. Carry your original government photo ID (Aadhaar, voter ID, driving licence or passport) and two photocopies. Ask us at booking how the permit is handled and whether a medical fitness certificate is needed.
Latest Updates for 2026-27
ETV Bharat reported in January 2026 that Uttarakhand was drafting trekking guidelines, including registration for trek operators. Later 2026 reports still describe the framework as proposed. Rules can change between seasons, so check the current requirement when you book.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Booking a same-evening train or flight on Day 6. Roads set your arrival time, so leave a buffer.
- Reaching Rishikesh on the morning of Day 1. Come the day before.
- Wearing new boots for the first time on the trail. Break them in beforehand.
- Packing cotton layers. Thermals and fleece dry faster and keep you warmer.
- Skipping training because there is no technical climbing. Summit day is still 8 to 10 hours on your feet.
- Counting on phones and ATMs. Withdraw cash in Rishikesh or Joshimath, because ATMs are limited near the trailhead.
Pro Tips
- Keep your warmest layer, gloves and headlamp in your daypack, within reach on summit day.
- Pack your daypack the night before summit day so the early start is calm.
- Charge your phone and power bank before you leave Rishikesh.
- Ask for the cancellation and refund terms in writing before you pay.
Why Himalayan Holidays
- Recognised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, as an Inbound Tour Operator and Adventure Tour Operator.
- Registered with the Indian Mountaineering Foundation, and listed as a member of ATOAI and IATO.
- Operated by Shikhar Travels India Pvt Ltd, with a branch at Shikhar Nature Resort, Uttarkashi.
- Inclusions and exclusions are listed above, line by line, before you pay.
FAQs
How high is Kuari Pass?
About 3,815 metres (12,516 feet). Published trek pages quote figures from 3,740 m to 4,265 m, probably because they measure Kuari Top, the pass or nearby points differently. Treat any single figure as approximate and ask your trek leader which point your group reaches.
How difficult is the Kuari Pass trek in winter?
It is graded moderate. There is no technical climbing, but snow, cold nights and an 8 to 10 hour summit day make it harder than the same walk in autumn. Fit walkers who train for a month or more usually manage it.
Is the Kuari Pass trek good for beginners?
Yes, for fit beginners. Fit means walking briskly for hours on uneven ground. Train for four to six weeks, break in your boots and tell your trek leader early if you feel unwell. It suits a first Himalayan pass better than a first night in a tent.
How many kilometres is the Kuari Pass trek?
Roughly 22 to 25 km of walking in total across the trekking days, with Day 4 the longest. The road adds about 260 km on Day 1 and about 220 km on Day 6. Ask us for day-by-day figures when you book.
How much does the Kuari Pass trek cost from Rishikesh?
The package costs ₹17,500 from Rishikesh to Rishikesh. It covers five nights of stay, the meals listed in the itinerary, a trek leader and the road transport in the itinerary. Insurance, porter or mule charges, unlisted meals and personal expenses are extra.
What is the best month for the Kuari Pass trek?
For snow, choose December to February. Spring and autumn give clear weather and good views, and July and August are best avoided because of the monsoon. Autumn suits you better if you want clear skies more than snow. Our batches run in the winter season, November to February.
How much snow can I expect on the Kuari Pass trek?
It varies from year to year. December to February is likeliest, but no operator can promise snow depth for a given batch. Pack for snow and cold either way, and expect more of it above Khullara. Ask us for recent trail conditions before you travel.
How do I reach Kuari Pass from Delhi?
Take a bus from Delhi to Rishikesh (about 240 km, 6 to 7 hours) or a train to Haridwar and a road transfer. Reach Rishikesh the day before Day 1, then drive to Tugasi, where the walking starts. Dehradun airport is about 20 km from Rishikesh if you fly.
Do I need a permit for the Kuari Pass trek?
Yes, a forest permit is needed. Carry original photo ID and two photocopies. Ask us at booking how the permit is handled and whether a medical fitness certificate is needed. Rules can change between seasons, so confirm the current requirement when you book.
What happens if bad weather stops the group before the pass?
Weather can force a turn-around, and turning back in bad weather is normal mountain practice. Mountain weather often turns by afternoon, which is why summit day starts early. Ask us before you book how your batch handles a turn-around, including refunds or an alternate viewpoint.
Is the Kuari Pass Trek Right for You?
Pick it if you walk regularly, want snow and a first Himalayan pass, and can spare eight days from Delhi. Pick something else if you want a short weekend trip, the full Curzon crossing from Ghat, or no cold nights in camp.
To book a Saturday batch, call +91-9717891151, message +91-9821088817 on WhatsApp or email tours@shikhar.com. Ask for the pickup point, the equipment list and the permit arrangements in writing.
Price & Inclusions
₹ 6,500/-
Inclusion Details
- Accommodation as per itinerary in homestay, camps and guesthouse.
- All meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Trekking and camping arrangements as per the programme.
- Services of trek leader / mountain guide and support staff.
- Camping and kitchen arrangements during the trek.
- Basic first-aid and emergency support during the trek.
- Transportation as specified in the itinerary.
- Trekking equipment, wherever included in the confirmed programme.
Exclusion
- Personal porter/mule charges for carrying individual luggage.
- Travel and high-altitude insurance, including helicopter rescue cover.
- Personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, tips and other purchases.
- Any additional expenses due to bad weather, roadblocks, landslides, delays or other unforeseen circumstances.
- Any service or expense not specifically mentioned under inclusions.
- Applicable taxes, if not included in the quoted price.
Enquire Now
Photo Gallery
Our Group Sites
