About kuari pass:-
Located in the heart of the Garhwal Himalayas, the Kuari Pass is one of the most spectacular treks in Uttarakhand. Being an easy trek, it is an absolute blessing for anyone who is not ready for a strenuous journey and still wants to experience the wonderful feeling of walking along the relatively unspoiled jungle trails. The maximum altitude of the trek is 12,763 feet.
History of kuari pass:-
In 1905 Lord Curzon trekked from Ghat to Kuari Pass. The route he followed is now known as the famous Lord Curzon Marg and the Kuari is now a well-known name. But in those days this pass had no name. Then Lord Curzon choose this particular name for the pass.
Key attractive of kuari pass:-
- Ancient Forest:- During your visit to the Kuari Pass, you will get to witness the lush green beauty of the pristine forests. It is believed that these oaks and rhododendrons are almost ancient. Walking among the trees, you get to witness sweeping views of the incredible scenery of nature.
- Camp site:- These camps in Kuari introduce you to some other level of fun and excitement. Agree that trekking is not a piece of cake, however, when you are on an adventure it is the happy moments, which matter the most and help you bond with your tribe. There are mainly two camps, namely Chitrakantha Campsite and Khullara Campsite.
- Mountain views:- From day one, you get to see the most amazing views of the Himalayan peaks like Mount Nanda Devi and Dronagiri. And, as you go further, you get to see more and more mountains and the open sky welcomes you with its breathtaking views.
Highlights of kuari pass:-
Several areas of the trek allow you a 360-degree view of the Himalayan peaks which undoubtedly form the heart of the trek. It offers a view of the peaks from the 7000 m club including the majestic twin peaks of Trishul (7120 m), Kamet (7756 m), Nanda Devi (7817 m), Chaukhamba (7128 m) and Nanda Devi East (7434 m). Other major peaks that make their appearance include Mukut Parvat, Mana, Rishi Pahar, and many such mountain peaks like Changbang, Nanda Ghunti, Hathi Ghoda Parvat, Neelkanth, Dronagiri and so on.
How to reach kuari pass:-
To reach here, you must first visit Rishikesh which is a popular spiritual getaway. Although people mainly visit Rishikesh to find their inner peace, sometimes it is also about adventure and finding that fast-paced thrill. Rishikesh is located at a distance of 241, 1,641, 1,494, 2,356 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore respectively.
The route from Rishikesh goes like this: Rishikesh-Joshimath-Chitrakhana-Tali Top-Kuari Pass via Khullara/Tali Top.
By Air:-
To reach here you have to get down from Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport which is located 20-30 km away from Rishikesh. It is advisable to take a connecting flight from Delhi or Chandigarh if you are planning to go here via air travel
By Train:-
If you are planning to travel by train then get down at Haridwar station which is located around 20-25 km away. Haridwar has good train connectivity with many Indian cities and cities like Varanasi, Delhi, Chandigarh Lucknow and others.
By Bus:-
Then first reach Rishikesh, which has overall good road connectivity with other areas. But to travel here by road, you need to have some prior experience of traveling/driving in mountains.
Best time to visit kuari pass:-
In mid march to June-
During these months, the pass melts away the remaining snow, separated by brightly colored meadows and trees that become a rich emerald green. During these months, the Gorson Bugyal develops a rich green cover.
The walk is less busy during these months, so you can experience it in more seclusion and peace. The temperature during the day is quite hot, ranging from 18 °C to 24 °C, while at night it ranges from 3 °C to 8 °C.
In July to November:-
Monsoon months offer the biggest trekking opportunities at Kauri Pass. After the monsoon season, the meadows and forests swell and shimmer to life. The perfect weather during these months attracts a large number of hikers.
During these months, the astonishingly clear and sharp views of the lofty Dronagiri and Nanda Devi peaks along with pleasant weather patterns are unmatched. By the end of November the days get shorter and the nights start getting colder. The temperature ranges between 10 to 15 °C during the day and drops to 0 °C at night.
Location of Kuari pass:-
Kuari means “gate” and Kuari Pass is a Himalayan high mountain pass located in the Garhwal region. It is located to the south of the Tibetan border and on the western rim of the “Nanda Devi Sanctuary” Biosphere Reserve.
Kuari Pass can be reached by four different paths.
- Trek Route 1 or Curzon Trail: Ghat, Ramani, Sanatoli to Kuari Pass.The Ghat is a small friendly settlement in the Nandakini Valley and is located about 19 km from Nandprayag. From the ghat, the trekking route goes through Ramani, Sarkot, Jhenjipatni, Pana, Irani, Santoli and Domabhiti to the Kuari Pass.
- Trek Route 2: Joshimath, Auli, and Gorson to Kuari Pass From Auli, the trekking route winds its way though bugyal and rich lush green forests, always keeping the Himalayas in mind, to Gelgarh and Kuari. The camping ground is an absolute delight – an area of undulating slopes, carpeted with rich, green grass and set in beautiful natural surroundings. From Tali to Chitrakantha, there is only one goat track and horses and mules cannot go here.
- Trek Route 3: Joshimath, Mirag, Tugasi and Khulara to Kuari Pass. The trek starts from Joshimath to Gelgarh via Mirag, Tugasi and Khulara and the Kuari Pass is popular for those who are not interested in the bugyals of Auli and Gorson.
- Trek Route 4: Tapovan, Khulara to Kuari Pass (05 days).The trek starts from Tapovan, which is 16 km away on the main road from Joshimath to Malari. The trek begins and ends with a climb and takes you through the spectacular Tapovan valley. Although it is the shortest route and meets the third trek at Khulra, the climb on this route is very difficult and tiring. It is always better to climb this route.
What is the Kuari Pass Trek famous for?
This is famous among tourists as Trekking, Pass, Expedition, Snow Trek, Winter Trek, Lord Curzon Trail, Viceroy Hunting Trail. This Trek is the recommended destination for foreigners, groups, solo. Kuari Trek is a popular destination for following activities/interests – Adventure, Camping, Christmas & New Year, High Altitude Mountain Pass, Trekking, Winter Trek.
Travel tip for Kuari pass:-
Check out the pointers below to stay fit, fine and safe on this adventurous vacation.
- You need to have proper control over your body. Hence, you are advised to neither consume alcohol nor smoke as trekking requires a balanced body. Keep in mind that losing control of your body can lead to a catastrophic event.
- A traveler needs to pack his/her medicine in luggage as you hardly find any medical shop at such a height.
- Carry a good pair of trekking shoes that fit you and have proper grip as walking uncomfortable in the mountains will hamper your entire journey.
- Make sure to carry basic essentials like valid ID proof, sufficient cash, a fully charged camera, a power bank, and such other items.
- Maintain the cleanliness of the Himalayan region by not throwing garbage here and there.
- Don’t forget to pack trekking pants, windproof jackets, warm and thick wool, socks, thermal innerwear, sweaters, wool gloves and other essential clothing items.
- One needs to be both physically and mentally fit and healthy while visiting a new place, therefore, we advise you to plan this trek only when you are physically fit and have a good state of mind.
