NamasteTrip
6 DaysFrom₹9,500
Kedarkantha Trek
A snowy summit trek through whispering pine forests and open Himalayan meadows.
🏔️ Himalayan Panorama Trek
Kuari Pass Trek
Follow the legendary Curzon Trail through oak forests and snowy meadows to reach Kuari Pass (12,516 ft) — a window to the grandest Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi and Dronagiri.
₹9,800 + GSTPer person
6 Days / 5 NightsDuration
Easy–ModerateGrade
Karchi VillageBase
Quick facts
Quick Facts – Kuari Pass Trek
🥾 Grade
Easy to Moderate trek, ideal for beginners.
🕒 Duration
6 Days / 5 Nights (22 km approx.)
⛰️ Maximum Altitude
12,516 ft (Kuari Pass Summit)
🏕️ Basecamp
Karchi Village, Uttarakhand
🏔️ Major Peaks Visible
Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Chaukhamba, Neelkanth
💪 Fitness Level
Walk 5 km in 45 minutes comfortably.
🚐 Pickup / Drop
Rishikesh 6:30 AM → 6 PM.
Quick answer
What is the Kuari Pass Trek?
The Kuari Pass Trek is a 6 days / 5 nights, easy–moderate trek from Karchi Village in Garhwal, Uttarakhand (highest point: 12,516 ft (Kuari Pass Summit)). Suitable for beginners who prepare well and for regular walkers. Expect 5–7 hours of walking a day, some steep sections and one early-morning summit push. It costs ₹9,800 + 5% GST per person and is ideal for first-time Himalayan trekkers, snow lovers (Dec – Feb), meadow and rhododendron season (Mar – Jun), a one-week holiday.
📍 About the region
Garhwal is the western half of Uttarakhand — home to the Char Dham shrines, the Ganga and Yamuna headwaters and dozens of classic beginner treks. Villages here grow rajma, potatoes and apples, and many trek routes start at the last road-head village, where homestays and local guides support the trail.
Follow the Curzon Trail to breathtaking views of the Nanda Devi range.
📅 Best time for the Kuari Pass Trek
| December – February | Snow on the trail and summit, clear blue skies and sub-zero nights. The classic snow-trek season. |
|---|---|
| March – June | Melting snow, rhododendron blooms, green meadows and longer days — comfortable temperatures for camping. |
Group departures run through the season; the booking calendar opens for this month and next month. Weather in the mountains changes quickly — your trek leader may adjust the schedule for safety.
🏔️ Kuari Pass Trek – The Curzon Trail of the Himalayas
The Kuari Pass Trek is a legendary Himalayan route once explored by Lord Curzon. Over six days, walk through oak forests, alpine meadows, and snowfields to reach the 12,516 ft high pass — with an unbeatable view of Nanda Devi and surrounding peaks. A perfect blend of history, scenery, and serenity.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Rishikesh ➝ Karchi Village (7,000 ft)
Begin your Himalayan journey with a scenic drive through Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Joshimath, following the turquoise Alaknanda River. Reach Karchi by evening — a peaceful base village surrounded by forests and rolling mountain slopes.
💰 Transport: ₹1,200 + 5% GST (one way). Pre-book your cab in advance.
Day 2
Karchi ➝ Gulling Top (9,600 ft)
Start your trek through oak, rhododendron, and maple trees. The forest hums with birds and the air grows cooler as you climb. Camp at Gulling Top, a stunning open patch with mesmerizing views of Mt Dronagiri at sunset.
Day 3
Gulling ➝ Khullara Camp (11,100 ft)
The trail opens into meadows as you ascend higher. Snow carpets the ground in winter, and every turn frames new peaks — Chaukhamba, Hathi Ghoda, and Nanda Devi. Pitch your tents at Khullara, one of the most scenic campsites in Uttarakhand.
Day 4
Summit Day: Khullara ➝ Kuari Pass ➝ Khullara
Start before sunrise for the big climb to Kuari Pass. The summit opens to a grand Himalayan amphitheatre with a 270° panorama — from Kamet to Neelkanth, with the mighty Nanda Devi rising above all. After soaking in the view, descend to Khullara for a well-earned rest.
Day 5
Khullara ➝ Tugasi ➝ Joshimath
A gentle downhill walk takes you through charming villages and rhododendron forests to Tugasi. From there, a short drive brings you to Joshimath for a comfortable night’s stay.
Day 6
Joshimath ➝ Rishikesh
💰 Transport: ₹1,200 + 5% GST (one way). Shared cabs arranged by team.
⚠️ Trek Notes
- Distances and altitude values are approximate and may vary slightly depending on route conditions.
- Weather or snow conditions can affect campsite selection and daily schedule.
- Cab charges are extra and payable directly to drivers.
- Carry a valid ID, warm clothing, and follow your trek leader’s instructions for safety.
Cost of the Kuari Pass Trek
The trek has one fixed per-person price, so there are no surprises. Transport from the pickup city, rental gear and meals can be added when you book.
| Trek fee (per person) | ₹9,800 |
|---|---|
| GST @ 5% | ₹490 |
| Total per person | ₹10,290 |
| Group of 4 (total) | ₹41,160 |
| Add-on: Transport | + ₹2,000 per person |
| Add-on: Equipment Rental | + ₹1,500 per person |
| Add-on: Meals | + ₹1,000 per person |
Fitness & preparation
Suitable for beginners who prepare well and for regular walkers. Expect 5–7 hours of walking a day, some steep sections and one early-morning summit push. At high altitude (highest point: 12,516 ft (Kuari Pass Summit)), the air holds noticeably less oxygen, so walk slowly, drink 3–4 litres of water a day and tell your trek leader about headaches or nausea early.
- Walk or jog 5 km, 4–5 days a week for 4 weeks before the trek.
- Climb stairs with a light backpack to build leg strength.
- Practise breathing and stretching; sleep well in the days before.
- Tell your trek leader about any health conditions before starting.
🚐 How to reach Karchi Village
Pickup / drop: Rishikesh 6:30 AM → 6 PM.
- By air: Jolly Grant Airport (DED) – about 20 km from Rishikesh (35–45 minutes by taxi).
- By train: Yog Nagari Rishikesh station or Haridwar Junction (25 km), both well connected to Delhi.
- By road: Buses from Delhi reach Rishikesh in about 6–7 hours; taxis take roughly 5–6 hours.
💡 Stay near the pickup point the night before — mountain drives start at 6:30 AM. Compare fares on our flight search.
🎒 What to pack
- Trekking shoes with good grip (broken in)
- Three warm layers + a down/padded jacket
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Woollen cap, gloves and 3–4 pairs of socks
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm
- Water bottle (1–2 L) and snacks
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Personal medicines and a basic first-aid kit
- Government photo ID (for forest permits)
Gallery
Kuari Pass Trek photos
Fact check
Key facts & sources
The Kuari Pass Trek costs ₹9,800 per person plus 5% GST (₹490), a total of ₹10,290, with NamasteTrip in 2026. The trek takes 6 days and 5 nights, starts from Karchi Village, is graded easy–moderate and reaches about 12,516 ft. The price is fixed per person, and transport from the pickup city, rental gear and meals can be added when booking.
Nanda Devi (7,817 m), India’s second-highest mountain, dominates the skyline on this trek. The surrounding Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, extended in 2005, and UNESCO describes them as home to rare species such as the snow leopard and the Himalayan musk deer.
Altitude sickness can affect anyone above about 2,500 metres (8,200 ft), according to the UK National Health Service (NHS). Above 3,000 metres the NHS advises sleeping no more than 500 metres higher than the previous night and taking a rest day every 3 to 4 days. Tell your trek leader immediately if you develop a headache, nausea or dizziness.
Sources
- NHS (UK National Health Service) – Altitude sickness — altitude thresholds, symptoms and prevention
- India Meteorological Department – forecasts and weather warnings — official weather forecasts
- Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board — official Uttarakhand travel information
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre – Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks — inscribed in 1988, extended in 2005
Last reviewed on 6 October 2026 by the NamasteTrip team.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have a question? Message us on WhatsApp — a real person replies.
How much does the Kuari Pass Trek cost?
The Kuari Pass Trek costs ₹9,800 per person + 5% GST with NamasteTrip. Optional add-ons: Transport (₹2,000), Equipment Rental (₹1,500), Meals (₹1,000).
How many days is the Kuari Pass Trek?
It is a 6 Days / 5 Nights trek starting from Karchi Village in Garhwal, Uttarakhand.
How difficult is the Kuari Pass Trek?
It is graded Easy–Moderate. Recommended fitness: Walk 5 km in 45 minutes comfortably.
What is the maximum altitude of the Kuari Pass Trek?
12,516 ft (Kuari Pass Summit)
What is the best time for the Kuari Pass Trek?
NamasteTrip runs this trek in December – February and March – June.
Where does the Kuari Pass Trek start?
Base: Karchi Village. Pickup / drop: Rishikesh 6:30 AM → 6 PM.
How do I reach the Kuari Pass Trek base camp?
The group transfer leaves from Rishikesh 6:30 AM. By air: Jolly Grant Airport (DED) – about 20 km from Rishikesh (35–45 minutes by taxi). By train: Yog Nagari Rishikesh station or Haridwar Junction (25 km), both well connected to Delhi.
Is the Kuari Pass Trek safe for beginners and solo travellers?
Suitable for beginners who prepare well and for regular walkers. Expect 5–7 hours of walking a day, some steep sections and one early-morning summit push. Every departure is led by an experienced trek leader with local guides, and many of our trekkers join solo — including solo women travellers.
What is the total cost of the Kuari Pass Trek with GST?
₹9,800 + 5% GST (₹490) = ₹10,290 per person. Optional add-ons such as transport, gear rental and meals are charged per person.
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