There are longer treks and higher treks, but few walks deliver a moment like cresting the Kuari Pass trek's namesake col and meeting Nanda Devi — India's second-highest peak — face to face. This is the historic Curzon Trail out of Joshimath in Chamoli, a Moderate 6-day route through oak forests, mountain villages and the golden meadows of Gorson Bugyal.
What is the Kuari Pass trek route?
Day 1 is the classic 250 km Alaknanda valley drive from Haridwar or Rishikesh past Devprayag, Rudraprayag and Karnaprayag to Joshimath (6,150 ft). Day 2 drives to Dhak, then climbs 6 km through villages and terraced fields to the forest camp at Gulling (9,600 ft). Day 3 is a shaded 5 km forest day to the Khullara meadow at 11,010 ft, beneath the Dronagiri wall.
Day 4 is pass day: 9 km over open ridges to Kuari Pass at 12,516 ft — Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Kamet and Hathi-Ghoda all present — then down to the forest camp at Tali. Day 5 crosses the vast Gorson Bugyal to Auli past the ski slopes, and Day 6 drives back to Rishikesh.
When should you do Kuari Pass?
Two seasons: September to December for crystal post-monsoon skies and early snow, and March to April for spring snow walks. We carry micro-spikes in the snow months. Autumn gives the sharpest views of Nanda Devi; late winter gives you the pass under white.
How difficult is the Kuari Pass trek?
Rated Moderate. The pass day is 9 km over 8 hours, so build up to comfortable 8-10 km walks with a loaded pack over six weeks. It is a superb first pass crossing for trekkers stepping up from beginner trails.
What is the Kuari Pass trek cost?
The package is ₹12,999 + 5% GST per person: all meals on trek, alpine tents with sleeping bags and mats, micro-spikes in snow months, trek leader and local guides, and forest permits and camping charges. The Rishikesh-Joshimath shareable cab and offloading are separate.
How to reach Joshimath?
Train to Haridwar or Rishikesh, then the 10-hour shared cab up the Alaknanda. It is a long drive, but it passes some of the most sacred river confluences in India — Devprayag alone is worth the window seat.
Do you need permits?
Forest division permits for the Curzon Trail are required; we arrange them and they are included. Bring a government photo ID and two photos.
See Nanda Devi for yourself
Autumn batches book out by August most years. Reserve your spot on our Kuari Pass page and walk the trail a Viceroy made famous.
