Kuari Pass Trek
16 Days | Trekking 10 Days
This is a classic Garhwal trek along the famous Curzon trail - named after Lord Curzon, the viceroy of India after he walked this route. Our carefully planned itinerary balances fabulous walking and sublime views across the Himalayas while trudging to local villages and holy pilgrimage sites along upper Ganges.
Tour Profile
The Garhwal Region, dominated by the awe-inspiring Nanda Devi Sanctuary, is arguably the centre piece of the Indian Himalaya. The area to the west is known as the outer sanctuary and makes for a superb region for walking, with magnificent panoramas of Nanda Devi, Trishul and the Badrinath peaks.
Starting from Delhi we journey north into the mountains to the town of Srinagar, the largest centre in the Garhwal hills (not to be confused with Kashmir’s capital city). After a short drive into the mountains we reach the trailhead at the village of Lohajung. From here we follow part of the approach route used by the 1936 expedition of Shipton and Tilman, which takes us through remote villages, forests and alpine pastures skirting the edge of the Sanctuary. We trek in the shadow of the great peak of Trishul before ascending the Kuari Pass (at 4268 metres - the highest point on the route). From here we appreciate amazing views of the north region across the main Himalaya range towards Tibet.
The tour concludes with visits to Joshimath and Rishikesh - sacred towns located on the Ganges and the destination for thousands of Hindu pilgrims each year. From here we return to Delhi.
Tour Highlights
- Nanda Devi from the Kuari Pass (4268 metres) – a spectacular view.
- Dense forests of oak, pine, rhododendron and deodar- a walking pleasure.
- Remote villages, terraced farms and breathtaking views – a delight to the heart and eyes.
- Rishikesh and Joshimath – exciting holy and pilgrimage towns.
Tour Itinerary
-
Please note: You can use this itinerary as a guide to fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places visited, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have.
-
DAY 01 - Delhi
Arrive in Delhi. Arrive at the international airport of Delhi. After the traditional welcome transfer to the hotel. Overnight Hotel
-
DAY 02 - Srinagar
Train to Haridwar & Drive to Srinagar (150 kms/05 hrs). Board the early morning train to Haridwar and drive to Srinagar, a small town in Uttarakhand. Overnight Hotel
-
DAY 03 - Lohajung
Drive from Srinagar to Lohajung (2234m). Drive to Lohajung through Alaknanda Valley. Enjoy stunning views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti (2234m). Camp overnight at Lohajung. Overnight Camp
-
DAY 04 - Didiyana
Lohajung – Didana (2634m; 13 kms drive and 4 hrs walk). Start of the trek today; walk through the forests of Didana through Gyana Ganga Valley and through rhododendrons and fir forests. Overnight Camp
-
DAY 05 - Bedini Bugyal
Didana – Bedini Bugyal (3354m;5-6 hrs). Trek through alpine meadows of Ali Bugyal to Bedni Bugyal, said to be one of the most stunning alpine viewpoints in the Himalayas. Overnight Camp
-
DAY 06 - Vaan
Bedni Bugyal – Vaan (2540m; 4-5 hrs). Trek to the typical Garhwali village of Vaan after having enjoyed walking through Bhugu Basa, a picturesque valley. Overnight Camp
-
DAY 07 - Sutol
Vaan – Kunol – Sutol (2200m;6-7 hrs). Trek through villages and forests to Sutol but not before crossing the Kulkin Khal Pass at 3069m that divides Nandakini and Vaan valleys. Overnight Camp
-
DAY 08 - Dekhandhar
Sutol – Dekhandhar (2200m;4-5 hrs). Trek to Dekhandar through the heart of Nanda Devi Country. Continue through charming villages until Dekhander emerges with stunning views of Trishul. Overnight Camp
-
DAY 09 - Ramani
Dekhandhar – Ramani (2550m;4-5 hrs). Trek through villages and open meadows with views of the snow peaks of Nanda Ghunti and Trishul peaks, to Ramani,a small village. Overnight Camp
-
DAY 10 - Kalighat
Ramani – Cross the Ramani Pass (3064m) – Kalighat (6-7 hrs) In the long day that is relatively harder, cross the Ramani Pass and descend to the Birehi gorge and climb to Kalighat. Overnight Camp
-
DAY 11 - Dhakwani
Kalighat – Sartoli – Dhakwani (3341m;5-6 hrs). Trek to the base of Kuari Pass and Dhakwani through steep loose section of the trail that has carved out a deep rocky gorge where there is no habitation. Overnight Camp
-
DAY 12 - Talli
Dhakwani – Cross the Kuari Pass (4268m) – Talli (6-7hrs). Start early today to cross Kuari Pass from where there are beautiful views all around. The trail descends past several streams before it reaches Talli, with clear and close view of Nanda Devi. Overnight Camp
-
DAY 13 - Auli
Talli – Auli (4-5 hrs). Descend through the narrow trail that requires cautious walking to Auli. Here Nanda Devi peak dominates all the other peaks.The trek ends here. Overnight Camp/Lodge
-
DAY 14 - Rishikesh
Auli – Rishikesh (270 kms; 8-9 hrs drive) Today brace for a long drive to Rishikesh, one of the holy cities for Hindus. In the evening visit the river Ghats and ashram to watch the prayer ceremony. Overnight Hotel
-
DAY 15 - Delhi
Rishikesh – Delhi (240 kms; 8-9 hrs drive) Today there is another long drive to Delhi; en route visit Haridwar, another holy city under Hinduism. Watch the ceremonies being performed on the Ghats of the holy Ganges. Overnight Hotel
-
DAY 16 - Delhi
Departure Delhi. Today is a free day to relax or to explore Old and New Delhi. Evening transfer to the international airport for flights to respective destinations.
Send an enquiry
Flexibility Guaranteed! Using the above itinerary as a guide you can fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have. On receiving your enquiry we will respond with prices and work with you to create a truly personalised holiday experience that is in your budget and personal style.
