A great mix of mountains, meadows, and misty forests, a summer trek to Kuari Pass shows an untouched side of the Himalayas.
Nestled in the Chamoli district of Garhwal region in Uttarakhand, Kuari Pass affords some of the most rewarding views of the Himalayas — think majestic peaks like Kedarnath, Chaukhambha, Nilkantha, Nanda Devi, Trishul, and more!
At an altitude of 3,650 metres, Kuari Pass is an ideal pick for both expert trekkers and beginners. Popular as the Lord Curzon Trail, it is accessible for 10 months in the year (except July and August due to monsoons) and is a great option for a summer trek.
The six-day trek takes you through little hamlets, ridges, and thick forests of oak, deodar, and fir. Along the trail, you will stumble upon gurgling streams and cascading falls, with lush alpine grasslands playing the perfect backdrop. With each climb, witness a fresh new vista unfolding, brimming with rosy rhododendrons, pristine lakes, and green meadows during the summer.
During a winter trek, you might come across footprints of a rare Himalayan bear or leopard. You get to camp amidst lush meadows consisting of vast green pastures with breathtaking Himalaya views.
There are four popular routes to trek to Kuari Pass, starting from Joshimath. Pick the one that takes you through Auli and Gorson Bugyal to find stunning camping grounds and undulating slopes carpeted with rich greens. Or the one that takes you through the breathtaking Tapovan valley via Khulara.
Duration: 6 days, 5 nights
Difficulty level: Moderate
Starting point: Joshimath (513 km from Delhi; driving via Rishikesh is ideal.)
Weather during summer months (May-June): Clear sky with fresh mountain air; hot mornings and cold nights
Trip organiser: Travel curators like India Hikes, Outdoor Monks, and Thrillophilia have dedicated packages for the Kuari Pass trek.
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