5D/4N
Duration
Moderate
Grade
6/10
Physicality
25 Km
Trail Length
3850 m/12630 ft
Highest Point

Winter Kuari Pass trek:

  • For group tour dates check the booking calendar (green marked dates) available on this page.
  • Private/customised treks for your own group/family is open as per your preferred date. TREK FEE will be same for a group of 8 to 10 persons i.e. ₹ 9950 + 5% GST per person (Joshimath to Joshimath). For lower (min of 4) or higher number of group members, TREK FEE will increase or decrease.

About the trek:

Winter Kuari Pass trek is an essential snow trek for trekkers and adventure seekers during November to April. The trail offers you exquisite panoramic views of the central Garhwal peaks and delightful snow to walk upon. The circuit from Joshimath doesn’t involve crossing the Kuari pass and approachable during winter and spring, when the snow conditions deter trekking  along Kuari Pass on Curzon’s trail.

Although you can’t see Nanda Devi from the pass itself, you can witness a vast panorama starting from north east and moving from right to left. All major peaks of Badrinath valley and finally stretching to Kedarnath valley peaks on west. Dronagiri, Changabang, Rishi, Mukut, Kamet, Abi Gamin, Mana, Hathi, Ghoda, Neelkanth and Chaukhamba massif to name a few! You will see the unmistakable Nanda Devi from Tali and Gurson Bugyal.

view-from-winter-kuari-pass-trek-after-fresh-snow
Winter Kuari Pass trek: A view from Pass (PC: Ayan)
standing-at-kuari-pass
@ Kuari Pass (~ 3850 m/12630 ft)
nandadevi-dronagiri-winter-kuari-pass-trek
Dronagiri (L) and Nanda Devi (R), PC : Pratik

Starting from October weather becomes clear and you can view mesmerising vista throughout the trek. On a regular winter in starts snowing between late November to early December. As the winter progresses, deposited snow increases and reaching a maximum during February. Exquisite campsites add more charm and delight. You will camp inside conifer forest at Tali.

walking-on-snow-at-gurson-bugyal-winter-kuari-pass-trek
On the way to Auli over Gurson Bugyal
snowing-at-tali-forest-camp
Tali Forest Camp: Snowing in mid November

This is not all! Once the tree line ends, landscape switch into fur flung meadows. From Khullara to Kuari pass, you will walk on these grassy slopes. Towards the end of the trek, you will cross Gurson Bugyal, a prominent meadows of the Himalayas.

Brief Itinerary:

Day 1:  Drive from Rishikesh to Joshimath – 10/11 hours – 250 Km. Lodge accommodation.
Day 2: Drive to Dhak (7000 ft) – 10 Km – 30 minutes. Trek to Upper Guling (9,650) ft – 6 Km – 4 hours. Camp.
Day 3: Upper Guling (9,650) ft to Kuari Pass (12,630 ft) – 5 hours – return to Lower Khulara (11,100 ft) – total 12 – Km – 8/9 hours. Camp.
Day 4: Lower Khulara to Auli (8600 ft) via Gurson Bugyal – 8 Km –  4/5 hours. Drive to Joshimath – 14 Km – 45 mins. Lodge/hotel.
Day 5: Drive from Joshimath to Rishikesh- 250 Km – 10 hours. Haridwar is another hour from here ~ 1 hour.

You need to reach Rishikesh on Day 1 morning by 6 am latest or the night before. Similarly book your return tickets from Rishikesh on Day 5 evening, 8 pm evening or later.

Note:
  • From Oct 2018, due to an order from Uttarakhand High Court, one is NOT allowed to camp on alpine meadows/grasslands, locally called “Bugyal”. In this trek our high camp will be at Khulara. We will visit Kuari Pass and return. Itinerary duration will remain same, 5 days, Haridwar to Haridwar including 3 days of trek.
  • If you wish to attempt Pangarchulla peak along with Kuari Pass, then you will require one more trekking day. Tali Forest camp to Pangarchulla is an arduous trek around 10/12 hours. Check here our Pangarchulla peak trek with Kuari Pass trek for details.

Altitude and distance profile graph for Winter Kuari Pass trek

Below graph will give you an idea of places and corresponding altitude, day wise elevation, ascents and descents on the trail.

winter-kuari-pass-trek-distance-and-altitude-graph-chart
Kuari Pass trek: Altitude Vs Distance profile

Clothing and expected temperature in Kuari Pass trek during winters:

It is important to carry proper clothing in winter as the campsite temperatures are sub zero in winter.

Winter:  From November the daytime temp remains cool and nights are cold.  Late night/early morning  temperatures will be minimum as you camp higher. At Lower Khullara and  Tali Jungle Camp temperature may go down to -10° C/-15° C as winter progresses during December to February. Though inside tent the temperature will be somewhat 8°C  to 10°C warmer than outside but still can be freezing.

Three layers of clothing is mandatory in the campsite while outside tent.

a) A thermal base layer (warm woolly-cot material).
b) A heavy jacket (Double layer or Fleece jacket ) as middle layer.
c) A windproof cum waterproof with hood as the outer layer.

You will not require the thermal base layer from May to October.

Don’t forget to check and download the “list of things that you need to carry during Winter Kuari Pass trek“.

Spring & Summer : Day time weather remains warm and pleasant. Night/early morning temperatures at camp sites  can be from 10°C (lower camps) to 2°C (higher camps)

Access to Winter Kuari Pass trek base (Joshimath):

We will arrange a pickup  from Rishikesh to Joshimath and drop from Joshimath to Rishikesh/Haridwar. This will be shared by the team members on actual basis and paid directly to the driver.

The fare is as per following:
Rishikesh to Joshimath: ₹ 7500 for a Tata Sumo/Bolero and ₹ 10500 for a Tempo Traveller, one way.

Above is NOT included in TREK FEE.

To reach the trek base Joshimath independently/public transportation check the details in GETTING THERE TAB.

Why treks with HT?

Expertise:10 years on ground experience
Support staff:Qualified local & office staff
Group size:Small groups up to 15
Insurance:Travel insured trek and tour itinerary
Easy Bookings:25% Booking Deposit

 Duration: 3 days of trek; Rishikesh/Haridwar to Haridwar in 5 days.

Prerequisite: Prior trekking experience is desired with good physical fitness.

 Highest Point: Kuari ~ 3850 m/12630 ft

 Grade: Moderate

Physicality: 6/10

 Trail Length: 25 Km

 Seasons: November to April (Winter & Spring)

 Access: Trek starting point (trek base) is Joshimath, 275 Km from Haridwar.

Rail station: Haridwar (STN Code: HW)

 Airport: Delhi, Dehradun (Airport Code: DED)

 Map:

Upcoming scheduled dates for Winter Kuari Pass trek: 

  • You can check the scheduled Fixed Departure dates in the calendar available inside Booking Form or inside REGISTER NOW form. Tour starting Dates are highlighted as per our itinerary (Day 1 of  5 days itinerary).
  • At present BOOK NOW functionality is disabled. You can get all the information in your email by submitting the REGISTER NOW form.
  • If you are a group of people and available dates are not matching then you may select Custom date mode (by clicking the Select your custom date) and fill in the displayed form.
  • You can also check all the available dates at a glance in our TREK CALENDAR.
  • Trekkers need to reach Haridwar on Day 1 morning (latest by 6 am). Return to Haridwar on Day 7 late evening (8-9 pm). Arrange your tickets for inward journey and return accordingly.
DEPARTURE LOCATION Haridwar railway station
REPORTING TIME 6:00 AM for a prompt departure to Joshimath (Day 1)
RETURN LOCATION Haridwar
RETURN TIME Approximately 8:00/9:00 PM (Day 5)

How to reach Joshimath (The trek base):

Nearest Rail station: Haridwar (Station Code: HW)

Nearest Airport: Delhi, Dehradun (Airport Code: DED)

Haridwar is well connected by train from Delhi . Frequent regular and Volvo bus service from Delhi Kashmiri Gate ISBT. To reach the trek base Joshimath you need to reach Haridwar on your own arrangements.

We will arrange a pick up and drop from Haridwar to Joshimath and back. This will be shared equally by the team members on actual basis. You pay directly to the driver/transporter. The fare is ₹ 7000 for a Tata Sumo/Mahindra Maxx one way. These can accommodate 6 to 8 people. Similarly a Tempo Traveller charges ₹ 10000 one way, which can accommodate 12 people. This is NOT included in the TREK FEE and payable directly to the driver.

If you want to reach and return from Joshimath by public vehicle then:

  • Take early morning bus service from Haridwar to directly Badrinath or till Joshimath. Direct buses leave by 5 am. The state operated Bus terminus referred as Roadways/ISBT) is just opposite to the railway station. Privately operated buses start just 2 minutes walking from here. In the summer during Char Dham Yatra, buses are packed. It takes 11/12 hours to reach Joshimath.
  • You will also get private and govt busses from Rishikesh (ISBT and adjacent bus stand for hills) to Joshimath till 6 am in the morning. It will take 10 to 12 hours on an average.
  • From Joshimath early in the morning board the direct bus for Haridwar/Rishikesh. It will take 11/12 hours. From Rishikesh, it is only 25 Km journey to Haridwar by frequent bus service.

How to reach Haridwar:

For the treks in Garhwal, one has to reach Haridwar normally. Rishikesh is another 25 Km from here and is considered a gateway to Garhwal Himalayas. You can fly or by train reach New Delhi as per your convenience from any part within India.

There are direct trains from Kolkata to Haridwar.

KUMBHA EXPRESS – Train No. – 12369 ( Very good option to reach Haridwar by 5 pm; Spend the night in Haridwar and start your onward journey by car next morning)

UPASANA EXPRESS – Train No. – 12327 ( Very good option to reach Haridwar by 5 pm; Spend the night in Haridwar and start your onward journey by car next morning)

DOON EXPRESS – Train No. – 13009 (Don’t book this train when you plan a long onward journey immediately nn the same morning)]

Avoid booking wait listed (WL) tickets in AC classes (1A/2A/3A) or Chair Car (CC). Book Sleeper class (SL)/Second Sitting class (2S) tickets which have normally more seats/berth and hence much better chance to get confirmed.

You can easily reach Haridwar from New Delhi by train or bus (~ 5/6 hours) and is around 210 Km.

By train:

Following trains are good to reach Haridwar and run daily.

DDN JANSHTBDI – Train No. 12055 (Arrives HW in the evening @ 7:30 pm, good choice when you stay the night in Haridwar and have a long drive ahead next day)
NANDA DEVI EXP – Train No. 12205 (arrives HW early morning @ 4am)
UTKAL EXPRESS – Train No. 18477 (arrives HW in the night @ 9pm)
MUSSOORIE EXP – Train No. 14041 (arrives HW in the morning @ 5:45am)
Always avoid booking waitlisted (WL) tickets in AC classes (1A/2A/3A) or Chair Car (CC). Book Sleeper class (SL)/Second Sitting class (2S) tickets which have normally more seats/berth and hence much better chance to get confirmed.

By bus:

Govt. Road Transport (Roadways of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab etc.) buses are frequently available in day time and night from Kashmiri Gate ISBT (http://www.delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/doit_transport/Transport/Home/ISBT/Fare+Chart). Tickets are available on board for these regular type buses. From Delhi Airport or Station you can reach ISBT Kashmiri Gate via Delhi Metro service (http://www.delhimetrorail.com/metro-fares.aspx). It is only 4 Km from NDLS and can be reached easily by booking an auto rickshaw.

For privately operated bus, you can book online from different portals (http://www.redbus.in). Select a boarding point suitably. Overnight Volvo/A.C/Push back bus service.

Nearest Airport Jolly Grant near Dehradun (Airport code: DED) is 35 Km away from Haridwar. This airport is accessed from Dehradun, Haridwar and Rishikesh easily. The flights are mostly via Delhi.
Regarding night accommodations in Haridwar:

Trekkers reaching on the previous day before the journey to the actual trek base need to stay the night in Haridwar. There are several options in Haridwar for spending a night while staying in Premium, Standard or Budget accommodation. Options vary from Privately operated Hotels/Lodges, to State run Tourist rest House and Dharamshala.

State run GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) operates Hotel Rahi just beside the Bus Stand and opposite to the Haridwar Railway Station. This is a reliable and a decent choice for Standard accommodation.Check the following for online booking of the above: http://www.gmvnl.com/newgmvn/tour/booktrh.asp
You can call or visit GMVN nearest office or even send an email for more information.The information is available at: http://www.gmvnl.com/newgmvn/online_reservation/#

Return from Haridwar:

Normally you reach Haridwar from any trek base  by 7/8 pm in the evening. You can take any train after 9 pm or regular bus service as mentioned above to reach Delhi or directly to your homeward journey in the same night.

Day 1

Drive from Haridwar to Joshimath – 10/11 hours – 275 Km

Day 2

Drive to Dhak (7000 ft) – 45 minutes; Trek to upper Guling (9,650) ft; 4/5 hours

Day 3

Upper Guling to Tali Forest camp (11,100 ft) - 4 Km- 4 hours

Day 4

Tali Forest camp (11,100 ft) to Kuari Pass (12,630 ft) and back - 14 Km - 8/10 hours

Day 5

Tali to Auli ( 8600 ft) via Gurson Bugyal - 7 Km - 4/5 hours

Day 6

Drive from Joshimath to Haridwar – 275 Km - 10/11 hours

P.S.: Distances and altitudes are approximate and may not be exact.

  TREK FEE: ₹ 9950 (Joshimath to Joshimath) + 5% GST  

Book for 5 persons or more and get flat 10% Group Discount on TREK FEE.

Inclusions:

2 night’s accommodation at Joshimath (Day 1 & Day 4) in lodge on triple/quad sharing basis.

 Car drop from Joshimath to trek starting point Dhak (Day 1) and pick up from trek end point Auli to Joshimath back.

 All meals during the trek (From Day 1 dinner to Day 4 dinner). Regular Indian style nutritious vegetarian food during the trek (including occasional eggs), breakfast packed/hot lunch (depending upon the time you reach a campsite), snacks, dinner along with coffee/tea/soup.

Excellent Trekking Guide(s), who will be a local to this particular area and has profound knowledge of the trekking trails around.

 Specialised Cook, Support staff, Porters/Packed Animals for carrying the central logistics of the trek.

Stay in tents on twin sharing basis during the trek.

Camping equipment like Sleeping bag, Carry mattress, Gaiters, Micro spikes/Crampon. (Bring your own sleeping if you have a high altitude specific personal Sleeping Bag. This is always better for hygienic reasons.)

Kitchen tent, dinning tent and toilet tent as required during the trek.

All permit fee, camping charges, forest levy required for the trek.

 Basic Medical & First Aid kit.

Travel insurance cum Medical Insurance Policy covering high altitude trekking tours (For Indian nationals it is included in the TREK FEE, up to 60 years of age). It covers your trek as well as your return journey to Haridwar for a maximum duration of 7 days.

Exclusions:

Transportation from Haridwar to Joshimath return. The fare for Tata Sumo is ₹ 7000 and ₹10000 for a Tempo Traveller. You pay directly to the driver, sharing equally with the other members. (₹ 2000 per persons both ways for the pick up and drop when shared with fellow trekkers)

Any meals at Joshimath. There are decent choices for vegetarian food in the restaurant of main street.

We assume that you will carry your personal Rucksack/Backpack with all your personal belongings. If you want to offload your Rucksack and be carried by our Pack Animal/Porter then you need to pay additional ₹ 900 for the entire duration of the trek. The Rucksack should not weigh more than 10 Kg.

 Any tip/gratuity to the HT supports staff.

Anything which is NOT mentioned in the “Inclusions” or personal in nature.

Booking:

  • We assume that you have read and understood our “Terms & Conditions” (https://himalayatrekker.com/terms-and-conditions) before Booking a trek/tour.
  • To reserve your place in a scheduled Fixed Departure trek or a Customised/Private trek pay 25% of the TREK/TOUR FEE as the initial “Booking Deposit”. You can pay by Net banking/Draft/Cheque/Credit/Debit/AMEX cards. This will ensure your participation in the desired trek and we will reserve your place in the scheduled date. You need to pay the remaining amount at least 15 days before Trek Starting Date.
  • If you book a Trek/Tour before 14 days or less from Trek/Tour Starting Date, you need to pay the full TREK/TOUR FEE.

 Cancellations:

  • “Booking Amount” i.e.25% of the TREK/TOUR FEE is Non-Refundable at any stage.
  • If in case you are not able to make it due to unavoidable reason(s), we provide you avery flexible choice of Shifting to another trek within next one year. One year is counted from the starting date of the trek/tour you booked initially with us.
  • In case you postpone your trip you need to informminimum of 15 days before the trek/tour starting date. (Though we suggest to inform us earlier if known)
  • In case you postpone a trek/tour before 15 days of the scheduled Trek/Tour Starting date or prior, you may shift to another group of the same trek/tour scheduled in the same season or within next one year. You may shift to another suitable route also. For changing any, you need our approval first. Your request must be in written communication through your registered email with us.
  • If you cancel/postpone a trek/tour from14 days to 8 days before tour starting date, your Booking Amount is Non-Refundable. We will not take any request of shifting dates. We will charge 50% of the amount as Cancellation Charges and process refund of remaining 50%. You may also shift to another group within next year but 25% Booking Amount will be deemed as Cancellation Charge and the rest amount will be transferred to the shifted group.
  • If you cancel a trek/tour 7 days (i.e. a week) before Trek/Tour Starting Date or later, there will be NO REFUND.
  • In case of any unforeseen incident including but not limited to natural calamities like flood, earthquake, landslide, forest fire or any political unrest, if we are compelled to cancel the trek/trip, you will be entitled to redeem the full amount for the same/similar kind of trek/trip within next one year.

If you need more clarifications write in to [email protected]

winter-kuari-pass-trek

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