Trek Overview
Kuari Pass, famously explored by Lord Curzon, is a classic Himalayan trek that begins from Joshimath in Uttarakhand. Standing tall at about 4,264 meters, the pass offers a grand view of some of India’s most iconic peaks — Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Kamet, and Dronagiri, among others. The trail winds through enchanting oak, rhododendron, and conifer forests, where trekkers might spot traces of wildlife like the Himalayan black bear or leopard pugmarks.
From the summit, one can witness a panoramic skyline of the Garhwal Himalayas and the glistening Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers below. Known as one of the most scenic moderate treks in India, the Kuari Pass trail perfectly blends natural beauty, adventure, and history.
Quick Itinerary
Day 1: Dehradun to Tugasi
- Drive Distance: 306 km (approx. 9–10 hrs)
- Route: Scenic drive via Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandprayag & Joshimath
- Stay: Guesthouse in Tugasi
Day 2: Tugasi to Gulling Top
- Trek Distance: 4.5 km (approx. 4–5 hrs)
- Trail Highlights: Trek through dense oak and rhododendron forests
- Stay: Camping at Gulling Top
Day 3: Gulling Top to Khullara
- Trek Distance: 5.5 km (approx. 4–5 hrs)
- Highlights: Panoramic Himalayan views, peaceful forest trails
- Stay: Camping at Khullara
Day 4: Khullara to Kuari Pass Summit and back to Tugasi
- Trek Distance: 11.5 km (approx. 7–8 hrs)
- Highlights: Stunning views of Mt. Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, and Hathi–Ghoda peaks
- Stay: Camping at Tugasi
Day 5: Tugasi to Rishikesh
- Drive Distance: 306 km (approx. 9–10 hrs)
- Route: Scenic return journey via mountain roads to Rishikesh
- Stay: Trip ends upon reaching Rishikesh
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Dehradun to Tugasi (Altitude: ~8,200 ft, Distance: 306 km, 9–10 hrs)
The journey begins with an early morning departure from Dehradun, heading towards Tugasi village — the base point for the Kuari Pass trek. The long but scenic drive takes you through some of Uttarakhand’s most beautiful routes, passing Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandprayag, and Joshimath. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the Ganga, Alaknanda, and Mandakini rivers, as well as charming mountain villages nestled in the valleys.
By evening, you will reach Tugasi, a picturesque village surrounded by terraced fields and forests. Upon arrival, check into a guesthouse, relax after the long drive, and enjoy a wholesome dinner. Overnight stay at Tugasi in a guesthouse.
Day 2 - Tugasi to Gulling Top (Altitude: ~9,650 ft, Distance: 4.5 km, 4–5 hrs)
After breakfast, begin your trek from Tugasi towards Gulling Top. The trail gradually ascends through terraced fields and small hamlets, where you can witness the simple lifestyle of mountain villagers. Soon, the path enters dense forests of oak and rhododendron, creating a peaceful and refreshing trekking experience. During spring, the blooming rhododendrons paint the forest in vibrant red and pink shades, making the trail even more picturesque.
The trek takes around 4–5 hours at an easy pace, with occasional clearings offering glimpses of the snow-covered Himalayan ranges. By afternoon, you will arrive at the scenic camping site of Gulling Top, surrounded by forests and mountain views. Enjoy a hot meal, relax in the tranquil surroundings, and spend the night camping under a starlit sky at Gulling Top.
Day 3 - Gulling Top to Khullara (Altitude: ~11,000 ft, Distance: 5.5 km, 4–5 hrs)
After breakfast, continue your trek from Gulling Top towards Khullara. The trail ascends gradually through thick oak, pine, and rhododendron forests before opening into vast clearings. As you climb higher, the forest gives way to beautiful alpine meadows, and the first panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges begin to appear.
On a clear day, trekkers can enjoy breathtaking vistas of Mt. Dronagiri, Hathi Parbat, and Ghoda Parbat. The peaceful forest trails, combined with the wide mountain views, make this section one of the most scenic parts of the trek. The trek takes around 4–5 hours at a relaxed pace. By afternoon, you will reach the open campsite at Khullara, surrounded by rolling meadows and framed by mighty Himalayan peaks. Dinner and overnight stay in tents at Khullara.
Day 4 - Khullara to Kuari Pass Summit and back to Tugasi (Altitude: ~12,516 ft, Distance: 11.5 km, 7–8 hrs)
Today is the most exciting and rewarding day of the trek as you make your way to the Kuari Pass summit. Starting early from Khullara, the trail gradually ascends through alpine meadows and ridge lines, opening up magnificent views of the surrounding peaks. As you climb higher, the grandeur of the Himalayas comes into full view with Mt. Nanda Devi, Mt. Dronagiri, Hathi Parbat, and Ghoda Parbat standing tall against the skyline.
The final stretch to the pass can be moderately challenging due to the steep ascent and high altitude, but the breathtaking 360° Himalayan panorama at the top makes every step worthwhile. Spend some time soaking in the spectacular scenery and capturing memories before beginning the descent.
The return journey retraces the trail back through Khullara and onwards to Tugasi village. By evening, you will arrive at Tugasi, where warm meals and a comfortable campsite await you. Dinner and overnight stay at Tugasi.
Day 5 - Tugasi to Rishikesh (Drive Distance: 306 km, 9–10 hrs)
After breakfast, bid farewell to Tugasi village and begin your scenic return journey to Rishikesh. The drive takes you through winding mountain roads, passing picturesque valleys, river confluences, and charming Himalayan towns along the way. You will cross through Joshimath, Nandprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag, and Devprayag, where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers meet to form the holy Ganges.
Enjoy the beautiful landscapes, serene river views, and cultural glimpses of Garhwal on your way down to the plains. Arrive in Rishikesh by evening, where the trek officially concludes. You can either explore the spiritual town known for its Ganga Aarti and yoga culture or continue your onward journey.
Dinner and overnight stay can be arranged in Rishikesh, or departure as per your travel plans.
Inclusion / Exclusion
Inclusions:
- Accommodation (Guest house, Home stay, Camping).
- Meals while on trek (Veg. + Egg).
- Trek equipment (Sleeping bag, mattress, kitchen & dining tent, crampon, utensils, tent).
- All necessary permits and entry fees.
- First aid medical kits, stretcher, and oxygen cylinder.
- Mountaineering qualified & professional trek leader, guide, and support staff.
Exclusions:
- Any kind of personal expenses.
- Food during the transit.
- Insurance.
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the inclusions.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Change/Cancellation of Booking by the Participant
Process
The cancellation process is completely automated. Please log in to your Mountain Hike account and follow the instructions on your dashboard. You can choose between Instant Refund or Cash Refund as per the policy below.
Replacement of Participants
Participants can be replaced through the Mountain Hike dashboard if the booking status is “Paid” and at least 5 days remain before departure. If you face issues, email themountainhike@gmail.com with a screenshot of the error. The new participant must submit a signed undertaking form.
Note: Any Volvo/Train transport booked for the original participant will be automatically canceled and is non-transferable.
Cash Refund Policy
Cash refunds apply only for bookings made without promotional codes or vouchers. Refund amounts will be deducted as follows:
- 30+ days before departure: 5% deduction
- 15-30 days before departure: 50% deduction
- Less than 15 days before departure: No Refund
Refunds will be processed to the original payment method and are based on the Base Price of the trek, excluding transport, insurance, and portage fees.
Voucher Refund Policy
Voucher refunds are available for all types of bookings, including promotional offers. Refund amounts will be:
- 5+ days before departure: No deduction
- Less than 5 days: No Refund
Vouchers are valid for 10 months from the date of issue. The refunded voucher amount does not include service tax paid during the original booking.
Cancellation or Change Initiated by Mountain Hike
We reserve the right to modify or cancel an event due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, natural disasters, low participation, or any force majeure events. If this occurs, you will be given the choice of:
- A replacement event of equivalent value
- A full refund (processed as a voucher valid for 6 months)
If cancellation is due to low participation, participants can choose between a cash refund or a voucher.
Changes/Cancellation After Departure
Due to Force Majeure
No refund will be provided for cancellations due to force majeure after departure.
Other Reasons
If cancellations occur for reasons other than force majeure, we will attempt to arrange alternative services or provide a refund in the form of a 6-month voucher (or cash, if preferred).
Participant Dropout During the Event
No refund will be provided if a participant voluntarily drops out of the trek. Any additional costs incurred for return arrangements will be borne by the participant.
Early Return from an Event
If a participant returns early due to force majeure or an event ending sooner than planned, additional expenses (extra nights, transport) must be covered by the participant.
Emergency Evacuation
In case of a medical emergency, we will arrange evacuation to the nearest hospital. Any costs for porters, vehicles, ambulance services, or hospitalization must be covered by the participant.