Trek Overview
Among the several things that Lord Curzon did in India, the hands-down winner is exploration and popularising of a marquee trek route starting from Joshimath to Kuari Pass in the Garhwal Himalayas. At an altitude of 4264 meters, Kuari Top is like an amphitheatre where some of the stalwart peaks of Himalayas take stage. The 7000 meters club includes the Kamet (7756m),Trishul (7120m), Chaukhamba (7128m), and the great divine peak of Nanda Devi (7817m) and its twin Nanda Devi East (7434m). More peaks make an equally imposing appearance – Nanda Ghunti, Hathi Ghoda Parbat, Neelkanth, Dronagiri, Mukut Parbat, Mana, Rishi Pahad, and Changbang, to name a few. The Kuari Pass Trek gives you a chance to view this impressive skyline of these mighty mountains from close quarters.
Trek Highlights
- Experience altitude of 12,516 ft and views of the mighty Dronagiri, Chitrakantha, Chaukhamba and Tali top
- Capture the breathtaking scenic views of India’s second-highest peak - the Nanda Devi
- Through the trail you can simply treat your eyes on the spectacular views of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers in their glory.
- 'The Kuari pass trek passes through the thick alpine forests of oak and conifer, Rhododendron and birch, teeming with a variety of animals like leopard pugmarks or a Himalayan black bear and birds life.
Quick Itinerary
Day 1: Dehradun to Joshimath
- Drive Distance: 290 km (approx. 9-10 hrs)
- Route: Scenic drive via Rishikesh, Devprayag, and Karnaprayag
- Stay: Guesthouse in Joshimath
Day 2: Joshimath to Gulling Top
- Trek Distance: 6 km (approx. 4-5 hrs)
- Highlights: Trek through dense oak and rhododendron forests
- Stay: Camping at Gulling Top
Day 3: Gulling Top to Tali Forest Camp
- Trek Distance: 5 km (approx. 3-4 hrs)
- Highlights: Panoramic Himalayan views, peaceful forest trails
- Stay: Camping at Tali Forest Camp
Day 4: Tali Forest Camp to Kuari Pass and back via Khullara Top
- Trek Distance: 10 km (approx. 7-8 hrs)
- Highlights: Stunning views of Mt. Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, and Hathi-Ghoda Peaks
- Stay: Camping at Tali Forest Camp
Day 5: Tali Forest Camp to Joshimath via Gurson Bugyal and Auli
- Trek Distance: 6 km (approx. 4 hrs), followed by a drive
- Highlights: Meadows of Gurson Bugyal, Auli’s scenic landscapes
- Stay: Guesthouse in Joshimath
Day 6: Joshimath to Dehradun
- Drive Distance: 290 km (approx. 9-10 hrs)
- Route: Scenic return journey via Rishikesh
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Dehradun to Joshimath
Arrive at Haridwar and start the scenic drive to Joshimath via the legendary Badrinath Road. Enjoy mesmerizing views of the Ganges and its five holy confluences—Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag, and Vishnuprayag.
Optionally, stop at Rishikesh for cultural sightseeing or adventure activities like river rafting.
Drive Distance: 290 km (approx. 9-10 hrs) | Stay: Guesthouse in Joshimath
Day 02: Joshimath to Gulling Top
After breakfast, drive 45 minutes to Dhak village and begin the trek. Walk through Tugasi village, past wheat fields, and reach the meadows of Gulling Top.
Marvel at the breathtaking view of Dronagiri Peak and spend the night in tents amidst oak forests.
Drive Distance: 12 km | Trek Distance: 6 km (4-5 hrs) | Stay: Camping at Gulling Top
Day 03: Gulling Top to Tali Forest Camp
Continue the trek deeper into the forest of Tali. The trail passes through rhododendron and coniferous forests, with occasional clearings offering views of Hathi-Ghori peaks and Dronagiri.
Trek Distance: 5 km (3-4 hrs) | Stay: Camping at Tali Forest Camp
Day 04: Tali Forest Camp to Kuari Pass and back via Khullara Top
The most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. Begin the ascent to Kuari Pass via Khullara Top, navigating steep ridges and snowy trails.
At the summit, witness a breathtaking panorama of the Garhwal Himalayas, including peaks like Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, and Nanda Devi.
Trek Distance: 10 km (7-8 hrs) | Stay: Camping at Tali Forest Camp
Day 05: Tali Forest Camp to Joshimath via Gurson Bugyal and Auli
Trek through the snow-covered meadows of Gurson Bugyal before descending to Auli, the skiing capital of India.
Enjoy a scenic cable car ride to Joshimath, floating over pine forests and snow-laden slopes.
Trek Distance: 6 km (4 hrs) | Stay: Guesthouse in Joshimath
Day 06: Joshimath to Dehradun
Begin the return journey early in the morning. Enjoy breakfast and lunch en route at roadside inns (exclusive of charges).
Expect to reach Haridwar by evening, marking the end of the trek.
Drive Distance: 256 km (approx. 10 hrs) | Arrival Time: 6-7 pm in Haridwar
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.