Kuari Pass Trek Overview
The Kuari Pass Trek, located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is a perfect choice for beginners and nature lovers. Also known as the Curzon Trail, this scenic route takes you through peaceful forests, high-altitude meadows, and snow-covered trails, offering unforgettable views of peaks like Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, and Hathi-Ghoda Parvat.
At a height of 12,516 ft (3,815 m), Kuari Pass gives you a front-row seat to some of the most stunning Himalayan landscapes. The trek usually starts from Joshimath, a small mountain town that’s also the gateway to Auli, a popular ski resort. These towns offer simple and delicious Garhwali food, including Aloo ke Gutke, Chainsoo, Jhangora Kheer, and local thalis at small eateries and homestays.
The trek is best done from December to March for snow lovers, or April to June for pleasant weather and blooming forests. It’s a moderate trek, making it ideal for first-time high-altitude trekkers.
You can also extend your adventure with nearby treks like the Pangarchulla Peak Trek, which often shares the route with Kuari Pass. For more exploration, consider the Roopkund Trek or the Valley of Flowers Trek, both easily accessible from the same region.
How to Reach Kuari Pass Trek Starting Point (Joshimath)
By Air:
Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 270 km from Joshimath)
From the airport, hire a taxi or take a shared cab to Joshimath
By Train:
Nearest railway station: Rishikesh or Haridwar
From there, continue the journey by road to Joshimath (approx. 8–10 hours drive)
By Road:
Regular buses and shared taxis run from Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun to Joshimath
Private taxis are also available for a more comfortable ride
The road journey passes through scenic spots like Devprayag and Rudraprayag
Note: It is best to reach Joshimath a day before the trek to acclimatize and prepare.