Quick Facts
Trek Overview
The Kuari Pass trek in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas offers stunning views of peaks like Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, and Chaukhamba. Starting from Joshimath, the trek passes through dense oak and rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and traditional villages, providing a unique look into the local Garhwali culture.
At 3,650 meters (11,975 feet), Kuari Pass rewards trekkers with sweeping Himalayan vistas. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned trekkers, it’s accessible year-round: from December to March for snow-covered landscapes, and April to November for clear skies and greenery. Kuari Pass is a must-visit for those seeking natural beauty and adventure.
Trek Highlights
Day Wise Itinerary
Day 1 - Rishikesh to Karchi Village (Drive)
Distance: 260 km | Duration: 8-9 hrs | Altitude: 2,100m | Temp: 12°C - 25°C
Meals: Dinner at Karchi
Start your journey early from Rishikesh along the scenic rivers Alaknanda and Dhauli Ganga, crossing Devprayag and Srinagar. Reach Karchi village by evening, enjoy dinner, and camp under the stars.
Day 2 - Karchi Village to Akhorgheeta (Trek)
Distance: 9 km | Duration: 6-7 hrs | Altitude: 2,800m | Temp: 10°C - 18°C
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Trek through forests and meadows with mountain views. Reach Akhorgheeta campsite, relax, and enjoy a hot meal. Overnight in tents.
Day 3 - Akhorgheeta to Khullara (Trek)
Distance: 8 km | Duration: 5-6 hrs | Altitude: 3,350m | Temp: 5°C - 15°C
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Ascend through oak and rhododendron forests to Khullara meadows. Enjoy views of Nanda Devi and Dronagiri. Camp overnight in tents.
Day 4 - Khullara to Kuari Pass and Back
Distance: 12 km round trip | Duration: 7-8 hrs | Altitude: 3,650m | Temp: 0°C - 10°C
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner
Trek to Kuari Pass for panoramic views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Kamet. Enjoy your packed lunch at the summit and return to Khullara camp for the night.
Day 5 - Khullara to Karchi & Drive to Rishikesh
Trek: 11 km | Duration: 6-7 hrs
Drive: 260 km | Duration: 8-9 hrs | Temp: 10°C - 25°C
Meals: Breakfast and lunch included. Dinner self-arranged.
Descend to Karchi and drive back to Rishikesh, reflecting on the incredible trek experience. Arrive by late evening.
Things to Carry
- Clothing: Base Layer (Thermal Innerwear), Mid Layer (Fleece/Down), Outer Layer (Windproof/Waterproof), Trekking Pants, Insulated Jacket, Thermal Gloves, Woolen Hat/Beanie, Balaclava/Face Mask, Warm Socks, Gaiters, Sunglasses.
- Footwear: Waterproof Trekking Boots, Camp Shoes.
- Sleeping Gear: Sleeping Bag (4-season), Sleeping Pad, Compression Sack.
- Backpack & Accessories: Backpack (50–60L), Dry Bags/Ziplock Bags, Water Bottle/Hydration Bladder, Trekking Poles, Headlamp/Flashlight, Sunscreen, First-Aid Kit, Multi-tool/Knife, Toiletries.
- Food & Water: High-Energy Snacks, Ready-to-Eat Meals, Water Purification Tablets.
- Navigation & Communication: Map & Compass, GPS Device/Smartphone, Power Bank, Whistle.
- Miscellaneous: Camera/Phone, Trekking Permit, Ski Goggles/Snow Glasses.
- Winter Specific Conditions: Crampons/Microspikes, Ice Axe, Trekking Anklets.
- Additional Tips: Layering, Check Weather Conditions, Train for Winter Trekking.
How to Reach
To reach the starting point of the Kuari Pass Trek at Karchi Village, here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Reaching Rishikesh
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 20 km from Rishikesh. Flights connect frequently from Delhi and other major cities. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Rishikesh, approximately a 30–45 minute drive.
- By Train: Rishikesh Railway Station has limited direct train options, so you can alternatively travel to Haridwar Railway Station, which is 25 km away. Haridwar has better connectivity with major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. From Haridwar, take a bus or taxi to reach Rishikesh in about 45 minutes.
- By Bus: Overnight buses from Delhi's ISBT Kashmere Gate are available and take about 5–6 hours. Both state-run and private Volvo buses run frequently, especially during peak trekking season.
- Rishikesh to Karchi Village:
- By Pre-Booked Transport: MadTrek will arrange transportation for participants from Rishikesh to Karchi Village.
Distance: 260 km from Rishikesh
Duration: Approximately 8–9 hours by road.
The route follows scenic river valleys and notable locations like Devprayag (the confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda Rivers) and Srinagar, offering beautiful views along the way.
Includes / Excludes
Price Includes:
- Meals | Starts from first day dinner to fifth day breakfast (veg only)
- Stay | Camping style dome tents (triple/quad sharing basis)
- Permits | All forest and camping permits if any
- Gears | Technical hiking equipment like ice axe, crampons, gaiters, static rope during summit
- Guide | Accompany of expert and certified hiking guide
- Transfers | Transportation for the trek and the return journey to Rishikesh.
Price Excludes:
- Tips, Gratitude to the Team
- Any Private Expense
- Any cost arising due to natural calamities
- Any other service not mentioned above in inclusions
FAQS
Are there any acclimatization concerns in winter?
Yes, during winter, the body can take longer to acclimatize due to the cold and the increased difficulty of walking through snow. Make sure to follow proper acclimatization techniques, including ascending gradually and taking rest days to avoid altitude sickness. Winter trekkers are advised to pay extra attention to their hydration and nutrition as cold weather often reduces thirst.
Can I rent gear for the Kuari Pass Winter Trek?
Yes, many trekking operators in Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Auli offer winter gear rentals. You can rent items like sleeping bags, snow boots, gaiters, and trekking poles. It’s always a good idea to confirm in advance.
Can I trek Kuari Pass solo in winter?
While it’s possible to do the trek solo, winter conditions make it risky. The trail can be challenging with snow and ice, so it’s strongly recommended to trek with a guide or as part of an organized group, especially during the winter months. A guide will ensure your safety, help with navigation, and manage any potential issues arising from winter conditions.
What is the temperature like during the winter at Kuari Pass?
Winter temperatures on the Kuari Pass Trek can drop significantly:
- Daytime temperatures: Typically range from 5°C to 10°C.
- Nighttime temperatures: Can fall to -5°C to -10°C, especially at higher altitudes. In some cases, it can get even colder during extreme conditions.
Confirmation Policy
- Within a day of a successful booking, the client gets a voucher of the confirmation through email.
- If the preferred slots are not available, an alternative schedule will be arranged according to the preference of the customer, and a new voucher of confirmation will be sent through email.
- Alternatively, before confirmation, the customer can decide to cancel their booking, and a complete refund will be issued.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations made between 45 days of the start date of the trip will be assessed a cancellation fee of 25% of the total tour cost.
- Cancellations made between 15–30 days of the trip’s start date will be charged 50% of the total tour cost as cancellation fees.
- If you cancel within 0–15 days of the trip’s start date, you will be charged 100% of the entire tour cost as cancellation fees.
- In the event of bad weather or government restrictions, any trips or events may be cancelled. In such a case, the operators will do all possible to give a viable alternative. However, a cash refund is not available on this item.
Refund Policy
- If you select a refund after canceling your trek, the refund amount will be deposited into the payment account that you had used while making payment to us.
- The refund process will take approximately ten to twelve working days.