Kuari Pass, Rishikesh | Images, Best Time, Weather @Holidify

Kuari Pass, Rishikesh Overview

The alpine meadow of Kuari Pass has been attracting backpackers from around the globe for decades. Being in close proximity to Nanda Devi biosphere, Kuari Pass is at the center of the most remarkable regions of Garhwal known for its unique wild grandeur.

In the background below the valley is the entrance to the formidable Rishi Gorge which until 1934 was considered un-penetrable. Kuari Pass is at a relative moderate altitude of 12,200 feet. The beautiful camping grounds of Gulling, Chitrakantha & Tali are the key attraction of the trek. The trails leading from Tali Top to Kuari Pass gives an impression of doing a full scaled Himalayan alpine expedition in truck loads of snow.

Food Availability

Dhaba food is available up along the way. You can pack essential food for the rest of the climb.

Camping/Shelter

Guest houses are available at all destinations. Camping can also be adopted by trekkers on the trek because of the natural beauty that it boasts of.

Water Availability

Water is available in the guest houses along the way. It is advisable to stock up in reasonable quantities whenever a refilling option is available.

General tips and tricks

1) Make sure you carry warm clothes along with you no matter during whichever season you are travelling in. 2) Be always prepared with your trekking gear and equipment. 3) Carrying your own medication and a good pair of shoes is a must. 4) Make sure you obtain all the permits well in advance required for trekking in the region. 5) Also carry raingear along as weather at higher altitude changes at every moment. 6) Choose a well-qualified and professional guide and fix the rates in order to avoid any misunderstanding. 7) Carry spare batteries and film roll for camera as there maybe no electricity supply.

How to reach Kuari Pass

Rail: As Rishikesh is a relatively smaller station, it's prefereable to reach a more well connected railhead nearby, i.e Haridwar. Board the overnight Nanda Devi AC Express leaving New Delhi at 11:50 pm reaching Haridwar by 4:00am. From Haridwar one can take a jeep or bus for Joshimath, which can be covered in 5 hours. You can take shared taxis to Dhak from there.
Road: Dhak Village is 512 Km from Delhi via NH 58, which takes around 12 hours to reach.

More about Kuari Pass

Approx trekking distance (Both sides): 33 Km

Base Camp: Dhak Village

Difficulty: Moderate

Highest point of trek: 12, 559 ft

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport

Nearest Railhead: 267 km

Region: Garhwal

Snow: The winter months of December and January are perfect for this trek.

Starting point of trek: Dhak Village

Itinerary for Kuari Pass

Day 1: Haridwar to Joshimath

From Haridwar one can take a jeep or bus for Joshimath. The road journey is 5 hours long and scenic, passing via Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Karanprayag and Chamoli. After you arrive here, transfer to your lodging for overnight stay.

Day 2: Joshimath to Dhak to Chitrakhana

Distance: 4 Km, Duration: 4 Hrs

Dhak is another 12 Km drive from Joshimath, from where you start the trek. There are a few grocery shops along a standalone Dhabba here. Trek through hemlock, oak and rhododendron forest for 3 Km. You walk on terrain with gentle slope, and beyond Tugasi, the track starts descending. After walking for sometime, you will reach the meadow of the campsite at Chitrakhana (3310m). The impressive snow-capped ridge, including Chaukhamba 1 (7138m), can be seen beyond Joshimath. There is a small spring line at the head of the meadow for replenishing your water supply. On arrival at Chitrakhana, have a nice dinner and then stay overnight in camps.

Day 3: Chitrakhana to Tali Top

Distance: 6 Km, Duration: 4 Hrs

Climb up through the forested ridge of Rhododendron, Spruce and Silver Birch above Chitrakhana. Rhododendron flowers turn red during the blooming season and the forest looks beautiful in April & May. It takes around an hour to reach a prominent ridge top (3500m) and a further 30 minutes around to an open meadow where it meets the well-defined track from a place called Tapovan. Camp at the alpine meadow at the end of Tali top.

Day 4: Tali Top to Khullar to Kuari Pass and back to Tali

Distance: 15 Km, Duration: 8 Hrs

Start early for today's trek. An easy hike of about an hour will get you to Khullar, from where the track again becomes steep. From Khullar Top, it is a long journey to the crest of Kuari Pass. The pass is encircled by towering mountains, with Nanda Devi(7816 m) being the highest and most prominent among them. Due to its altitude, it is extremely windy and cold up here. Post looking at the scenery and taking pictures, follow the path to Tali Top. On arrival in Tali Top, set-up your tents and stay overnight.

Day 5: Tali to Auli to Joshimath

Distance: 8 Km, Duration: 4 Hrs

Relish hiking down the mountains on this last day of your wonderful Himalayan excursion. You will trek through the lovely meadow of Gurson, where you will see huge boulders scattered here and there. Here you may also get to see long-haired sheep and goats, grazing on lush grass. Hiking down from here, you reach the famous ski resort of Auli, where you board a vehicle and drive down to Joshimath. On arrival in the holy town of Joshimath, travel to your lodging for overnight stay. You can also trek downhill to the road beside Rishi Ganga River where you can get taxi to Joshimath.

Day 6: Joshimath to Haridwar

start driving early to reach Haridwar with a beautiful mosaic of memories to keep us company. If we reach Haridwar on time then you can take part in Ganga Aarti at Har ki Pauri.