Kuari Pass Trek

About Kuari Pass Trek

One of the most popular treks in the Indian Himalayan region that is located in the Garhwal Himalaya, the Kuari Pass trek draw in thousands of explorers from all over the world every year. The route to Kuari Pass was once traversed by Lord Curzon in 1905 and hence the Kuari Pass trek is often dubbed as ‘Lord Curzon Trail’. The trek passes through the thick alpine forests of oak and conifer, Rhododendron and birch, teeming with a variety of animals and birds life and NOT TO YOUR SURPRISE, you may even come across leopard pugmarks or a Himalayan black bear on this trail. The trek to Kuari Pass is thus connected with each and every elements of adventure that embarks upon often and on steep ascends and descends, narrow and tricky paths and gushing streams. Further, the journey is worth the effort something you will soon realize when you capture the picturesque silver horizon keeping parallel to the spotless blue sky. Throughout the trail you can simply treat your eyes on the spectacular views of the Trishul at 7,120 meters, Kedarnath at 6,968 meters, Kamet’s pyramid of granite 7,756 meters, Neelkanth at 6,596 meters, the square-topped summits of Gauri Parbat and Hathi Parbat, Badrinath, the icy crest of Dunagiri, Rishikot, Changabang at 6,864 meters and the legendary twin peaks of Nanda Devi at 7,740 meters.

The trek to Kuari Pass starts from Selu Bagar, which is a drive able distance from Ghat. The trail from Selu Bagar heads to Ghunni, which is a short trek of approximately 2–3 hours. From Ghunni the trail snakes through a rich undulating landscape that is bedded with several species of alpine trees and wild flowers. You will also come across a small village, Ramni, which is inhabited by a Himalayan tribe who are living a harmonious life full of colours and spirits. Thereafter, the trek to Kuari Pass becomes strenuous as the trail continues with a steep climb to Jhinjhi village en route to Vinayak Pass. Throughout the trail, from Ghunni to Jhinjhi that traverses through an open meadow with stunning views of some of the Himalayan jewels, one can frame the panorama of Nanda Ghunti and Chaukhamba. Gradually the journey passes through the beautiful forests of Rhododendron, followed by pasture grasslands for sheeps and cattle with some nomadic huts. At Vinayak Pass one can pay a visit to the Ganesha temple that is embroidered with a prayer flag. From Jhinjhi the trail continues along the river Birahi Ganga and leads to Pana village. From Pana the trek to Kuari Pass via Dakhwani cuts across every element of nature, thick forest, streams, varied landscapes and wildlife making it truly surreal. The trek downhill from Kuari Pass leads to Tali and thereafter to Joshimath via Auli.