Quick answer: January is the deepest-snow month on the Kuari Pass trek. The forest above Dhak, the Gulling and Khullara camps and the meadows below the pass are usually all under snow, days run from about -2°C to 5°C and nights fall to -5°C to -12°C. It is a 6-day, easy–moderate trek from Rishikesh with the shared taxis included, and Trekkaro runs 11 batches in January 2027.
Kuari Pass is famous for the view Lord Curzon once walked here for: Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Kamet, Chaukhamba and Hathi Ghoda in one long line. In January you see them over a sea of snow. Here is what the month is really like, how cold it gets, and how to plan it.
What January brings
- Peak snow. December to February is the heart of the snow season here, and January usually has the most of it from Gulling upwards.
- Sharp, clear views after each storm. Western disturbances bring snow, and the days after them are often the clearest of the year.
- Snow-loaded oak and rhododendron forest. The walk from Dhak to Gulling feels like a different trek in winter.
- Fewer people than Kedarkantha. Kuari Pass sees a fraction of the winter traffic, even in the New Year week.
Snowfall varies from year to year. In a very heavy snow week, the last stretch to the pass can be slow or unsafe, and your trek leader may turn the group at a viewpoint below it. The mountain views from there are still the reason people come.
How cold is Kuari Pass in January?
| Where and when | Typical temperature |
|---|---|
| On the trail, daytime | -2°C to 5°C |
| Gulling camp, night | Around -5°C to -8°C |
| Khullara camp, night | -8°C to -12°C |
| At the pass, early morning with wind | Can feel below -15°C |
Dress in layers: thermals, a fleece, a down or synthetic jacket, a waterproof shell, two pairs of gloves, a woollen cap and warm socks with a spare pair for camp. The free -10°C jacket, trekking shoes, poles, gaiters and microspikes come with every Trekkaro booking. See our winter trek packing list for the full kit.
Your 6 days on Kuari Pass in January
- Day 1: Rishikesh to Pipalkoti. About 215 km, around 9 hours in the included shared taxi. Overnight in a guesthouse at 1,883 m.
- Day 2: Pipalkoti to Dhak, trek to Gulling. A 15 km drive, then 6 km and 5–6 hours up through forest. Camp at 2,900 m.
- Day 3: Gulling to Khullara. 5 km, about 4 hours, climbing into the open meadows. Camp at 3,350 m.
- Day 4: Kuari Pass and back. 13 km, 8–9 hours, the big day, with the full Garhwal panorama at the top.
- Day 5: Khullara to Dhak and Pipalkoti. 11 km and 6–7 hours down, then a short drive. Overnight in Pipalkoti.
- Day 6: Pipalkoti to Rishikesh. About 215 km in the included shared taxi.
January week by week
| Dates | Snow | Crowds |
|---|---|---|
| 1–10 January | Deep snow above Gulling; fresh snowfall likely | Busy for the New Year week, then quiet |
| 11–20 January | The coldest stretch; snow right down to the forest | Quiet |
| 21–31 January | Deep, settled snow; days slowly getting longer | Quiet, apart from the Republic Day weekend |
Why January is a great Kuari Pass month
- Snow you can count on. If a white Himalayan trek is the goal, January is the safest bet.
- The biggest view on an easy–moderate trek. Few winter treks put Nanda Devi this close.
- Transport included. The Rishikesh–Pipalkoti shared taxis are part of the price, so there's nothing to arrange.
- Room on the trail. Quieter campsites than the better-known winter treks.
January tips for Kuari Pass
- Reach Rishikesh the night before. The shared taxi leaves Jumping Heights, Tapovan, at 8:00 AM (or Dehradun Railway Station at 6:30 AM).
- Carry an insulated bottle. Ordinary bottles freeze at Khullara overnight.
- Keep a spare pair of socks and gloves dry. Snow gets into everything on the pass day.
- Wear UV sunglasses. Snow glare on the open meadows is intense.
- Train for the 13 km pass day. A month of uphill walking or stair climbing 3–4 times a week makes Day 4 enjoyable rather than a slog.
What it costs
The Kuari Pass trek costs ₹9,400 + 5% GST (₹9,870) per person with Trekkaro, Rishikesh to Rishikesh, and that includes the shared taxis. It also covers stays, meals, permits, the trek team and free trekking gear. EMI starts at about ₹484 a month. See the full Kuari Pass trek cost breakdown.
See Kuari Pass January dates and book | Kuari Pass in March | Kuari Pass vs Kedarkantha
Frequently asked questions
Is there snow on Kuari Pass in January?
Yes. January is usually the snowiest month, with snow from the forest above Dhak to the pass. Exactly how deep it is varies from year to year.
Can you reach Kuari Pass in January?
Most batches do. In a very heavy snow week the final section can be slow or unsafe, and the trek leader may stop at a viewpoint below the pass. The Nanda Devi and Dronagiri views are visible from there too.
How cold is Kuari Pass in January?
Daytime temperatures are about -2°C to 5°C. Nights at Gulling and Khullara drop to around -5°C to -12°C, and the pass feels colder in the early-morning wind.
Is Kuari Pass good for beginners in January?
Yes, for fit beginners. It is graded easy–moderate, but the 13 km pass day in snow is long, so train for a month beforehand. Trekkaro provides the jacket, shoes, gaiters and microspikes.
How much does the Kuari Pass trek cost?
With Trekkaro it is ₹9,400 + 5% GST, which is ₹9,870 per person for 6 days, including the Rishikesh–Pipalkoti shared taxis and free trekking gear.
