# Kuari Pass Trek > Kuari Pass Trek is a 6-day easy–moderate trek in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, reaching 3,815 m (12,516 ft). It covers about 35 km on foot and starts and ends at Rishikesh. Best time: October to April. Trekkaro price: ₹9,400 per person + 5% GST, with free trekking gear (Decathlon shoes, -10°C jacket and poles). Next batch: 10 Oct 2026 (60 upcoming batches). Source: https://www.trekkaro.com/trek/kuari-pass-trek (Trekkaro Adventures Pvt. Ltd.). Prices, dates and seats change often: always confirm on the trek page. ## Key facts - **Duration:** 6 days - **Difficulty:** Easy–Moderate - **Highest point:** 3,815 m / 12,516 ft - **Trekking distance:** 35 km - **Region:** Chamoli, Uttarakhand - **Start / end:** Rishikesh - **Best time:** October to April - **Temperature:** Summer (April–June): Daytime: 8°C to 15°C, Night: 0°C to 7°C, Winter (Dec–Jan): Daytime: -2°C to 5°C, Night: -12°C to -5°C - **Price:** ₹9,400 per person + 5% GST (was ₹12,600) - **Free trekking gear:** Included (Decathlon shoes, -10 C jacket, trekking poles; gaiters and microspikes when needed) - **Next batch:** 10 Oct 2026 (60 upcoming) ## Overview Count them from the top. Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Kamet, Nanda Devi – and ten more summits around them, fourteen peaks in all, spread in a single 180° arc across the Garhwal Himalayas. That is the view that waits at Kuari Pass, 3,815 m up, at the end of a trail graded easy to moderate. In winter you walk to it through oak and rhododendron forest standing deep in snow, and no technical climbing stands between you and it. The Kuari Pass trek is a journey from Garhwali village to snowline. It begins among the terraced fields of Dhak and Tugasi, climbs into forests of oak, rhododendron and deodar, crosses the open alpine meadows of Khullara and ends on a high ridge looking out at Nanda Devi, Kamet, Dronagiri, Trishul, Bertholi, Hathi Ghodi Parvat, Mana and Neelkanth. Snow-covered trails, dense forest, wide meadows and Himalayan hamlets – it is all here, on a route gentle enough for a first Himalayan trek and rewarding enough for experienced trekkers too. Also known as the Curzon Trail, the Kuari Pass trek lies in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, in the Garhwal Himalayas. It covers about 35 km on foot over six days, starting and finishing at Dhak village (2,050 m), a short drive from the base town of Pipalkoti, known for its hot springs and apple orchards. The route climbs to camps at Gulling (2,900 m) and Khullara (3,350 m), then makes a full-day push along a ridge to the pass at 3,815 m (12,516 ft) and back. The grade is easy to moderate, yet the reward is the kind of panorama we more often associate with far harder routes. In our experience, there are few better ways to see the high Garhwal for the first time. ### Fourteen Peaks from One Ridge – What Makes the Kuari Pass Trek Unmissable What sets Kuari Pass apart is how much it shows you for the effort it asks. From the top, the Garhwal Himalayas are not a glimpse between trees or a single summit framed at the end of a valley. They are a line of snow peaks running across half the horizon in one 180° sweep: Kedarnath and Chaukhamba, Kamet and Nanda Devi, and ten more summits around them, all on the skyline at once. The view builds slowly before that moment. Clearings in the forest above Dhak give the first sight of the surrounding Garhwal peaks, and the meadows at Khullara open onto panoramic views of the ranges around camp. But nothing on the lower trail quite prepares you for the pass itself. Summit day is the heart of the trek. You leave Khullara early, carrying all the water you will need, because there are no water sources on the route. The first 3.5 km lead to Khullara Top, across a broken bridge and a stream that in winter lies frozen. Then the ridge begins. In the snow season you climb it on a white trail, in short pushes, resting every fifteen minutes or so to keep your legs and lungs steady; the effort is moderate to strenuous, and the wind on the high ground can be strong. Then the gradient eases, the ridge opens out, and the mountains arrive all at once. You find Nanda Devi. You find Kamet. Somewhere around the tenth peak you stop counting and simply stand there. The return is part of what makes the day work. Because the pass is climbed as a there-and-back walk from Khullara, you come down that evening to the same tents in the same meadow, with nothing to pack before you leave and nothing to set up when you return. It is a 13 km day of 8–9 hours, the longest of the trek, and in our experience the one that stays with you longest afterwards. Two nights at Khullara turn the hardest day into a single, focused push to the best view on the route. ### The Forest Itself Kuari Pass is as much a forest walk as a mountain one. From Dhak, the dusty village paths soon give way to green slopes, terraced farms and settlements such as Tugasi, where the traditional life of the Garhwali people carries on beside the trail. Above the villages, the path enters a canopy of oak and rhododendron that gives cool shade on the first climb to Gulling, a tucked-away campsite inside the forest where the day ends with warm tea and crisp mountain air. The next morning the slopes grow gentler. The trail crosses a small stream and winds through mixed forest of conifers, oaks and rhododendrons before opening onto the meadows of Khullara, ringed by coniferous forest, with snow peaks beyond. In winter, all of it changes. Every tree and every stretch of trail between Gulling and Khullara is blanketed in thick snow, the meadows turn into wide white fields, and the stream below Khullara Top freezes over. In March the snow begins to retreat from the lower trail and the rhododendrons come into bloom, while the higher sections still hold their snow. On the way down, the same forests of oak, rhododendron and conifer lead you back to Dhak, with final views of the meadows, the valleys and the distant snow peaks, and a last look at village life before the road. ### Who Is This Trek For? The Kuari Pass trek is graded easy to moderate, and we are happy to recommend it for a first Himalayan trek – provided you are comfortable walking for a full day. Trek days range from 5 to 13 km and from about 4 to 9 hours. The first climb from Dhak to Gulling is 6 km over 5–6 hours, the walk to Khullara is a gentler 5 km in about 4 hours, and the way down is 11 km over 6–7 hours, a long, steady descent that tests the knees. The hard day is the pass: 13 km over 8–9 hours, with a ridge climb, a frozen stream, a broken bridge, no water on the way and snow underfoot in winter. No technical climbing or previous high-altitude experience is needed, but a good base level of fitness is, and we recommend starting your preparation at least six weeks before departure. Experienced trekkers who want a wide mountain view on a well-paced route will find plenty here too. Season: October to April, with December to March the window for snow. ### Key Highlights of the Kuari Pass Trek - **A 180° summit panorama** – fourteen Himalayan peaks from the pass at 3,815 m (12,516 ft), including Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Kamet and Nanda Devi - **Great peaks along the way** – Nanda Devi, Kamet, Dronagiri, Trishul, Bertholi, Hathi Ghodi Parvat, Mana and Neelkanth - **A true winter snow trek** – from December to February the forests, meadows and trail lie under snow - **Rhododendrons in March** – blooms on the lower trail while the higher sections still hold snow - **Forests of oak, rhododendron and deodar** – with mixed conifer forest on almost every trek day - **Two nights at Khullara** – a meadow camp at 3,350 m, so summit day starts and ends at the same tents - **The approach to Khullara Top** – a broken bridge and a stream that freezes in winter, before the ridge climb to the pass - **Garhwali villages** – terraced fields and hamlets such as Tugasi at the start of the trail ### Best Time to Do the Kuari Pass Trek The Kuari Pass trek runs from October through to April. For a trail completely draped in snow, the ideal window is winter, from December to March, when the forests and meadows lie white and the views of the snow-covered Himalayan ranges are, in our view, at their finest. Within the season, each stretch of months gives the trek a distinctly different character. #### December to February – Peak Winter (The Classic Snow Trek) This is Kuari Pass at its most complete. Snow covers the forests, the meadows and the trail itself, every oak and rhododendron between Gulling and Khullara carries its load of white, and the stream below Khullara Top is frozen. The ridge to the pass is a snow climb, which makes summit day harder and the arrival at the top all the more rewarding. For trekkers who want a classic Himalayan snow trek without going above 4,000 m, this is the window we would choose. - **Temperatures:** Day: -2°C to 5°C | Night: -12°C to -5°C (December–January) - **Trail conditions:** Snow on the trail, forests and meadows. Frozen stream and icy sections on summit day; high winds possible on the ridge. - **Best for:** The full snow-trek experience, white forests and snow-covered peaks. #### March to April – Late Season (Snow Above, Blossom Below) March is the turn of the season. The snow begins to melt on the lower trail and the rhododendrons come into bloom, while the higher sections still hold snow, so the trek moves from flowering forest to snow as you climb. By April, the last month of the season, the days are noticeably milder. For trekkers who want some snow without the deepest winter cold, this is a well-balanced choice. - **Temperatures:** April: Day: 8°C to 15°C | Night: 0°C to 7°C - **Trail conditions:** Snow melting on the lower trail in March, with snow still on the higher sections. - **Best for:** Rhododendron blooms with snow above, and milder days towards the end of the season. #### October to November – Opening of the Season October and November open the Kuari Pass season. The route is the same – village fields at Dhak, the forest camp at Gulling, the meadows of Khullara and the long ridge to the pass – and the 180° panorama still waits at the top. What these months do not promise is the full snow cover that defines the winter trek, so if snow is the main reason you are coming, wait for December. - **Trail conditions:** The same forest and meadow trail; for a route fully under snow, choose December to March. - **Best for:** Trekkers whose dates fall early in the season and who come mainly for the forest walk and the view from the pass. #### Trekkaro Recommendation For the classic Kuari Pass experience – snow on every tree, a frozen stream and a white ridge to the pass – book a December to February batch. For rhododendrons in bloom with snow still on the higher trail, choose March. If your dates fall in October, November or April, the panorama from the pass is still reason enough to go; just know that the deepest snow belongs to the heart of winter. ## Itinerary ### Day 1: Rishikesh to Pipalkoti **Route Details:** **Drive: Rishikesh → Pipalkoti (~215 km, ~9 hrs) | Altitude: 1,883 m (6,175 ft) | Stay: Guesthouse / homestay (triple or quad sharing)** Day 1 is a road day. The drive starts from Rishikesh Railway Station and follows the Badrinath Road north into the Garhwal hills. It is long, about 9 hours for 215 km, with the Alaknanda beside you for much of the way. You pass the sacred confluences at Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag and Nandaprayag, and the river grows louder as you climb. Small villages and roadside dhabas break up the journey. By evening you reach Pipalkoti, a quiet town known for its hot springs and apple orchards. You stay in a guesthouse or homestay on a triple or quad sharing basis, with dinner served there. There is no ATM at Pipalkoti, so carry enough cash from Rishikesh, Dehradun or your home city. Jio and BSNL may work at Pipalkoti, but expect little or no network once the trek starts. The town has a few small shops for basic trekking items; we recommend you arrive with everything you need. What to Expect: - About 215 km (around 9 hrs) from Rishikesh Railway Station on the Badrinath Road - River confluences at Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag and Nandaprayag - No ATM at Pipalkoti – carry enough cash before you leave Rishikesh - Patchy Jio and BSNL signal at Pipalkoti, little to none on the trail - Guesthouse or homestay with dinner included - Overnight: Pipalkoti (1,883 m / 6,175 ft) ### Day 2: Pipalkoti to Dhak by road, then trek to Gulling **Route Details:** **Drive: Pipalkoti → Dhak (15 km, 40–45 mins) | Altitude: 2,050 m → 2,900 m (9,600 ft) | Distance: 6 km | Duration: 5–6 hrs | Terrain: village trail and terraced fields, then oak and rhododendron forest | Stay: Tents at Gulling** Day 2 is your first day on foot. After a hearty breakfast at Pipalkoti, a 15 km drive of 40 to 45 minutes on mountain roads brings you to Dhak village at 2,050 m, the trailhead. Before you start walking, fill every water bottle you have. Water sources on this trail can be limited, and in our experience it is better to carry a little extra than to ration water on the climb. The trail begins with a moderate ascent. The first stretch out of Dhak is dusty, then the path turns green and runs past terraced fields and traditional mountain settlements such as Tugasi village. This is your first day of real height gain on foot, and the common mistake is to start too fast. Keep a slow, steady rhythm, keep your daypack light, and take short breaks before you feel you need them. Your packed lunch travels with you on the trail. Higher up, the trail enters a forest of oak and rhododendron. The canopy gives cool shade, and the climb feels easier under it. Through gaps in the trees you get wide views of the Garhwal peaks around you. The gradient stays moderate, but the forest section is long. Hold the pace you started with and it passes steadily. By late afternoon you reach Gulling at 2,900 m, a tucked-away campsite on the forest slope. This is your first night in tents. Rest your legs, have a warm cup of tea and settle into camp as the air turns crisp. Dinner is served at camp. Put on your warm layers before the sun goes down, and on a clear night step out to see the stars. What to Expect: - 15 km drive (40–45 mins) from Pipalkoti to the trailhead at Dhak (2,050 m) - Fill your bottles at Dhak; water sources on the trail can be limited - Moderate ascent past terraced fields and Tugasi village - Shaded oak and rhododendron forest with views of the Garhwal peaks - Packed lunch on the trail, tea and dinner at camp - Overnight: Tents at Gulling (2,900 m / 9,600 ft) ### Day 3: Gulling to Khullara **Route Details:** **Altitude: 2,900 m → 3,350 m (11,000 ft) | Distance: 5 km | Duration: ~4 hrs | Terrain: gentle forest slopes, a stream crossing, open meadow | Stay: Tents at Khullara** Day 3 is short and gentle, and it does important work. You gain about 450 m (1,400 ft) over 5 km, in around 4 hours. That gives your body time to adjust to the height before the climb to the pass. Start early. The slopes out of Gulling are smooth, the gradient is kind, and you reach camp with most of the afternoon still ahead. The trail winds through oak and rhododendron forest, then into wider mixed forest where conifers stand among the oaks and rhododendrons. On the way you cross a small stream, the one clear landmark of the day and a good place for a short break. As you climb, the forest gives way in places to green meadows, and the snow peaks start to show above the trees. In winter, the same walk becomes a different trek. From December to March the forest is under thick snow, with every tree and every step of the trail covered. The going is slower, and your footing matters more than your speed. Take short steps, plant your poles firmly and walk in the line your guide sets. Khullara camp at 3,350 m (11,000 ft) sits among open meadows and coniferous forest, with panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges. The early arrival is the point of today. Rest, eat well and keep drinking water through the afternoon. Tomorrow is the hardest day of the trek, and it starts early. What to Expect: - Short, gentle climb of about 450 m (1,400 ft) over 5 km - Oak, rhododendron and conifer forest on smooth slopes - A small stream crossing along the way - Thick snow on the forest trail from December to March - Open meadows and panoramic Himalayan views at camp - Overnight: Tents at Khullara (3,350 m / 11,000 ft) ### Day 4: Summit Day - Khullara to Kuari Pass and back to Khullara **Route Details:** **Altitude: 3,350 m → 3,815 m (12,516 ft) → 3,350 m | Distance: 13 km (round trip) | Duration: 8–9 hrs | Terrain: stream and broken-bridge crossing, ridge climb, snow in winter | Stay: Tents at Khullara** Summit day is the hardest and the best day of the Kuari Pass Trek. You start early and go prepared for snow, icy streams and strong wind. There are no water sources anywhere on the route. Fill all your bottles at Khullara and carry enough for the whole day, up and back. The first 3.5 km take you to Khullara Top. On the way you cross a broken bridge and a stream that freezes in winter, so watch your footing on both. After Khullara Top, the trail climbs along a ridge towards the pass. This is the hard section. On a snow-covered trail the effort is moderate to strenuous, and it tests your stamina more than your skill. We recommend a short break every 15 minutes. Small steps, steady breathing and short pauses carry you up this ridge better than long pushes and long stops. At Kuari Pass, 3,815 m (12,516 ft), the view opens through 180° across the Garhwal Himalaya. Fourteen peaks stand on the skyline, among them Nanda Devi, Kamet, Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, Dronagiri, Trishul and Hathi Ghodi Parvat. Take your time here. Pick out the peaks with your guide, eat, drink and pull on a layer before the wind chills you. Then you walk back the way you came: down the ridge, past Khullara Top and across the stream to camp. The descent is easier on your lungs but harder on your knees, so keep your poles out and your steps short. Back at Khullara, a hot dinner and a warm sleeping bag close the longest day of the trek. What to Expect: - Early start; carry all your water, as there are no water sources on the route - Broken bridge and a stream crossing (frozen in winter) on the 3.5 km to Khullara Top - Moderate to strenuous ridge climb on snow, with short breaks every 15 minutes - 180° view of 14 peaks, including Nanda Devi, Kamet, Chaukhamba and Kedarnath - Descent by the same route; poles help on the way down - Overnight: Tents at Khullara (3,350 m / 11,000 ft) ### Day 5: Khullara to Dhak, drive to Pipalkoti **Route Details:** **Altitude: 3,350 m → 2,050 m (6,750 ft) | Distance: 11 km | Duration: 6–7 hrs | Terrain: steady descent through oak, rhododendron and conifer forest | Drive: Dhak → Pipalkoti (15 km) | Stay: Guesthouse / homestay at Pipalkoti** Day 5 is the long walk down. After breakfast you leave Khullara on a steadily sloping trail and lose height all day, back through the oak, rhododendron and conifer forest you climbed through on Days 2 and 3. The 11 km take 6 to 7 hours. It is familiar ground, walked in one go. Descents tire you in a different way. Your knees and thighs do the work, and the fatigue shows late in the day. Shorten your stride on the steeper parts, keep your poles in front of you and do not rush the final stretch into Dhak. Drink water at every break, even when the downhill feels easy. Through the trees you get your last wide views of the meadows, the snow peaks and the valleys below, so stop for them now and then. At Dhak the walking ends, and you are back among village fields and houses. A shared taxi or vehicle takes you on the short drive to Pipalkoti, where you check into a guesthouse or homestay on a triple or quad sharing basis. Dinner is served there. Have a proper wash, a warm meal and an early night. Tomorrow is a long day on the road, and the start is early. What to Expect: - Steady 11 km descent from Khullara, 6–7 hrs - Oak, rhododendron and conifer forest with last views of meadows and snow peaks - Poles and short steps take the load off your knees - Village life at Dhak, where the walking ends - Short drive by shared taxi or vehicle to Pipalkoti - Overnight: Pipalkoti (1,883 m / 6,175 ft) ### Day 6: Pipalkoti to Rishikesh **Route Details:** **Drive: Pipalkoti → Rishikesh (215 km, 8–10 hrs) | Altitude: 1,883 m (6,175 ft) | Drop: Tapovan (Rishikesh) or Dehradun Railway Station** The last day is a long drive back to the plains. Leave Pipalkoti early, preferably before 6:30 AM, because the road can take 8 to 10 hours depending on conditions. The shared taxi service is arranged by Trekkaro. The route runs back through the Panchprayag region, past the river valleys, towns and distant peaks you saw on Day 1. Expect to reach Rishikesh (Tapovan) by about 7:00 PM and Dehradun Railway Station by about 9:00 PM. Drop points are Tapovan in Rishikesh and Dehradun Railway Station. Meals on the road are not included, so keep some cash for a roadside stop. If you have onward travel booked, leave a margin for road delays. We recommend a late-night or next-day connection rather than an early-evening one. What to Expect: - Early departure, preferably before 6:30 AM - 215 km drive, 8–10 hrs depending on road conditions - Return through the Panchprayag region and the river valleys of Garhwal - Meals on the road are not included - Arrival around 7:00 PM in Rishikesh and around 9:00 PM in Dehradun - Trek ends at Rishikesh (Tapovan) or Dehradun Railway Station ## Inclusions 1. Free Trekking Gear (FTG) – A Budget-Saving Game Changer! Trekkaro’s Free Trekking Gear (FTG) initiative lets you save 100% on gear purchases and rentals — ideal for budget-conscious trekkers!Get access to premium-quality gear, including: - Quechua Trek 100 Shoes (worth ₹6,999) - Quechua SH100 Jacket (-10°C) (worth ₹3,299) - Trekking pole and more – no rental fee (₹3,000 refundable deposit + ₹200 washing charge)! 2. Comfortable Accommodation - Day 1 to Day 5: Full-service camping with large mess tents, tables, and 3-person tents during the trek. - Pipalkoti Stay: Guesthouse, camp, or homestay on a triple/quad sharing basis. 3. Nutritious Meals - All meals included from Day 1 dinner to Day 5 dinner - Freshly prepared, simple vegetarian food - Tea, coffee, soups, and snacks are served regularly during the trek 4. Transport – Basecamp Transfers - Shared taxis from Rishikesh to Pipalkoti and back - Hassle-free, pre-arranged transportation for all trekkers 5. Camping & Permit Charges - All necessary trekking permits and forest camping fees included 6. Certified Trek Leaders & Guides - Experienced trek leaders supported by local certified mountain guides - Ensuring both safety and local expertise 7. Premium Trekking Equipment Provided - All technical equipment required during the trek is included: - High-quality tents, sleeping bags - Ice axes, micro spikes, gaiters, ropes, and more 8. Safety First – Emergency Support at Every Camp - First-aid kit, medical support, and oxygen cylinders - Stretchers are available at each campsite for emergency evacuation ## Exclusions 1. Food During Transit - Meals during travel to and from the base camp (Pipalkoti) are not included. You’ll need to arrange your food while in transit. 2. Backpack Offloading Charges If you choose not to carry your backpack: - ₹1,800 + 5% GST for the full trek - Max weight: 9 kg - No suitcases, trolleys, or duffel bags allowed - Charges may be higher for last-minute offloading requests made at Pipalkoti 3. Single Tent Occupancy Do you prefer your tent or travelling as a couple? - ₹2,000 + 5% GST per tent for the entire trek - Ideal for solo trekkers seeking privacy or couples sharing a tent - Spacious enough for 1 or 2 people to stay comfortably 4. Anything Not Mentioned Under Inclusions - If it’s not specifically listed under the “What’s Included” section, it’s not part of the package. Please plan accordingly and ask in advance if you’re unsure. - **Travel insurance:** mandatory and not included. Your policy must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation. ## ATM and mobile network Important Pre-Trek Information - ATM Availability:There are no ATMs at the Kuari Pass base camp in Pipalkoti. It is strongly recommended to carry sufficient cash before leaving Rishikesh, Dehradun, or your home city. Do not rely on finding ATMs en route, as availability is scarce and machines may not function. - Mobile Network Connectivity:Mobile network coverage is limited and unreliable on the Kuari Pass Trek. - Before Base Camp: The network is poor after leaving Joshimath and becomes weak until you reach Pipalkoti. - At Base Camp (Pipalkoti): You may get Jio and BSNL connectivity, but it is often spotty and weather-dependent. - During the Trek: Expect little to no network signal, except for intermittent coverage on the first and last day of the trek. ## Frequently asked questions ### Where is the Kuari Pass trek? The Kuari Pass trek is in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, in the Garhwal Himalaya. It starts from Pipalkoti, a town on the Badrinath Road about 215 km (around 9 hours) by road from Rishikesh. From Pipalkoti a 15 km drive takes you to the trailhead at Dhak (2,050 m), and the trail climbs past Tugasi village and through forest to the camps at Gulling and Khullara. ### How many days is the Kuari Pass trek? The Kuari Pass trek takes 6 days from Rishikesh to Rishikesh, with 4 trekking days covering about 35 km. - **Day 1 and Day 6:** drive between Rishikesh and Pipalkoti (215 km, 8–10 hours) - **Days 2–5:** trekking, 5–13 km a day - **Longest day:** summit day (Day 4), a 13 km round trip in 8–9 hours ### What is the altitude of the Kuari Pass trek? The highest point of the Kuari Pass trek is the pass itself at 3,815 m (12,516 ft). The trek starts at Dhak (2,050 m / 6,750 ft), so you gain about 1,765 m over three trekking days. - **Pipalkoti (base):** 1,883 m / 6,175 ft - **Gulling camp:** 2,900 m / 9,600 ft - **Khullara camp:** 3,350 m / 11,000 ft ### How difficult is the Kuari Pass trek? The Kuari Pass trek is graded Easy–Moderate. The first two trekking days are gradual, but summit day is long, with a moderate to strenuous ridge climb that is on snow in winter. - **Day 2:** 6 km with a moderate ascent of about 850 m - **Day 3:** a short, gentle 5 km climb of about 450 m - **Summit day:** 13 km in 8–9 hours, with a broken-bridge and stream crossing - **Day 5:** a steady 11 km descent; poles take the load off your knees ### Is the Kuari Pass trek good for beginners? Yes, the Kuari Pass trek is graded Easy–Moderate and fit beginners can do it. The daily climbs are gradual and you sleep no higher than 3,350 m, but summit day takes 8–9 hours. In winter the trail is under snow; microspikes and gaiters are provided when needed, and the group takes short breaks every 15 minutes on the ridge climb. ### What fitness level do I need for the Kuari Pass trek? For the Kuari Pass trek you should be comfortable walking 4–9 hours a day, including a 13 km summit day of 8–9 hours, on snow in winter. - **Climbs:** up to about 850 m of height gain in a day - **Descents:** 11 km downhill on Day 5, so strong knees and legs help - **Health:** consult your doctor before the trek ### What is the best time for the Kuari Pass trek? The best time for the Kuari Pass trek is December to March, when the whole trail is under snow. Trekkaro runs the trek from October to April. - **December to March:** a full snow trek, with the coldest nights - **October, November and April:** outside the main snow months, but the nights at camp are still cold ### Is there snow on the Kuari Pass trek? Yes, the Kuari Pass trek is under snow from December to March, with thick snow on the forest trail and snow on the ridge to the pass. - **Forest trail:** thick snow between Gulling and Khullara in winter - **Summit day:** the ridge climb is on snow, and the stream on the way is frozen - **Gear:** microspikes and gaiters are provided when the trail has snow or ice ### How cold is the Kuari Pass trek? On the Kuari Pass trek, winter (December–January) days are about -2°C to 5°C and nights drop to -12°C to -5°C. In April, days are about 8°C to 15°C and nights 0°C to 7°C. - **Layers:** 5 warm layers – thermal top and bottom, 2 fleece or woollen layers and a padded jacket - **Water:** one insulated bottle so your water does not freeze - **Sleeping:** keep one set of thermals dry for the night ### Which mountains can you see on the Kuari Pass trek? From the top of the Kuari Pass trek you get a 180° view of 14 peaks, including Nanda Devi, Kamet, Chaukhamba and Kedarnath. - **Forest days:** views of the Garhwal peaks through oak and rhododendron forest - **Khullara camp:** open meadows with panoramic Himalayan views - **Drive:** the river confluences at Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag and Nandaprayag on the way to Pipalkoti ### What is the terrain like on the Kuari Pass trek? The Kuari Pass trek moves from village trails and terraced fields into oak, rhododendron and conifer forest, then open meadows and a ridge to the pass. - **Day 2:** village trail past Tugasi, then shaded oak and rhododendron forest - **Day 3:** gentle forest slopes, a small stream crossing and open meadow - **Day 4:** a broken-bridge and stream crossing, then a ridge climb, on snow in winter - **Day 5:** a steady descent through the same forest to Dhak ### Is there a risk of altitude sickness on the Kuari Pass trek? The Kuari Pass trek reaches 3,815 m, so some risk of altitude sickness exists, but the height gain is gradual and the highest camp, Khullara, is at 3,350 m. You climb to the pass and return to Khullara the same day. - **Gradual gain:** about 850 m on Day 2 and 450 m on Day 3 - **At every camp:** a first-aid kit, oxygen cylinders and a stretcher for emergency evacuation - **Before you go:** consult your doctor and carry your own medicines ### How do I reach the Kuari Pass trek? The Kuari Pass trek starts from Pipalkoti, 215 km (about 9 hours) by road from Rishikesh. Trekkaro’s shared taxis pick you up in Dehradun or Rishikesh on Day 1. - **By air:** Jolly Grant Airport (DED), Dehradun, about 45 minutes from Rishikesh; fly in the day before - **By train:** Dehradun (DDN) for the 06:30 AM taxi, or Haridwar Junction, about 1 hour from Rishikesh, for the 08:00 AM taxi from Tapovan - **By bus:** overnight buses from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate to Rishikesh or Dehradun take 6–7 hours ### Is transport included in the Kuari Pass trek? Yes, shared taxis from Rishikesh to Pipalkoti and back are included in the Kuari Pass trek fee. - **Pickup (Day 1):** Dehradun Railway Station at 06:30 AM or Rishikesh (Jumping Heights, Tapovan) at 08:00 AM - **Drop (Day 6):** around 07:00 PM in Rishikesh and 9:00 PM at Dehradun Railway Station - **Not included:** meals during the drive to and from Pipalkoti ### Where do we stay on the Kuari Pass trek? On the Kuari Pass trek you stay in a guesthouse, camp or homestay at Pipalkoti and in tents at Gulling and Khullara. - **Pipalkoti (Day 1 and Day 5):** triple or quad sharing - **Trek camps:** 3-person tents with large mess tents and tables; sleeping bags provided - **Single tent:** ₹2,000 + 5% GST per tent for the whole trek, for solo trekkers or couples ### Who leads the Kuari Pass trek? The Kuari Pass trek is led by experienced Trekkaro trek leaders, supported by local certified mountain guides who know the trail. On summit day the group climbs the ridge with short breaks every 15 minutes and comes down by the same route. ### What food is served on the Kuari Pass trek? The Kuari Pass trek includes all meals from Day 1 dinner to Day 5 dinner: freshly prepared, simple vegetarian food. - **On the trail:** packed lunch, so carry a reusable lunch box - **At camp:** tea, coffee, soups and snacks served regularly - **Not included:** meals on the drive to and from Pipalkoti ### Is drinking water available on the Kuari Pass trek? Water sources on the Kuari Pass trek are limited, so fill your bottles at Dhak, and on summit day carry all your water, as there are no sources on the route. - **Bottles:** two 1 L bottles, one of them insulated - **Winter:** the insulated bottle stops your water from freezing ### Is Free Trekking Gear included in the Kuari Pass trek? Yes, the Kuari Pass trek includes Trekkaro’s Free Trekking Gear, so you do not need to buy or rent shoes, a jacket or poles. - **Included:** trekking shoes, a -10°C padded jacket and a trekking pole - **When needed:** microspikes and gaiters for snow and ice - **Deposit:** one refundable deposit of ₹3,000 + ₹200 washing charge covers the whole kit - **Own shoes:** your own broken-in, waterproof pair with ankle support is welcome too ### Is backpack offloading available on the Kuari Pass trek? Yes, backpack offloading on the Kuari Pass trek costs ₹1,800 + 5% GST for the full trek. - **Weight limit:** 9 kg - **Not allowed:** suitcases, trolleys or duffel bags - **Last-minute requests:** may cost more if made at Pipalkoti - **Day pack:** a 20–30 L day pack is needed if you offload ### Is there medical support on the Kuari Pass trek? Every camp on the Kuari Pass trek has a first-aid kit, medical support and oxygen cylinders, plus a stretcher for emergency evacuation. - **Team:** experienced trek leaders and local certified mountain guides - **Your own kit:** regular and prescribed medicines, blister plasters, pain relief and ORS - **Insurance:** mandatory travel insurance must cover emergency evacuation ### What documents do I need for the Kuari Pass trek? For the Kuari Pass trek you need a government photo ID, a medical certificate signed by a registered doctor and travel insurance. - **Photo ID:** original and a photocopy (passport, Aadhaar card, driving licence or voter ID) - **Medical certificate:** signed by a registered doctor - **Travel insurance:** mandatory and not included; it must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation ### Are permits included in the Kuari Pass trek? Yes, all necessary trekking permits and forest camping fees are included in the Kuari Pass trek fee. Carry your original government photo ID and a photocopy for the trek. ### Is there mobile network and an ATM on the Kuari Pass trek? There is no ATM at Pipalkoti, the Kuari Pass trek base camp, and mobile signal on the trail is little to none. - **Cash:** carry enough from Rishikesh, Dehradun or your home city; ATMs on the way are scarce and may not work - **At Pipalkoti:** patchy Jio and BSNL signal, depending on the weather - **On the trail:** only intermittent signal on the first and last trekking days - **Power bank:** cold drains phone batteries fast ### Are there toilets on the Kuari Pass trek? Yes, Trekkaro sets up eco-friendly toilet tents at all campsites on the Kuari Pass trek. - **Bring:** your own toilet paper and hand sanitiser - **Avoid:** wet wipes, as they are not biodegradable - **Waste:** carry plastic or ziploc bags to bring your waste back ### Can I leave extra luggage at the Kuari Pass base camp? Yes, you can leave extra luggage at the Kuari Pass base camp in Pipalkoti before the trek, free of charge. Carry only what you need on the trail; an offloaded backpack can weigh up to 9 kg. ### What is summit day like on the Kuari Pass trek? Summit day on the Kuari Pass trek (Day 4) is a 13 km round trip from Khullara to the pass at 3,815 m, taking 8–9 hours. - **Start:** early, carrying all your water, as there are no water sources on the route - **First 3.5 km:** a broken bridge and a stream crossing (frozen in winter) to Khullara Top - **Ridge climb:** moderate to strenuous, on snow, with short breaks every 15 minutes - **Top:** a 180° view of 14 peaks; the descent is by the same route ### What should I pack for the Kuari Pass trek? For the Kuari Pass trek, pack for snow and freezing nights: 5 warm layers, a waterproof shell and good sun protection. Shoes, the padded jacket, poles, microspikes and gaiters come with Free Trekking Gear. - **Bags:** a 50–60 L backpack with rain cover and a 20–30 L day pack - **Clothes:** 2 sets of thermals, 2 fleece or woollen layers, 2 quick-dry trek pants (no jeans) and 3–4 pairs of socks - **Accessories:** woollen cap, balaclava, two pairs of gloves, UV sunglasses and SPF 50+ sunscreen - **Essentials:** headlamp, power bank, personal medicines and enough cash ### What is the minimum age for the Kuari Pass trek? The minimum age for the Kuari Pass trek is 8 years. Trekkers under 18 must come with a parent or guardian. There is no upper age limit. Trekkers above 60 are welcome if they are fit and in good cardiovascular health; along with the medical certificate signed by a doctor that every trekker brings, we recommend an ECG or TMT report. --- Book or ask questions: https://www.trekkaro.com/trek/kuari-pass-trek · WhatsApp +91 80576 54321