Kuari Pass
Also called the Lord Curzon Trail, Kuari Pass gives grand, low-crowd views of Nanda Devi and Dronagiri without the queues of Roopkund.
Independent trail reference · Check permit and route verification below
At a glance
Catalogue values may vary by route. Confirm distances, access and seasonal conditions before travel.
Kuari Pass Trek Overview
Also called the Lord Curzon Trail, Kuari Pass gives grand, low-crowd views of Nanda Devi and Dronagiri without the queues of Roopkund.
Distance, route & access
Distances depend on route variant and may not include road transfers.
Recorded start: Joshimath / Auli · Estimated trip duration: 6 days. Confirm the current walkable route and travel conditions locally before departure.
Interactive location map
Open in Google Maps ↗Map location is based on the catalogued base village or trail location. It is a planning aid, not a GPS-verified trail track; confirm the current trailhead locally before setting out.
Elevation by published trail milestone
Karchi → Akhrotghetta → Khullara → Kuari Pass → Tali → Auli
These are elevations reported for named stages on one particular route. Connecting lines show milestone order only; the horizontal spacing is not walking distance and changes between stages are not a measured terrain profile.
See altitude for each trail stage
| Milestone | Elevation |
|---|---|
| 1Karchi | 7,785 ft |
| 2Akhrotghetta | 9,264 ft |
| 3Khullara | 11,014 ft |
| 4Kuari Pass | 12,516 ft |
| 5Tali | 10,990 ft |
| 6Auli | 9,390 ft |
Route variant: Karchi → Akhrotghetta → Khullara → Kuari Pass → Tali → Auli. Route via Tali to Auli; other Kuari Pass routes have different starting points and elevation changes.
A measured GPS distance/elevation profile is not yet available for this route. This graphic is for comparing stage heights, not navigation.
Kuari Pass Trek Planning Guide
Kuari Pass is a moderate trek in Garhwal, Uttarakhand, Uttarakhand. Panth records the route as approximately 33 km over 6 days, reaching a maximum elevation of 12,516 ft. These facts help trekkers compare this route with other trails in India before planning a trip.
Best time to trek Kuari Pass
The Panth catalogue currently lists Sep, Oct, Nov, Mar, Apr as the best months for this trail. Seasonal conditions can vary considerably by altitude and year, so use this as a planning window rather than a guarantee. Check recent local weather, access restrictions and trail reports before travelling.
Route and itinerary
The current Panth itinerary contains 4 planned days, including Joshimath to Gulling and Gulling to Khullara. The route information on this page is based on the current Panth record; where a route detail is missing or marked unverified, do not treat the page as a substitute for an official trail map or local guide.
Permits, access and logistics
No advance permit is recorded; local fees or permissions may still apply. The recorded base location is Joshimath / Auli, and the nearest listed rail connection is Rishikesh (via Haridwar), then a road journey to Joshimath. Permit rules, forest access, road conditions and local entry requirements can change, particularly in protected and border areas.
Difficulty and preparation
A moderate rating is a comparison signal, not a guarantee of difficulty for every person. Consider distance, elevation, elevation gain, weather and your own experience before choosing Kuari Pass. At high altitude, acclimatization and conservative pacing matter as much as general fitness.
Safety and responsible trekking
Current Panth notes highlight 2 planning considerations, including Trail can ice over in early spring — microspikes recommended March-April and Weather changes fast above Khullara; carry a windproof shell. The current packing notes include Insulated jacket (temps drop below freezing at camp), Trekking poles for the ridge sections, Microspikes if trekking in March-April. Carry appropriate clothing, navigation tools, water and emergency essentials for the conditions. Follow local Forest Department or park rules, avoid littering, respect wildlife and communities, and do not rely on an old online permit or access statement.
Explore more treks in Uttarakhand
Use the regional and related-trail links on this page to compare Kuari Pass with other Indian trekking routes by difficulty, duration, altitude and season. This makes Panth useful both for people who already know the trail they want and for trekkers still deciding where to go.
Day-by-day itinerary
Drive to Auli then walk up through oak and rhododendron forest to the Gulling meadow campsite.
Ridge walk with the first open views of the Nanda Devi range.
Summit day — cross the pass at 12,516 ft and return to camp the same day.
Descend past Gorson Bugyal, cable car or walk down to Auli, then drive back.
Safety notes
- Trail can ice over in early spring — microspikes recommended March-April
- Weather changes fast above Khullara; carry a windproof shell
What to pack
- Insulated jacket (temps drop below freezing at camp)
- Trekking poles for the ridge sections
- Microspikes if trekking in March-April
Frequently asked questions about Kuari Pass
Where is Kuari Pass located?
Kuari Pass is listed in Garhwal, Uttarakhand, within the Uttarakhand trekking area.
What is the difficulty of the Kuari Pass trek?
Panth currently rates this trail as Moderate. Also consider altitude, weather, distance and your own experience.
What is the best time to trek Kuari Pass?
Panth currently lists Sep, Oct, Nov, Mar, Apr. Verify current weather and trail access before travelling.
Is a permit required for Kuari Pass?
No advance permit is currently recorded, although local entry fees or rules may still apply.
How long is the Kuari Pass trek?
The catalogue records 6 days and approximately 33 km. Actual walking time can vary with route conditions, acclimatization, weather and itinerary.