Kuari Pass Trek (The Curzon Trail)
Expedition Overview
Amongst the most celebrated ridge treks in the Garhwal Himalayas, charted by Lord Curzon in 1905 and known worldwide as the 'Curzon Trail'. The route ascends from the alpine slopes of Auli through virgin oak and rhododendron forests to the sprawling high-altitude meadows of Gorson Bugyal and Kuari Pass (4,200m). Trekkers are rewarded with arms-length panoramic vistas of India's most revered summits — Mt. Nanda Devi (7,817m), Kamet, Dronagiri, Neelkanth, Changabang, and Hathi-Ghodi Parvat — combined with visits to historic Joshimath and rejuvenating dips in the natural hot sulfur springs of Tapovan.
Key Expedition Highlights
- Face-to-face panoramic views of Mt. Nanda Devi (7,817m) — India's 2nd highest peak and revered mountain deity
- Walk the historic Curzon Trail through ancient oak forests and the sweeping meadows of Gorson Bugyal
- Unmatched skyline vistas: Kamet, Dronagiri, Changabang, Rishipahar, Neelkanth, and Hathi-Ghodi Parvat
- Explore holy Joshimath (seat of Adi Shankaracharya) and bathe in the natural hot springs of Tapovan
- High-altitude camping at picturesque Tali forest clearing and Khullara alpine ridge
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Rishikesh to Rudraprayag (150 km, 4-5 hrs drive, 800m)
Arrival at Jolly Grant Airport / Rishikesh. Scenic drive along the sacred Ganges and Alaknanda confluences to Rudraprayag. Stay in river lodge/hotel.
Rudraprayag to Joshimath & Auli (135 km, 4-5 hrs drive, 2,900m)
Drive through the Upper Alaknanda valley to holy Joshimath (home to Narsingh temple) and ascend to the alpine meadows of Auli with initial views of Nanda Devi. Stay in hotel.
Auli to Gorson Bugyal & Tali Camp (12 km, 6-7 hrs trek, 3,300m)
Ascend through Auli ski slopes and dense alpine oak forests into Gorson Bugyal. Enjoy jaw-dropping views of Nanda Devi (7,817m). Camp in Tali clearing.
Tali to Kuari Pass to Khullara Jungle Camp (8 km, 4 hrs trek)
Finest ridge walking day with sweeping 360° panoramas of Kamet, Dronagiri, Changabang, and Neelkanth. Descend to Khullara campsite. Overnight in tents.
Khullara to Kuari Pass Summit & Return (10 km return, 6 hrs, 3,800m-4,200m)
Leisurely day to thoroughly explore Kuari Pass summit and its upper panoramic vantage ridges. Return to basecamp at Khullara.
Khullara Camp downhill to Dhak & drive to Joshimath / Pipalkoti (12 km trek, 5-6 hrs, 2 hrs drive)
Descend through traditional Garhwali stone villages to the roadhead at Dhak. Drive to Joshimath/Pipalkoti. Stay in hotel.
Joshimath / Pipalkoti to Rishikesh (8 hrs drive)
Early morning journey descending the river valley back to Rishikesh. Expedition concludes.
Package Inclusions & Exclusions
- Accommodation in Hotel / River Lodge / Alpine Tents on twin sharing basis
- Round-trip transportation to and from Rishikesh in private Jeep (Mahindra) / Tempo Traveller
- All camping gear: Warm sleeping bags, sleeping mattresses, high-grade tents
- All wholesome vegetarian meals during trip (from Day 01 lunch to Day 07 lunch)
- Certified mountain guide, professional camp cook, and camp helpers
- Nanda Devi National Park eco-entry fees and forest permits
- Ponies to carry personal luggage and camp supplies
- Air / Train travel to and from Rishikesh
- Cold drinks, mineral water, personal beverages, and personal gear items
- Stay and food in Rishikesh before and after the trip
Expedition Visual Dossier
Joshimath - Auli - Gorson Bugyal - Tali - Kuari Pass - Dhak
- 30+ Years of native Himalayan leadership
- Wilderness First Responder trained guides
- Leave-No-Trace 100% trash pack-out policy
- Fair wages & complete insurance for mountain crew
Other Popular Himalayan Journeys
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The Ganges is considered the most sacred river in India, and this pilgrimage-expedition follows her upstream to her true geological origin: the Gaumukh ice snout of the Gangotri Glacier. The journey begins from holy Rishikesh, ascends to ancient Gangotri Temple, and ventures into Gangotri National Park. Ascending beyond Gaumukh leads to the mystical high-altitude alpine meadow of Tapovan (4,400m), situated directly at the base of Mt. Shivling (6,543m) — the 'Matterhorn of the Himalayas' — and the world-famous Shark Fin north face of Mt. Meru, surrounded by meditating sadhus and awe-inspiring stillness.
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