Experience the beauty of the Himalayas with the Kuari Pass Trek — a beginner-friendly journey through forests, meadows, and breathtaking mountain views.
There are a few places in the Himalayas that manage to strike the perfect balance — not too hard, not too easy, quiet but not isolated, stunning but still under the radar. The Kuari Pass Trek is one of those rare gems.
I had heard of it in passing before — not as hyped as Kedarkantha or Roopkund, but often mentioned with a kind of quiet respect by those who had done it. So when the opportunity came to finally walk that trail, I didn’t think twice.
Where It All Begins
Kuari Pass is in Uttarakhand between Joshimath and Auli, inside the little known Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. It is at an elevation of some 12,500 feet — high enough to serve up those mind-blowing mountain vistas, but not so high that you have to be an athlete to get there. "Kuari" translates as "gate" or "route", and the name is an ideal fit. When you reach the top, the whole Garhwal Himalayas feel that it only comes in front of you - big, wild and always beautiful.
Why Kuari Pass Trek Stays With You
Let me be upfront — there are flashier treks out there. Some take you to glacial lakes, some to spiritual shrines, others to dramatic ridgelines. But what Kuari Pass offers is something quieter, subtler — and honestly, a lot more lasting.
Here’s what stood out for me:
1. The Views Are Ridiculous
From the first day itself, you’re walking with giants. Peaks like Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Hathi-Ghoda, Kamet, Trishul — they don’t wait until the summit to show up. They walk with you. It’s like they’re part of the group, silently watching.
The day you cross the pass, the scene completely opens. I remember that just standing there is not saying anything, because honestly, what do you say in front of something like this?
2. It’s Challenging… But Not Brutal
The Kuari Pass Trek doesn’t ask for superhuman fitness. You do need to be active, sure, but it’s doable. The trail is well laid out, the altitude gain is gradual, and you have plenty of time to acclimatise. I’ve seen people in their 50s and 60s do it, and I’ve also seen first-time trekkers come down beaming.
3. The Forests are Something Else
A lot of treks are about barren slopes and snow. Not Kuari. This one takes you through oak and rhododendron forests so dense and alive, it almost feels like stepping into a fairytale. If you go in spring, the flowers are everywhere. In autumn, the colours change. In winter, they’re blanketed in snow. Pick your version — you won’t regret it.
A Typical Itinerary (With Real Talk)
Here’s how my trek looked, though slight variations exist depending on the route you take.
Day 1: Reach Joshimath
Where is Joshimath?The drive from Rishikesh to Joshimath is long — it's about 9–10 hours on the road — but beautiful. The road snakes along rivers, through valleys, over hill and dale, past small towns and roadside chai. Joshimath itself is a small drowsy town, with a smattering of lodges, some local eateries and a spiritual feel. It’s not flashy, but it does its job.
Day 2: Drive to Dhak, Trek to Gulling
The real trek begins from Dhak village which is a short drive up. The first stretch is an ascent, passing through villages and farmland. Gulling, the first camping ground, is the point where the forest starts. I can see that night so clearly — the stars, the coolness of the air, the noises of the jungle.
Day 3: Gulling to Tali Forest Camp
This is where the forest takes over. The trail is soft with fallen leaves, and shafts of sunlight break through the trees. Every turn feels like it’s hiding something beautiful.
Day 4: Tali to Kuari Pass and Back
This day is the heart of the trek. You rise early, pass frozen lakes and open meadows, and slowly gain altitude. When you finally reach the pass, the entire Garhwal range unfolds. You stand there — cold, tired, and stunned. You feel small, but in a good way. After some time at the top, you return to Tali.
Day 5: Tali to Auli, Drive to Joshimath
The last walking day is gentler, with a long descent to Auli — the ski destination of India. If you’re trekking in winter, this place looks straight out of a postcard. From there, it’s a short drive back to Joshimath.
Day 6: Return Journey
Time to head back to city life, though part of you will definitely want to stay longer.
Best Time to Do Kuari Pass Trek
I’ve done it in winter, and let me tell you — snow changes everything. But spring and autumn are equally popular for good reason.
March to May: Forests are full of life, and the weather is mellow.
September to November: Probably the best views, clear skies, crisp air.
December to February: A snowy wonderland, more challenging, but absolutely magical.
Avoid the monsoon. The trails get slippery, and landslides are a real risk.
What to Carry (And What Not To)
You don’t need to haul your house on your back. Keep it simple:
Layered clothing (mornings are cold, afternoons warm)
A good pair of trekking shoes
Rain gear (even if it’s not monsoon)
Gloves, cap, warm socks
Sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses
Water bottle (refill it, avoid plastic)
Some trail snacks (chikki and dry fruits go a long way)
And leave space for things like silence, stillness, and maybe even some self-discovery.
Things That Don’t Get Talked About Enough
The Locals: Garhwali people are incredibly warm. You’ll pass through their homes, eat their food, maybe share a few stories. It adds so much to the experience.
The Quiet: There are long stretches on the Kuari Pass Trek where you won’t hear a single machine. No honking, no buzzing phones. Just wind, birds, and the crunch of your boots.
How You’ll Feel After: It’s hard to explain, but this trek changes something in you. Not in a big, dramatic way. Just a quiet shift. A little more clarity. A little less noise inside your head.
Final Thoughts
Look, I won’t say Kuari Pass Trek is for everyone. If you’re looking for adrenaline and danger, this isn’t that kind of trek.
But if you’re after beauty — not the Instagram kind, but the kind that seeps in slowly and stays with you — this one delivers in spades.
You’ll walk in forests older than memory, sleep under skies of stars, and see mountains that don’t give a damn whether you turn your eyes their way or not. And at some point, you’ll recall what it’s like to just be — removed from traffic, deadlines, distractions.
And that, if you ask me, is the best kind of trek there is.
