The Kuari Pass Trek, also known as Lord Curzon’s Trail, is a classic Himalayan journey through the forests, mountain meadows and high ridgelines of Uttarakhand. The route offers sweeping views of prominent Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Dronagiri and Kamet, making it a rewarding experience for trekkers seeking expansive mountain scenery.
Starting from the Joshimath region, the trek follows forest trails through oak and rhododendron landscapes before opening onto higher camps and exposed ridges. The highlight is the ascent towards Kuari Pass, where clear conditions can reveal a spectacular panorama of the surrounding Garhwal Himalayas.
Although the route does not normally require technical mountaineering skills, it involves sustained uphill walking, uneven terrain and exposure to changing mountain weather. Snow may be present during winter and early-season departures, making suitable footwear, warm layers and careful guidance especially important.
Suitable for reasonably fit beginners and experienced trekkers alike, Kuari Pass is a rewarding introduction to multi-day Himalayan trekking. Participants should be comfortable walking for several hours each day and prepared for basic camping conditions.
Note: Prices apply to Indian passport holders; foreign nationals may have different costs.
Note: An indemnity document will be shared before the trek.
Distance: Approximately 273 km | Driving time: Allow around 9–11 hours, subject to road and traffic conditions
Meet at the designated reporting point in Dehdadun at the confirmed departure time and drive towards Joshimath through the Himalayan foothills and river valleys. On arrival, check in to your guesthouse or hotel and rest before the trek.
Overnight: Guesthouse or hotel in Joshimath
Trek distance: Approximately 5 km | Trekking time: 3–4 hours
After breakfast, drive to Dhak village, the starting point of the trek. Begin walking through terraced fields and traditional mountain settlements before gradually ascending towards Guling through forested trails and clearings. Arrive at camp and settle in for the evening.
Overnight: Guling campsite
Distance: Approximately 6 km | Trekking time: 4–5 hours
Continue through beautiful oak and rhododendron forests, gradually gaining altitude as the trail leads towards Tali Camp. Enjoy the changing mountain scenery and relax at camp after the day’s walk.
Overnight: Tali campsite
Trekking time: Approximately 6–8 hours, depending on conditions and group pace
Start early for the highlight of the trek: the ascent towards Kuari Pass. The route follows open ridgelines and mountain terrain, with snow possible during winter and early-season departures. From the pass, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, which may include Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Kamet and Chaukhamba, depending on visibility.
After spending time at the viewpoint, descend carefully and return to Tali Camp.
Overnight: Tali campsite
Trek distance: Approximately 9 km | Drive: Approximately 13 km
After breakfast, descend towards Dhak village through forest trails and mountain settlements. On reaching the roadhead, drive back to Joshimath and check in to your accommodation.
Overnight: Guesthouse or hotel in Joshimath
Distance: Approximately 273 km | Driving time: Allow around 9–11 hours, subject to road and traffic conditions
After breakfast, begin the return drive to Dehradun. Arrival time will depend on road conditions, traffic and any delays along the route. Please plan onward travel accordingly.
Transportation
Pick-up and drop-off between the designated reporting point and trek start/end points, as specified in the itinerary.
Road transfers between Dehdradun, Joshimath and Dhak village, where included in the selected package.
Accommodation
Guesthouse, lodge or homestay accommodation in Joshimath on a twin-sharing basis, as per the itinerary.
Twin-sharing tents during camping nights.
Sleeping bags and sleeping mattresses during the camping phase.
Meals
Meals during the trek as specified in the itinerary.
Nutritious vegetarian meals, including breakfast, lunch, evening snacks and dinner, as applicable.
Morning and evening tea or other hot beverages during camping nights.
Trek Leadership and Support Staff
Experienced Boots & Crampons trek leader and guides.
Support staff, including the cook, kitchen helpers and camp setup team.
Porters or mules for camping equipment and group logistics, as per the planned arrangements.
Camping Equipment and Safety
Camping tents, sleeping mattresses and dining tents.
Kitchen equipment and cooking supplies.
First-aid medical kit.
Permits and Fees
Required forest permits, camping fees and applicable government charges for the planned trek.
Additional Benefits
Exclusive participant discount on Fast&Up nutrition products.
Trek completion certificate, where applicable.
Travel Outside the Trek Itinerary
Travel from the participant’s hometown to the reporting point in Dehradun and return.
Any transportation not specifically mentioned under Inclusions.
Personal Equipment and Gear
Personal trekking shoes, trekking poles, clothing and other personal equipment.
Personal toiletries and medication.
Personal Expenses
Porter or mule services for carrying individual luggage, unless specifically included.
Bottled water, personal snacks, beverages and other personal purchases.
Laundry, phone calls and other personal expenses.
Insurance and Medical
Personal travel and medical insurance.
Emergency evacuation and rescue costs, if required.
Other Expenses
Tips and gratuities for trek leaders, guides and support staff.
Additional costs arising from weather delays, natural disasters, roadblocks, operational disruptions or early departure from the trek.
Any service or expense not explicitly listed under Inclusions.
Please read carefully before registering.
Kuari Pass is graded Easy to Moderate and can be suitable for fit beginners. However, participants should be prepared for multiple consecutive days of walking, uphill and downhill trails, uneven terrain and changing mountain weather.
1. Fitness and Endurance
Be comfortable walking for approximately 4–6 hours on trekking days, with a longer day possible for the pass excursion.
Build cardiovascular endurance through brisk walking, jogging, cycling or similar activities.
Practise uphill walking and stair climbing.
2. Strength and Balance
Include squats, step-ups, lunges and core-strengthening exercises in your routine.
Practise walking on uneven terrain and carrying a light daypack.
3. Clothing and Equipment
Carry trekking shoes with good grip, warm layers and a waterproof outer layer.
Pack gloves, a warm cap, sun protection and a suitable backpack.
Refer to the Things to Pack section for the complete checklist.
4. Weather and Mountain Conditions
Conditions can change quickly, and snow or slippery trails may be encountered depending on the season.
Follow the trek leader’s instructions and carry the recommended equipment.
5. Personal Readiness
Bring any personal medication you require.
Inform the team in advance about relevant health or mobility concerns.
Stay hydrated and communicate promptly if you feel unwell.
6. Mental Preparation and Teamwork
Be prepared for basic camping conditions and changes to the itinerary.
Follow the trek leader’s guidance and respect the mountain environment.
Good preparation improves your comfort, enjoyment and ability to complete the trek safely.
For rental bookings and additional equipment support, visit our contracted business partner — Summit Yak Official Website
The trek follows forest trails, mountain meadows, village paths and open ridgelines. The ascent towards Kuari Pass involves sustained uphill walking and may include snow or slippery terrain depending on the season.
The trek reaches Kuari Pass at approximately 3,820 metres, subject to the final route and altitude verification. Participants should follow the acclimatisation and safety guidance provided by the trek leader.
The trek is graded Easy to Moderate. It does not normally require technical mountaineering skills, but participants should be comfortable with several hours of walking each day, uphill and downhill trails, and changing mountain weather.
Yes, fit beginners can consider this trek. Previous trekking experience is helpful but not necessarily mandatory. Participants should prepare physically and be comfortable walking for several consecutive days.
Participants should be able to walk for approximately 4–6 hours on most trekking days, with a potentially longer pass-excursion day. Regular walking, cardiovascular exercise, stair climbing and basic leg-strengthening exercises are recommended.
Water should be treated or purified before drinking. Carry a reusable water bottle and follow the trek team’s guidance on water collection and purification.
The planned trekking seasons are January–April and October–December. Conditions vary across these periods. Snow may be encountered during winter or early-season departures, while trail and weather conditions can change throughout the year.
Carry trekking shoes with good grip, suitable clothing layers, a waterproof outer layer, warm accessories, a backpack, a headlamp, sunglasses, sun protection and personal medication. Refer to the Things to Pack checklist for the complete list.
Accommodation, meals during the trek and the transportation specified in the itinerary are included as described in the Inclusions section. Travel to and from the reporting point and any services not listed under Inclusions are excluded.
A WhatsApp group will be created for registered participants. A briefing session will cover the itinerary, preparation, packing requirements and important trek-day instructions.
Yes. Mountain weather, trail conditions, road disruptions and safety considerations may require changes to the itinerary. The trek leader’s decisions regarding safety and route adjustments must be followed.
Boots & Crampons staff of highly trained professional guides is here to make your journey as safe and secure as possible. All of our trekking guides are medically certified and have abundant experience using their training in mountainous environments.
Our safety standards are based on the experiences of our founder, managing risk in some of the world’s most hostile environments.
While we advise our trekkers to carry light, our guides are always prepared with:
Be it queries about the trek, customization or anything else, our team is eager to assist you.
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