Kuari Pass - Climbing the North Face

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A spectacular trek to the Kauri Pass skirting through the outer wall of the Nanda Devi sanctuary, crossing passes and beautiful river systems in the Garhwal Himalaya, the Kuari Pass trek is widely popular among the European and American travelers. At an altitude of 4265m in the heart of Chamoli District of Uttaranchal in the northeastern part of Garhwal, the Kauri Trek, also known as the Curzon Trail takes one through lush green fields, remote villages and virgin forests. Providing an enchanting view of the bounty peaks of Nanda Devi, Dunagiri, Bethartoli and Devasthan , the Kauri pass trek is amongst the best in the Garhwal mountains.

The package includes an amalgamation of a large variety of activities. One can expect quite a bit of heavy traveling, hiking, camping at adventurous locations and exploring the beautiful local sites. The views are simply breathtaking. From facing north the vision sweeps from the gorges of Trishul in the east to the peaks of Kedarnath in the west - the Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Nilkantha, Kamet, Gauri Parbat, Hathi Parbat, Nandadevi, Bethartoli, Dunagiri – (all of them 6000m to 7000 m high peaks) lined one after the other in a magnificent arc.

There are two ways through which one can reach the Kauri Way. One is through the Curzon Trail i.e from Ghat via Ramni. If one takes this trek one gets to see the majestic twin peaks of Nanda Devi, Kamet, Dronagiri, and Hathi- Ghodi Parvat. Rare Himalayan flora and fauna are found aplenty on this trail. The other route which however should not be taken in the winter is from Auli Bugyal through Gorson Top.

Day 1: Delhi to Camp Silver Sands (330m) 5-6 hrs

Board the morning train which departs from New Delhi to be in Haridwar. From here shift base to Camp Silver Sands by the Ganges (50 kms away) to reach just in time for hot lunch. There is an option of going on a 12-km rafting trip after lunch. Enjoy an evening campfire and overnight stay at Camp.

Day 2: Drive Rishikesh to Joshimath (1560m) 8-9 hrs

This extensive drive takes one into the rugged country of the Garhwal along the Alaknanda river. Going past a few holy confluences the road keeps ascending to the small township of Joshimath, which is the base for the Indian Army and the Indian Tibet Border police for this area.

Day 3: Joshimath - Tali (3310m) 5-6 hrs

One can reach the ski slopes of Auli in a cable car (2750m). From Auli one gets to see a distinct outline of Nanda Devi at the start of the sanctuary. The walk takes one through the forests of oak and rhododendron to reach meadows of Gorson. From here the trail descends straight down into the forest. Camp will be located by a small water body at Tali by the day and the stay will be in a camp at night.

Day 4: Tali to Khulara (3395m) via the Kuari Pass 5-6 hrs

Take an upward trail to the ridge above Tali where the cairns mark the tracks. Just below the pass, the trail leads through a large meadow exhibiting spectacular views of the Himalayas. North of Joshimath is the Chaukhamba range, Nilkanth (6596m) and Narayan Parbat (5965m), while Mana peak (7272m), Kamet (7756m) and Abi Gamin (7355m) extend to the Tibetan border. In the middle foreground, the main Himalayan chain in the vicinity of the Bhyundar valley and Hem Kund includes Nilgiri Parbat (6474m), Rataban (6166m), Ghori Parbat (6708m) and Hathi Parbat (6727m). Dunagairi (7066m) dominates the peaks to the north of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. The Kuari pass (3840m) is a comfortable and undemanding journey – we have our lunch here and then descend an hour to the base camp at Khulara.

Day 5: Rest Day at Khulara (3395m)

Have an easy start to day, post breakfast relax or roam around the camp. The more enthusiastic go-getters have the option of walking up 2 hours towards the peak of Pangarchulla to glimpse the beautiful sunrise on the snowcapped peaks. Expect a hot lunch at camp, evening campfire and overnight camp.

Day 6: Khulara – Tapovan (1905m) 4-5 hrs and drive to Pipalkoti (1330m)

The last day of the climb is all the way down to the Tapovan. It takes about 3 hours by road from Khulara-Tapovam to the comforts of the hotel in Pipalkoti.

Day 7: Pipalkoti – Delhi

After an early morning breakfast start for the long 8 hour drive to reach Haridwar in the evening to board the evening train for Delhi.

Travel facts and other Details:

Price Includes:

1. Pick up from the Airport / Railway Station
2. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners
3. Airport transfers
4. Group medical kit
5. Good quality accommodation
6. Trek pack including sleeping bag, down or fiber filled jacket and insulated mat
7. Private transportation
8. All park entrance fees and trekking permits
9. Porters to carry all personal and group equipment.

Coming soon