Kuari Pass Trek 2019, Uttarakhand

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best time to go for Kuari Pass Trek?

   From April to mid June. Not during the monsoons. There are flash floods and landslides during that time. Monsoons start around July.

2. What is the level of fitness expected from the participants? Is there a minimum age?

   You need to be in good physical condition before the start of the trek. You should be able to jog 4.5 kms in 30 minutes to make your lungs strong to bear the high altitudes. Minimum age for this trek is 12 years.

3. I'm a first timer. Should I go for Kuari Pass trek?

   Kuari Pass Trek is situated in Garwhal Himalayas and this route will pave the way for exploring the gigantic Himalayas in a splendid manner. It is a easy to moderate level trek and as a first time trekker you can definetly go on this trek.The beauty of the surroundings and clean air would get you on the top and your expression will be priceless.

4. Which type of shoes should I carry?

   Please avoid your formal shoes, which you would get to your work every day. It is trekking and the shoes that are demanded here are totally different. At the same time, you should also avoid the sport shoes which has the spikes at the bottom. In the intervene, there are some shoes, which are comfortable for trekking as it would help you to have a nice grip and ankle support. But make sure, it is comfortable. Uncomfortable shoes can damage your experience. Forclaz shoes 100 or 500 is recommended for people coming for Kuari Pass Trek.

5. Will there be porters to carry my luggage?

   Yes, at an extra cost.

6. What clothing or equipment do we need to carry from our side?

   Carry jeans or trekking pants, shirts or T shirts, windproof jackets, warm and thick fleece, woolen sweater, thermal inner wear, socks, scarfs, woolen gloves etc as clothing essentials to prevent the spine chilling cold weather at Kuari Pass. Comfortable trekking shoes, lightweight floater or sandals, raincoat, water bottle, caps and hats, sun glasses, torch, medicines, personal toiletries, comfortable backpack bag, waterproof covers or bags etc can be the essential equipment you can carry from your side.

7. Can I have liquor or smoke while we're on the trek?

   As we are in trekking, the control is much obvious here. One should have a sound mindset to make through the difficult forest phase and there would be blind curves while in the trek. Making use of smoke and alcohol will seriously damage the overall function of the body to lose control and you may face some serious consequences. So, while you are in the Kuari Pass Trek, smoking and drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited.

8. Will food and water be provided?

   You need energy for walking. You need damn good energy to focus on the way you are travelling. So, the essentials like water and food are provided sufficiently to help for the continuous journey in the trek. At the same time, it is not provided so much that you would feel sleepy. While you are walking long way in the trek, these things are essential and are not denied to the people who are in need of it. So be happy.

9. How difficult is the Kuari Pass trek?

   Kuari Pass trek is an easy-moderate one and hence anyone without a prior experience can also take part in this trek. The highest point you will reach with the trek is 12516 feet through an average temperature of around 13-18 degree Celsius during day time and -3 to -4 degree Celsius at night time. A lot of beginners and children beyond the age limit of eight come to do this trek.

10. Is diamox is advisable on Kuari Pass trek?

    Yes, Diamox is an essential medicine to be carried with you to prevent from falling sick due to the change in altitude. You will be reaching a height of about 12500 feet on this Kuari Pass trek and having Diamox handy will help you to avoid the uneasiness happens due to acute mountain sickness. 10-12 tablets should be there with you as each day, you will climb more distances to experience a drastic climatic variations.

11. I am the only girl in the Kuari pass trek, is it safe?

    Sure. Security of girls is the primary important factor for our tour agency and almost all the treks will have solo woman traveler from different parts of the world. All the treks will have a friendly environment with people who are ready to help each other. The guides and the supporters are selected carefully by the crew members and hence there is nothing to worry about safety and security.

12. Will there be snow on this trek?

    December to April is the winter season when the entire region near Kuari Pass will be covered by thick snow cover. The cold climate will be making the trek somewhat challenging at some points. In April, the snow cover will be at the campsites or may be at the Pass only and these are varying each year according to the snow fall.

13. Is there mobile network on this trek?

    You will get network connection of most of the companies at Auli and at Gorson Bugyal, you will be able to get connection of BSNL, Aritel and Vodafone, generally. But at the top of the Pass, there will be no chance to get any connection though at times, intermittent signal comes and goes. Complete the calls at Auli for informing your anxious family that you will be going to the top of the peak and phone connection will not be there

14. How long will be trek each day?

    The trek will last for a total of 6 days, and each day, the number of hours you spend trekking will range anywhere from 3-4 hours to 10 hours. The first day from Haridwar to Joshimath will cover 256 km in 10 hours, and the 2nd day to Gulling Top will involve walking for 4 hours. The 3rd day to Tali forest camp will be easy, with only 5 hours of trekking. The 4th day is the hardest, with 11-hour trek, and the next two days will each involve 7-10 hours of walking and climbing.

15. What is the height of Kuari pass trek?

    Kuari Pass Trek height is 4264 meters above the sea level, and at this altitude, the 180-degree views of the Himalayas will make you feel as if you have been transported to the world of the Gods. it offers stunning views of some of the highest peaks of the Great Himalayas, like the Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Trishul, and Kamet - all of which rise above 7000 meters. The Kuari Pass Trek is probably the only place where you can see such nature in its naked and raw form. Do take your camera along to capture the views.

16. How much will it cost to do Kuari pass trek?

    The cost of going on the Kuari Pass Trek with a company can range anywhere from 8k to 10k, or even more if you want to travel in luxury. The cost of a trek usually depends on the facilities you are looking for. If you are traveling with a group, the cost of the trek inevitably comes down, but a solo explorer would definitely spend more. Usually, trekking companies offer a bundle package including accommodation, meals, safety pieces of equipment, and camping charges, if any. They also have expert trek leaders, so it is wise to pick such a company and go with them if you are trekking for the first time.

17. What should I keep in mind before going for Kauri Pass Trekking?

    Kuari Pass trek is the best trail for those of you who are going on a trek for the first time. It has a difficulty level of moderate to easy. But you still need to carry necessary items like a first aid kit, sleeping bag, torch, trekking shoes, energy bars, etc with you. Additionally, you should train your body before undertaking the trek. Follow an exercise regime, and get good a diet. You should also get checked for altitude sickness, and other physical ailments, and carry medicines accordingly. If you are going to winters, carry a sweater and a heavy jacket, because it gets cold in the mountains.