Winter Kuari Pass Trek – Snowy Himalayan Adventure

Duration

6 Days

Max People

99

Min Age

16+

Pickup

Rishikesh

The Winter Kuari Pass Trek is a captivating highaltitude adventure in Uttarakhand, India, celebrated for its stunning vistas of the Garhwal Himalayas, including Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, and Kamet peaks. This trek offers a unique experience to explore the snowclad Himalayas, with magnificent mountain views accompanying you throughout the journey. Its moderate difficulty level makes it accessible to both seasoned trekkers and fit beginners.

The trek provides an exceptional blend of natural grandeur, cultural immersion, and the thrill of highaltitude trekking. Standing atop Kuari Pass rewards you with panoramic views of the encircling Himalayan ranges, with prominent peaks like Dronagiri, Hathi, Gauri, and Nanda Devi in sight.

Highlights:

Breathtaking Views: Kuari Pass offers unrivaled views of the Himalayan Ranges, showcasing peaks such as Dronagiri Parvat, Hathi, Gauri, and Nanda Devi. The scenic panorama from the pass is the trek’s main highlight.

Suitable for Beginners: Despite the aweinspiring views, the trek’s relatively accessible trail and gradual elevation make it an excellent choice for novice trekkers. The welldefined path ensures a rewarding introduction to highaltitude trekking.

Varied Terrains: The trek features diverse landscapes, from dense rhododendron forests to expansive meadows and alpine zones. This variety enhances the trekking experience, keeping it engaging.

Sunset Views: The trek offers a magical sunset view where the last rays of the sun illuminate Dronagiri Parvat with a golden glow, creating a surreal and memorable sight.

Scenic Descent: The descent through Gorson Bugyal and Auli provides stunning views of Mt. Nanda Devi and the vast snowy expanse of Gorson Bugyal. The charming, snowdraped town of Auli adds to the trek’s allure, offering a picturesque end to the journey.

The Winter Kuari Pass Trek is a memorable adventure combining breathtaking natural beauty with a manageable challenge, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a snowy Himalayan experience.

Included/Excluded

  • Accommodation: Guest houses and camps as per the itinerary.
  • Meals: Veg and egg meals as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Transportation: Rishikesh to Rishikesh
  • Permits and Fees: All required permits and entry fees for Indians.
  • Medical Support: Includes medical kit, stretcher, oxygen, and monitoring equipment.
  • Insurance (Mandatory).
  • Food during the transit.
  • Any kind of personal expenses.
  • Emergency evacuation, hospitalization charge or etc.
  • Anything not specifically mentioned under the head Inclusion.

Tour Plan

Day 1 Rishikesh to Pipalkoti – Drive: 200 km | 9-10 Hours
  • Altitude: 1,500 m / 4,950 ft
  •  Drive Distance: 200 km | 9-10 hours
  •  Pickup Time: 6:00 am from the Rishikesh office
  •  Arrival Time: Approx. 5:00 pm
  •  Accommodation: Guest house
  •  Telephone Network: Available
  •  Meals: Breakfast and lunch on the way (not included); tea, briefing, and dinner at Pipalkoti

Your journey begins with a 6:00 am pickup from the Rishikesh office. The 9-10 hour drive to Pipalkoti will be filled with spectacular views along the Badrinath Road. You'll pass by the Panchprayag—the five sacred confluences of the Ganga: Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag, and Vishnuprayag—offering excellent photo opportunities.

Upon arriving in Pipalkoti around 5:00 pm, you'll be greeted with tea, receive a trek briefing, and enjoy dinner. Accommodation will be in a guest house. Breakfast and lunch on the way are not included. If you have extra time before the trek, consider exploring Rishikesh’s cultural and adventure attractions.

Day 02 Pipalkoti to Tugasi Village – Drive: 50 km | 2-3 Hours, Trek to Gulling Top: 3 km | 2-3 Hours**
  •  Altitude: Tugasi Village: 2,450 m / 8,050 ft | Gulling Top: 2,750 m / 9,000 ft
  •  Drive Distance (Pipalkoti to Tugasi): 50 km | 2-3 hours
  •  Trek Distance: 3 km | 2-3 hours
  •  Trail: Mix of steep and gradual ascent, mostly through villages
  •  Lunch: Hot lunch at the campsite
  •  Water Points: Available at villages
  •  Accommodation: Tent
  •  Peaks Visible: Dronagiri, Hathi Parvat, Gauri Parvat

Start your day with an early breakfast before heading out to Tugasi village. After a 2-3 hour rocky drive, you’ll begin the trek from Tugasi, which features a mix of steep and gradual ascents through charming villages.

As you ascend, the landscape transitions from terrace farms to open meadows with expansive views of the Garhwal frontier. Look out for the DhauliGanga river and the VishnugadTapovan Hydroelectric Power Station. Snow is unlikely in this region.

The trek continues with a steady climb, eventually revealing stunning views of Dronagiri Peak. The campsite at Gulling Top offers panoramic views of Dronagiri, Hathi Parvat, and Gauri Parvat, surrounded by oak forests. Enjoy a beautiful sunset and the serene morning light on Dronagiri Peak from your campsite.

Day 03 Gulling Top to Tali Forest Camp
  •  Altitude: 3,350 m / 11,100 ft
  •  Trek Distance: 5 km | 4-5 hours
  •  Altitude Gain: 600 m / 2,100 ft
  •  Forest: Oak, Rhododendron (mostly pink and white), Walnut
  •  Accommodation: Tent
  •  Peaks Visible: Nanda Devi, Kalanka, Chang Bang, Dronagiri, Hathi Parvat, Gori Parvat

Start your day early for a 5-hour trek through the enchanting Tali forest. After the challenging ascent of the previous day, today’s hike is relatively smoother, making it a more enjoyable experience.

Within twenty minutes, you'll reach a green clearing with breathtaking views of the snowcapped peaks. Continue your ascent, crossing a small stream and entering a dense forest rich in oaks and rhododendrons. In late March, the rhododendrons may still be in bloom with their vibrant pink and white flowers. You may also encounter walnut trees and various conifers.

In winter, the forest transforms into a snow-covered wonderland. The trail leads through coniferous woods, with Tali Forest Camp providing stunning views of peaks such as Nanda Devi, Kalanka, Chang Bang, and the HathiGhori range, along with a side view of Dronagiri.

Day 04 Tali Forest Camp to Kuari Pass and Back via Khullara Top
  • Altitude: Khullara Top: 3,600 m / 11,800 ft; Kuari Pass: 3,800 m / 12,500 ft
  •  Trek Distance: 1011 km | 89 hours
  •  Key Points:
  •    Tali Forest Camp to Khullara Top (moderate ascent) | 3 km
  •    Khullara Top to Broken Bridge (traverse walk) | 1.5 km
  •    Broken Bridge to Kuari Pass (strenuous climb) | 1 km
  •  Peaks Visible: Kedarnath Peak, Kedardome, Chaukhambha, Balakun, Neel Kantha, Mukut Parvat, Kamet, Abhi Gamin, Mana I, Ghori Parvat, Hathi Parvat, Dronagiri, Kalanka, Chang Bang, Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghunti

Embark on the toughest day of the trek with an early start after breakfast. The day spans 89 hours and involves high snow and challenging weather conditions, so ensure you’re wellprepared with appropriate gear and enough water, as there are no water sources on the route.

The trek begins with a moderate ascent to Khullara Top, followed by a traverse across a broken bridge and a frozen stream. The climb to Kuari Pass is strenuous, requiring careful footing and frequent breaks. Lunch will be had on the way or upon reaching the base of the high pass.

As you reach the Kuari Pass, the breathtaking panorama of Garhwal’s towering peaks unfolds, including Kedarnath Peak, Kedardome, Chaukhambha, and more. The sheer magnificence of this view makes the strenuous climb worthwhile. Ensure your shoes are fitted with crampons for better traction.

Day 05 Tali Forest Camp to Pipalkoti via Gurson Bugyal and Auli
  •  Altitude: Tali Lake: 3,550 m / 11,550 ft; Gurson Bugyal: 3,400 m / 11,150 ft; Auli: 1,500 m / 4,950 ft
  •  Trek Distance: 9 km | 67 hours
  •  Drive Distance: 45 km | 1 hour 20 minutes
  •  Key Points:
  •    Tali Forest Camp to Tali Lake | 1 km
  •    Tali Lake to Gurson Bugyal | 3.5 km
  •    Gurson Bugyal to Auli | 4.5 km
  •    Auli to Pipalkoti (by drive) | 45 km

Start your day with breakfast at the Tali campsite before heading out. The trek begins with a short walk to Tali Lake, followed by a scenic route through Gurson Bugyal. The trail is generally smooth, allowing you to enjoy the stunning views of the rolling snowcovered valleys.

From Gurson Bugyal, descend to Auli, the renowned skiing destination. Enjoy a packed lunch along the way and take in the breathtaking vistas of Auli’s slopes. The cable car ride from Auli to Pipalkoti is not included in the trek package, but you can opt for this scenic journey at your own expense to experience stunning views of the ski resort and surrounding pine forests.

Upon arrival in Pipalkoti, you'll be greeted with evening tea, followed by a debriefing session and dinner.

Day 06 Pipalkoti to Rishikesh – Drive: 200 km | Approx. 9 Hours | Departure: 7:00 AM
  • Drive Distance: 200 km | Approx. 9 hours
  •  Departure: 7:00 am
  •  Arrival: Around 4:00-5:00 pm
  •  Meals: Breakfast and lunch at a roadside inn (charges not included)

Begin your journey back to Rishikesh early in the morning. The drive takes approximately 9 hours, with scenic views along the way. Breakfast and lunch will be available at a roadside inn, but these meals are not included in the trek package.

You are expected to arrive in Rishikesh between 4:00 and 5:00 pm. For your convenience, it's advisable to book any onward travel after 8:00 pm to account for potential delays.

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