6 Days
99
16+
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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