About the Trek
The Kuari Pass trek, also known as the Curzon Trail after Lord Curzon who explored this route in the early 1900s, is one of the most scenic easy treks in the Garhwal Himalayas. The trail offers an unbroken panorama of some of the highest peaks in India — Nanda Devi (7,816m), Kamet (7,756m), Dronagiri (7,066m), and Hathi Parbat.
The trek passes through dense forests of oak, maple, and rhododendron, interspersed with alpine meadows that offer increasingly dramatic views as you gain altitude. The pass itself at 3,876 metres is a natural grandstand for viewing the greater Himalayan peaks.
Kuari Pass is ideal for beginners and those looking for a comfortable introduction to Himalayan trekking. The trail is well-established, the altitude is manageable, and the views are among the best you will find on any easy trek in India.
Trek Highlights
- Panoramic views of Nanda Devi, Kamet, Dronagiri from the pass
- Walk Lord Curzon's historic trail from the British era
- Cross the Kuari Pass at 3,876m
- Beautiful rhododendron forests and alpine meadows
- Beginner-friendly trail with world-class mountain views
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A 6-day trek from Rishikesh following Lord Curzon's historic trail to the Kuari Pass with Nanda Devi views.
- Drive from Rishikesh to Joshimath via Devprayag and Karnaprayag
- Arrive by evening
- Overnight at hotel
- Drive to Dhak village trailhead
- Trek through dense oak forest
- Reach Gulling Top meadow
- Views begin to open up
- Overnight in tents
- Trek through forest and meadows
- Pass Tali Lake — a small forest lake
- Reach Khullara campsite with panoramic views
- Overnight in tents
- Early morning ascent to Kuari Pass
- Panoramic views of Nanda Devi, Kamet, Dronagiri, Hathi Parbat
- Spend time at the pass for photography
- Return to Khullara
- Overnight in tents
- Descend through forest to Dhak
- Drive back to Joshimath
- Celebrate trek completion
- Overnight at hotel
- Drive back to Rishikesh
- Trek concludes — departure
What's Included
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Accommodation — Hotel / Homestay / Tents on triple sharing
- All necessary entry fees and permits
- Professional trek leader, guide, cook and support staff
- Camping equipment — sleeping bags, blankets, mats, toilet tents
- Safety equipment — medical kit, oximeter, crampons & gaiters
What's Not Included
- Meals during the road journey
- Any kind of insurance
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage (can be arranged at extra cost)
- Medical / evacuation expenses (assistance provided in emergencies)
- Any expense of personal nature
- Any expense not specified in inclusions
Things to Carry
Essentials
- Backpack (50-60 L) with rain cover
- Day pack (20 L)
- Trekking shoes with ankle support
- Headlamp / torch with spare batteries
- Water bottles (2 L)
- Personal medication
Clothing
- Thermal innerwear (top + bottom)
- Fleece jacket
- Waterproof outer shell / rain jacket
- Woollen cap, gloves, neck gaiter
- Trekking pants x 2
- Quick-dry t-shirts x 3
Documents
- Government photo ID (Aadhaar / Passport / DL)
- Two passport-sized photos
- Medical fitness certificate
Optional
- Trekking poles
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Power bank
- Energy bars / dry fruits
How to Prepare
This is an Easy grade trek. If you can walk 5 km comfortably and have a basic level of fitness, you're good to go. A little preparation will make the experience much more enjoyable.
Fitness — Start 2–3 Weeks Before
- Walk daily: 3–4 km brisk walk, gradually increasing to 5 km
- Jog: Aim to jog 2–3 km without stopping by departure week
- Stairs: Climb 5–6 floors daily — builds the legs you'll need on inclines
- Stretching: 10 minutes post-walk — calves, hamstrings, quads, hip flexors
Strength (3x per week)
- Bodyweight squats — 3 sets of 15
- Lunges — 3 sets of 12 each leg
- Planks — hold 45 seconds, 3 sets
- Calf raises — 3 sets of 20
Diet & Hydration
- Drink 3–4 litres of water daily starting 2 weeks before the trek
- Increase carbs and protein in the final week — your body needs fuel reserves
- Avoid alcohol for at least 3 days before departure
- Carry electrolyte sachets (ORS) for the trail
Good to Know
- Most easy treks stay below 3,500 m — altitude sickness is rare but stay hydrated
- Rental trekking shoes and jackets are usually available — but own shoes are always better
- Break in your shoes at least a week before the trek if they're new
- Your trek leader will brief you on Day 1 — ask every question you have
Photo Gallery
Photos from the trail. More coming soon — follow us on Instagram for daily updates.
Gallery photos will be added soon. Binoy is preparing the best shots from the trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is one of the best beginner treks in India. The trail is gentle and well-marked, with a comfortable maximum altitude of 3,876m.
October-November for clear views and autumn colours. March-May for rhododendron blooms and pleasant temperatures.
Yes! Kuari Pass offers one of the best views of Nanda Devi (7,816m) — India's highest peak entirely within the country.
The trek follows a similar route to the one explored by Lord Curzon in the early 1900s, hence its alternate name — the Curzon Trail.