Situated at an elevation of 3,800 meters (12,516 feet) in Chamoli district, Kuari Pass — meaning 'The Doorway' — is famous worldwide for delivering the most unobstructed, intimate panoramic view of Mount Nanda Devi (7,816 m), India's second-highest mountain.
Pioneered by Lord Curzon (Viceroy of India) in 1905, the trail ascends through ancient rhododendron and oak forests, traverses the wide alpine pastures of Gorson Bugyal, and reaches a windy pass summit where giant mountain massifs — Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Kamet, Trishul, Bethartoli, and Hathi Ghodi Parbat — stand right before your eyes. In this 2026 guide, we explore the history, trail stages, and mountain views of Kuari Pass.
1. Quick Overview Table
| Parameter | Details & Specifications |
|---|---|
| Pass Altitude | 3,800 meters / 12,516 feet |
| Base Camp Town | Joshimath / Dhak Village, Chamoli District |
| Total Trek Distance | ~33 km round-trip |
| Duration | 6 Days (Rishikesh / Haridwar to Haridwar) |
| Difficulty Grade | Moderate (Great for beginners & experienced trekkers) |
| Key Mountain Views | Mt. Nanda Devi (7,816 m), Dronagiri (7,066 m), Kamet, Trishul |
| Best Season | Spring (March–May), Autumn (Sept–Nov) & Winter Snow (Dec–Feb) |
| Forest Permit | Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve / Forest Department Permit |
2. History of the Lord Curzon Trail
In 1905, Lord Curzon undertook an extensive mountain trek from Ghat via Ramni to Kuari Pass to explore the inner sanctuaries of Garhwal. Ever since, this historic path has been known as the 'Curzon Trail'. It remains one of the classic mountain traverses of North India.
“Standing at Kuari Pass with Mount Nanda Devi towering above the clouds is the absolute pinnacle of Himalayan ridge trekking.”
3. Day-by-Day Route Breakdown
Day 1: Drive Rishikesh to Joshimath (1,875 m) — 250 km (8–9 Hours)
Drive along the Alaknanda River through Devprayag, Srinagar, and Rudraprayag to reach Joshimath town.
Day 2: Joshimath to Dhak Village (Drive 12 km) & Trek to Guling (2,900 m) — 6 km
Start trekking from Dhak village, climbing through terraced mountain fields and oak forests to reach Guling campsite.
Day 3: Guling to Tali Forest Campsite (3,300 m / 10,800 ft) — 5 km (4 Hours)
Ascend through dense ancient rhododendron and silver birch forests to reach Tali campsite, surrounded by snow peaks.
Day 4: Pass Day: Tali to Kuari Pass (3,800 m) via Gorson Bugyal & Return to Tali — 12 km (6–7 Hours)
Trek across the vast rolling ridges of Gorson Bugyal. Climb the final rocky switchbacks to Kuari Pass summit right as the Nanda Devi massif comes into full view. Celebrate at the pass before returning to Tali.
Day 5–6: Tali to Auli / Dhak & Drive Back to Rishikesh
Trek through Gorson Bugyal down to the famous ski resort town of Auli, drive to Joshimath, and return to Rishikesh on Day 6.
4. Viewing Nanda Devi & Mountain Giants
Mount Nanda Devi — 'The Bliss-Giving Goddess' — is enclosed within the Nanda Devi Sanctuary ring. Kuari Pass is one of the very few viewpoints that allows you to see both Nanda Devi Main (7,816 m) and Nanda Devi East (7,434 m) simultaneously alongside Dronagiri and Changabang.
5. Best Season to Visit
- Spring (March to May): Blooming rhododendron forests (red and pink blossoms), crisp mountain weather.
- Autumn (September to November): Crystal-clear atmospheric visibility, golden grass meadows, razor-sharp peak views.
- Winter Snow (December to February): Covered in thick snow, making Kuari Pass one of India's finest snow treks.
6. FAQs & Trail Insights
Q1: Is Kuari Pass suitable for beginners?
Yes! Kuari Pass is an ideal first high-altitude Himalayan trek due to its moderate gradients and well-maintained forest trails.
Witness Mt. Nanda Devi with The Himalayan Trail. We organize complete Kuari Pass expeditions with certified mountain guides, alpine tent camps, and Joshimath staging.
