moderate

Kuari Pass Trek (Curzon's Trail)

The trail Lord Curzon walked in 1905 — a Garhwal classic with Nanda Devi as the headline view. 5-day round-trip from Joshimath via Dhak/Tugasi/Gulling/Khullara to the 4,264m pass. Auli ski-resort exit makes the descent easier (cable car option). Year-round window with Dec–Apr being the famous winter snow trek.

Days

29km

Distance

4,264m

Max Altitude

moderate

Fitness

Adults

Age

Best months:

MarAprMaySepOctNovDecJanFeb

Nanda Devi (7,816m) + Dunagiri + Hathi-Ghoda + Kamet visible from the passLord Curzon's 1905 trail — historic Himalayan routeAuli ski resort + 4km cable car at trek-endYear-round trek — winter snow Dec–Apr, summer meadows May–Jun, autumn clarity Sep–NovJoshimath logistics base (rail-accessible from Rishikesh)

Warnings

⚠Winter (Dec–Mar) is technical — crampons + winter gear mandatory

⚠Pass-day altitude gain 900m → AMS risk for first-timers

⚠Joshimath subsidence (since 2023) has affected accommodation availability — confirm pre-booking

⚠Auli cable car closes for high winds; backup road descent is 16km

Trail Map

Start/End Campsite Pass Summit WaterDashed line = trail path

Loading trail map...

Campsites

Gulling camp

2,700m

Forest clearing, operator dome tents, dry toilet.

💧 Water⛺ Flat ground

Khullara meadow camp

3,350m

Wide meadow, exposed to wind, dome tents.

💧 Water⛺ Flat ground

Auli hotels

2,850m

Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) rooms + private hotels, hot showers.

💧 Water⛺ Flat ground

Cost Estimate

Self-organized

₹8,000

With Guide

₹12,000

Full operator

₹18,000

Per-person 5-day trek with operator (Indiahikes / Trek the Himalayas) incl. Joshimath pickup, all camps, meals, permits. Auli cable car ticket ~₹350/PP. 2025–26 season.