Kuari Pass Trek

Months – November to February

Temperature – Day: 5℃ to 10℃ | Night: -5℃ or below

Kuari Pass is a famous winter trek because of its accessibility even in thick snow. In winter, the whole trail will be covered in snow, emitting a white glow. The tall trees sprinkled with powdery snow, frozen lakes, and no visible wildlife give you a Narnia-like vibe in real life. The chilly weather with cold winds adds more to the experience of trekking in snow. 

Though trekking becomes a bit challenging in snow, it remains manageable and a perfect beginner-friendly snow trek. With proper gear and guidance, the trek can be done with ease while enjoying the snow. 

• Months –  March to April 
• Temperature – Day: 13℃ to 17℃ | Night: can drop to 0℃ 

In spring, the greenery and colours again seep back into the area as snow starts to melt. You may find snow in upper areas like Gorson Bugyal, and at Kuari Top, the snow will remain even in spring. 

Spring is the ideal time to do Kuari Pass Trek as the weather is pleasant, with cold breezes and not freezing temperatures. With less snow, you can walk freely without additional gear and enjoy the colourful blooms of the season. The famous flower of Buransh (Rhododendrons) will meet you in vibrant hues of red and pink.

• Months – May to June 
• Temperature – Day: 18℃ to 24℃ | Night: 3℃ to 8℃ 

Summer in the mountains is warm with cold breezes and a sunny day. Though the temperatures at night will still drop, acting as a cool balm. Kuari Pass in Summer season is an optimum time to do this trek if you want clear skies, no harsh weather and crisp-bright days. 

Remember, in summer, the forest fires become common and the views might not be clear because of soot and smoke.

• Months – Mid-September to Mid-November 
• Temperature – Day: 10℃ to 15℃ | Night: May drop to 0℃

Kuari Pass in Autumn is the perfect season for anyone chasing the clearest views of the great Himalayas.    

After the monsoon, the skies appear clear, providing the clearest views of the peaks without any harsh weather conditions. The surroundings will be draped in shades of brown and golden as trees will be shedding their leaves, making a delightful tapestry for you.

The trek difficulty dictates your level of fitness and preparations for it. As mentioned above, it is moderate level trek and proper preparation is needed as it’s mountainous terrain. 

Define why physical and mental preparation are important for Kuari Pass as per the terrain and challenging sections on the route.

1. Exercises to achieve the goal 

• Running: Aim to run 3 km within 15 minutes over flat slope.
• Cardiovascular Training: Running, cycling, and swimming to boost stamina.
• Strength Training: Focus on leg exercises like squats, lunges, and step-ups for endurance.
• Core Strength: Planks, mountain climbers, and Russian twists to maintain balance on uneven trails.
• Flexibility Exercises: Stretching, yoga, and dynamic warm-ups to prevent injuries.
• Mental Conditioning: Visualisation techniques, breathing exercises, and meditation to strengthen focus and manage stress on difficult days. 
• Exercises with Weights: For this moderate to difficult-level trek, practice exercises with weights. Seek professional advice accordingly.
• Diet: Incorporate proteins like lentils, eggs, paneer, whey protein, etc for fast recovery after a strenuous trek. Whole grains like wheat, barley, etc for sustained energy, and leafy greens like spinach, bitter guard, and any seasonal veggie for those extra nutrients and building the immunity system.
• Muscle Recovery: Plan rest days and add stretching, relaxing yoga poses or foam rolling after every workout.
• Stay hydrated: drink 2 to 3 liters of water. To incorporate more nutrients, including coconut water, fruit, and vegetable juices. 
• Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption. 
• Start sleeping upto 8 hours. 

Altitude Sickness happens when your body cannot adjust to lower oxygen levels at higher altitudes. This happens mainly because your body doesn’t have enough time to acclimatize to a higher altitude or not enough time to get used to lower oxygen levels. Kuari Pass is situated at a high altitude location and avoiding altitude sickness preparation can lead such beautiful trek into a worst experience of the Himalayas.

How to Prevent AMS – 

• Gradual Ascent: Climb slowly to give your body time to adjust.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
• Rest and Sleep: Ensure ample rest, especially as you reach higher camps.
• Avoid Alcohol: Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can lead to dehydration.

What to do – 

• Most Important – Inform your trek leader as well-trained leaders and experience they can assess the situation better and find solutions faster.  

What trek leader may suggest? Trekkers without agency should also know these instructions –

• Stop and Rest: Pause your trek to recover.
• Descend if Necessary: Descend immediately to Sankri Basecamp. Our team with the vehicle and necessary help will be there for further action. 
• Stay Hydrated: Drink water and avoid strenuous activity.
• Seek Medical Help: After descending, our team will take you to the nearest hospital if needed. If solo, then descend and seek the closest medical help. 
• Nearest Hospital Details –  
• Address –  
• Contact Number –

This trail is renowned among trekkers with a penchant for history, as it’s often referred to as the Lord Curzon Trail. Lord Curzon, who served as the Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905, is believed to be the first explorer of this region.

Why is the name ‘Kuari’ Pass?

According to local beliefs, Goddess Parvati, prior to her marriage to Lord Shiva, engaged in meditation at this very location. Lord Shiva, residing on Mount Neelkanth, which lies directly across from the Kuari Pass trail, was deeply impressed by Goddess Parvati’s unwavering devotion and determination.

Consequently, he agreed to marry her and brought her with him. Because Goddess Parvati was unmarried at the time, the trail came to be known as ‘Kuari,’ which means “Bachelor” in Hindi.

Story of Lord Hanuman on Dronagiri Parvat: 

According to the Ramayana, during a critical moment when Lord Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Ram, was wounded by Meghanada, the physician Vaidya Sushen requested Lord Hanuman to retrieve a medicinal plant known as Sanjeevani. This miraculous herb could only be found in the Himalayas. Devoted to Lord Ram, Hanuman embarked on the mission but faced a challenge.

Unsure of how Sanjeevani looked, he decided to uproot the Dronagiri mountain in Uttarakhand and carry it back with him. This act has led to a unique tradition in the Dronagiri region, where Lord Hanuman is not worshipped. Even today, during the Dussehra celebration, when they do Ramleela, the part involving Lord Hanuman is omitted, and the reenactment proceeds without mentioning him.

Nanda Devi Parvat (Adobe of Nanda Devi):

The majestic Nanda Devi peak stands at an impressive elevation of approximately 25,646 feet above sea level. Along the Kuari Pass trail, you’ll catch your first glimpse of this peak at Joshimath, and as you continue to Gorson Bugyal, you’ll be treated to an even clearer and more panoramic view of this towering mountain from its summit to its base.

Nanda Devi holds profound spiritual significance in Hindu history and mythology, primarily due to the reverence of Goddess Nanda Devi and the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, which occurs every 12 years.

This remarkable pilgrimage covers a distance of approximately 280 kilometres, with devotees embarking on the journey barefoot. The people of Garhwal and Kumaon regions hold this peak in high esteem, worshipping it as Maa Nanda Devi, considered an incarnation of Goddess Parvati.

In the Kuari Pass region, you’ll discover a fascinating variety of plants and trees. One of them is Taxus wallichiana, known locally as ‘Thuner.’ People in Uttarakhand use it to make medicinal tea because it can help with pain, coughs, colds, and even weight loss.

The oak trees are quite diverse, with around 500 species, and they have many uses. Some are used for making furniture and ships, while others have medicinal properties.

Within the oak family, Green Oaks are used in building wood-framed structures, and Golden Oaks get their name from the beautiful golden leaves they have in the fall.

You’ll also come across Rhododendron flowers, called “Buransh,” which are used to make sweet juice. Besides being tasty, they have health benefits like reducing inflammation and helping with various health issues.

Lastly, there’s the Himalayan Birch, or “Bhoj Patra,” which was even used as paper in the past. These tall trees have medicinal properties too, and they’ve been used to treat wounds, stop bleeding, and manage conditions like diarrhoea.

The Kuari Pass Trek offers a chance to encounter the fascinating fauna of the Himalayas. While trekking through this pristine wilderness, keep an eye out for the elusive Himalayan fox and the formidable Himalayan bear.

Graceful Himalayan deer may cross your path, and if you’re exceptionally lucky, you might spot the rare and vibrantly coloured Monal bird.

In the skies above, the majestic Himalayan Griffon soars, while Wild boars add their presence to the forest soundscape. And though it’s a very rare sighting, the enigmatic snow leopard, a true symbol of the untamed Himalayan wilderness, might make a fleeting appearance, leaving trekkers in awe of the rich biodiversity of the region.

Badrinath:

Badrinath, one of India’s four prominent pilgrimage sites, is situated at an elevation of approximately 10,800 feet. The temple, towering at a height of around 50 feet, is attributed to the 8th-century philosopher Adi Shankaracharya and primarily enshrines Lord Vishnu.

Narsingh Devta Temple (Joshimath):

The Narsingh Devta Temple is situated approximately half a kilometre away from Joshimath, positioned in the lower market area of Joshimath. During the winter months, this temple assumes the role of housing the immense idol of Lord Badrivishal when the main doors of the Badrinath Temple remain closed.

According to legend, it is believed that as the Kalyug era progresses, the right arm of Lord Narsingh’s idol will gradually lower, potentially leading to the blockage of the routes to Badrinath.

Valley of Flowers:

The Valley of Flowers holds the prestigious distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it boasts a magnificent landscape adorned with vibrant meadows. A visit to this heavenly location is akin to stepping into paradise. This expansive valley stretches across an area of 87 square kilometres in Chamoli, Uttarakhand.

Within this enchanting landscape, you’ll encounter a profusion of over 600 species of blooming flowers, including marigolds, daisies, primulas, poppies, orchids, and numerous others.

The discovery of this valley can be attributed to Frank S Smythe, a British mountaineer, who, along with two fellow mountaineers, stumbled upon it in 1931 while exploring the mountains and losing their way. The best time to experience the valley’s full splendour is from July to September.

Adi Shankaracharya Math (Joshimath):

Famously called Jyotirmath, this monastery was established by Jagatguru Adi Shankaracharya ji and his disciples. This monastery or math is just half a kilometre away from the Joshimath Bus stand.

Pangarchulla peak:

You can see the Pangarchulla peak from the trail to Kuari Pass. The Height of the Pangarchulla peak is around 15069 feet. You may find it a difficult trek in winter, and if you want to up your level of trekking from easy, then you can try this one. It is one of the most beautiful treks in the Garhwal region.

Gorson Bugyal:

Gorson Bugyal comes on the way to Kuari Pass, and from Gorson Bugyal, the vistas of the Nanda Devi peak become even more breathtaking, and you’ll also be treated to a sight of the renowned Dronagiri mountain, positioned right next to Mount Nanda Devi.

Beholding these two sacred mountains, steeped in Hindu mythology and historical significance, is an unforgettable experience.

Bagini Glacier trek:

The trek to Bagini Glacier starts from Jumma village, which is just an hour away if you are riding from Joshimath. The famous Dronagiri village will also come in between while you do this trek. To explore the glacier with a little less difficulty, you can try this trek.