When I first entered college, I had not traveled much outside my own valley. I come from Uttarakhand’s Yamunotri region, and by then I had visited some nearby trails like Saru Tal, Baukh Tibba, Nag Tibba, and a few forest destinations. They gave me some taste of the outdoors, but I was still searching for wider horizons, the kind of places where I could stand and feel the real vastness of the Himalayas.
By the time I finished my graduation, my list of treks had grown far longer. That change happened mostly because I began working part time with a travel company. What started as a job quickly turned into a lifestyle, and in a few years I had visited many of Uttarakhand’s gems like Chandrashila Peak, Satopanth Tal, Nandan Van Vasuki Tal, Kedarkantha, Har Ki Dun, Bedni Bugyal, Auden’s Col, Mayali Pass, and several more. One winter, I finally decided to attempt one of the best winter treks in Uttarakhand, Kuari Pass, a trek I had heard about many times but never experienced myself.
About Kuari Pass
Kuari Pass is a beautiful snow-adventure trek in Uttarakhand, India, suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. It lies in Chamoli district, one of the most beautiful regions of Garhwal. The trail goes up to around 12,500 feet, which is high enough to give great mountain views but still doable for anyone with moderate fitness. The trek is often recommended for beginners, but it does not disappoint experienced trekkers either.
The route usually starts from Dhak or Tugasi village, not far from Joshimath. From there, it takes about five to six days to complete the loop and return. In winter, especially in December and January, the trail is completely covered with snow. The forests, meadows, and ridges turn into a snow covered landscape that feels like a wonderland. Walking on these snow covered trails is slower but far more rewarding because of the silence and beauty around.
What makes Kuari Pass so special is not just the winter atmosphere but the mountains you see from it. The trek gives you close views of some of the tallest peaks in India including Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Kamet, Hathi Parbat, Gauri Parbat, Neelkanth, Mana, Trishul, and others. Nanda Devi in particular dominates the skyline, and from Gorson Bugyal you see it standing so close that it feels like the centerpiece of the whole range.
Journey to the Base
Our journey from Rishikesh to Joshimath was not just a drive but a pilgrimage through some of Uttarakhand’s most sacred and scenic spots. The road traced the flow of the Ganga River, offering glimpses of towns and quiet Himalayan villages that seemed to hold stories of their own.
One of the highlights was Devprayag, where the sacred Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers merge to form the Ganga. Standing there, watching the turquoise and green waters meet, felt like witnessing the very birth of a river that nourishes half of India. A little further along, we passed Dhari Devi Temple, perched on a rock in the middle of the Alaknanda. Locals call her the guardian deity of the region, and her connection with the 2013 Kedarnath tragedy only deepens the reverence one feels in her presence.
Throughout the journey, the road snaked past confluences, temples, and riverside hamlets, each with its own legend. Every turn of the valley seemed to hold a story waiting to be heard. By evening, we reached Joshimath, carrying with us not just the tiredness of travel, but also the spiritual calm of the places we had passed.
The next morning, we continued by road to Dhak village, where the real trek began. The first day’s walk was from Dhak to Guling Top. The trail moved through small settlements and farmlands, slowly gaining height. Soon, we entered oak and rhododendron forests. Even in early sections, the snow was visible on the ground, and the air was much cooler. That first stretch gave us a gentle introduction to the winter trek. We reached the Guling campsite by evening, where the sky was already showing countless stars. That night, I realized why trekkers talk about stargazing here. The skies were crystal clear, and the mountains around seemed like silent shadows against the snow.
Through Forests and Meadows
On the second day, we moved from Guling to Khullara Top. The trail became steeper and the snow deeper. The oak and rhododendron forests looked magical here, with branches bending under the weight of snow. Every step made a soft crunching sound on the snow covered trail. The silence of these forests was calming, broken only by the occasional bird or the wind passing through the trees.
Once we crossed the tree line, the landscape opened. We were now walking through wide meadows with snow stretching in every direction. In summer these bugyals are green, but in winter they turn into open snowfields. This part of the trek felt slow because the snow made it harder to walk, but it also felt rewarding. Every short break gave us clear views of peaks rising higher than I had ever seen.
Khullara Top was our camp that night. From there, Dronagiri peak stood right in front of us. The campsite was open, surrounded by a white wonderland, and we could feel how small we were in front of the Himalayas.
The Pass Day
The most awaited part came on the third day, the climb to Kuari Pass. Starting early in the morning, we followed a ridge that slowly rose higher. With every step, the views expanded. At some points, the ridge trail felt like walking on a rooftop with nothing but snow around.
Reaching Kuari Pass felt like reaching the center of the Garhwal Himalayas. From that single spot, we could see peaks in every direction. Nanda Devi stood tall, surrounded by Chaukhamba, Kamet, Neelkanth, Hathi, Gauri, and others. The 360 degree view from there is what makes this trek unique. We stayed for a while, clicked some pictures, and simply tried to take in the scale of what we were seeing.
The return to Khullara was easier but also emotional because the hardest part was already behind us.
Returning via Gorson Bugyal
On the way back, our route passed through Gorson Bugyal. In winter, it was just endless snow under bright sunlight. The openness of that meadow, combined with the backdrop of Nanda Devi, made it one of the most memorable sections of the trek. Standing there, surrounded by snow covered slopes and blue skies, you do not feel the need to rush. It is the kind of place where you simply stand still and watch.
Eventually, we descended back to Joshimath and then continued our journey back to Rishikesh, completing the loop.
Things to Know Before You Go
Difficulty: Kuari Pass is rated as an easy to moderate trek. It is suitable for beginners, but winter conditions like snow and cold require preparation.
Best season: Winter months from December to March are perfect if you want snow. Summer and autumn also offer beautiful views but without snow.
Shoes: Normal tennis shoes are not enough. Sturdy trekking shoes with good grip are needed because the trail has snow and uneven ground.
Independent trekking: It is possible to attempt Kuari Pass alone, but most people prefer going with a group or local guide for safety, especially in winter. Navigation, campsite setup, and food are easier with a team.
Gear: Warm clothing layers, gloves, hat, trekking poles, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a good backpack are essential. A first aid kit and light source are also must carry items.
Risks: Like any high altitude trek, there are risks such as cold, altitude sickness, or minor injuries. Proper pace and hydration make the journey safer.
Why Kuari Pass Stands Out
I have been on many treks in Uttarakhand, but Kuari Pass holds a different place in my memory. The balance of everything makes it special, the close mountain views, the snow covered meadows, the peaceful forests, and the campsites that feel perfectly placed.
It does not demand extreme effort like some higher expeditions, yet it offers rewards that even advanced trekkers admire. For someone just starting their trekking journey, Kuari Pass can be an ideal first experience. For someone who has already trekked across the Himalayas, it remains a route that is simple but deeply satisfying.
When I look back at my trekking list, Chandrashila, Kedarkantha, Satopanth, Har Ki Dun, Bedni Bugyal, each has its own highlight. But Kuari Pass in winter stands out for the way it combines accessibility with grandeur. You do not just walk there, you slowly absorb every turn of the snow covered trail, every glimpse of a peak, and every quiet night under the stars.
Suggested Itinerary for Kuari Pass Winter Trek
Starting from Rishikesh, it takes around six days to finish this easy to moderate trek.
Day 1: Drive from Rishikesh to Joshimath. It is a long day on the road with beautiful views of rivers and valleys, ending with an overnight stay in Joshimath.
Day 2: Drive from Joshimath to Dhak village and begin the trek. Walk up to Guling Top through small settlements and forests. Camp overnight at Guling.
Day 3: Trek from Guling to Khullara Top. This section has deeper snow and open views. Set up camp at Khullara.
Day 4: Trek from Khullara to Kuari Pass and return to Khullara. This is the main day of the trek with the best mountain views.
Day 5: Trek back from Khullara to Joshimath, passing through Gorson Bugyal on the way.
Day 6: Drive from Joshimath back to Rishikesh, completing the journey.
Read the full day-by-day itinerary of the Kuari Pass Trek.
Is Kuari Pass Trek Difficult for Beginners
Kuari Pass is considered easy to moderate in difficulty. Beginners often ask how difficult it will feel in winter. The trail is not too steep, and most of the route is on clear paths through forests and meadows. However, in December and January, snow covered trails can slow down the pace. Walking in snow requires more effort, and temperatures drop quickly after sunset.
For someone doing their first trek, the main challenge is managing the cold and keeping a steady rhythm while climbing. Proper trekking shoes, warm layers, gloves, and simple gear like poles make the journey much easier. Unlike very high altitude expeditions, Kuari Pass does not demand advanced skills, but beginners should still be prepared for long walking hours and cold conditions.
Many people start their trekking journey with Kuari Pass because it offers the right balance. It is safe, rewarding, and with a local guide or group, even a first timer can complete it without much trouble. The reward at the pass, with views of Nanda Devi and other Himalayan giants, makes every step worthwhile.
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