Best time to do the Kuari Pass trek

A Rare Gem Open Nine Months a Year

The Kuari Pass trek is one of those rare Himalayan trails that stays open for almost nine months in the year. Except during the monsoon season—July, August, and early September—you can plan this trek in any other season.

What’s really exciting is how different the trail looks in each of these seasons. It’s almost like doing a new trek every time. You get to see completely different facets of Kuari Pass depending on when you go.

Watch this quick video to get a good overview of the trek. But don’t stop there — the article dives much deeper. I’d definitely recommend giving it a read. Towards the end, you’ll also find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the trek

Winter (Mid-December to Mid-March)

If snow gets you excited and you’re always reaching for your camera, Kuari in winter is a treat. It’s one of those treks where every turn gives you a frame worth capturing.

This is one of the most magical times to be on the Kuari Pass trek. The trail gets a generous layer of snow, and the forests and mountains turn into a winter wonderland.

What makes Kuari so special in winter is how beautifully the forests and ridges are laid out. It’s like the mountains know how to pose. From Gorson Bugyal to Khulara, every step feels like you’re walking through a picture postcard. Honestly, some of the best winter photos we’ve ever seen have come from this trail.

Expert Tip: If you’re chasing snow and crisp mountain air, this is the season for you.

Spring (Mid-March to End of April) — A Season of Change

It’s winter slowly stepping aside and letting new life take over.

Spring is perfect for those who want a little bit of everything—the last of the snow clinging to the upper meadows, fresh greenery pushing through the earth, wildflowers blooming, and the forest coming alive with birdsong.

You’ll find dwarf rhododendrons starting to flower and grasslands slowly shedding their snowy blankets. If you want to avoid the harsh winter cold but still enjoy snow-capped scenery, spring is the best time for you.

We’ve been trekking for over a decade, and we can tell you—this is the perfect trek for first-time trekkers, families, or anyone who wants an easier winter experience. For those who want a little snow, a little sun, and great photography opportunities without the harsh winter cold.

Summer (May to Mid-June)

In summer, Kuari Pass trek is at its freshest. The meadows at Khulara and Gorson Bugyal are lush and full of colour. The forests are buzzing with life, the skies are clear, and the whole trail feels alive.

Expect pleasant temperatures and easy trekking conditions. It's also a great time for birdwatching and appreciating the quiet grandeur of the Himalayas without the snow.

The Kuari Pass temperature in summer stays between 8°C to 24°C during the day and drops to around 3°C to 8°C at night.

If you’re someone who enjoys comfort, lush greenery, and trails that aren’t too demanding, summer is a great time to do the Kuari Pass trek.

Monsoon (Mid-June to Early September)

It’s best to avoid climbing Kuari in this season.

The monsoon months bring heavy rainfall, making the trails slushy and slippery. Water sources can become contaminated, and visibility is poor.

It’s not recommended to trek during this time—risks of landslides, leeches, and trail washouts are high.

For safety reasons, it’s best to skip the Kuari Pass trek during monsoon.

Autumn (Mid-September to End of November) — Big Mountain Views at Their Best

A lot of trekkers swear by autumn as the best time to do the Kuari Pass trek. Especially if you're someone who can't get enough of big mountain views. With the monsoon clouds all cleared out, the skies open up like never before.

You’ll get unparalleled views of Mt Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Hathi Ghoda, and more, often looking like they’re within arm’s reach. The air is sharp, the trails are dry, and the grasslands take on golden hues.

Indiahikes Favourite: This is when Kuari Pass is at its most majestic.

Final Thoughts

Except for the monsoon months, you can do the Kuari Pass trek multiple times a year. And each season shows you something completely different.

Whether it’s the snow-dusted trees in winter, the lush green meadows in summer, or the golden alpine glow in autumn, each season shows you a new side of the trail.

Pick the season that matches your mood — or better yet, try it in two or three different seasons. You’ll be amazed at how much the experience changes.

Some Frequently Asked Questions about the trek

1. What is the total distance of the Kuari Pass trek?
The total distance covered during the Kuari pass trek on the Dhak-Kuari Pass-Auli trail is 21.5 km.
One of the best things about the Kuari pass trek is the flexibility it has in terms of itinerary and trails. If you approach the trek from Dhak as your starting point, you can reach Khullara campsite by two different trails, with Guling and Akhrotghetta as the distinct campsites.
At the pass, you can choose to descend back down to Karchi or take another beautiful trail to Auli. If you do the latter, then you again have an option to camp at exquisite locations like Chitrakantha or Tali on the way down!

2. What is the height of Kuari Pass?
Kuari Pass stands at 12,516 ft (3,815 m). It’s a moderate-altitude pass, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers.
From Karchi, the trek climbs a height/altitude of more or less 5,600 ft during the length of this trek. You steadily climb up the first three days of the trek to the summit. After Tali the trail climbs up to Gorson Bugyal and then climbs down to Auli.

3. Where is Kuari Pass located?
Kuari Pass is located in the heart of Chamoli, a district renowned for its pilgrimage sites, especially Badrinath. Joshimath, the town in the centre of the news, is the hub for the Kuari Pass trek.
We start the trek from a small village called Karchi, which lies 16 km from Joshimath. We end the trek on the famous ski slopes of Auli after trekking our way through the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.

4. Is the Kuari Pass trek suitable for beginners?
Yes. It’s one of the best high-altitude treks for beginners. The trail is moderate and non-technical, with well-paced campsites and manageable altitude gain.

5. What is the cost of the Kuari Pass trek?
The cost if Kuari Pass trek is Rs 11,950. It includes nutritious and delicious meals, top quality camping and safety gears, an expert team and a specially designed Indiahikes experience. 
What it does not include is the transportation to and from the basecamp, personal equipments, insurance, and anything apart from inclusions. 

6. Will I see snow on the Kuari Pass trek?
No one can predict when snow will fall with 100% accuracy. However, according to recent weather patterns, we have observed that it usually snows in the months of January, February and sometimes the snow stays until late into March. 

7. Can I get a Kuari Pass trek map?
We will provide you a detailed gpx file of the trek once you register for the trek. For now, you can take a look at the quick itinerary section to get the 2D map of the trek.