Kuari Pass Summer Camp
Trek with grand mountain views of Uttarakhand
Kuari Pass is a trek that showcases the beauty of the Himalayas. It offers some of Uttarakhand's most breathtaking mountain views, including the rare sight of Mt. Nanda Devi. From the start of the trek, you are greeted with incredible views of towering peaks, beautiful oak forests, and vast meadows. Every day on the trail feels like a new adventure, making it a trek to remember.
This trek is great for those exploring the Himalayas for the first time. It’s a moderate trek with amazing rewards — forest walks, ridge climbs, and the exciting climb to Kuari Pass. It’s an experience you’ll carry with you forever.
What Makes the Kuari Pass Trek Special
Complete Information: Kuari Pass Summer Camp
We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.
Use this section to learn about the Kuari Pass trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.
A trek map of Kuari Pass. (Map not to scale.)
Day 1
Reach Dehradun by 6.00 pm and drive to Rishikesh
You can either drop your child to Dehradun on your own or opt for chaperone services from Mumbai or Bangalore. Click here for the details of chaperone services.
If you have opted for chaperoning, you need not worry. If you haven't opted for chaperoning but your child is travelling alone, make sure to book a flight that reaches Dehradun airport by 6.00 pm. We will have the pick-up arranged from the airport to Rishikesh.
If you are travelling along with your child, you can either choose to drop them off at Dehradun airport or directly at Live Free Hostel, Rishikesh.
Day 2
Drive from Rishikesh to Karchi
Drive Distance: 255 kms | Duration: 9-10 hours | Pick up Time: 6.30 am | Approx arrival at Kotgaon: 4-5 pm
Day 3
Trek from Karchi to Akhrotghetta
Trek Distance: 2.75 km | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Altitude Gain: 7,785 ft to 9,264 ft
Day 4
Explore around the Akhrotghetta Campsite
Fun team-building activities and acclimatisation walks
Day 5
Trek from Akhrotghetta to Khullara
Trek Distance: 2.5 km | Trek Duration: 4-5 hours | Altitude Gain: 9,264 ft to 11,014 ft
Day 6
Trek from Khullara to Tali via Kuari Pass
Trek Distance: 7.65 km | Trek Duration: 8-9 hours | Altitude Gain: 11,014 ft to 11,053 ft and back to 12,516 ft
Day 7
Explore the forests of Tali
Day 8
Trek from Tali to Auli. Drive to Dhak.
Trek Distance: 8.10 km | Trek Duration: 7-8 hours | Altitude Gain: 11,053 ft to 8,546 ft
Day 9
Drive from Dhak to Dehradun
Drive Distance: 263 km | Drive Duration: 8-9 hours | Drop off time at Dehradun: 2 pm
The drive from Dhak to Dehradun will be in a non-AC vehicle.
If you are planning to pick up your child from Dehradun Airport, please be there by 2 pm. If you are opting for chaperone services, the chaperones will accompany your child till Bangalore/Mumbai airport.
Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.
A trek map of Kuari Pass. (Map not to scale.)
IMPORTANT POINTS
➤ Disclaimer: Itinerary is subject to change based on weather and other external factors.
➤ Documents required: It is mandatory for children to carry a copy of their photo ID for entry at forest check posts on the trek.
➤ Pick-up time and punctuality: Children must be on time for the pick-up at Dehradun. Delays will not be entertained. It affects the whole day's plan. Please reach Dehradun the previous night, if required.
➤ Packing snacks for the trek: Children will be given healthy food with a good variety, including plenty of trail snacks. Yet, if you're sending snacks along, ensure no plastic waste is generated. This is a plastic-free trek. Encourage zero-waste snacks.
➤ A note on staying facilities: Children will be staying in tents throughout the summer camp. These are expedition-grade tents that keep them safe from all weather conditions. There is no bathing facility on the trek.
Day 1
Reach Dehradun by 6.00 pm and drive to Rishikesh
You can either drop your child to Dehradun on your own or opt for chaperone services from Mumbai or Bangalore. Click here for the details of chaperone services.
If you have opted for chaperoning, you need not worry. If you haven't opted for chaperoning but your child is travelling alone, make sure to book a flight that reaches Dehradun airport by 6.00 pm. We will have the pick-up arranged from the airport to Rishikesh.
If you are travelling along with your child, you can either choose to drop them off at Dehradun airport or directly at Live Free Hostel, Rishikesh.
Day 2
Drive from Rishikesh to Karchi
Drive Distance: 255 kms | Duration: 9-10 hours | Pick up Time: 6.30 am | Approx arrival at Kotgaon: 4-5 pm
Day 3
Trek from Karchi to Akhrotghetta
Trek Distance: 2.75 km | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Altitude Gain: 7,785 ft to 9,264 ft
Day 4
Explore around the Akhrotghetta Campsite
Fun team-building activities and acclimatisation walks
Day 5
Trek from Akhrotghetta to Khullara
Trek Distance: 2.5 km | Trek Duration: 4-5 hours | Altitude Gain: 9,264 ft to 11,014 ft
Day 6
Trek from Khullara to Tali via Kuari Pass
Trek Distance: 7.65 km | Trek Duration: 8-9 hours | Altitude Gain: 11,014 ft to 11,053 ft and back to 12,516 ft
Day 7
Explore the forests of Tali
Day 8
Trek from Tali to Auli. Drive to Dhak.
Trek Distance: 8.10 km | Trek Duration: 7-8 hours | Altitude Gain: 11,053 ft to 8,546 ft
Day 9
Drive from Dhak to Dehradun
Drive Distance: 263 km | Drive Duration: 8-9 hours | Drop off time at Dehradun: 2 pm
The drive from Dhak to Dehradun will be in a non-AC vehicle.
If you are planning to pick up your child from Dehradun Airport, please be there by 2 pm. If you are opting for chaperone services, the chaperones will accompany your child till Bangalore/Mumbai airport.
Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.
IMPORTANT POINTS
➤ Disclaimer: Itinerary is subject to change based on weather and other external factors.
➤ Documents required: It is mandatory for children to carry a copy of their photo ID for entry at forest check posts on the trek.
➤ Pick-up time and punctuality: Children must be on time for the pick-up at Dehradun. Delays will not be entertained. It affects the whole day's plan. Please reach Dehradun the previous night, if required.
➤ Packing snacks for the trek: Children will be given healthy food with a good variety, including plenty of trail snacks. Yet, if you're sending snacks along, ensure no plastic waste is generated. This is a plastic-free trek. Encourage zero-waste snacks.
➤ A note on staying facilities: Children will be staying in tents throughout the summer camp. These are expedition-grade tents that keep them safe from all weather conditions. There is no bathing facility on the trek.
Day 1: Reach Dehradun by 6.00 pm and drive to Rishikesh
You can either drop your child to Dehradun on your own or opt for chaperone services from Mumbai or Bangalore. Click here for the details of chaperone services.
If you have opted for chaperoning, you need not worry. If you haven't opted for chaperoning but your child is travelling alone, make sure to book a flight that reaches Dehradun airport by 6.00 pm. We will have the pick-up arranged from the airport to Rishikesh.
If you are travelling along with your child, you can either choose to drop them off at Dehradun airport or directly at Live Free Hostel, Rishikesh.
You can either drop your child to Dehradun on your own or opt for chaperone services from Mumbai or Bangalore. Click here for the details of chaperone services.
If you have opted for chaperoning, you need not worry. If you haven't opted for chaperoning but your child is travelling alone, make sure to book a flight that reaches Dehradun airport by 6.00 pm. We will have the pick-up arranged from the airport to Rishikesh.
If you are travelling along with your child, you can either choose to drop them off at Dehradun airport or directly at Live Free Hostel, Rishikesh.
Day 2 : Drive from Rishikesh to Karchi
Drive Distance: 255 kms | Duration: 9-10 hours | Pick up Time: 6.30 am | Approx arrival at Kotgaon: 4-5 pm
The Kuari Pass trek begins at Karchi. The drive from Rishikesh to Karchi is a beautiful one. The route is along the tributaries of Ganga. The road goes along hugging the mountainside and you see the forests and valleys of Garhwal below you.
After you cross the village of Pipalkoti, the entire scenery changes. You suddenly see a stark difference in the landscape when approaching closer to the Greater Himalayan Range.
Watch out for the big mountain of Mt. Drongiri from the base camp. This peak will be your company for the entire trek duration.
The Kuari Pass trek begins at Karchi. The drive from Rishikesh to Karchi is a beautiful one. The route is along the tributaries of Ganga. The road goes along hugging the mountainside and you see the forests and valleys of Garhwal below you.
After you cross the village of Pipalkoti, the entire scenery changes. You suddenly see a stark difference in the landscape when approaching closer to the Greater Himalayan Range.
Watch out for the big mountain of Mt. Drongiri from the base camp. This peak will be your company for the entire trek duration.
Day 3: Trek from Karchi to Akhrotghetta
Trek Distance: 2.75 km | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Altitude Gain: 7,785 ft to 9,264 ft
Altitude Gain: 7,785 ft to 9,264 ft
Start walking along the trail from Karchi. You can either pass the village or above the village. The water bridge when you cross is where you can refill your water bottles which will help your long journey ahead.
It is from here that you start climbing the first steep section for 20 minutes, till you reach a clearing. This is your rest point. To your left, you get views of Karchu village, behind which you see a huge mountain rising, with glaciers all around it. This is Mt Dronagiri (Dunagiri). Savor this view and get to hear the mythological story about how Hanuman ji took a part of Mt. Dronagiri on his quest for the Sanjeevni booti.
About a kilometre from the start of the trek, you enter the forest mainly consisting of pine, oak, and maple trees. It starts with a good section of pine, fallen cones and maple seeds in the forest flooring.
Continue inside the forest through a lot of switchbacks and gradually to steeper ascents.
As you approach a lone walnut tree, you’ll know that you have reached the campsite for the day. Akhrotghetta is located in a clearing, with the walnut tree to mark the campsite. You’ll see a range of mountains, the prominent ones being Hathi Gauri peaks and Mt Dronagiri.
Retire for the day here, taking in the view of the sunset. This is a nice campsite to explore around with a stream flowing close to it.
Do look out for the first rays of the sun hitting these peaks in the morning.
Start walking along the trail from Karchi. You can either pass the village or above the village. The water bridge when you cross is where you can refill your water bottles which will help your long journey ahead.
It is from here that you start climbing the first steep section for 20 minutes, till you reach a clearing. This is your rest point. To your left, you get views of Karchu village, behind which you see a huge mountain rising, with glaciers all around it. This is Mt Dronagiri (Dunagiri). Savor this view and get to hear the mythological story about how Hanuman ji took a part of Mt. Dronagiri on his quest for the Sanjeevni booti.
About a kilometre from the start of the trek, you enter the forest mainly consisting of pine, oak, and maple trees. It starts with a good section of pine, fallen cones and maple seeds in the forest flooring.
Continue inside the forest through a lot of switchbacks and gradually to steeper ascents.
As you approach a lone walnut tree, you’ll know that you have reached the campsite for the day. Akhrotghetta is located in a clearing, with the walnut tree to mark the campsite. You’ll see a range of mountains, the prominent ones being Hathi Gauri peaks and Mt Dronagiri.
Retire for the day here, taking in the view of the sunset. This is a nice campsite to explore around with a stream flowing close to it.
Do look out for the first rays of the sun hitting these peaks in the morning.
Day 4: Explore around Akhrotghetta
On this day, children will stay at the Akhrotghetta campsite. It's a campsite in a small clearing nestled in an oak, pine and other coniferous tree forest. It is a perfect place to connect children with nature.
Children will explore forests around Akhrotghetta, and participate in bird watching and nature journaling.
On this day, children will stay at the Akhrotghetta campsite. It's a campsite in a small clearing nestled in an oak, pine and other coniferous tree forest. It is a perfect place to connect children with nature.
Children will explore forests around Akhrotghetta, and participate in bird watching and nature journaling.
Day 5: Trek from Akhrotghetta to Khullara
Trek Distance: 2.5 km | Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
Altitude Gain: 9,264 ft to 11,014 ft
You are trekking amidst the Oaks for most of the day. The trail today ascends to Khullara but it’s not as steep as the previous day. Within 40 minutes of starting from Akhrotgetta, you reach the first clearing.
You will be surrounded by oak forests on all sides. Along with the green and brown oaks, now you start spotting the golden oaks. Continue on the trail leading into the forest.
Be careful near the streams incase of snow. They freeze and become extremely slippery to walk on them. So, exercise caution when you come across hard ice. The snow that freezes overnight and becomes hard ice is known as verglas.
The peek-a-boo that the mountains play through the forests makes for very enchanting sights.
Reach the second clearing after about an hour. You get a feeling that the tree line is dwindling as you move ahead. But just turn back to see the number of snow-capped mountains increasing and getting a grander view as you take each step.
Notice the section covered with dwarf Rhododendrons. The next stretch is a lovely walk to your next campsite in Khullara.
Along with Mt. Dronagiri to the left, slightly at the back., you will get the mountain of Hathi Ghoda peaks. On a clear day, you get to see other peaks like Kamet, Neelkanth, and a few more coming out.
The Khullara campsite is located in a clearing.
You are trekking amidst the Oaks for most of the day. The trail today ascends to Khullara but it’s not as steep as the previous day. Within 40 minutes of starting from Akhrotgetta, you reach the first clearing.
You will be surrounded by oak forests on all sides. Along with the green and brown oaks, now you start spotting the golden oaks. Continue on the trail leading into the forest.
Be careful near the streams incase of snow. They freeze and become extremely slippery to walk on them. So, exercise caution when you come across hard ice. The snow that freezes overnight and becomes hard ice is known as verglas.
The peek-a-boo that the mountains play through the forests makes for very enchanting sights.
Reach the second clearing after about an hour. You get a feeling that the tree line is dwindling as you move ahead. But just turn back to see the number of snow-capped mountains increasing and getting a grander view as you take each step.
Notice the section covered with dwarf Rhododendrons. The next stretch is a lovely walk to your next campsite in Khullara.
Along with Mt. Dronagiri to the left, slightly at the back., you will get the mountain of Hathi Ghoda peaks. On a clear day, you get to see other peaks like Kamet, Neelkanth, and a few more coming out.
The Khullara campsite is located in a clearing.
Day 6: Trek from Khullara to Tali via Kuari Pass
Trek Distance: 7.65 km | Trek Duration: 8-9 hours
Altitude Gain: 11,014 ft to 11,053 ft and back to 12,516 ft
The entire day's trail is marked with adventure. The trail from Khullara begins to climb steeply out of the tree line. In 1 to 1.5 hours you reach a ridge, which is a part of Lord Curzon’s trail. From here 360-degree views of the Himalayas open up before you.
On one side you see Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Dronagiri, Nilgiri and Hathi Ghoda peaks. Straight ahead of you are Trishul and parts of Nanda Devi. Continue on this trail to reach the upper grasslands of Kuari Pass.
The moment you hit the ridge marked by the Shrine, you see the Pangarchulla Peak. This is one of the most adventurous and difficult climbs that you can do in the Spring season.
From the ridge, trek up to the Kuari top. This is a moderate climb. It will take you 40 minutes to reach the top. The actual Kuari Pass is around half an hour more and is at a depression. So trekkers usually go to the Kuari Top.
It is all worth it as you get to savour the 270 deg panoramic view of the Greater Himalayas - close to 22 peaks.
From Kuari Top, retrace your way back to the ridge. Once you reach the ridge, walk along ahead instead of turning towards Khullara. An hour’s moderate climb will bring you to Jhandi top, which is on the top of the ridge. The ridge walk can get windy and cold at certain times. As you keep walking on the ridge, take a moment to turn back and see the route that you have taken and a clear view of Kuari Pass (with the U-shaped opening between the mountain slope)
Once you reach Jhandi Top, start descending towards the Chitrakantha meadows. This is a forest trail and the mountains get hidden behind the tall trees. You will reach Chitrakantha in 1-1.5 hours.
The trail from Chitrakantha to Tali dives deep into the forest. You are surrounded by golden oaks, pines and dwarf rhododendrons. The forest is dense and you will notice a kind of silence that engulfs you inside the forest. It is a unique setting compared to other forests of Uttarakhand. This section is one of our personal favorites, especially as the sunlight dances through the leaves. While you are tired, do not forget to catch the play of the sunlight on these trees. It will take your breath away.
The Tali forest camp is around 40 minutes ahead on this trail. The campsite is located right in the middle of the forest. You are surrounded by tall trees on all sides.
The entire day's trail is marked with adventure. The trail from Khullara begins to climb steeply out of the tree line. In 1 to 1.5 hours you reach a ridge, which is a part of Lord Curzon’s trail. From here 360-degree views of the Himalayas open up before you.
On one side you see Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Dronagiri, Nilgiri and Hathi Ghoda peaks. Straight ahead of you are Trishul and parts of Nanda Devi. Continue on this trail to reach the upper grasslands of Kuari Pass.
The moment you hit the ridge marked by the Shrine, you see the Pangarchulla Peak. This is one of the most adventurous and difficult climbs that you can do in the Spring season.
From the ridge, trek up to the Kuari top. This is a moderate climb. It will take you 40 minutes to reach the top. The actual Kuari Pass is around half an hour more and is at a depression. So trekkers usually go to the Kuari Top.
It is all worth it as you get to savour the 270 deg panoramic view of the Greater Himalayas - close to 22 peaks.
From Kuari Top, retrace your way back to the ridge. Once you reach the ridge, walk along ahead instead of turning towards Khullara. An hour’s moderate climb will bring you to Jhandi top, which is on the top of the ridge. The ridge walk can get windy and cold at certain times. As you keep walking on the ridge, take a moment to turn back and see the route that you have taken and a clear view of Kuari Pass (with the U-shaped opening between the mountain slope)
Once you reach Jhandi Top, start descending towards the Chitrakantha meadows. This is a forest trail and the mountains get hidden behind the tall trees. You will reach Chitrakantha in 1-1.5 hours.
The trail from Chitrakantha to Tali dives deep into the forest. You are surrounded by golden oaks, pines and dwarf rhododendrons. The forest is dense and you will notice a kind of silence that engulfs you inside the forest. It is a unique setting compared to other forests of Uttarakhand. This section is one of our personal favorites, especially as the sunlight dances through the leaves. While you are tired, do not forget to catch the play of the sunlight on these trees. It will take your breath away.
The Tali forest camp is around 40 minutes ahead on this trail. The campsite is located right in the middle of the forest. You are surrounded by tall trees on all sides.
Day 7: Explore the forests of Tali
On this day, children will stay at the Tali campsite. It's a cosy campsite nestled in the forests of Tali. It is a beautiful place to learn about flora and fauna.
Children will explore forests around Tali, and participate in outdoor activities.
On this day, children will stay at the Tali campsite. It's a cosy campsite nestled in the forests of Tali. It is a beautiful place to learn about flora and fauna.
Children will explore forests around Tali, and participate in outdoor activities.
Day 8: Trek from Tali to Auli and Drive to Dhak
Trek Distance: 8.10 km | Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
Altitude Gain: 11,053 ft to 8,546 ft
From Khujaai, you find a trail going further down. It’s a descent all the way to the Kotgaon.
It’s a narrow trail in the dense forest section, consisting predominantly of oak trees. Savour the forest walk for one last time as today is the last day of your trek.
From Khujaai, you find a trail going further down. It’s a descent all the way to the Kotgaon.
It’s a narrow trail in the dense forest section, consisting predominantly of oak trees. Savour the forest walk for one last time as today is the last day of your trek.
Day 9: Drive from Dhak to Dehradun Airport
Drive Distance: 263 km | Drive Duration: 8-9 hours | Drop off time at Dehradun: 2 pm
All children will be dropped back at Dehradun Airport by 2 pm. If you are planning to pick up your child from Dehradun Airport, please be there by 2 pm. If you are opting for chaperone services, the chaperones will accompany your child to Bangalore/Mumbai airport.
All children will be dropped back at Dehradun Airport by 2 pm. If you are planning to pick up your child from Dehradun Airport, please be there by 2 pm. If you are opting for chaperone services, the chaperones will accompany your child to Bangalore/Mumbai airport.
Moderate
Suitable for Beginners
At Indiahikes, while rating a trek difficulty we consider a number of factors. These include, altitude gained every day, length of trek everyday, highest altitude, nature of the terrain, weather etc. Based on this, we rate a trek as easy or difficult or somewhere in between.
Kuari Pass is categorized as an Moderate trek.
The aspect of the trek that makes it move towards the moderate side are three things:
1. The ascent of about 3,000 ft on the first day of the trek. On the first day of the trek, you climb about 3,000 ft in a stretch of 4 km. It is steep and given that you cover a larger altitude range on the very first day, can make you more prone to AMS.
2. Another aspect of the trek that pushes it towards the moderate end of the difficulty is the stretch from Tali campsite and Gorson Bugyal when you trek on an overhanging narrow trail for about 1 km overlooking the Dhak valley. Especially around winter or rainy days, this stretch can get tricky.
3. The trail from Padiyar to Gorson Tali campsite is easy to lose your way on, on a foggy or misty day. This again makes the trek rank a bit higher on the difficulty scale.
Having said all of this, we want to stress this again: the trek is as easy as your preparations go. Even fairly easy trek can turn into a difficult one if you are not physically and gear-wise prepared for the trek
How we ensure children's safety
When it comes to terrain, Kuari Pass can be considered safe. The entire route is marked with
– Well marked trails
– Well trodden routes
– Gradual ascents
– Well placed campsites (important when considering AMS)
– Easy and multiple exit points
The only section that requires a lot of attention from children and Indiahikes is the overhanging trail from Tali Campsite to Gorson Bugyal. This stretch is marked by a narrow trail with a lot of undulations. This can get tricky to navigate on hazy days, when there is snow or when there is a lot of snowfall.
We will traverse this stretch slowly. We must ensure that we get a good footing with each step we take on this stretch. Also, we must walk along a single lane one behind the other and not overtake each other during this stretch. With these precautions, this stretch should be easy to tackle.
Also, considering the amount of snowfall in the winter months (December to February), there could be sections of hard snow on the trail. In such cases, Indiahikes takes care of childrens' safety by giving them microspikes. The Trek Leader will tell the children when to wear microspikes. The Indiahikes technical team will lead in this section to make the footholds required for children to step on.
In case of any steep sections, the Indiahikes team will fortify the section through ropes. If it is not steep enough for ropes, the Indiahikes teams will stand guard at the edge, and help children across the section.
At altitudes above 10,000 ft, the chances of being hit by Acute Mountain Sickness are real. There might be symptoms such as (a) Persistent headache (b) Feeling fatigued or weak (c) Feel nauseous or vomit (d) Feeling dizzy or lightheaded, often while sitting up or standing suddenly (e) You don’t feel like eating, you have a loss of appetite (f) You don’t sleep very well at night.
Few aspects of the trek that helps mitigate AMS:
– Except for the first day, every day’s trek and campsites are placed well within a normal altitude gain for each day. With a steady pace, the chances of getting AMS are less.
– The second day is shorter in length and altitude gain. This gives you ample opportunity to rest and acclimatize before the long summit day.
– The third day, you lose a lot of height. This helps recover from most AMS symptoms that might occur on the summit day.
We ensure that we detect altitude sickness in its earliest stages, or we avoid it altogether. We do this by:
1. Distributing the altitude gain over multiple days, to ensure slow, acclimatised ascent. This takes care of most AMS cases, cutting down the possibilities by almost 90%.
2. Safety Check-in: Checking oxygen and BP upon arrival. This way, we know the child is healthy and safe upon arrival.
3. Three-time time health check: Checking the saturation and pulse thrice a day for every child. This ensures the slightest symptoms are detected and treated immediately.
The trek is safe for all the ten months of the year it is open. The trek can get slippery and tricky when there is a lot of snow. However, this can be managed with the right gear – microspikes, gaiters, etc.
The trek also gets extremely cold in the winter and can result in cold-related injuries. But this can be tackled with the right winter gear, right technique of layering and good insulation techniques.
Kuari Pass has multiple trails that reach the Pass, but at Indiahikes, we have documented and followed the two trails that mark the onward and the descent route of the trek. Both of these routes mark the exit points for our trek. Depending on where you are in the trek when evacuation is necessary, you can exit from the nearest exit point.
In general, if you are in the valley where Khullara and Chitrakantha/Tali campsites are located, you can exit from Dhak. While if you have crossed the overhanging section of the trail and on the Gorson Bugyal side, then exit from Auli.
Closest Hospital To Kuari Pass
For mild medical issues, the closest medical assistance can be found in Joshimath. This includes simple fracture, sprain, etc:
Joshimath
2009 Field Hospital
Joshimath, Chamoli – 246443
Ph: 8765949852
Chamoli
District Hospital
Gopeshwar, Chamoli – 246424
However, for major medical emergencies, the nearest hospital is in Srinagar or Dehradun — which is almost 8-9 hours away from the base camp of the trek.
These are documents required for legal purposes by Indiahikes and the forest department. Without any of these, you will not be allowed to trek.
- Original and photocopy of government photo identity card. Anything such as a driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or passport will do. This is required by the forest department for your identification.
- Disclaimer certificate: There are two sections in this. The first part is a personal medical record. The second part is a legal requirement. Download the PDF, read carefully, fill in and sign it. This must be handed over to your Trek Leader during registration at the base camp. – Download disclaimer certificate
- Medical certificate: The medical certificate needs to be filled out by an MBBS doctor, without which the forest department will not issue permissions for your trek. It is also a requirement by Indiahikes – Download medical certificate
Note: Please carry the above document with you. The document needs to be downloaded (PDF), filled in, signed, and handed over to the trek leader at the base camp. Please print these back-to-back on two sheets. Do not print separately and help in reducing paper usage.
PRO TIPS
Keep important documents in a clear plastic cover and slide them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack. This keeps them from getting wet.
Before you purchase any gear, visit the Crosstrek Rental store, where you can rent high-quality gear at 5% of the buying cost.
You can rent trekking shoes, backpacks, padded jackets, trekking poles, rainwear and headlamps for less than Rs 2000 for the entire duration of your trek. Visit our Crosstrek Rentals store here.
Here is a list of everything you need for your trek.
Shoes and backpack
- Trekking shoes with ankle support (Available on rent)
- 45-55 Ltr Backpack with rain cover (Available on rent)
Warm Layers and Clothes
- 1 fleece
- 1 sweater/fleece/thermal
- 1 padded jacket (Available on rent)
- 3 full-sleeved T-shirts (Wear one, carry two)
- 2 quick-dry trek pants (Wear one, carry one)
- Waterproof gloves (Available for purchase)
- Balaclava/Bandana (Neck Warmer Available for purchase)
- Woollen socks (2 pairs of Dry fit + 1 pair of Woollen) (Waterproof Trekking Socks Available for purchase)
- High Ankle synthetic/cotton socks (carry based on number of trekking days)
Accessories
- Sunglasses (Available on rent)
- Sun cap (Available for purchase), preferably with flaps
- Headlamp (Available on rent)
- Trekking poles (Available on rent)
- Rain jacket + pants / poncho (Rain Jacket Available on rent) (All Weather Shel Jacket Available for purchase)
Toiletries:
- Sunscreen
- Light towel
- Lip balm or vaseline
- Toilet paper (Wet wipes are strictly not allowed on our treks)
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Reusable plastic covers (for used clothes)
Cutlery:
- 1 Steel lunch box (Available on rent)
- 1 Spoon
- 1 Coffee mug (Available on rent)
- Two water bottles or Hydration Pack (Water Bottles Available on rent) (Thermos Flask Available on rent)
Once you run through this list, don't miss this ultimate guide on what gear to take on a trek. It contains tips on what gear to choose, where to get it from and how much to spend on it.
Our only tip: Keep your backpack light. Indiahikes practices low impact sustainable trekking in every aspect of the trek. Carrying your own personal backpack reduces your impact on the mountains by 20%. We expect all our trekkers to carry their own backpacks unless they have a justifiable reason not to.
Nevertheless, we understand that some gears that cannot be rented due to hygiene issues. So visit our Crosstrek Merchandise Store for exclusive trekking gear, accessories and apparel.
- Disposable cutlery, plates, glasses etc
- Packaged foods and snacks
- Wet wipes
We provide chaperoning services from Mumbai and Bangalore to Dehradun. We offer a two-way chaperoning service from Bangalore and Mumbai to Dehradun for a fee of Rs 4000 per child.
We will soon announce the flight details for our chaperone service for summer camps 2025.
Important Note: If you plan to use this service, please wait for our announcement and book only the recommended flights. Do not book flights independently, as this may affect our ability to provide chaperone services.
On a side note: We would advise you to book the same flight even if you are not opting for chaperone services and that your child is travelling alone.
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What Children Learn
Our summer camps are a mix of fun, adventure and learning. Through the course of the trek and the program design, children learn the basics of trekking, camping and wilderness survival.
- Building a shelter out of bare minimum resources
- First aid skills through mock drills
- Navigation skills using maps and GPS tools
- Skills to identify and set up campsites in the outdoors
- Cooking in the wild
- Learning to cross streams
Given that children are in the heart of some of the richest biodiversity in our country, they learn first-hand about forests, plants, birdlife, animals and all natural elements around them.
- See and feel the rich biodiversity of Himalayan forests
- Learn about birdlife and animals endemic to the region
- Learn about the stars and the Milky Way by experiencing it in real-life
- Nature journaling
- Experiencing the forest
- Witness big Himalayan ranges at close quarters and learn the stories associated with them
At Indiahikes, we are very conscious about how we trek and how we treat the outdoors. There’s a certain spirit of trekking we believe in — a minimal and sustainable way of trekking. These are imparted by our Green Trails initiative, which inevitably has a big impact on children.
- Learn a minimal way of living by exploring lifestyles in remote villages in the foothills
- Clean trekking trails and leave mountains better
- Understand the importance of saving natural resources
- Learn the basics of waste management — segregating and composting waste
- Understand how to make composting toilets in the outdoors
Our summer camps are a mix of fun, adventure and learning. Through the course of the trek and the program design, children learn the basics of trekking, camping and wilderness survival.
- Building a shelter out of bare minimum resources
- First aid skills through mock drills
- Navigation skills using maps and GPS tools
- Skills to identify and set up campsites in the outdoors
- Cooking in the wild
- Learning to cross streams
Other summer camp treks
Treks by Categories
Contact Us
080 468 01269
Mon to Sat - 9.30 AM to 7.30 PM
Sun - 9.30 AM to 6.30 PM
Bengaluru Office
139, Defence Colony Road, Defence Layout, Sahakar Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka - 560092
Dehradun Office
Mohabbewala, Titan Road, Near Titan Factory, Chandramani Khalsa Dehradun - 248002
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