Kuari Pass Trek

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.

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 in winters. 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.

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.

Begin the trek today with a small climb to Tali lake. This should take you around 30-40 minutes. At Tali lake, you’re above the tree line so you start getting the mountain views again. This day is the icing on the cake with the gorgeous view of Mt. Nandi Devi that makes you go weak on your knees.

A 20 minutes steep climb from Tali lake brings you to an overhanging trail which cuts through a cliff. Continue on this ledge. You can spot Lower and Upper Tugasi villages way below in the valley and also see rhododendron forests from above. The entire valley is below you now.

This is also the place you need to look up and catch Himalayan Griffin hovering above you.  This majestic beauty is a wondrous bird. After about 40 minutes of moderate ascent, the overhanging trail ends abruptly and you take a U-turn towards Gorson Bugyal.

At Gorson Bugyal, wide mountain views open up to the right and behind you. You will trek across the entire length of Gorson Bugyal, which gives you enough time to savour the views. This is a lovely, descending walk.

However, take this in before the reality of civilization hits you again. During the holiday season and popular times, this region is where the entire trail is populated. You will start seeing plenty of waste and is a good opportunity for you to contribute to leaving the mountains better.

In 2-2.5 hours you will reach Padiyar. From here, the trail enters an oak forest. Within 15 minutes you reach Padiyar temple. You can take a break here if you wish. From Padiyar temple, the trail continues to descend.

Upper Auli, which is the end of the ski lift (number 10), appears in 10-15 minutes. Auli is 1,000 ft below this. You will reach it after gradually descending through the meadows for 1-1.5 hours.

Once you reach Auli, you will drive down to Dhak and stay at our campus at Karchi.