The drive to Joshimath is 9-10 hours and therefore it can be arduous and tiring but the enchanting views will keep your excitement at its crest. On the way uphill you will encounter the devprayag sangam and other famous villages in Tehri, Garhwal region.
The stay will be either at Joshimath or Lower Auli, depending on the season and the availability of guesthouses. During peak months like December and January, the choice of accommodation may vary and could be in either location.

Rishikesh to Joshimath/Lower Auli

<ul>
<li>The trek will begin from Rishikesh - Natraj Chowk or Tapovan early in the morning at 6:00 a.m.</li>
<li>Altitude: 6724 ft.</li>
<li>The distance covered is 256 km </li>
<li>Time taken for the journey is 9-10 hours approx.</li>
<li>The journey will be completely covered by a cab and is accompanied by the scenic beauty of mountains</li>
<li>Cab service is not included in the package and is optional. Trekkers can also use public or personal vehicle to reach Joshimath.</li>
<li>Water and telephone networks are available</li> 
<li>Accommodation in the guest house</li>
 </ul>

Pickup from Rishikesh and drive to Joshimath/Lower Auli

The dawn at Joshimath will break to the mesmerizing sight of a host of snow-capped peaks. After having breakfast for the day, we set out for Dhak Village which lies in the Joshimath tehsil. 

The terrain is rocky and the drive takes about 45 minutes. From Dhak village, the trekking commences. 

The trek up from Dhak village is a continuous ascent. The rough terrain is a combination of sharp T-turns and gradually ascending soft slopes. The terrain doesn't offer much greenery apart from some of the terrace farming lands. It offers a splendid view of the Garhwal frontier as well. 

The sight of the gently flowing stream of Dhauli-Ganga disappearing into the mountains seems almost celestial. Vishnugad-Tapovan, which is a hydroelectric power station, is another remarkable landmark encountered on the way.

After half an hour of trekking, you will come across Kharchi village, where you can rest and fill your water bottles for the journey ahead. After following a steep ascending rocky trail with the valley to the left, you will find yourself at the Lower Tugasi area. 

Here onwards the trail separates into two, following the one which curves along with the hydropower-run flour mill. Another 10 minutes on the aforementioned path will lead you to the Upper Tugasi region.

This region is the home to wheat fields, thatched-roofed huts, gentle streams, flower beds, and other blessings of nature.


Further following this path and the steep climb, you will find yourself against the view of the splendid Dronagiri peak, emerging at a distance. 


The trek for the day ceases here. Tents will be pitched on the lush green meadows with the view of Dronagiri and the lining of the oak forest to accompany you.

Joshimath/Lower Auli to Dhak to Gulling Top

<ul>
<li>The trek starts from Lower/AuliJoshimath early in the morning, making its way to the Gulling Top via Dhak</li>
<li>An altitude gain of 2876ft is observed from 6724ft to 9600 ft.</li>
<li>Total distance covered is 18 km </li>
<li>Time taken for the journey is 4 hours approx.</li>
<li>The trail of the trek includes steep ascent. </li>
<li>14 km of the total is distance (Lower Auli/Joshimath to Dhak Village) is covered by a cab while the remaining 6km (Dhak Village to Gulling Top) is covered by trekking </li>
<li>Water is available at the villages to fill water bottles</li>
<li>Accommodation is provided in tents.</li>
</ul>

You will leave the campsite for your trek to Khullara/Tali. The campsite will be either Khullara or Tali Forest, depending on the season and availability for pitching tents.

Though the trail is a steady ascent, it isn’t a steep one. The trail is accustomed to the frequent occurrence of small streams. The water in the streams is clean enough to be fit for drinking. The trek for the day is short and not so tiring, lasting for not more than 3-4 hours.

All this while, the Dronagiri peak will be accompanying you on the left. Another peak that shows up in this region is the Hathi Ghoda peak.

Ultimately you will reach Khullara/Tali at an altitude of 11,800 ft. where the trek for the day will cease followed by overnight stay in tents under the open sky.

Guling Top to Khullara/Tali campsite

<ul>
<li>The trek begins at the Gulling top and ends at Khullara.</li>
<li>Altitude gain from 9,600 ft (2,864 m) to 11,800 ft (3,391 m)</li>
<li>Total distance covered is 4 km</li>
<li>Time taken for the journey is approx. 3-4 hours</li>
<li>The Trek gradient from Guling to Khullara is a moderate ascent.</li>
<li>Accommodation is provided in tents</li>
</ul>

Guling Top to Khullara/Tali Campsite

The trail further from Khullara/Tali is a steep ascend. 1-1.5 hour of climbing takes you to the ridge which is a part of Lord Curzon’s trail.

This point offers you a 360-degree view of the Himalaya. From here, you can see Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Dronagiri, Nilgiri, and Hathi Ghoda peaks on one side and Trishul and parts of Nanda Devi right ahead of you.

Continuing along the trail will bring you to Kuari Top, a roughly 40-minute ascent with a moderate incline. From there, a 40-minute descent will lead you to Kuari Pass. From this point, retrace your steps back to the ridge.

After reaching the ridge, climb for an hour to reach the Jhandi Top, which lies at the top of the ridge. The captivating view of the Jhandi top will make you reluctant to leave.

Further trekking through the trek for 40 minutes will bring you to the campsite which is located right in the center of the forest with streams flowing by.

Khullara/Tali Campsite to Kuari Pass and return to Khullara/Tali campsite

<ul>
<li>The trek begins from Khullara followed by a tough climb from broken bridge to Kuari Pass. </li>
<li>There is an initial altitude gain uphill from 11,800 ft to 12,750 ft (3,900 m)</li>
<li>Time taken for the trek is approx 9-10 hours</li>
<li>Total distance covered is 14 km</li>
<li>The trek gradient falls under moderate to difficult. It involves a steep climb followed by a moderate ascent.</li> 
<li>Accommodation in tents</li>
</ul>

Khullara/Tali Campsite to Kuari Pass and return to Khullara campsite/Tali Campsite

Trek for this day will lead you to Auli. Auli is the skiing capital of India and is very renowned in South Asia as well. The trek to Auli runs through the mesmerizing snow-covered valleys of Gorson Bugyal.

After exploring the valleys of Gorson Bugyal, a smooth terrain will lead you down to Auli. The cable car ride is available in Auli to reach Joshimath, which serves as a major tourist spot.

The cab drive from Auli to Joshimath is about an hour. Overnight stay at Joshimath/Lower Auli as aforementioned in either of the guest houses is arranged.

Khullara camp - Lower Auli/Joshimath via Gurson bugyal (11150 ft) and Auli (9680 ft)

<ul>
<li>The trek for the day begins at Khullara campsite concluding at Joshimath making its way through Gurson Bugyala and Auli</li>
<li>The trek involves a continuous descend from 11800 ft to 6724ft</li>
<li>Total distance covered in the day is approximately 27km</li>
<li>Time taken to cover the distance is 7 hours approx</li>
<li>12-14 km of the journey covered by trekking while the remaining 13 km is a drive-by a cab.</li>
<li>Water is available at various sites along the way.</li>
<li>Accommodation in guest houses at Joshimath/Lower Auli</li>
</ul>

Khullara camp - Lower/AuliJoshimath via Gurson bugyal (11150 ft) and Auli (9680 ft)

To reiterate, cab service is not included in the package but available additionally if required by a trekker. Or trekkers have to use either personal or public transport to reach Rishikesh. 

The time spent at Kuari Pass trek and its exquisitely beautiful campsites will provide you with a bucket full of memories that will always stay close to your heart.

Drive from Lower Auli/Joshimath to Rishikesh

<ul>
<li>The drive will commence from Lower Auli/Joshimath.</li> 
<li>The total distance for the drive is 256 km</li><li>Time taken is 10 hours approx</li>
<li>Cab service: Not included in the package.</li>
</ul>

Booking Details

Kuari Pass - A Trek to the Lord Curzon's Trail