The historic Curzon Trail pioneered in 1905, offering India's greatest front-row seat to the twin peaks of Nanda Devi, ancient oak forests, and grand snow ridges.
Pioneered by Lord Curzon during his tenure as Viceroy of India in 1905, the Kuari Pass Trek ("Curzon Trail") in Chamoli district is universally ranked among the top Himalayan treks for panoramic mountain vistas. The pass stands as a colossal window overlooking the Nanda Devi Sanctuary ring and the Tibetan border ranges.
Starting from Dhak village near Joshimath, the trail winds past terraced farmlands into ancient, undisturbed forests of golden oak, blue pine, and rhododendrons. As the tree line recedes, expansive high-altitude pastures like Gorson Bugyal and Chitrakantha unfold under deep azure skies.
Standing at Kuari Pass (3,876m), trekkers are enveloped in a jaw-dropping 360-degree panorama featuring Nanda Devi, Kamet (India's 3rd highest peak at 7,756m), Dronagiri, Neelkanth, Trishul, and the Chaukhamba massifs.
Trekkers are reminded to stay properly hydrated with a minimum of 3-4 liters of water daily. Uttarakhand forest regulations strictly forbid single-use plastics and campfires outside designated grounds. Always pack out non-biodegradable waste.
Along the ridgelines and summit ascents of Kuari Pass Trek, trekkers are treated to sweeping views of legendary Garhwal & Kumaon summits:
Scenic journey along the Alaknanda river.
Ascend past Karchi village into oak canopies with Dronagiri views.
Trek through rhododendron forests into the alpine clearing of Khullara.
Summit Kuari Pass for panoramic vistas of Nanda Devi and Kamet. Descend to Tali lake campsite.
Walk across the rolling velvet slopes of Gorson Bugyal into the ski resort of Auli.
Return drive to Rishikesh railway station.
Proper layering and alpine gear are critical for comfort and survival at high altitudes:
The trailhead for Kuari Pass Trek originates from Joshimath / Dhak in Chamoli district (Garhwal region).
Yes! From December to March, Kuari Pass receives deep snow, making it one of India’s finest winter summit trails.
Absolutely. It is one of the easiest high-mountain pass treks with gentle gradients and stunning rewards.
Kuari Pass offers one of the clearest and most expansive unobstructed views of Nanda Devi and Nanda Devi East.
Children aged 8 and above with reasonable fitness can comfortably undertake this trek.
Yes, microspikes and gaiters are typically supplied by trek operators for snow sections.
Yes, at the end of the trek in Auli, trekkers can ride the ropeway down to Joshimath.