Kuari Tapovan Trek : Your complete Guide!
Table of Contents
Popularly known as Curzon trail after the Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon, once trekked up to Kuari Pass. The Kuari Tapovan Trek offers spellbinding views of the Garhwal Himalayas and is considered as one of the best treks in the region. The lush green fields, thick forests, and remote villages encountered during the route make it a trek worth experiencing. The snow-clad mountains, green meadows, and crisscrossed river streams also allow the trekkers to witness peaks like Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Kamet, Gauri Parbat, and many others. Gaining an elevation of 3850 m, the trek is appropriate even if you are just starting out on trekking as it is an easy to moderate trek. Not just this, the magnificent views and memorable experience of the trek stay with you.
The extraordinary views of the Nanda Devi peak on the Kuari Tapovan Trek catch the attention of the trekkers. Kuari Mountains makes for a part of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and is a mountain pass in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli District. The trek starts from Joshimath which a popular trekkers hub. The trek is approximately 50 km with the base at Rishikesh. Kuari Pass temperature can go up to 29 degrees Celsius in summers and -8 degrees Celsius in winters.
Also, this trek is a well-known winter trek which offers great views of the snow-clad Kuari pass all through the ups and downs of the trek trail which has snow-covered meadows and frozen lakes.
Read More : 10 Great Places to go Monsoon Trekking from Mumbai
Highlights:
- Ancient Forest Trails
This extraordinary trek is popular owing to its easy to moderate level of trekking. The trek consists of forest routes which mostly feature oak and rhododendrons. The forest is perfectly laid out which allows the travellers to see into the spectacular distance.
- Outstanding Campsites
Trekkers get to camp at one of the campsites with the majestic view of the mountains. For people starting out on the Himalayas, Kuari Tapovan Trek becomes the perfect starting point. Be it Chitrakantha campsite or Khullara campsite, the glorious and picturesque views create a magical surrounding.
- Himalayan Panorama
Amazing mountain peaks of Neelkanth (6,596 m), Gauri Parbat (6,708 m), Bethartoli (6,313 m), Dunagiri (2,400 m), Nanda Devi (7,816 m), and others can be seen glittering in the sun. A complete 360 degree of the panoramic view of the Himalayan range can be seen up close on this trek.
Routes to follow:
There are various routes that one can follow to reach the majestic high point of Kuari Pass. One of the most taken routes of the Kuari Tapovan Trek for solo and group treks is
Rishikesh – Joshimath – Auli – Gorson – Tali – Kuari Pass Base – Khulara – Tapovan – Joshimath High Point – Rishikesh
This trekking trail passes through the chirping woods of deodar, maple, chestnut trees which are home to various species of fauna. The elevation of this route from Auli ascends to 3,510 m and later descends to Khulara at 3,225 m. From there on Kuari Pass climbs up to an elevation of 4,268 m from where the various high peaks are visible in clear light.
Another route that is popular for its picturesque views and green meadows include Rishikesh – Joshimath – Mirag – Tugasi – Khulara – Kuari Pass – Khulara – Tapovan – Joshimath High point – Rishikesh.
This trek passes through jungles and small meadows that provide areas of open field in the wild and fresh air with no noise pollution in the surrounding. It is popular among the trekkers who have no interest in the bugyals of Auli and Gorson. From Tugasi (2,012 m) the trek ascends to Khulara at 2,896 m. Kuari Pass from there goes on to climb up an elevation of 4,268 m. Get hotels in Auli!
How to reach:
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport (260 km from Joshimath)
By Road: Joshimath is well-connected by state transportation and private bus services from Delhi and other parts of Uttarakhand
By Rail: Haridwar Railway Station (270 km from Joshimath)
Best time for Kuari Pass trek:
- Summer – April to June (19 to 29 degree)
- Autumn – Mid-September to Early November
- Winter – Mid-November to March (-8 to 12 degree)
Essentials to carry:
- Backpack with rain cover
- Trekking Shoes
- Non-cotton and fleece full-sleeved T-shirts
- Woollen and cotton socks
- Jacket
- Thermal inners- 1 Pair
- Woollen Gloves.
- Sun cap and scarf
- Light towel
- Lip balm and cold cream and sunscreen
- Water bottle 1 l capacity
- Headlamp or torch with fresh pair of batteries
- Personal toilet kit and toilet paper
- Personal medicine kit
- Dark sunglasses and walking stick
FAQ
Can we take the Tapovan-Khulara-Kuari Pass for ascending?
Yes, but it is not advisable due to the steep ascent. It is a better option to descend from this route.
Can we get a pony on this trek?
Yes, you can you can get a pony at some point of this trek.
What is the general duration of this trek?
Kuari Tapovan Trek can be of 6 days to 10 days depending on the group’s preferences and pace.
