In 1905, Lord Curzon reached Kuari Pass (4,652 m). Kuari means "doorway." Since he completed this trek, the route has also become known as the Curzon Trail. The main attraction of this trek is the magnificent view of the eastern peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas, including the twin peaks of Nanda Devi, Kamet, Dronagiri, Trishul, Bithartoli, Hathi Ghodi Parvat, Mana, and Neelkanth. The trail passes through pristine Rhododendron, oak, and deodar forests, where the rich Himalayan flora and fauna can be seen in abundance.

The Kuari (Virgin) Pass Trek is a highly varied and scenic trek that crosses three lesser passes and five major rivers—the Pinder, Kaliganga, Nandakini, Birahi Ganga, and Dhauli Ganga. The pass, or "Khal," is approached via the ancient trekking (goat track) route to Joshimath and Badrinath, which also forms part of the traditional pilgrimage route. This trek can be undertaken from Auli, Debal, or Ghat near Nandprayag.

The Kuari Pass Trek is one of the most beautiful treks in the Garhwal Himalayas, renowned for its enchanting views of the snow-clad peaks of Neelkanth (6,596 m), Kamet (7,756 m), Mukut Parbat, Mana, Nilgiri Parbat, Trishul (7,120 m), Hardeol, Dronagiri, Rishi Pahar, Kalanka, Chaukhamba (7,128 m), Lampak, Changabang (6,864 m), Ronthi, Bithartoli, Kamet (7,757 m), and many others. On a clear day, you spend most of the trek in the company of these majestic mountains, offering a thrilling experience of the mighty Himalayas, especially the Nanda Devi Massif. Although these peaks are far away, they appear remarkably close. The trail was named after Lord Curzon, an avid trekker, and it is believed that the route was specially improved to facilitate his expedition. After India's independence, it was renamed the Nehru Trail.

Area: Garhwal Himalayas

Duration: 08 Days

Maximum Altitude: 4,265 m (13,990 ft)

Grade: Moderate

Best Season: Mid-April to June and September to Mid-December

ITINERARY

Day 01: Chandrapur to Delhi

Begin your journey from Chandrapur and travel to Delhi.

Day 02: Delhi to Rishikesh

Arrive in Rishikesh and prepare for your Himalayan trekking adventure.

Day 03: Rishikesh – Ghat (210 km / 7–8 Hours)

In the morning, meet our guide and drive to Ghat via Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, and Nandprayag, the most famous river confluences of the Garhwal Himalayas. Ghat is a large village with schools, government offices, and a lively marketplace serving the surrounding villages. Overnight stay at a guest house or hotel.

Day 04: Ghat – Selu Bagar – Ghunni (6 km / 2–3 Hours)

Board a traditional Himalayan village jeep for a short 7 km drive (approximately 30 minutes) to Selu Bagar, a small settlement with a few village shops and the starting point of the trek. Meet your ponies and porters here before beginning the trek.

The well-defined trail gradually ascends through a series of continuous switchbacks to a ridge, offering beautiful views of the Ramni and Ghunni villages. Continue walking through colorful Himalayan villages, where the local culture and lifestyle make the journey even more enjoyable. After passing a few small settlements, the trail leads to an open plateau above Ghunni, which serves as our campsite for the day.

Overnight stay in tents.

Day 05: Ghunni – Vinayak Pass – Jhinjhi Village (13 km / 6–7 Hours)

The day begins with an early start to cover the long trekking distance while enjoying the magnificent Himalayan scenery. The trail gradually climbs to a ridge towering above the campsite at Ghunni. After crossing the ridge, you will reach an open meadow offering stunning views of Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Ghunti and Chaukhamba, along with panoramic views of the Ramni and Ghunni settlements below.

The trail continues with a gentle ascent through beautiful Rhododendron forests, followed by lush pasturelands where sheep and cattle graze alongside small nomadic huts. After a few switchbacks, the trail becomes gradual once again and reaches another open meadow with magnificent views of Nanda Ghunti Peak.

Continue along the gradual trail until you reach Vinayak Pass, marked by a small Ganesha Temple adorned with prayer flags. From the pass, enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayas and your first distant glimpse of Kuari Pass.

From Vinayak Pass, the trail descends gradually before becoming steeper, passing through Sem Kharak and finally reaching the village of Jhinjhi.

Overnight stay in tents.

Day 06: Jhinjhi – Pana Village (8 km / 4–5 Hours)

The day's trek begins with an opportunity to experience the lifestyle and culture of the people of Jhinjhi Village. The trail descends through the village to the valley floor, leading to a high suspension bridge over the Birahi Ganga River. After crossing the bridge, the trail climbs steeply with a series of zigzags before reaching the ridge. Along the way, enjoy rewarding views of nearby villages and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. From the ridge, the trail becomes gradual and passes through beautiful Rhododendron forests, continuing via Kaliagad to the settlement of Pana. A final ascent of less than one kilometre brings you to the campsite above Pana Village.

Overnight stay in tents.

Day 07: Pana – Dakhwani (3,300 m / 10,824 ft) | 14 km / 5 Hours

The well-defined trail starts above the campsite, passing through a beautiful Rhododendron forest with a couple of false summits before reaching the ridge. From here, the trail continues gradually through the forest to the open meadow of Sartoli, which serves as both a camping site and a grazing ground for sheep and cattle. This is an ideal location to enjoy magnificent views of Kuari Pass dominating the horizon.

From Sartoli, the trail descends gradually for a couple of kilometres before a steep descent over loose moraine to a side stream. (Guests are advised to use trekking poles during this section.) After crossing the stream, begin a steep ascent with a series of switchbacks leading to the ridge top. The trail then traverses gently with a few short ascents before reaching another side stream just below Dakhwani. From here, it is about a 30-minute climb to the campsite at Dakhwani, where a hot cup of tea is the perfect reward after the day's trek.

Overnight stay in tents.

Day 08: Dakhwani – Kuari Pass (3,800 m) – Tali (9 km / 5–6 Hours)

Today begins with an early start to enjoy the magnificent views from Kuari Pass. The trail climbs steadily through dense forests until reaching the tree line. From here, the path traverses along the left side of the valley below the pass before ascending through a series of switchbacks to Kuari Pass.

At the pass, you are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Greater Himalayas. Take your time to relax, admire the spectacular scenery, and capture memorable photographs.

From the pass, the trail ascends gently to a small ridge, offering excellent views of Dronagiri Peak. It then descends to a junction where the trail divides towards Tapovan and Tali. Continue towards Tali, passing a ridge adorned with a small temple and colorful prayer flags. From here, the majestic Nanda Devi Peak comes into view. The trail continues across scenic pasturelands before entering the forest and finally reaches the campsite at Tali.

Overnight stay in tents.

Day 09: Tali – Auli – Rudraprayag (2,550 m / 8,364 ft) | 8 km Trek & 120 km Drive (5–6 Hours)

This morning offers a relaxed start to the day. The trail from Tali follows a gradual climb along a mountain ridge. The narrow trail requires careful walking until you reach the beautiful Gorson Meadows. From here, you are surrounded by magnificent Himalayan peaks, with the majestic Nanda Devi Peak standing out prominently among them. Crossing the lush meadows of Gorson is a delightful and memorable experience.

Soon, the concrete structures of Auli come into view, marking the end of the trek. Here, bid farewell to the ponies and porters before boarding a jeep for the 13 km drive to Joshimath. Joshimath is a lively town and an important supply centre for the surrounding Himalayan villages. Continue your journey to Rudraprayag.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 10: Rudraprayag – Haridwar – Delhi

After breakfast, drive to Haridwar. From here, board an AC Train or AC Volvo Coach for Delhi. Arrival in Delhi is expected by 10:00 PM.

Day 11: Delhi – Chandrapur

Depart from Delhi and continue your journey back to Chandrapur, marking the end of an unforgettable Himalayan trekking experience.

Cost of the Trip ₹27,450 per student (Minimum group size: 40 students)

INCLUSIONS

• Train fare from Chandrapur to Rishikesh and return to Chandrapur.

• All road transfers from Rishikesh to the trek starting point and back to Rishikesh by Tempo Traveller (4 Tempo Travellers).

• Hotel accommodation at Rudraprayag on a triple/quad-sharing basis with breakfast.

• During the trek, accommodation in Dome/Alpine tents.

• Meals from lunch on Day 01 to lunch on Day 08. Freshly prepared meals will include a mix of Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine.

• Camping equipment, including tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, kitchen tent, toilet tent, and other camping essentials.

• Professional and experienced local trekking guide.

• Cook, porters, and mules.

• Camping fees.

• Trekking permit fees.

• Driver allowances.

• Toll tax, state tax, and parking charges.

EXCLUSIONS

• Liquor, soft drinks, bottled water, beverages, etc.

• Personal expenses such as tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.

• Travel insurance.