Kuari Pass Trek - 5 Days

Kuari Pass Trek is very popular. The Kuari pass is also known as Curzon's trail since the British viceroy, George Curzon, attempted crossing it and loved exploring this area. Though the pass is not very high it offers excellent views of Nanda Devi, Dunagiri and other Himalayan peaks. The Nanda Devi national park and the Rishi Ganga gorge are visible from the first day itself.

Transport to Auli: On Request

Highlights:

• The lush green, infinitely unfolding meadow of the Gorsons, which can turn white anytime of the year, and as you move your head around, your eyes are gifted with grand views of 4 peaks of Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Mana, Kamet, Hathi, Ghodi, Trishul, Nandaghunti, Nanda Devi, Dunagiri
• Kuari pass, an ancient trading route.
• Tali lake, and the reflection of Dunagiri on it is just a frame your eyes can never forget.
• Deep forest, its trees and animals

Brief Itinerary:

Day 01 : AULI (2750m) TO CHITRAGANTA (3310m) - 15KM (7hrs)
The trail heads up, past the skylifts at Auli, to the meadows of Gurson Bugyal. Continue climbing upwards, through the forest, enjoying the excellent views of Nanda Devi and the National Park, along with the Rishi Ganga gorge. The climb gets steep, crossing oak and rhodendrons forest, before a short descent to the meadows of Chitraganta. Plenty of shepherds live here during the hot months. You get great views of Chaukhamba from the camp. 

Day 02 : CHITRAGANTA TO DAKWANI (3300m) VIA KUARI PASS (3640m) - 14KM (5HRS)
The well-marked trail with cairns leads to the ridge above Chitraganta. Continue through the meadows to the pass. You get excellent views of some of the peaks that exceed 7000m, till the border with Tibet. Cross over the easy meadow pass to descend on a steep path at the tree line. Camp in a clearing in the forest, past the small shepherd encampment.

Day 03 : DAKWANI TO GHANGRI (2000m) - 16KM (7hrs)
The trail heads down to a stream. Cross the stream using the wooden bridge, before heading up to a small ridge. From here it is a long descent towards Birthi Ganga. It is a pleasant walk through oak, silver birch and rhodendron forest. The last descent to the river is steep. Cross the Birthi Ganga over the suspension bridge. Ghangri is a short climb from the bridge. The village has a forest rest house and a school.

Day 04 : GHANGRI TO RAMNI (2550m) - 15KM (6hrs)
From Ghangri, the trail heads up to a wooded ridge at 2900m. The ridge divides the Birthi Valley from the Nandakini valley. Make the gradual descent to Ramni, short of which you can see the path leading to Kanol and Roop Kund. The villagers take cattle up to this ridge for grazing. There are a few dhabas and lodges at Ramni. 

Day 05 : RAMNI TO GHAT (1330m) - 15KM (5hrs)
The trail from Ramni, going east, leads to Roop Kund, while the trail heading southwest, through the village, leads to Ghat. Descend to the Nandakini and cross the bridge to arrive at the marker at Ghat.

The above day-wise trek description is just one of ways of doing this wonderful trek. Depending on the number of available days the trek can be shortened and some places excluded or combined with another trek.