Kuari Pass Trek

Arrive at Delhi by international flight. A KVT representative will meet you at the airport and assist you to the vehicle. Later transfer to hotel. Afternoon start Delhi sightseeing. We proceed to Old Delhi and visit Jama Masjid – the largest mosque of Old Delhi built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Later go for an exciting cycle rickshaw ride through lively thoroughfares and bustling alleyways of Old Delhi market rarely visited by typical tourists. Arrive at Khari Baoli and see Asia’s largest wholesale spice market. Our exploration continues as we drive past historic colonial landmarks, such as Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House, and India Gate—a poignant memorial dedicated to soldiers of the First World War. (Meals- Ni)

After breakfast departure to Delhi railway station for train to Haridwar. Meeting on arrival and drive to Rishikesh (1 – 1.5hrs drive). Arrive at Rishikesh and check in to hotel. In the evening, walk the Ganga Trail from Laxman Jhula to Ram Jhula, passing the ashrams, old yoga centres, wandering cows and rustic cafes that line the river. Your guide will then take you to experience the spectacle of the Ganga Aarti, a holy ritual performed by Vedic Priests along the Ganges. (Meals: Breakfast)

After breakfast we leave Rishikesh and drive to Salubagarh, the starting point of the trek, on the outskirts of Joshimath. Today we will cross places with huge significance in Hindu mythology – four of the five “prayags”, sacred river confluences in the Garhwal Himalayas. These are Devprayag , Rudraprayag, Karnprayag and Nandprayag. Arrive at Salubagarh and check in to the camp. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner / Driving Time: 7 – 8hrs)

After breakfast get ready for the 1st day of trekking. This will be an easy day of trekking starting with a nice gradual walk following a Himalayan river by the side. This will be succeeded by a moderate ascend through the coniferous and mixed forest. The wooded walk will bring us to the beautiful Garhwali village of Ramni, inhabited by warm & friendly people and characterized by typical homes with heavy slate roofs, paved alleys & farming lands around. The main attraction is that the village powered by a solar electricity scheme. Continue with our kuari pass trek for some time and we are at our campsite at Ghunni. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner / Trekking Time: 4 – 5 hrs)

Today will be a long day of trekking to Sem Kharak but the view on offer during the trek will make all the hard work a worth. The initial trek starts with a steep uphill climb following a zigzag trail up to a high altitude meadow from where one will get the first glimpse of the snow-capped peaks. The uphill trek trail continues through the forest of rhododendron, pine and oak, till we will reach day’s highest point – Ramni Pass or Binayak Top (3064m). From here the trek up to our campsite follows a gradual downhill trail across meadows and open glades, passing through forests of horse chestnuts & walnut, waterfalls and rivulets. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner / Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs)

Today’s Kuari Pass trek starts with a descent to the typical Garhwal village of Jhinjhi. The trail then continues downhill past small farm lands and through wooded paths leading to the beautiful Birehi Gorge. After crossing a suspension bridge over the gorge, it will be a strenuous steep climb for few hours. The last part of kuari pass trek is relaxing as the trail gets flat and moved through the cool shades of rhododendron forest. The Day’s trek comes to an end as we reach the campsite near the village of Pana. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner / Trekking Time: 7 – 8 hrs)

This day will be another fascinating day of trekking to Dhakwani, a small hamlet at the base of Kuari Pass. The trail starts with a steep climb in to the rhododendron forest and continues with gradual climb up to the Sartoli meadow. After crossing the meadow a steep downhill trek through loose section will bring us to a river below, flowing through a wild country that is home to Blue Sheep and Himalayan Black Bear. From here another steep climb will bring us to a large stream. After crossing the stream the final climb will bring us to a large pasture land well above the tree line. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner / Trekking Time: 6 – 7 hrs)

Today is the most wonderful day of the trek as we ascend the highest point of the Kuari Pass trek (4150m). Once at the pass the magnificent wide panoramic view of the high Himalayas will make you spell bound. After crossing the pass a downhill trek will bring us to Tali, where we camp on a ridge. Spend the rest of the time enjoying the beautiful vistas of the snow-clad peaks. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner / Trekking Time: 4 – 5 hrs)

The trail from Tali is narrow and requires cautious walking as we follow a long undulating trail down to Auli with views of Nanda Devi all the way down to the ridge. The great Nanda Devi peak dominates all the other peaks. The crossing of Gorson Bugyal with its vast meadows and wild flowers is most enjoyable. Finally we reach the important ski destination of Auli in Uttarakhand (Trek ends). From here we board the vehicle and drive to Rudraprayag (4 – 5hrs drive) – one of the five “prayags”, where Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers meet. Upon arrival we check in to the hotel.(Trekking Time: 4 – 5 hrs/ Driving Time: 4 – 5 hrs/ Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

After breakfast transfer to Haridwar railway station for train to Delhi. A KVT representative will meet you at the Delhi railway station and assist you to the vehicle. Later transfer to hotel.
(Meals: Breakfast)