Kuari Pass Trek - Soma's Camps

Famously known as the Lord Curzon Trail, the route mapped and popularized by Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, in the early 1900s, sits in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. From the pass, you can see a massive wall of major Himalayan giants—including Nanda Devi (India’s second-highest peak), Kamet, Dronagiri, and Chaukhamba—all from a single viewpoint. Graded as an easy to moderate trek, the walk gives you spectacular mountain views and stunning landscapes and forests.

On the first day of the of the trek, the initial part of the walk takes you past local village homes, rustic fields, and stone path. As you climb higher, the trail enters rich Himalayan forests filled with tall pine, oak, maple, and rhododendron trees. The first day of the trek is a steady climb of about 3000 feet.

The second day of the trek is moderately challenging, winding through thick forests. The terrain is a steady, somewhat steep climb with occasional rocky patches. The altitude gain will be around 2800 feet.

The third day of the trek a scenic and steep 5+5 kilometer round-trip where the max altitude gain will be around 2500 feet approx. The trek begins with a short, steep climb straight out of the Khullara campsite meadow. The path opens up onto a wide, fluffy alpine ridge covered in long grass, glowing green or golden depending on the season. The final approach features rugged, rocky terrain and exposed high-altitude paths. In winter or early spring, you may encounter patches of hardened snow or icy sections. And yes, today you start as early as 3 am in the morning.

The fourth day of the trek is steep and continuous downhill. Because you will be descending from around 11,120 feet at Khullara down to roughly 8,000 feet at Tugasi, the continuous downhill can feel heavy on your knees and toes.

ITINERARY

Day 1

We pick you up from Dehradun
Overnight stay in hotel in Joshimath.
Road travel : 9 hours approx
Meals : Evening tea with snack and dinner.
Altitude of Joshimath 6200 feet approx.

Day 2

Drive from Joshimath to Tugasi village : 45 minutes approximately.
Trek to Guling/ Akhrot Ghetta
Trek distance : 4 km
Trek time : 3 hours approx.
Altitude : 9350 feet approx
Night stay in tents.
Meals : Breakfast, packed lunch, evening tea with snack, soup, dinner with a dessert.

Day 3

Trek from Guling/ Akhrotghetta to Khullara.
Trek distance : 6kms
Trek time : 4 hours
Altitude : 11,120 feet approx
Night stay in tents
Meals : Breakfast, hot lunch, tea with snack, soup, dinner with dessert.

Day 4

Khullara campsite to Kuari pass and back to Khullara.
Trek distance 5+5 kms
Trek time : 8 to 10 hours
Highest Altitude today : 12500 feet approx.
Night stay in tents.
Meals : Breakfast, packed lunch, tea with snack, soup and dinner with dessert.

Day 5

Khullara to Tugasi.
Tugasi to Joshimath.
Trek distance : 10 kms
Trek time : 5 to 6 hours
Night stay in hotel
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, tea with snack and grand dinner.

Day 6

Leave Joshimath post breakfast
Drop at Dehradun.
Travel time : 9 hours approx
Meals : Breakfast

THINGS TO TAKE

Trekking Gear:

A rucksack lined with plastic liner and covered with rain cover.
2 one litre capacity water bottles.
A head torch with spare batteries.
UV protection Sunglasses.

Clothing:

Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants- 3.
Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts- 3.
Thermal inner-wear Upper and Lower.
Heavy Fleece jacket- 1.
Windcheater -1.
Padded Jacket-1
Rainwear (Jacket and Pants) -1 OR poncho-1.
Woollen socks - 2 pairs.
Hiking socks- 2 pairs.
Undergarments - 1 for each day of trekking.
Pair of Warm Gloves - 1.
Woolen cap - 1.
Balaclava-1
Sun cap or Biker Scarf for protection from sun- 1.

Footwear:

Non-skid deep trod hiking shoes (Preferably ankle high) - 1 pair.
Lightweight kitos - 1 pair.
Whistle.

Toiletries:

Sunscreen lotion, lip balm, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, toilet roll, cold cream, soap paper strips, small quick dry towel.
Anti-fungal cream: Carry an antifungal cream if you are sensitive to sweating and prone to skin irritations around genitals or groin area due to lack of bathing.
For women:
1. Tampons or sanitary napkins,
2. 2-3 zip pouches to carry non-biodegradable waste.
3. Vaginal wash to avoid any irritation due to lack of bathing.

Utensils:

A lightweight, leak-proof lunch box that can bear handling and hold your packed lunch while on the trail.
An unbreakable mug to drink from.
Spoon/fork/spork

Miscellaneous:

Camera (optional).
Personal medicine kit. Though our trek leaders carry a fully equipped first-aid kit, it is a good idea to carry a small personal one. Make sure you consult your doctor before the trek in case you have any special ailment.
Dry fruits, energy bars.
Walking poles
Diamox ( Please consult your physician about the use and dosage before you come for the trek.)
Air pillow ( optional)

FYI

Region : Garhwal region in Uttarakhand.
Best season : Autumn ( late September to November) and Spring ( March to April)
Trek gradient : Easy to moderate. The trail holds extremely harsh conditions at places.
Maximum Alitude : 12,500 feet roughly.
Average temp: 16ºc to 8ºc during daytime. Cold at night. 5ºc to -2ºc
Duration of the program: 5 nights 6 days ( Dehradun to Dehradun)
Total walking distance : 30 kms
Min age: 12 years,if accompanied by parent/s. 18 years, if not accompanied by parent/s.
Min batch strength :10
Max batch strength : 15
Mobile connectivity : Sadly there will be no connectivity while on the trail.
For queries call : 9874358754

FAQ

What is the best time to visit ?

Late September to November. March to April.

How to reach Dehradun?

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant airport. Dehradun is also connected by railways with all major cities. Volvo buses are also available from Delhi to Dehradun.

Do you arrange for stay before the trek starts ?

Yes. We do. Infact , we will lodge you in a hotel in Joshimath, the night before the trek starts. Do not let the hunt for a good place to stay and a good eatery sap away your energy and excitement . You will need them in your trek. Moreover , it will be a lovely experience to get to know and connect with your co-trekkers before the trek starts.

What time will we drop you at Dehradun on the last day of the trek?

Expect to reach Dehradun by 7 pm.

What is the experience required for the trek ?

If you have trekked before, it will definitely help. It is doable by first timers who have done some amount of serious exercising prior to the trek. Those coming for the first time should prepare and read extensively about the trek. Basic knowledge of how to use a sleeping bag, live in a tent and mountain mannerisms will come in handy.

What is the level of fitness required for the trek ?

You should be able to

Jog/Run for 5 kms within 35 mins. You need to do squats, lunges, cardios and core strengthening workouts on a regular basis, at least 4 months before you walk on the trail.

Can I offload my backpack ?

Yes you may, Offloading is Rs.400 per bag per day of trek( 10 kgs max) . The information has to reach us by an email when you book the trek with us. In case you decide to offload on the spot , you may have to pay a higher price than usual.

Are there any toilet/washroom facility on the trek ?

We can give you cover at the campsites. Toilet tents will be provided with pits dug inside them. Shovels will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can use your toilet rolls or water. In case you use toilet rolls throw them in the pits and cover them along with your waste with loose soil. There will be no facility for bathing during the trek.

Are trekking poles necessary ?

Well trekking poles give you a good balance and grip, but is not mandatory. However, if you are using walking poles, two are recommended.

What will the temperatures be like during the trek?

Daytime temperature will vary between 16-8º c during March-April and night time temperature varies between 5 to - 2º c.

Is it safe for a solo woman traveller to trek on fixed departures?

Yes absolutely. Run and managed by a woman, Soma's Camps understands the needs of a woman more than anybody else does. Women on the trek will be sharing tents with another woman. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.

What kind of food will be provided on the trek ?

Vegetarian food will be served throughout the trek . The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our menu is designed to fulfill your nutritional requirements. Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box, spoon and mug to consume food.

I do not have warm layers good enough to ward off the cold climate of the mountains. Can you arrange for warm layers for me?

Yes. Absolutely. We can arrange for extremely good quality padded jackets for you on hire basis.

What are the cellular network connectivity for this trek ?

Very feeble Airtel network is available at certain points. But you cannot really rely on them.

What is the minimum and maximum age limit?

The minimum age limit of children, accompanied by parents is 12 years, without parents is 18 years. If you are above the age of 60, kindly mail a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Cancellation policy:

Cancellations will be subject to cancellation charges.
Cancellations will have to be intimated to Soma's Camps by email. Email address is somascamps@gmail.com.
Please understand when we say 'trek fee', we mean the full amount not partial payment
30% of the total trek fee is not refundable on cancellation at any point of time.If you fail to pay your trek fees( in case of part payments) within the scheduled date and ignore repeated intimations, your registration maybe cancelled and the booking amount forfeited.
Treks have to be booked at least 50 days prior to the date of actual trek.
Cancellation between 50 to 31 days prior to departure : 70% of the trek fee will be refunded.
Cancellations made between 30 to 22 days prior to the trek date, 50% of the trek fee will be refunded
Cancellation between 21 and 11 days prior to departure : 30% of the trek fee will be refunded.
Cancellations made from 10 days to the day of departure : no refund.
Cancellation by Soma's Camps in the unforeseen eventualities of riots, political or industrial unrest like Railway operators strike, Airlines strike, it may be necessary to cancel the tour in the best interests of our clients. In such an eventuality our clients will be informed as soon as possible. The trek fee paid by the clients will be refunded in full OR we will provide you with an alternate set of program dates.
Cancellation by Soma's Camps in the unforeseen eventualities of pandemic, epidemic,any other long term natural or biological disaster or man made disasters like war and others, it may be necessary to cancel the tour in the best interests of our clients. In such an eventuality our clients will be informed as soon as possible. 70 % of the trek fee paid by the clients will be refunded.

Other Terms & Conditions

Drinking and smoking during the trek is strictly prohibited. If found flouting the rules, your participation on the trek will be cancelled with immediate effect. Please understand we will not accept any negotiation or debate on alcohol consumption.
Payment: Payment for the trek can be done online through credit/debit card or net banking or NEFT or by account payee cheques.
Non-liability: Soma's Camps is not responsible for any loss/damage of your gears/equipment or other belongings on the trek.
Please be aware that if your trek leader deems it unsafe for you to continue trekking at any time, he may arrange for you to descend to a lower altitude.
Regarding proper disposal of non bio-degradable waste:At Soma's Camps, we to prefer to leave nothing other than footprints behind. Kindly help us to maintain that by taking care of your non bio-degradable wastes.
Emergency during trek: If for any reason you are sent down from the trek then Soma's Camps will make arrangements for your return to the base camp or nearest road head. A staff will accompany you. He may not be a trained personnel.Evacuation or dealing with emergencies is extremely difficult and time consuming in the mountains.Moreover, a sick or injured person is not easy to evacuate.We do not have doctors accompanying with the team . Doctors are not available at the base camp or nearest road head either. Soma's Camps trek leaders are trained to administer first aid and know how to deal with issues related to the mountains. However, they are not doctors. Registering for this trek is an understanding that you have read up on the difficulties of high altitude trekking and understand the risks. You have also understood what AMS, HAPE and HACE are. You have taken efforts to educate yourself and you are in a position to manage your own altitude related emergency.
Program may get modified/cancelled in case of inclement weather.
Cost escalation during the trek, due to change in itinerary owing to natural reasons or unforeseen conditions like Landslides , Road Blockage, Bad Weather, Social or Political Unrest, Strikes, sudden shut down of any govt office etc, will have to be borne by the participant.
Soma's Camps do not owns the base camps at Manali . Maintenance of the base camp stays are solely with the owners.
Please note that the minimum batch strength is 10. If we fall short of the requisite number, the trek will be called off and your trek fees will be refunded in full without any cancellation charge deducted. However, if you still want to go ahead with the trek, it will be our pleasure to conduct it for you. In such a case your trek fees will be a little higher and the amount will be disclosed to you well before the journey.

₹ Rs.15,700/- per person