Kuari Pass Trek with Pangarchulla- Walk the Lord Curzon Trail in the Garhwal Himalayas.
The Kuari Pass trek is one of Uttarakhand’s best beginner-friendly high-altitude treks. Starting near Joshimath in Chamoli district, this 5–6 day Himalayan trek climbs to Kuari Pass at around 12,500 ft (about 3,800 m). The route passes through oak and rhododendron forests, snow-covered ridges, and the famous Gorson Bugyal meadow.
Also known as the Lord Curzon Trail, the route is named after the British Viceroy of India associated with it. It rewards you with wide views of Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Hathi-Ghoda Parbat, Chaukhamba and Neelkanth.
Why trek Kuari Pass with Himalayan Warrior?
Our experienced trek leaders, safe campsites, acclimatization-friendly schedule and small groups let you enjoy the Himalayas without the stress. Whether you’re a first-time trekker or an experienced hiker looking for a winter snow trek in Uttarakhand, this trek suits you.
Trek at a glance
Region: Chamoli, Uttarakhand (Garhwal Himalayas)
Base: Joshimath
Duration: 5–6 days
Max altitude: ~12,500 ft (3,800 m)
Trek distance: ~28–30 km
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best time: December–March for snow; April–June and September–November for clear skies and green meadows (avoid the July–August monsoon)
Who is this trek for?
Beginners with basic fitness, weekend hikers moving up to a high-altitude trek, photographers, and anyone wanting a Himalayan snow trek close to Delhi and Dehradun.
Book your Kuari Pass trek with Himalayan Warrior and see the Himalayas up close.
Highlights of Kuari Pass Trek with Pangarchulla.
- Summit Kuari Pass at ~12,500 ft on the historic Lord Curzon Trail
- Panoramic views of Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Hathi-Ghoda Parbat, Chaukhamba and Neelkanth
- Walk through Gorson Bugyal, one of Uttarakhand’s largest alpine meadows
- Snow-covered trails in winter and flower-filled meadows in summer
- Camp in oak and rhododendron forests at Gulling, Khullara and Tali
- Beginner-friendly, non-technical trail with a gradual altitude gain
- Experienced guides, safe camps and small groups
- Easy access from Dehradun, Delhi, Haridwar and Rishikesh via Joshimath
Kuari Pass & Pangarchulla Peak Trek Itinerary: 6 Days at a Glance
Day 1: Rishikesh to Karchi. A 255 km scenic drive into the Garhwal Himalayas (about 11 hours), with a village walk for early acclimatisation.
Day 2: Karchi to Khullara. A 5–6 km forest trek through pine, oak and hazelnut trees to base camp, with views of Dronagiri and Kamet.
Day 3: Khullara to Kuari Pass and back. A 7 km round trip on the historic Lord Curzon Trail, with panoramic Himalayan views.
Day 4: Khullara to Pangarchulla Peak summit and back. A pre-dawn summit push of about 13 km, with views of Nanda Devi, Dronagiri and Kamet.
Day 5: Khullara to Karchi. A 5–6 km return trek through meadows and pine forest.
Day 6: Karchi to Rishikesh. A 255 km drive (about 9 to 10 hours). The trek ends in Rishikesh.
Kuari Pass Trek(Lord Curzon Trail) with Pangarchulla Itinerary
-Pick-up at Rishikesh Tapovan between 5:00 and 7:00 am
-Drive 255 km, about 11 hours, into the Garhwal Himalayas
-Stay at a local guest house or homestay in Karchi
-Explore Karchi village in the evening for early acclimatisation
-Trek 5 to 6 km, about 5 to 6 hours
-Climb through pine, golden oak and hazelnut forests and open meadows
-Enjoy a packed lunch on the trail
-Camp near walnut and hazelnut forests
-See Dronagiri (7,066 m), Hathi Ghoda, Kamet and Mana
-Start around 9:00 am
-Trek 7 km round trip (3.5 km to the pass, 3.5 km back)
-Return to Khullara base camp for lunch
-Relax and enjoy the evening
-Kuari Pass is part of the historic Lord Curzon Trail
-Summit start around 1:00 am (pre-dawn)
-Trek 6.5 km up and 6.5 km back to Khullara, about 7 to 8 hours (verify this timing, as summit days often take longer)
-Panoramic views of Nanda Devi, Dronagiri and Kamet
-Return to base camp for lunch, then rest
-Trek 5 to 6 km, about 5 to 6 hours
-Descend through meadows and pine forest
-Relax and enjoy the evening in Karchi
-Drive 255 km, about 9 to 10 hours
-The trek ends at Rishikesh with wonderfull memories.
Kuari Pass & Pangarchulla Trek Cost: Inclusions & Exclusions
Trek Cost Includes
- The Kuari Pass & Pangarchulla trek cost with Himalayan Warrior includes forest permits, a professional trek leader, veg / non-veg meals on the trek, stay in hotels, guest houses and tents, and group transfers as per your package.
- Trek permits: Forest department permits for Pangarchulla and entry permits for protected areas, as per local regulations.
- Trek leader / guide: A professional local guide or trek leader for navigation, safety support and cultural insight.
- Meals: All nutritious vegetarian meals during the trek: breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner.
- Stay: Double, triple or quad sharing in hygienic, sanitised hotels, guest houses and tents.
- Transfers: Group transfers by taxi, SUV or tempo traveller with an experienced driver, as per your package.
Trek Cost Excludes
- Extra meals and stay: Any meals or stay beyond those listed in the itinerary.
- Meals during road journeys: Food during drives is not covered.
- Room heater charges: Paid directly to the host at the stay.
- Personal expenses: Travel insurance, porterage, tips and laundry.
- Entry fees and optional activities: Not included unless listed in the inclusions.
- Snow-chained or 4x4 vehicle: Extra cost if needed because of heavy snowfall.
- Disruptions beyond our control: Extra costs from natural calamity, weather, riots, roadblocks or landslides.
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
Pangarchulla best time & date including FAQS
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It is a 6-day Himalayan trek in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal region that combines the historic Lord Curzon Trail to Kuari Pass with a summit climb of Pangarchulla Peak. Himalayan Warrior runs it from Rishikesh via Karchi and Khullara base camp. About 80% of the trail to both is the same.
Pangarchulla Peak is about 15,069 ft (4,593 m) and Kuari Pass is about 12,500 ft (3,800 m). Some sources list slightly different heights, so our page uses rounded figures.
It is moderate to difficult. Kuari Pass alone suits fit beginners, but the Pangarchulla summit day is long, steep and cold, so it works best for people with some trekking experience and good fitness.
March to April is the most commonly recommended window for the summit, when snow is firm. April to June and September to November are also popular for clearer views and meadows. Avoid July and August, and expect winter snow to limit the summit climb.
March to April is the most commonly recommended window for the summit, when snow is firm. April to June and September to January are also popular for clearer views and meadows. Avoid July and August, and expect winter snow to limit the summit climb.
It takes 6 days and 5 nights from Rishikesh: drive to Karchi, trek to Khullara, Kuari Pass, Pangarchulla summit, return trek to Karchi, and drive back to Rishikesh.
The trek starts at Karchi village. Himalayan Warrior picks you up at Rishikesh Tapovan between 5:00 and 7:00 am, and the drive takes about 11 hours. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun, and the nearest railway stations are Rishikesh and Haridwar.
Yes. The route lies in the Nanda Devi region, so a forest department permit is needed, and trekkers must go with an authorised operator. Himalayan Warrior arranges the permit for you. Carry your original ID and passport-size photos.
You should be able to walk long distances and handle a summit day of many hours. Start 4 to 6 weeks ahead with regular jogging or brisk walking (about 5 km in 30 to 35 minutes), stair climbing and leg strength exercises. Check with a doctor if you have heart, breathing or blood pressure problems.
Network is patchy. It is mostly available at the start and at a few viewpoints, and mostly absent at higher camps. There’s no electricity at the camps, so carry power banks. Withdraw cash in Rishikesh before you leave.
The trek costs ₹6980 per person. It includes permits, a professional trek leader, meals on the trek, stay in guest houses and tents, and group transfers as per your package.
Kuari Pass & Pangarchulla Peak Trek Dates 2026-27
Upcoming batches for the Kuari Pass & Pangarchulla Peak trek from Rishikesh (6 days / 5 nights):
Best time to book:
November to February: snow trek conditions
April to June and September to November: clear skies and green meadows
July and August: not recommended, because of the monsoon
How to book: call or WhatsApp Himalayan Warrior at [7249936622], or send an enquiry through the booking form on this page. Small groups, so seats fill quickly.
How to Reach Kuari Pass & Pangarchulla Peak Trek (Rishikesh to Karchi)
The Kuari Pass & Pangarchulla Peak trek starts from Rishikesh. Himalayan Warrior picks you up at Rishikesh between 6:00 and 11:00 am and drives you 255 km (about 11 hours) to Karchi, the trek’s starting village in Uttarakhand.
Reaching Rishikesh
By air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. Take a taxi to Rishikesh, which takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
By train: The nearest major railway stations are Haridwar and Rishikesh (Yoga Nagari). Haridwar is well connected to Delhi and other cities, and Rishikesh is about 30 minutes to 1 hour away by taxi or shared auto.
By road from Delhi: Take a bus or taxi to Rishikesh via Haridwar. The drive is roughly 6 to 7 hours (check before you travel).
Pick-up and drop
Pick-up point: Rishikesh Tapovan, 6:00 to 11:00 am on Day 1
Drive to Karchi: 255 km, about 11 hours
Drop point: Rishikesh on Day 6, after a 255 km drive of about 9 to 10 hours
Travel tips
Reach Rishikesh the evening before the trek, because the pick-up is very early.
Book onward tickets for the night of Day 6 or the next day, since mountain roads can be delayed by weather or landslides.
Keep your ID, trek forms and warm clothes in your day pack, not in your main bag.
Things to Carry for Kuari Pass & Pangarchulla Peak Trek (Packing List)
For the Kuari Pass & Pangarchulla Peak trek, pack 3 to 5 warm layers depending on the season, 3 collared T-shirts, 2 quick-dry trek pants, trekking shoes with ankle support and a backpack with a rain cover.
Warm layers and clothes
Spring and summer (April to June): 3 layers
1 woollen sweater
1 fleece
1 padded jacket
Autumn (September to November): 4 layers
1 woollen sweater
2 fleeces
1 padded jacket
Winter (December to March): 5 layers
1 pair of thermals
1 woollen sweater
2 fleeces
1 padded jacket
3 collared T-shirts: wear one, carry two
2 quick-dry trek pants: wear one, carry one
Shoes and backpack
Trekking shoes with ankle support
Backpack with rain cover
Food on the Kuari Pass & Pangarchulla Peak Trek: Day-wise Meal Plan
On the Kuari Pass & Pangarchulla Peak trek, Himalayan Warrior provides breakfast, lunch, evening snacks and dinner on trek days, from the Day 1 evening snacks to the Day 6 breakfast. The menu is hot and high-energy, with dal, rice, roti, vegetables, snacks and a sweet dish.
Day 1: Rishikesh to Karchi
Evening snacks: Tea and chips
Dinner: Arhar dal, mushroom, roti, rice and salad
Day 2: Karchi to Khullara
Breakfast: Bread, jam, butter, tea and egg omelette
Lunch: Chausa rice, papad and salad
Evening snacks: Pasta and tea
Dinner: Mixed dal, aloo soya, roti, rice, vermicelli (semiya) sweet and salad
Day 3: Khullara to Kuari Pass
Breakfast: Upma, daliya (porridge) and tea
Lunch: Kadhi rice, papad and salad
Evening snacks: Maggi, soup and tea
Dinner: Baingan bharta, malka dal, roti, sabzi, custard and salad
Day 4: Pangarchulla Peak Summit Day
Breakfast: Poha, suji and tea
Lunch: Rajma rice and salad
Evening snacks: Tea and pakoda
Dinner: Chana dal, mixed vegetables, roti, rice, papad, gulab jamun and salad
Day 5: Khullara to Karchi
Breakfast: Puri, chole and tea
Lunch: Kali dal, rice and salad
Evening snacks: Macaroni and tea
Dinner: Matar paneer, dal, lobia, roti, rice and salad
Day 6: Karchi to Rishikesh
Breakfast: Aloo paratha and tea
Lunch and dinner: Not included (you eat on the road during the 9 to 10 hour drive)
Menu may vary slightly with availability and weather.
Kuari Pass & Pangarchulla Peak Trek Highlights
The Kuari Pass & Pangarchulla Peak trek combines the historic Lord Curzon Trail with a pre-dawn summit climb of Pangarchulla Peak. It is a 6-day Himalayan trek from Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, with views of Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Kamet and Mana.
Two highlights in one trek: Kuari Pass and Pangarchulla Peak, both from a single base camp at Khullara.
Historic Lord Curzon Trail: walk the Kuari Pass route, a classic trail in the Garhwal Himalayas.
Pangarchulla Peak summit: a pre-dawn start at about 1:00 am for sunrise views from the top.
Panoramic Himalayan views: Nanda Devi, Dronagiri (7,066 m), Hathi Ghoda, Kamet and Mana.
Forest and meadow trails: pine, golden oak, hazelnut and walnut forests and open Himalayan meadows.
Camp at Khullara base camp: one camp for both the Kuari Pass day and the summit day, so you don’t carry your whole kit every day.
Village stay at Karchi: a local guest house or homestay on Day 1 and Day 5, with a village walk for early acclimatisation.
Support for trekkers: a professional trek leader or guide, forest department permits and hot vegetarian meals, as per your inclusions.
Easy access from Rishikesh: pick-up from Rishikesh and a drive to Karchi on Day 1.
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