Suggested Trekking Itinerary for Kuari Pass
Day 01: Rishikesh - Joshimath (255 kms)
Catch the state transport bus from Rishikesh to Joshimath. Behold the marvellous sight of the celestial river Ganga flowing in eternity at Rishikesh. A mere 7-8 hours journey will make you reach Joshimath which is a hub for the pilgrims travelling to Badrinath and Hemkund Sahib. On reaching Joshimath, check in at a guest house and have an overnight stay.
Day 02: Joshimath- Chitrakhana (Drive to Dhak Village- 12km/1hr, Trek- 6km/4hrs)
Travel to Dhak village (12 km), from where the trek to Kuari Pass begins. Make your way through the hemlock, oak and rhododendron forests. After a 6 km descent, you will reach the lush green meadows and the campsite at Chitrakhana perched at 3,310 metres. Savour a panoramic view of the snow-shrouded Himalayan peaks including the massive Chaukhamba peaks seated at 7,138 metres above sea level beyond Joshimath. The shepherds can also be seen here grazing their flock.
Soon a pleasant view of a small spring line will open up that will lead you to the velvety meadows. Pitch you tents amidst the captivating vistas and pack yourselves in your sleeping bags.
Day 03: Chitrakhana-Tali Top (Trek- 6 km)
Wake up early to have a glorious view of the sunrise. Post breakfast; tighten your belts to commence the 6 km trek to Tali Top. You need to move along the swift trail that involves a steep climb through the forested ridge of rhododendrons, spruce and silver birch above Chitrakhana. In an hour or so, you will reach the prominent ridge top at 3,500 metres and a short 30 minutes trek will take you to an open meadow, where the trail meets the well-defined trek to Tapovan. You can camp amidst the meandering meadows at the end of Tali Top.
Day 04: Tali Top- Kuari Pass via Khullara-Tali Top (Trek- 15 km)
Start off early as it is a long day trek. This trek involves a gradual ascend till Khullara top and from there one needs to traverse through a snow patch that leads to Kuari Top. From here you can feel the fresh wind blowing off your worries while you admire an obstructed view of the great Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi (7,816 m), the highest peak in India.
Kuari Top is enveloped by the mountains forming an outlet in between, where the Rishi Ganga forges a route through the deep gorges before flowing into the Alaknanda River. Return to Tali Top set up a bonfire and have scrumptious dinner at the campsite.
Day 05: Tali Top-Joshimath via Auli (Trek- 8 km, Drive- 13 km)
Post breakfast trek downhill beside the Rishi Ganga River till the road, from where you can get the taxi to Joshimath. En-route you will pass through Auli which is famous for its winter sports. On reaching Joshimath, check in at a hotel and have an overnight stay.
Day 06: Joshimath/Auli - Rishikesh
Say goodbye to the hills, have breakfast and drive early to reach Rishikesh.
Kuari pass is also known as Lord Cuzon Trail, Vicerory Hunting Trail, North Face Trek