Also popularly known as Curzon's trail, as Lord Curzon trekked to the pass in 1905 promises a sight of the Himalayan peaks that few places in the mountains can match. As one approaches the pass, one gets to view the glory of the peaks arranged in a stunning arc. Actually this pass is the tail of the trail. It can be aproached from two directions. One from Ghat and other from Auli. Route doesnt matter, what matters is en route. The views of the 6000'ers and 7000'ers peaks. The mind boggling view of the heigest peak in India which is completely in India and not sharing borders with any other country; The Nandadevi Peak, on a clear day is as beautiful as heaven could be.
We (me and my friend Mohit Pise) did this trek from Auli. A lot of maps claim Kuari Pass to be at different heights. Some maps say it 3640m and some say it 4268m. I want to feel good, so i call it 4268m. Truly speaking height doesnt matters, as i said earlier what matters is en route.
The massive Nandadevi, Chaukhamba, Kamet, Mana, Hathi-Ghoda Parbat, Barmal, Dunagiri, Trishul and some more were all for the view. Your eyes just cant get enough of it.
Starting from Delhi
- Take a bus/train from Delhi to Haridwar/Rishikesh
- From there you can tak a taxi booking/seat basis or bus to Joshimath
- Taxi/Ropeway/Walk to Auli and start your trek.
- Auli -> Tali (Overnite Camp) -> Kuari Pass -> Tali/Khulara (Overnite Camp) -> Tapoban/Dhak village -> Joshimath
- Take a bus/taxi and back to Haridwar/Rishikesh
- Bus/Train to Delhi.
We fought for our tickets at the Delhi ISBT, and reached Rishikesh early mornin. Took a shared sumo to Joshimath and arranged poters for our trek. We two carried our own luggage and the guide/poters carried food and tent. We got a nice deal. Our organizer got us our permits.
Contact: Himalayan Snow Runner, Mr Ajay Bhat.
Mob: 09412082247 / 09756813236 Landline: 01389-222252 / 222687.
Nice chap, he gave us reasonable rates. All set we left early mornin for our trek from Joshimath. Since the ropeway was expensive the guide/poters came by taxi. We reached Auli and waited and waited and waited for our guides to come. In the mean time i used my camera. Oh by the way, i thought of marking the route on the satilite imagery so that it could be helpful for anyone who would be interested in doing the trek.
When we started of from Rishikesh early mornin, occupied back seat of Sumo and danced all the way to Joshimath.
And talkin about ropeway, Indias longest, dint really exite me much, thought it was waste of money. But just an experience to add.
Reached Auli, waited for our porters wo kept on ariving part by part. In the mean time we had a wonderful view of Kamet, Mana, Hathi Ghoda, Barmal, Dunagiri and Nandadevi. Unfortunately the peaks side of valley wasnt at its best, but still managed some pics.
Now above is Hathi Ghoda on left and followed by Barmal
the mighty Nandadevi
The trek starts from forests and opens up at the meadows, famously known as Gorson Top.
The view from Gorson top is just amazing. As you see above its MANA, HATHI GHODA and BARMAL peaks
Pit Stop for refuling.
Following the Gorson Top the path gets narrow on the sides of the slopes of mountains. Apparently horses take another route cos this is too narrow for them. Trust me one step wrong, little lapse in concentration and you see yourself 1000's of feets down in valley. At places we had minor slides, which were really difficult to tackle. But FUN!!!!
As soon as we get down from that narrow path you enter straight to another meadows. A small walk from there would lead you to Tali. Our first camping point.
We rigged up our tents , a lil bit of bonfire an awesome dinner and tightly off to sleep.
GOODNIGHT
