UttarakhandDecember – March (Full Snow) & April – June / September – October (Clear Views)

Kuari Pass with Pangarchulla Peak

Starting Point: Rishikesh to RishikeshEnds at: Rishikesh

Trek Overview Facts

Trek NameKuari Pass with Pangarchulla Peak

Duration6 Days / 5 Nights

Adventure TypeTrending Treks

Starts FromRishikesh to Rishikesh

Best SeasonsWinter, Spring, Summer, Autumn

CountryIndia

Max Altitude15,069 ft / 4,590 m

Trek GradeModerate-Difficult

Trail TypeSnow Trails & Alpine Meadows & Forest Canopy Walks & Pass Crossings

Catering FoodBoiled Veg Meals

Location StateUttarakhand

Ends AtRishikesh

Trek DistanceApprox. 510 km by Road + 33 km Trek

Nearest Rail HeadDehradun Railway Station (DDN)

Camp StayGuest Homestay & Alpine Tents

Nearest AirportJolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

Free rescheduling up to 15 days before batch start

Registration Fee

₹11,000+5% GST/ person

180° view of 108 Himalayan peaks from Kuari Pass
Pangarchulla Peak summit at 15,069 ft (4,590 m)
The historic Lord Curzon Trail (1905)
Nanda Devi, Kamet, Dronagiri & Chaukhamba views

About Kuari Pass with Pangarchulla Peak

Kuari Pass with Pangarchulla Peak sits inside the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, on the historic Lord Curzon Trail. The route climbs from the roadhead at Karchi, near Joshimath, through oak and pine forest to the Khullara meadow campsite at 10,900 ft, then on to Kuari Pass at 12,516 ft and finally to the summit of Pangarchulla Peak at 15,069 ft — roughly 510 km by road plus 33 km on foot over 6 days and 5 nights, run from and back to Rishikesh.

Kuari Pass alone is a moderate, beginner-friendly balcony walk to a 180° view of 108 Himalayan peaks in one line — Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Kamet, Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Trishul and more. Pangarchulla Peak is the harder, technical half of the trip: a 70–75° snow and rock wall above 14,500 ft, climbed roped up with helmet, ice axe and micro-spikes, starting at 1 AM so the group summits for sunrise.

The trip runs the Kuari Pass day as an acclimatization day out of Khullara, with the Trek Leader checking fitness, oxygen levels and BP that evening before clearing anyone for the Pangarchulla summit attempt the next day. Trekkers who are not fit enough, or for whom the weather turns, rest at Khullara while the summit team goes up — safety decides who climbs, not the itinerary.

Best done December to March for full winter snow, or April to June and September to October for clear Himalayan views without the deep snow; the route is closed in July–August monsoon.

Highlights

180° view of 108 Himalayan peaks from Kuari Pass
Pangarchulla Peak summit at 15,069 ft (4,590 m)
The historic Lord Curzon Trail (1905)
Nanda Devi, Kamet, Dronagiri & Chaukhamba views
Pangarchulla's 70–75° snow wall climb
Khullara meadow campsite
Oak & pine forest of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
Sunrise summit over Nanda Devi

Places you will see

Joshimath / Karchi: Karchi, on the Auli road out of Joshimath, is the last road head — trekking starts and ends here.

Khullara: The meadow base camp at 10,900 ft, with Dronagiri and Hathi-Ghoda straight ahead, and the launch point for both Kuari Pass and Pangarchulla.

Kuari Pass: The 12,516 ft crossing on the Lord Curzon Trail, and the famous 180° balcony view of 108 Himalayan peaks.

Pangarchulla Peak: The 15,069 ft (4,590 m) summit above Khullara, reached via a roped 70–75° snow wall climbed before dawn.

Region: Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand
Trek type: pass crossing (Kuari Pass) plus technical peak summit (Pangarchulla)
Terrain: oak & pine forest, alpine meadow, high ridge and, above 13,500 ft, snow and rock
Known as: the Lord Curzon Trail, walked by Viceroy Lord Curzon in 1905

Ideal for: Trekkers with at least one Himalayan trek done, experienced trekkers, peak-summit and winter-snow lovers, and photography groups. Kuari Pass alone suits fit beginners.

Pangarchulla Peak is a technical snow and rock climb above Khullara, not an extension of the Kuari Pass walk. Your Trek Leader checks fitness, oxygen level and BP at Khullara on the evening of Day 3 before clearing anyone for the Day 4 summit attempt; trekkers found unfit, or without a prior Himalayan trek, are kept back at Khullara for their own safety. Summit success also depends on weather and snow conditions and is never guaranteed.

In winter (December–March), the Karchi to Joshimath road can be blocked by snow, and the group stays at Karchi instead of Joshimath on Day 1 and Day 5. Outside winter, the group stays at Joshimath for better hotel facilities, as reflected in this itinerary.

Expedition Schedule

Pickup at 6:00 AM from Rishikesh Tapovan. The drive runs via Devprayag (the Ganga–Alaknanda sangam), Srinagar, Karnaprayag and Chamoli to Joshimath — a long but scenic day along the Alaknanda River, with breakfast and lunch on the way.

Reach Joshimath by 5–6 PM. Check into the hotel or guest house, and go through a trek briefing and gear check with the Trek Leader.

Sleeping at 6,150 ft on the first night helps the body start acclimatizing before the trek proper begins.

Highlights

Alaknanda Valley DriveDevprayag SangamJoshimathTrek Briefing

What's Included & What's Not

TransportRishikesh to Joshimath and Joshimath to Rishikesh, plus Joshimath–Karchi transfers, by Tempo Traveller / Bolero (shared, as per group size).
Stay in Joshimath2 nights hotel/guest house (Day 1 & 5), triple/quad sharing.
Alpine camping3 nights tents at Khullara (Day 2, 3, 4), triple sharing, with mattress, -10°C sleeping bag and pillow provided.
MealsAll veg meals from Day 1 dinner to Day 6 breakfast, including a 1 AM summit breakfast (tea, biscuits, chocolate) on Day 4.
Permits & feesForest entry permit, Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve fees, camping fees and trek permits.
Trek teamCertified Trek Leader, local guide from Joshimath, cook and helpers.
Porters / mulesFor carrying central luggage — tents, food and equipment.
Technical equipmentMicro-spikes/crampons, rope and ice axe (group use), gaiters on request, oxy-meter and first-aid kit at campsite.

Eligibility & Fitness

Trek DifficultyModerate-Difficult

Preparation Guidelines

To complete this climb comfortably, you should maintain a baseline cardiovascular health. We recommend starting running/jogging routines 4 weeks before the trip (aiming for 5 km in 35-40 minutes).

Individuals with severe asthma, cardiac history, or chronic knee problems must consult their physician before registering.

Eligibility

Age: 14–55 years (14–17 with parents; above 45 needs fitness proof)
Kuari Pass alone: beginners can do it
Pangarchulla Peak summit: at least 1 Himalayan trek is mandatory
Not permitted: severe asthma, heart disease, uncontrolled BP, epilepsy, severe joint pain, recent surgery, pregnancy
Govt ID proof and a medical self-declaration form are required
No alcohol, smoking or drugs during the trek

Fitness Requirement

Able to jog/run 4–5 km in 35 minutes without stopping
Able to climb 50 floors (1,000 stairs) without heavy breathing
One month of daily exercise before the trek: 30–45 min walk/jog plus squats and lunges
BMI below 28 — overweight trekkers are not allowed for the peak summit
Able to carry a 60L backpack, or arrange a porter/mule at the base

Kuari Pass with Pangarchulla Peak Departure Batches

Choose your preferred 6-day departure batch. Open batches are available from July 2026 to December 2026.

Jul 2026Open3 batches

05 Jul → 10 Jul

Year 2026 • ₹11,000

Open

15 Jul → 20 Jul♀ Women

Year 2026 • ₹11,000

Filling Fast

25 Jul → 30 Jul

Year 2026 • ₹11,000

Open

Aug 2026Open3 batches

02 Aug → 07 Aug

Year 2026 • ₹11,000

Open

06 Aug → 11 Aug♀ Women

Year 2026 • ₹11,000

Open

16 Aug → 21 Aug🚶 Senior

Year 2026 • ₹11,000

Filling Fast

Sep 2026Open3 batches

06 Sep → 11 Sep

Year 2026 • ₹11,000

Open

13 Sep → 18 Sep🚶 Senior

Year 2026 • ₹11,000

Open

20 Sep → 25 Sep

Year 2026 • ₹11,000

Filling Fast

Oct 2026Open2 batches

10 Oct → 15 Oct

Year 2026 • ₹11,000

Open

20 Oct → 25 Oct♀ Women

Year 2026 • ₹11,000

Open

Nov 2026Open2 batches

05 Nov → 10 Nov

Year 2026 • ₹11,000

Open

15 Nov → 20 Nov🚶 Senior

Year 2026 • ₹11,000

Filling Fast

Dec 2026Open2 batches

05 Dec → 10 Dec♀ Women

Year 2026 • ₹11,000

Open

15 Dec → 20 Dec

Year 2026 • ₹11,000

Open

How to Reach Kuari Pass with Pangarchulla Peak

The trek starts from Karchi, near Joshimath, in Chamoli, Uttarakhand. For Trip My Soul, the meeting and drop point is Rishikesh Tapovan.

By AirNearest AirportJolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED)

From the airport, travel by taxi to Rishikesh (about 20–25 km) to join the group, or directly to Joshimath (about 250 km, 9–10 hours) if travelling independently.

By TrainNearest Railway StationRishikesh / Haridwar Railway Station

Rishikesh Tapovan is the group's pickup and drop point. From Haridwar, a short transfer reaches Rishikesh in about 45 minutes.

By RoadRouteRishikesh to Joshimath via Devprayag, Srinagar and Karnaprayag

Joshimath and Karchi are reached from Rishikesh by road, following the Alaknanda River for most of the drive.

Road Route

Rishikesh
Devprayag
Srinagar
Rudraprayag
Karnaprayag
Chamoli
Joshimath
Karchi

Distance~255 km

Drive~10-11 hours

OptionsTempo Traveller / Bolero (shared, as per group size)

PickupRishikesh Tapovan6:00 AM, Day 1

DropRishikesh Tapovan7-8 PM, Day 6

Route for TMS trekkers: Rishikesh → Joshimath → Karchi → Khullara → Kuari Pass → Pangarchulla Peak.

Trek Essentials Packing List

Head & Face

Woolen Cap / Balaclava
UV Sun Protection Sunglasses
Sunscreen lotion (SPF 50+)

Trek Wear

Quick-dry synthetic shirts (3)
Trekking pants (2)
Down insulated jacket (1)
Waterproof shell pants & jacket

Footwear & Gear

Trekking boots with high ankle
Woolen socks (3 pairs)
Trekking poles (1 pair)
Headlamp / torch

Trek Photo Album

Trail, campsite and summit shots from past batches.

25 Photos

Cancellation & Voucher Policy

Cancellations requested 30 days or more prior to the trek start date are eligible for a 90% refund or a 100% voucher credit valid for 1 year.

Cancellations between 15 to 30 days are eligible for a 50% refund or a 100% voucher credit.

Cancellations requested less than 15 days prior to departure are not eligible for refunds or credits. Rations, permits, and guides are fully paid in advance by this point.

Verified Feedback

Trek Reviews & Videos

Ananya RoyVerified Trekker • Jan 2026

"Summiting Kuari Pass with Pangarchulla Peak with TripMySoul was a dream come true! The guide team carried oxygen tanks and checked our SpO2 twice daily. Food at high camp was fresh and hot!"

Vikramaditya SinghExperienced Hiker • Dec 2025

"The campsite management and safety protocols on Kuari Pass with Pangarchulla Peak are top notch. Triple-layer sleeping bags kept us warm even at -8°C at night!"

Pooja SharmaWomen Only Batch Trekker • Nov 2025

"Joined the Women-Only batch and felt completely safe and empowered! Our female trek leader was super supportive during steep incline sections."

Rohan KulkarniSolo Traveler • Oct 2025

"Clear instructions from base camp to summit ridge. TripMySoul's logistics and transport coordination made the journey seamless."

Official Trek Guide

Trek Article & Written Guide

Kuari Pass with Pangarchulla Peak: The Curzon Trail Where You See 108 Himalayan Peaks Together

If Kedarkantha is for friends and Brahmatal is for beginners, Kuari Pass is where your Himalayan education starts — and Pangarchulla Peak is its final exam.

⏱️ 6 min read

Kuari Pass with Pangarchulla is not just a trek. It is the balcony of India.

It is the only trek in the country from where you can see 108 Himalayan peaks in a single 180-degree line — from Nanda Devi to Dronagiri, Kamet to Chaukhamba, Neelkanth to Hathi Ghoda. No other winter trek gives you this.

The trail was first explored in 1905 by Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, when there was no road to Joshimath, no Auli ski resort, no tents. He rode a horse through oak and pine forest to reach Kuari Pass — which is why it is still called the Curzon Trail.

Beyond the Pass

Today, most people only do Kuari Pass. They stop at 12,516 ft, take a photo and turn back.

The real story starts after Kuari Pass — one more mountain standing above Khullara like a white wall: Pangarchulla.

At 15,069 ft (4,590 m), Pangarchulla Peak is not a pass, it is a peak. A proper 75-degree snow wall where you need a helmet, rope, micro-spikes and a 1 AM start in the dark. Your legs will burn and your lungs will ask you to stop, but when you reach the top you see what even Kedarnath doesn't show you — Nanda Devi (7,816 m), India's highest peak within India, close enough to feel you could touch it.

Why This Trek Is Special

A summit, not just a pass. Kuari is a crossing; Pangarchulla is a peak. At 15,069 ft, you become a peak summiter, not just a trekker — a real step up for anyone who has already done Kedarkantha, Brahmatal or Dayara Bugyal.

The view of 108 peaks. From Kuari Pass you see Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Kamet (India's second highest), Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Trishul, Hathi-Ghoda and Mana Peak, all in one line.

One of the best winter snow treks. From December to March, the whole Khullara meadow and the Pangarchulla wall carry 4–5 feet of snow.

Forest of the Nanda Devi Reserve. The trail runs through oak, pine and rhododendron forest, home to the Himalayan Monal, foxes and the occasional bear footprint.

Trip My Soul — Travel Far. Feel More.