Altitude Gain: 2,089 ft to 8,530 ft | Drive Distance: 280 km | Drive Duration: 9 to 10 hours | Overnight Stay: Joshimath Hotel Dhaneesh (Twin Sharing) | Pick-up point  for Indiantreks trekkers: Tapovan badrinath road & Railway Station

Trekkers will be picked up from Rishikesh at 6:30 AM in a Bolero or similar vehicle (cost included in the package). Along the way, you can stop for breakfast and lunch at local dhabas or restaurants (meals not included).

The drive from Rishikesh to Joshimath is long but incredibly scenic. As the road winds along the Alaknanda River and through the Garhwal Himalayas, you’ll pass charming mountain towns, lush valleys, and breathtaking views that set the perfect tone for the adventure ahead.

Journey from Rishikesh to Joshimath

Your adventure begins from Rishikesh, the official starting point of the trek. The pickup will be arranged in Rishikesh, and from there we follow the scenic Badrinath Highway towards Joshimath.

Rishikesh itself is a destination worth exploring. If time allows, you can plan a short stay here before or after the trek to enjoy its spiritual charm, yoga culture, river rafting, and Ganga Aarti at the ghats.

The drive to Joshimath (2,050m / 6,750 ft) takes nearly 10 hours and covers around 256 km. Though long, the road is filled with spectacular views. The Alaknanda River accompanies you almost throughout the journey, turning more ferocious as you ascend higher into the Himalayas.

One of the highlights of this road trip is crossing the Panch Prayag—the five sacred confluences where tributaries join the Ganga:

Devprayag – where Bhagirathi meets Alaknanda
Rudraprayag – where Mandakini merges with Alaknanda
Karnaprayag – where Pindar joins Alaknanda
Nandaprayag – where Nandakini flows into Alaknanda
Vishnuprayag – where Dhauliganga meets Alaknanda

Each Prayag is not only spiritually significant but also breathtakingly scenic. Keep your camera ready, stay awake, and soak in every moment of this unforgettable drive into the mountains.

Altitude Gain: 7,545 ft to 8,530 ft to 9,264 ft | Trek Distance: 3 km | Trek Duration: 3 to 4 hours | Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Overnight Stay: Gulling Campsite (Twin Sharing)

A series of ice-capped mountains greets us in Joshimath, looking even more inviting than they did at the dawn of our journey. After an early breakfast, we set off for Dhak Village, about 12 km away in the Joshimath Tehsil—a drive of roughly 45 minutes. This is where our trek begins.

From Dhak, the trail steadily ascends, leaving behind the road and climbing towards Tugasi village. The dirt path includes a few sharp T-turns before easing out on flatter ground, followed by gentle rising slopes. The terrain here is generally rugged, with terraced fields and rocky outcrops. Though greenery is sparse, the panoramic views of the Garhwal Himalayas unfold dramatically in all directions.

Keep an eye out for the shimmering Dhauli Ganga River flowing deep below, as well as the massive Vishnugad Tapovan Hydroelectric Power Station along the valley. Unlike higher altitudes, you won’t find snow here, but the landscapes are equally captivating.

After about 20–25 minutes of trekking, we reach Kharchi village, where trekkers can refill bottles and take a short break. The trail then continues with steep switchbacks until Lower Tugasi, before splitting in two. We follow the route alongside a traditional hydro-powered flour mill, leading us into Upper Tugasi, a charming hamlet dotted with wheat fields, flower patches, thatched-roof houses, and mountain streams.

From here, the trail climbs gradually, leaving farmland behind, and soon reveals the first stunning view of Mount Dronagiri (7,066m) rising sharply in the distance. The sight is breathtaking and sets the tone for the trek ahead.

By afternoon, we reach Gulling Top Campsite (2,900m), nestled in open meadows surrounded by oak and rhododendron forests. After settling in, enjoy a hot lunch at the campsite. The evening is free to relax, soak in the mountain serenity, and admire the snow-covered slopes around. Adventurous trekkers may even join the trek leader for a short hike up to the Gulling Top viewpoint for closer glimpses of the icy forests.

As dusk falls, prepare for a magical night under the stars. The highlight awaits at dawn—when the first rays of sunlight strike Dronagiri peak, painting it in hues of gold and crimson, right from your campsite.

Overnight stay in tents on a twin-sharing basis at Gulling Top.

Altitude Gain: 9,264 ft to 11,014 ft | Trek Distance: 5.5 km | Trek Duration: 8 to 9 hours | Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Overnight Stay: Khullara Campsite (Twin Sharing)

Today’s trail takes you deeper into the wilderness, with a steady ascent from Gulling Top to Talli Forest Camp (3,350m). Compared to the steep climb of the previous day, the slopes are gentler and the walk more pleasant, offering a welcome change of pace.

The trail winds through enchanting forests of rhododendron, oak, and walnut. In late March, the rhododendrons bloom in brilliant shades of pink and white, adding a magical charm to the trek. The dense forest canopy, the earthy fragrance of leaves, and the quiet rustling of the woods create an almost mystical atmosphere.

About 20 minutes into the hike, the trees part to reveal a wide green meadow overlooking the majestic snow-covered ranges. This is a perfect spot to rest, click photos, and soak in the grandeur of the Himalayas before continuing. From here, a small stream crossing leads you back into a mixed forest of rhododendrons and conifers, gradually thickening as you gain altitude.

In winter, this entire stretch transforms into a snow wonderland, with thick blankets of snow draped over oak and conifer trees, turning the trail into a dreamy white corridor.

By afternoon, you’ll reach Talli Forest Camp, set amidst dense woods with views that open up towards the iconic Hathi–Ghoda peaks and the ever-dominant Dronagiri standing proudly to your right.

Enjoy a hot lunch at the campsite and spend the evening in the serene lap of nature. This forest clearing is a magical place for stargazing at night, with the silhouettes of snowy peaks in the backdrop.

Overnight stay in tents on a twin-sharing basis at Talli.

Altitude Gain & Loss: 11,014 ft to 12,516 ft to 11,014 ft | Trek Distance: 8 km | Trek Duration: 8 to 9 hours | Trek Difficulty: Moderate | Overnight Stay: Khullara Campsite (Twin Sharing)

Today is the most awaited day of the Kuari Pass Trek—the summit climb. We start early from the Khullara campsite, located at the base of Kuari Pass, to make the most of clear skies and the crisp morning views.

Khullara to Kuari Pass Summit
The trail begins with a gradual but steady climb through alpine meadows, rocky sections, and occasional snow patches (depending on the season). As you gain altitude, every step rewards you with expanding Himalayan vistas.

Reaching Kuari Pass (4,264m) is a truly breathtaking moment. From here, a 360° panorama of the Garhwal Himalayas unfolds before your eyes—dominated by towering snow-capped giants like:

Nanda Devi (7,816m) – the highest peak entirely in India, revered as the “Goddess of Bliss.”
Kamet (7,756m) – the second-highest peak in Garhwal, with its striking pyramid shape.
Dronagiri (7,066m) – steeped in mythology and known for its sheer beauty.
Chaukhamba (7,138m) – a magnificent massif of four peaks, often called the “Four Pillars.”
Hathi Parvat (6,727m) – resembling an elephant, standing tall in grandeur.
Ghori Parbat (6,708m) – another mighty peak, adding to the spellbinding skyline.

The view from Kuari Pass is considered one of the finest Himalayan panoramas in India. Spend some time here soaking in the sight, capturing photographs, and experiencing the stillness of the high mountains.

Return to Khullara
After enjoying the summit, retrace your steps back down towards Khullara campsite. The descent is easier and gives you a chance to once again admire the rolling meadows, alpine ridges, and forested valleys.

Before returning to camp, stop at the Khullara Viewpoint, which offers another stunning perspective of the mountains and valleys, especially during sunset when the peaks glow in warm hues.

Evening will be spent resting at camp, reflecting on the unforgettable summit experience.

Overnight stay in tents at Khullara (twin sharing).

Altitude Loss: 11,014 ft to 8,530 ft to 7,545 ft | Trek Distance: 8.5 km | Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours | Drive Distance: 15 km | Drive Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour | Overnight Stay: Hotel stay in Joshimath-(Twin/Triple sharing)

After breakfast, we begin our final descent from Khullara campsite towards Tugasi Village. The trail is mostly downhill, winding through alpine meadows, terraced fields, and oak–rhododendron forests. Though it’s easier than the ascent, the long descent of 8.5 km can still be demanding on the knees, so trekking poles are helpful.

On the way, enjoy the last glimpses of the Garhwal Himalayas—with views of Dronagiri, Hathi–Ghoda, and the surrounding ridges gradually fading into the distance as you descend lower into the valley. After about 6–7 hours of trekking, you will reach Tugasi Village, the endpoint of your trek.

Here, vehicles will be waiting to drive you back to Joshimath (15 km, ~30–45 min). The drive is short but scenic, offering yet another chance to admire the river valleys, forested slopes, and distant snowy peaks. If time permits, you can stop at viewpoints along the way for quick photographs.

By evening, you’ll be settled in Joshimath, marking the end of your Kuari Pass trekking adventure.

Overnight stay in guesthouse/hotel at Joshimath.

Altitude Loss: 8,530 ft to 2,089 ft | Drive Distance: 280 km | Drive Duration: 9 to 10 hours | Drop-off point for Indiantreks trekkers: Tapovan badrinath road & Railway Station

Route: Joshimath → Nandaprayag → Karnaprayag → Rudraprayag → Srinagar (Garhwal) → Devprayag → Rishikesh → Dehradun

Wake up to your last breakfast with Indiantreks at Joshimath. After an early meal, we depart by 6:00 AM for the return journey. Lunch will be taken en route, and you are expected to reach Rishikesh/Dehradun by evening (around 6–7 PM).

The drive from Joshimath to Rishikesh is long but spectacular. The road meanders along the Alaknanda River, passing through quaint Himalayan towns such as Chamoli and Devprayag, where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda merge to form the holy Ganga. The winding mountain roads offer countless views of deep valleys, rushing rivers, and terraced villages.

To make the journey comfortable, we take short halts at roadside dhabas for refreshments. Starting early helps avoid traffic congestion and ensures a smooth ride back.

By evening, you’ll arrive in Rishikesh/Dehradun, carrying home unforgettable memories of the Kuari Pass Trek.