Sketch Itinerary:
Day 1:
- Start point: Haridwar
- Endpoint: Joshimath
- Day start time: 06:30 hrs
- Accommodation: Overnight in a guest house at Joshimath
Day 2:
- Start point: Joshimath
- Endpoint: Gulling Top
- Day start time: 07:00 hrs
- Trekking distance: 5 km
- Trekking time: 3 hrs
- Accommodation: Overnight in tents in Gulling Top
Day 3:
- Start point: Gulling Top
- Endpoint: Khulara
- Day start time: 07:00 hrs
- Trekking distance: 6 km
- Trekking time: 4 hrs
- Accommodation: Overnight in tents in Khulara
Day 4:
- Start point: Khulara Camp
- Endpoint: Khulara Camp
- Day start time: 04:00 hrs
- Trekking distance: 12 km
- Trekking time: 9 hrs
- Accommodation: Overnight in tents in Khulara
Day 5:
- Start point: Khulara Camp
- Endpoint: Joshimath
- Day start time: 07:00 hrs
- Trekking distance: 11 km
- Trekking time: 8 hrs
- Accommodation: Overnight in a guest house at Joshimath
Day 6:
- Start point: Joshimath
- Endpoint: Haridwar
- Day start time: 07:00 hrs
Detailed itinerary:
Day 1:
The operators along with your fellow adventurers will be waiting for you at Haridwar Railway station at 06:30 hrs. Make sure you are on time so as to avoid any delays.
You will hop on the locally arranged transport which will take you on a scenic drive to Joshimath. You will reach your destination and will be welcomed with a refreshing cup of tea.
Make yourself comfortable and soon you will be instructed about the trek that commences tomorrow. Warm satisfying dinner will be served, post which you tuck yourself in for the night at a guesthouse.
Day 2:
You will be driven from the guesthouse to Dhak village which is at a distance of 12 km. Here on out, the adventure truly begins. You’ll move through oak and rhododendron forests on a simple path.
The second day is not a long and winding trek. It is enough to get your gears in motion. At night, you camp in lush meadows in tents.
Day 3:
Today, the Kuari pass trek kicks into a higher gear. You climb from 9600 feet to 11,100 feet traversing steep slopes covered with oak and walnut trees.
The alluring pink and white colours of the blossoming rhododendron trees are sure to draw your attention and make you want to stop for photos every now and then.
The next day kicks off very early so ensure that you go to bed in time to get a good night’s rest. You will camp at Khulara campsite tonight.
Day 4:
A big day awaits you today - peak day. You wake up before the sun today. You eat a big fuelling breakfast and begin to slice through the forests. The path opens into the meadows which will get you to Kuari Pass at the crack of dawn.
You will want to spend some time absorbing in the splendour of the rising sun, before moving on to the peak. The climb is not difficult and can be done without equipment. It will have you scrambling over boulders though.
At the summit, you will have a view that is sure to leave your jaw hanging. You will spend some time here, admiring and taking photos. You then head back to the campsite, tired but happy.
Day 5:
After the ascent, comes the descent towards Joshimath. The journey is long but it slopes down so it can be covered in good time. You will also feel pumped as you move to lower altitudes, from 11000 feet to 6000 feet.
You will take the arranged transportation at Dhak village and drive back to the guest house. You can finally rest your aching body on a bed for the night and sleep deeply.
Day 6:
This day is about the extensive drive back to Haridwar. You can rest, stare out the window or exchange stories on the way back. Expect to reach the station by 20:00 hrs, bringing the adventure to an end.
Inclusions:
Local vehicles will be arranged for the journey to and from Haridwar. All the equipment and safety gear is part of the costs and will be provided by the operators.
Meals and refreshments will be served based on the packages selected. Accommodation will be provided on a sharing basis in homestays or tents. Please check with your operator for the final details on any Kuari pass trek.
The trip expenses also include all required permits and entry fees. First-aid kits and stretcher, as well as oxygen cylinders, are inclusive in case of any emergencies.
The services and expertise of the trek leader, guide and all support staff are included in the costs as are all applicable taxes.
Exclusions:
Any personal expenses on meals, tips and anything else not a part of the inclusions are not included and will be charged on an additional basis. The costs do not cover for food during transit and the same will have to be borne by the trekkers individually.
Insurance is excluded and can be purchased separately. The same goes for the services of mules or porters to lug around personal belongings.