The pass Lord Curzon walked in the early 1900s, with one of the widest Himalayan views you can reach in under a week: Nanda Devi, Dunagiri, Kamet and Chaukhamba in a single line. It is short and gentle enough for a first snow trek. Budget-operator price from Joshimath, permits included.
On the trail now and the next 7 days
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Forecast for the trek's map point. It is usually colder and windier at the top.
The route
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On the map
Kuari Pass (Curzon Trail) · Open in Google Maps ↗
The climb
How to reach the start
Government and private buses run from Dehradun to Joshimath for about ₹500 to ₹700 and take 12 to 13 hours; a private taxi costs ₹3,500 or more. From Joshimath a car takes you to the roadhead (Dhak or Tugasi), and the walking starts there.
Step 3 of 7Next: Permits↓Permits and rules
Official permit or booking page ↗
Rules change. Check the park office or official booking system before you travel.
Step 4 of 7Next: Gear↓What to carry
Altitude safety
Kuari Pass reaches 3,815 m, high enough for acute mountain sickness (AMS). Climb slowly, drink water, and tell your guide about headache, nausea, dizziness or breathlessness. If symptoms get worse, go down: descent is the treatment. Take travel insurance that covers trekking at this altitude and rescue.
What it costs
Ballpark ranges, not live quotes. Page updated 18 October 2026. Prices move with season and demand, so check live fares before you book.
Covers local transport, permits or entry, a guide where needed and food on the trail. Getting to Joshimath (2 is extra.
Photos
Questions people ask
How hard is the Kuari Pass (Curzon Trail) trek?
Moderate grade. It takes 5 days and climbs to about 3,815 m. The pass Lord Curzon walked in the early 1900s, with one of the widest Himalayan views you can reach in under a week: Nanda Devi, Dunagiri, Kamet and Chaukhamba in a single line. It is short and gentle enough for a first snow trek. Budget-operator price from Joshimath, permits included.
Do I need a permit for Kuari Pass (Curzon Trail)?
Forest permits and camping charges are set by the Uttarakhand Forest Department. Registered operators get them for you and include the cost; on your own, sort them out at Joshimath before you reach the trailhead. Operators also ask for a medical check-up at Joshimath Government Hospital (about ₹300). We could not confirm the current forest fee, so check it before you go.
How do I reach the Kuari Pass (Curzon Trail) trek?
Government and private buses run from Dehradun to Joshimath for about ₹500 to ₹700 and take 12 to 13 hours; a private taxi costs ₹3,500 or more. From Joshimath a car takes you to the roadhead (Dhak or Tugasi), and the walking starts there. Base: Joshimath (2,040 m), about 289 km and 12 to 13 hours by road from Dehradun.
What is the best season for Kuari Pass (Curzon Trail)?
December to March for snow; the trail is also walked in spring and autumn.
How much does the Kuari Pass (Curzon Trail) trek cost?
From about ₹10,000 per person from the base, covering local transport, permits or entry, a guide where required and food. The journey to the base is extra.
What should I carry?
Waterproof trekking boots, gaiters and microspikes in snow season, a warm down jacket, thermals and gloves, sunglasses for snow glare, and a headlamp.
Guides for Kuari Pass (Curzon Trail)
Longer reads from our blog that cover this trip.
The Cheapest Snowfall Places in India in December (and the Roads That Close)Three underrated places with snow in December and open roads: Chopta from ₹4,600, Zuluk and Tawang. Plus three that…Read the guide →
The Best Winter Treks in India: Five Snow Treks, Compared on CostFive winter treks in Uttarakhand compared: Brahmatal, Kuari Pass, Dayara Bugyal, Har Ki Dun and Kedarkantha. Cost…Read the guide →Sources and last check
Checked 11 October 2026. Fees, hours and rules change, so confirm on the official site before you pay.
- forest.uk.gov.in OfficialUttarakhand Forest Department, the permit authority
- bikatadventures.comFee ₹9,500 + 5% GST Joshimath to Joshimath, permits included; 5 days; Joshimath 2,040 m, Khullara 3,350 m; Dehradun to Joshimath 289 km, bus ₹500-700, 12-13 h, taxi ₹3,500+; medical check ₹300; Dec-Mar season
- himalayandreamtreks.inKuari Pass altitude about 3,815 m; Dhak as start; Curzon Trail name
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By Gokul · Updated 18 October 2026 · Photo: Bidhubhusan Patel · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Photo: Sumodm · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Photo: Hemanth200204 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Photo: Hemanth200204 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Photo: Hemanth200204 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
