Kuari Pass trek July/August

SarahMuckett · Jul 4th, 2006, 18:19

Hi!

Am travelling to India for the first time in July/August and want to trek the Kuari Pass. I fly into Dehli on 24th and plan to head straight towards Joshimath (via train and taxi) to, hopefully, commence trek on 27th.

I am looking into all inclusive treks with agencies in Joshimath (as this will be my first trek and I don't have much time to spare) and would be interested if anyone else is planning on doing this trek around this time.... To be honest, though very excited, I am pretty nervous and would like to meet some people (especially women) to trek with...

Fingers crossed!

Also,if you have done this trek and have any advice/tips etc.. I would love to hear them!

mount cleverest · Jul 4th, 2006, 18:23

Sarah,
Kuari Pass is indeed a beautiful trek and not very difficult either. It would be raining a lot in July and August but thats a small price to pay to witness the beautiful landscape..something you will never forget.

A guide is a must for this trek though no technical climbing gear is required. The trek can be done in 4 days to and from Joshimath. I did this trek in 2004 through High Adventures (agency). These guys were very professional and helpful. I unfortunately do not have their contact numbers with me right now but they are very easy to locate in the Joshimath town. The name of the owner is Rohit and you can specifically ask for Mahaveer (guide).

Besides High Adventures, their are plenty of other trekking agencies in Joshimath. I have not used them so I can not vouvh for or against them.

I am sure you will have a great time.

sachin1313 · Jul 4th, 2006, 20:35

Hi Sarah

No doubt Kuari Pass trek is a very good trek with nice views and very good camping sites. But the time that u have chosen for this trek cannot be called the best or even good time to trek in the region as this area faces very high rain during the end of July and start of August so charm of treking and good views is hardly there. Also u hardly get chance of viewing the high Himalayan peaks. I would not recommend this trek in monsoon season although it can very well be organised by the comapnies in Joshimath as it is the lean season there.

I m giving u this advise based on my own experience as working in trekking in this region for last 3.5 yrs now.

Also finding the travel partners can be a problem as very few people trek here in monsoon.

Rgds,
Sachin

SarahMuckett · Jul 4th, 2006, 21:43

Thankyou both for your advice.

I am well aware that trekking at this time is not the best.... but unfortunately this is the only chance I get for any extended holiday (as I work in education) so am trying to make do with the time available. The reading I have done on the Kuari Pass trek suggests that it is possible at this time (some other treks were strongly recommended against)but will I see absolutely nothing? Has anyone else done this trek during monsoon season?

I would be very open to suggestions for any other short treks that may be better suited to/avoid the rainy weather.

Also, when booking all-inclusive treks, how soon in advance should I contact trekking agencies (bearing in mind that my time in India is very limited)?

Thanks again for help!

Sarah

sachin1313 · Jul 4th, 2006, 21:48

Sarah

Better is to keep ur options open. In that area only there is trek to Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. You can plan trek to Valley if u see rains there. It goes like this:

Day 01: Delhi - Haridwar (train).
Day 02: Haridwar - Joshimath.
Day 03: Joshimath - Govindghat (25 Kms) - Ghangaria (13 Kms)
Day 04: Ghangaria - Valley of Flowers - Ghangaria. 3 Kms one way
Day 05: Ghangaria - Hemkund Sahib - Ghangaria. 5 Kms one way
Day 06: Ghangaria - Govindghat - Joshimath. 13 Kms trek, 25 Kms drive

U can keep this as an alternative as this trek is the best in rains only as during this time the flowers are at foll bloom.

Chances of seeing good views in Kuari Pass trek compeltely depends on a clear day. Although maximum of the time during monsoon the peaks are covered by the clouds only.

SarahMuckett · Jul 4th, 2006, 21:59

Hello again!

I am not limited to trekking in this area as I plan to make my way up through the Kinnaur and Spiti valleys to Manali so could trek there if the weather is likely to be better (am also going to Leh but don't feel up to really high altitude trek, especially as will not relly have much time to aclimatise). Have considered the Hampta pass. Will rain situation be any better?

I was originally considering the valley of Flowers trek, but was concerned that it would be too busy and would rather experience a full on trek, tents and all. May follow your advice and see which looks more plausible when I get to Joshimath.

How quickly can an inclusive trek be organised with an agency. Do I have to book in advance if I want to leave pretty much immediately on reaching Joshimath?

sachin1313 · Jul 4th, 2006, 22:13

Hampta Pass will also have same situation with rain. But if u have time in Leh area u can do a 4 -5 days trek of Sham valley which dont take u to high altitudes.

U r very much right Valley trek is very busy bcos of Hemkund Sahib which is a pilgrimage for Sikh people.

U can even plan trek for Kuari Pass after reaching Joshimath. Not a busy season so anyone can plan that for u. If you find it a problem after reaching there just buzz me I can help u in that as a regular in that area for treks. Last time I did the trek to Kuari pass in Sept last year. We even faced 2 days of snow fall during that time but the views were quite clear.

mount cleverest · Jul 5th, 2006, 12:52

I did the Kuari pass trek in the second week of August and yes, it did rain quite a bit, every day. But as is typical with the hills in these parts, the mornings and the first half of the day is usually clear and the views early in the morning are clear..it is usually towards the second half that rain invades and by then you are almost always inside the camp.

I would say that Kuari Pass is possible in August..just be ready to get wet.

mridula · Jul 5th, 2006, 13:42

Sarah, I did Kuari pass Trek this June and wrote about it here:

http://www.gonomad.com/traveltalesfr...alayas_18.html

You might find some of the information useful.

SarahMuckett · Jul 5th, 2006, 18:24

Thanks for all your advice,

I think I will have to let go of my compulsion to plan everything in advance and see how things stand when I reach Joshimath. I'm sure I'll enjoy the Valley of Flowers if it is too wet to trek elsewhere (but fingers crossed for Kuari Pass, views and all!).

Sarah

ks_bluechip · Jun 6th, 2007, 06:35

Hi Sarah,

Looks like last year you were planning to do the same that I ams thinking for July 2007 .... see my thread "Combo Trek of Kuari Pass & Roop Kund - anybody done that?" at:

http://www.indiamike.com/india/showt... =1#post344768

I too have been discouraged by other veteran trekkers, due to monsoon rains & clouds blocking views ....

Tell me did you do the trek you planned at Kuari Pass? ...how was the trek? rains? views?... your inputs might help me decided between KuariPass or VOF ....

Thanks,
..... KS

Rashmig · Jun 15th, 2007, 18:12

So what is the best time for this trek ,,and what is the best route. Seems that Kuari can be done from Ghat, Ramni, Tapovan or Auli , what combination is most scenic ?

Jul 4th, 2006, 18:19	#1
SarahMuckett Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Brighton England Posts: 5	Kuari Pass trek July/August Hi! Am travelling to India for the first time in July/August and want to trek the Kuari Pass. I fly into Dehli on 24th and plan to head straight towards Joshimath (via train and taxi) to, hopefully, commence trek on 27th. I am looking into all inclusive treks with agencies in Joshimath (as this will be my first trek and I don't have much time to spare) and would be interested if anyone else is planning on doing this trek around this time.... To be honest, though very excited, I am pretty nervous and would like to meet some people (especially women) to trek with... Fingers crossed! Also,if you have done this trek and have any advice/tips etc.. I would love to hear them!

Jul 4th, 2006, 21:43	#4
SarahMuckett Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Brighton England Posts: 5	Wet trekking Thankyou both for your advice. I am well aware that trekking at this time is not the best.... but unfortunately this is the only chance I get for any extended holiday (as I work in education) so am trying to make do with the time available. The reading I have done on the Kuari Pass trek suggests that it is possible at this time (some other treks were strongly recommended against)but will I see absolutely nothing? Has anyone else done this trek during monsoon season? I would be very open to suggestions for any other short treks that may be better suited to/avoid the rainy weather. Also, when booking all-inclusive treks, how soon in advance should I contact trekking agencies (bearing in mind that my time in India is very limited)? Thanks again for help! Sarah

Jul 4th, 2006, 21:59	#6
SarahMuckett Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Brighton England Posts: 5	trekking other areas Hello again! I am not limited to trekking in this area as I plan to make my way up through the Kinnaur and Spiti valleys to Manali so could trek there if the weather is likely to be better (am also going to Leh but don't feel up to really high altitude trek, especially as will not relly have much time to aclimatise). Have considered the Hampta pass. Will rain situation be any better? I was originally considering the valley of Flowers trek, but was concerned that it would be too busy and would rather experience a full on trek, tents and all. May follow your advice and see which looks more plausible when I get to Joshimath. How quickly can an inclusive trek be organised with an agency. Do I have to book in advance if I want to leave pretty much immediately on reaching Joshimath?

Jul 5th, 2006, 13:42	#9
mridula Sair Kar Duniya Ki Galib , Jindagani Fir Kahan ... Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 1,163	Sarah, I did Kuari pass Trek this June and wrote about it here: http://www.gonomad.com/traveltalesfr...alayas_18.html You might find some of the information useful. __________________ mridula http://www.gonomad.com/traveltalesfromindia/

Jun 6th, 2007, 06:35	#11
ks_bluechip Maha Guru Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Mumbai, India Posts: 782	Hi Sarah, Looks like last year you were planning to do the same that I ams thinking for July 2007 .... see my thread "Combo Trek of Kuari Pass & Roop Kund - anybody done that?" at: http://www.indiamike.com/india/showt... =1#post344768 I too have been discouraged by other veteran trekkers, due to monsoon rains & clouds blocking views .... Tell me did you do the trek you planned at Kuari Pass? ...how was the trek? rains? views?... your inputs might help me decided between KuariPass or VOF .... Thanks, ..... KS __________________ ks_bluechip [My Travel Blog] [My Flickr Photo Sets]

Jul 4th, 2006, 18:23	#2
mount cleverest Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Delhi Posts: 108	Sarah, Kuari Pass is indeed a beautiful trek and not very difficult either. It would be raining a lot in July and August but thats a small price to pay to witness the beautiful landscape..something you will never forget. A guide is a must for this trek though no technical climbing gear is required. The trek can be done in 4 days to and from Joshimath. I did this trek in 2004 through High Adventures (agency). These guys were very professional and helpful. I unfortunately do not have their contact numbers with me right now but they are very easy to locate in the Joshimath town. The name of the owner is Rohit and you can specifically ask for Mahaveer (guide). Besides High Adventures, their are plenty of other trekking agencies in Joshimath. I have not used them so I can not vouvh for or against them. I am sure you will have a great time.

Jul 4th, 2006, 20:35	#3
sachin1313 Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Delhi Posts: 92	Hi Sarah No doubt Kuari Pass trek is a very good trek with nice views and very good camping sites. But the time that u have chosen for this trek cannot be called the best or even good time to trek in the region as this area faces very high rain during the end of July and start of August so charm of treking and good views is hardly there. Also u hardly get chance of viewing the high Himalayan peaks. I would not recommend this trek in monsoon season although it can very well be organised by the comapnies in Joshimath as it is the lean season there. I m giving u this advise based on my own experience as working in trekking in this region for last 3.5 yrs now. Also finding the travel partners can be a problem as very few people trek here in monsoon. Rgds, Sachin

Jul 4th, 2006, 21:48	#5
sachin1313 Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Delhi Posts: 92	Sarah Better is to keep ur options open. In that area only there is trek to Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. You can plan trek to Valley if u see rains there. It goes like this: Day 01: Delhi - Haridwar (train). Day 02: Haridwar - Joshimath. Day 03: Joshimath - Govindghat (25 Kms) - Ghangaria (13 Kms) Day 04: Ghangaria - Valley of Flowers - Ghangaria. 3 Kms one way Day 05: Ghangaria - Hemkund Sahib - Ghangaria. 5 Kms one way Day 06: Ghangaria - Govindghat - Joshimath. 13 Kms trek, 25 Kms drive U can keep this as an alternative as this trek is the best in rains only as during this time the flowers are at foll bloom. Chances of seeing good views in Kuari Pass trek compeltely depends on a clear day. Although maximum of the time during monsoon the peaks are covered by the clouds only.

Jul 4th, 2006, 22:13	#7
sachin1313 Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Delhi Posts: 92	Hampta Pass will also have same situation with rain. But if u have time in Leh area u can do a 4 -5 days trek of Sham valley which dont take u to high altitudes. U r very much right Valley trek is very busy bcos of Hemkund Sahib which is a pilgrimage for Sikh people. U can even plan trek for Kuari Pass after reaching Joshimath. Not a busy season so anyone can plan that for u. If you find it a problem after reaching there just buzz me I can help u in that as a regular in that area for treks. Last time I did the trek to Kuari pass in Sept last year. We even faced 2 days of snow fall during that time but the views were quite clear.

Jul 5th, 2006, 12:52	#8
mount cleverest Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Delhi Posts: 108	I did the Kuari pass trek in the second week of August and yes, it did rain quite a bit, every day. But as is typical with the hills in these parts, the mornings and the first half of the day is usually clear and the views early in the morning are clear..it is usually towards the second half that rain invades and by then you are almost always inside the camp. I would say that Kuari Pass is possible in August..just be ready to get wet.

Jul 5th, 2006, 18:24	#10
SarahMuckett Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Brighton England Posts: 5	Thanks for all your advice, I think I will have to let go of my compulsion to plan everything in advance and see how things stand when I reach Joshimath. I'm sure I'll enjoy the Valley of Flowers if it is too wet to trek elsewhere (but fingers crossed for Kuari Pass, views and all!). Sarah

Jun 15th, 2007, 18:12	#12
Rashmig Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Mumbai Posts: 14	So what is the best time for this trek ,,and what is the best route. Seems that Kuari can be done from Ghat, Ramni, Tapovan or Auli , what combination is most scenic ?

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