SOMEONE JOIN KUARI PASS TREK 11th-18th SEPTEMBER

Hello!!
we're a couple and we're planning to do the Kuari Pass trek this September, from the 11th to the 18th.
We are looking for a couple or 4 people who would like to join us, because the price is much better for groups of 4 or more.
If someone is interested, we are thinking of going with Red Chili guides, wich gives us good feeling, and it would be 20,300 rands per person (290€).
The itinenary is:
Day 01: Rishikesh To Ghat: 9-10 hours drive.
Day 02: Chefna To Ghuni: 3-4 hours walk
DAY 03: TREK TO SEMKHERK MEADOW. (2,600m approx.)5-6 hrs.
DAY 04: TREK TO KALIAGHAT. (2700m approx.)-6 hours.
DAY 05: TREK TO DHAKAUNI VIA SARTOLI (11,000ft/3353m approx.) – 5-6 hours.
DAY 06: TREK ACROSS KAURI PASS (KUARI KHAL) (12,000ft/3,658m) TO TALI OR KHULARA (11,155ft/3,400m). 3-4 hours to Khulara and 5-6 hours to Tali.
DAY 07: TREK TO AULI/TAPOVAN. (6,562ft/2,000m/), DRIVE TO JOSHIMATH.
DAY 08: DRIVE TO RISHIKESH

Though I'm not planning to join this trek, Euro 290 for this trek per person seems to be daylight robbery.. May be some experienced trekkers can comment.

Euro 290 roughly translates to Rs. 23,000 per person. I think with this cost, a group of 4 can trek with porters (though may be a bit exaggerated, but still....)

I am not surprised at that quote. Three of us are doing the Kuari Pass trek starting Sep 18th to Sep 26, and we are paying 7k per head for 5 porters, 1 guide, tent on rent, food and park fees. We asked for a quote from a travel agency just to get an idea of how much it would cost and we got a quote of 18k per head! That is more than twice what we are paying.

The problem is, finding a porter and trying to save money for an outsider may be a frustrating experience. In that case I would actually recommend going with a well known travel agency. And of course, try bargaining.

Thank you all, guys!

Yeah, just tell you we finally went on Kuari Pass trekk. It was a great experience, fine weather, incredible views and good fellowship.

Just for your information, we finally paid those 18k for person and 8 days. We actually were sure that this amount was much more expensive that if we had booked everything directly in Rishikesh, for example. But beeing foreigner, it gets pretty hard to bargain, find reliable people, etc. Thus, if you prefer to have everything fixed prior to the trip because you do not have too many days in India, you do not find any other way... At least, the trekk and the company was great, so we cannot complain.

It is a real pity do not have any other way to do things, because it is a bit frustrating to pay much more that it should be but... And it is also a pity to have discovered such nice forum so late. I am sure that with your help and a bit more of time, we could save part of our money to spend it in other activities in the area. Well, next time!!! We want to repeat, for sure!

Bye


PS: By the way, some of the agencies we consulted for the trekking, were asking for 33k IRN per person!!! A bit shameful, I guess...

@HWNRD, glad you enjoyed your trek - that is what you will remember and not the cost, which anyway is one of the cheapest in the world (Nepal and Bhutan are 4-5 times and Europe 10 times for a similar trek). The thumb rule is that agencies will charge you double of what guide cum arrangers charge (i.e. guides who also arrange everything) and that in itself is double of what you can arrange yourself on the spot separately. I prefer the guide arranger route as it offers one fully committed plan upfront, does not require an advance to be paid and the money goes in the pocket of a guy doing all the efforts rather than an agency pocketing a hefty commission.

The basic cost per person per day for most mid altitutde treks quoted by guide cum arrangers in India varies between INR 800-1200 for a basic comfort and for 2 people and includes food, lodging, porters, mules and guide. The best way to get a guide is through this forum as you get a tested service. To get additional benefits one can pay them extra and ask them to arrange (mainly food items and better menu, better quality sleeping bags / tents etc.). The downside is that you may need to talk through all the small things with the guide arranger as they would be a little less professional than an agency and obviously communication may be a barrier but on this forum you will get all kind of help - i guess travellers are the most friendly lot!!

The travel agents (if they are good) definitely provide more professional services and may get you an English speaking guide (others may speak broken English - enough for the purpose though) and better food but for these their charges are exorbitant.

Ofcourse, there is the affordability factor as well as - if the difference is just 100 Euros for 2 people and one takes 1-2 trips in a year, is it really worth the extra trouble!! My guess is IndiaMikes is killing the trekking agency business as they were earning mainly out of information disymmetry, which is disappearing here.

The reply came after 2 years of the last post , even though it was an informative one

Yes - noticed the year a bit late Maybe helps someone planning a trek in India for the first time.