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Overview
An ideal pass from where the mighty Himalayas can be viewed. It is a paradise for the on-lookers with astonishing scenic beauty. Facing north the vision sweeps from the steep valleys of Trishul in the east to the peaks of Kedarnath in the west — the Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Nilkantha, Kamet, Gauri Parbat, Hathi Parbat, Nanda Devi, Bethartoli, Dunagiri – (all 6000m — 7000 m high peaks) lined one after the other in a magnificent arc. If one looks southward, the foothills stretch wave upon wave on to the dim haze of the distant plains. Surrounded by some remote villages one also gets good insights into the local life.
The trek is a Nature lover's paradise with some exotic flora and fauna on display, plus the meadows of Auli and Gorson add to the completeness of experiencing the entire display of Himalayan splendours.
Itinerary
Day 01: Delhi to Rishikesh (330m) 5-6hrs.
Board the early morning train departing from New Delhi to reach Haridwar. Transfer to a hotel in Rishikesh, a pilgrim township, a spiritual hub and a favourite meditation centre which also happens to be the Yog Capital of the world. After lunch, there is a choice to raft on the Ganga till short of Rishikesh. In the evening explore the township and attend the aarti (evening prayers) by the banks of the river Ganga. Stay overnight in the hotel.
Day 02: Drive Rishikesh to Ghat (1330m) 7-8 hrs.
The drive will take us into the region of the Garhwal along the Alaknanda River. Travelling along few holy confluences and into the narrow valley of Nandakini, we will reach Ghat, the road head for the trek in the evening.
Day 03: Ghat – Ramni / Ghunni (2550m) 6-7 hrs
For the first half of the journey, the trail runs parallel to the river and then finally starts climbing from the river bottom, some parts being quite steep. We can camp just above the fairly large village of Ramni in a nice grassy patch and visit the village in the evening.
Day 04: Ghunni – Sem Kharak (2400 m) 5-6 hrs
The trail leads up to the pass, crosses a bunch of small tributary rivers and waterfalls including one which offers a great opportunity for a bathe. After a steady climb we will arrive at a small pass called Ramni pass (3060m) which offers views of Kuari Pass. We descend gradually to the grazing meadows of Sem Kharak.
Day 05: Sem Kharak – Pana (2450m) 5-6 hrs
From Sem kharak we will come down to the suspension bridge over the Birthi Ganga. We climb up again to another prosperous village of Pana.
Day 06: Pana – Dhakwani (3341m) 6-7 hrs
An option of camping is available at Sartoli (2980m), located an hour and a half before Dhakwani. Further on, a few ascends, descends and traverses brings us close to the foot of the Kuari Pass. The trail extends beyond a tree line and stretches up to the grazing grounds in the meadow country to reach Dhakwani.
Day 07: Dhakwani – Khulara (3180m) 4-5 hrs
The steep track to the Kuari Pass (3690m) takes about 2-3 hours. Breath taking views present themselves once up on the pass. A wide panorama of high Himalayas — the Chaukhamba range, Nilkanth (6596m), and Abigamin (7355m) extend to the Tibetan border. In the middle foreground, the main Himalayan chain in the vicinity of the Bhyundar valley & Hemkund includes Nilgiri parbat (6474m), Rataban (6166m).
Day 08: Khulara – Tapovan (1850m) 5-6 hrs and drive to Pipalkoti (1330m)
The last day of the trek is spent traveling all the way down to the Tapovan. It’s takes about 3 hours by road to reach the comforts of the hotel in Pipalkoti.
Day 09: Pipalkoti – Delhi
After an early morning breakfast, set out for the long 8 hr drive to reach Haridwar and in the evening to board the evening train leaving for Delhi.
