Blog / 6 September 2026
Kuari Pass Trek from Auli: The Complete Guide
If Gorson Bugyal whets your appetite for the Himalayas but you want something more substantial, Kuari Pass is the natural next step — and it starts right from the Auli area.
The basics
- Total distance: approximately 21.5 km
- Duration: typically a 6-day trip, with 4 active trekking days
- Difficulty: moderate — suitable for fit beginners, though Day 1 includes a steep ascent of around 1,500 feet that catches some trekkers off guard
- Maximum altitude: around 12,516 ft
Why it's worth doing
Kuari Pass is often called one of the best beginner-to-intermediate Himalayan treks for a reason: it delivers genuinely big mountain views — including sightlines toward Nanda Devi — without requiring technical climbing experience or multi-week commitment.
Best time to go
The trek is generally accessible for around 10 months of the year, with July and August (monsoon) the main exception to avoid. Each remaining season has its own character:
- Winter (Nov–Feb): snow-covered, coldest conditions, most dramatic scenery
- Spring (Mar–Apr): rhododendrons in bloom, some residual snow
- Summer (May–Jun): warmest and most comfortable trekking conditions
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): crisp air, clear views, golden meadows
Planning around a stay at WAMOS
Auli makes a natural base before or after the trek — arrive a day early to acclimatize and rest up, or come back to a proper bed, a bonfire, and a hot meal once you're off the trail. Most trekking operators can arrange logistics from the Auli/Joshimath area, or get in touch with us and we can point you to reliable local operators.