Trekking the Curzon's Trail and the Kuari Pass

Trekking the Curzon's Trail and the Kuari Pass 16 Days

From $1645 USD

Trip URL: www.adventurelink.com/

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Trekking the Curzon's Trail and the Kuari Pass
Trekking the Curzon's Trail and the Kuari Pass
Trekking the Curzon's Trail and the Kuari Pass
Trekking the Curzon's Trail and the Kuari Pass
Trekking the Curzon's Trail and the Kuari Pass
Trekking the Curzon's Trail and the Kuari Pass
Trekking the Curzon's Trail and the Kuari Pass
Trekking the Curzon's Trail and the Kuari Pass
Trekking the Curzon's Trail and the Kuari Pass
Trekking the Curzon's Trail and the Kuari Pass
Trekking the Curzon's Trail and the Kuari Pass
Trekking the Curzon's Trail and the Kuari Pass
Trekking the Curzon's Trail and the Kuari Pass
Trekking the Curzon's Trail and the Kuari Pass
Trekking the Curzon's Trail and the Kuari Pass
Trekking the Curzon's Trail and the Kuari Pass
Trekking the Curzon's Trail and the Kuari Pass
Trekking the Curzon's Trail and the Kuari Pass

Overview
Itinerary
Nuts & Bolts
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Overview

Highlights

Duration: 16 Days
Comfort: 66.6666666666667%
Language: English
Rating: 80.0%
Trip ID: 62360
Start Location: New Delhi, India
End Location: New Delhi, India

Guaranteed:
Yes
Your Satisfaction is Guaranteed!
1. AdventureLink has carefully handpicked the tour operators in our portfolio to give you the best possible selection and experience
2. AdventureLink does not pay the operator until your trip completes in order to ensure the highest possible standard of care
Primary Activities: Walking Tour, Trekking
Other Activities: Hiking, Local Culture & Cuisine, sightseeing, Urban Exploration, Trains, Camping
Activity Level: Intermediate, Intermediate

Following a route trekked by Lord Curzon in 1905 and by Shipton and Tilman 30 years later, this excellent adventure trekking holiday traverses the western edge of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. After just a couple of days, we reach the high meadow of Bedni Bugyal, a famously scenic location with a skyline dominated to the north-west by the peaks of Trisul (7120m) and Nanda Ghunti. A further week of superb foothills trekking takes us through forest and farmland and by way of a series of ridges, the last of which we cross at the Kuari Pass (3650m). Changabang, Kamet and Nanda Devi are just 3 of the India Himalayan giants visible from this sublime viewpoint. En route back to Delhi, we have time to experience the magic of Rishikesh and Haridwar and to attend the 'arti' (floating lamp) ceremony on the Ganges. This is a great trek and an unforgettable journey into the mystical Hindu territory of Garhwal.

Additional Information

The group size for this holiday is: 4-16

Optional Single Tent Hire from: $120

Note: Prices and itineraries shown for holidays departing in 2013 may be subject to change, although we will endeavour to keep any price increases to a minimum. 2013 prices will be confirmed in October 2012.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Delhi: Rendezvous at the group hotel in Delhi in the morning. KE Land Only package services begin with an airport transfer to the group hotel where we have the use of shared ‘day rooms’ for freshening up. After lunch, we transfer to the railway station to catch the 3.30 train to Haridwar. It is said that the journey is half the experience and certainly this is true here. Any journey on Indian Railways is a fascinating affair from the crowds and chaos of Delhi station platforms to the rustic scenes of life in the countryside as we pass through. The journey to Haridwar takes around 4 hours and on arrival we transfer to our comfortable hotel and take dinner. Included meals: Lunch and dinner (L, D)
Day 2: Drive to Rudraprayag: Today is a long drive but a spectacular one as we head up through the foothills of the Himalaya towards Nanda Devi. The roads are winding and it will take us 6 or 7 hours to cover the 163 km to our destination at Rudrapayag, a small pilgrimage town on the confluence of the holy rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini which is venerated as one of the five sacred confluences or the 'Panch Prayag'. The town is named for a particular incarnation of Shiva appeared here as 'Rudra'. (B, L, D)
Day 3: Drive to Wan: Another exciting day of driving today, as we head northwards through the foothills of the Indian Himalaya. Once again, the drive (5 - 6 hours) is compensated by the stunning scenery. En route, we have some great views of Nanda Devi and surrounding peaks. The final stretch of our journey is on a rough jeep track. Arriving in Wan we take a short walk of approximately 1 hour to our camp at 2510m / 7875ft. Here we meet our trek crew who will already have the camp set up. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Trek to Bedni Bugyal: Our trek today starts out through ancient oak forest and then rhododendron. After crossing the Neel Ganga, a stream, we ascend through the forest to a series of high pasture or 'bugyals'. Above the tree-line, we reach one of the most scenic camping places imaginable, at Bedni Bugyal (3400m / 11,650ft). Local villagers hold a festival here every July/August to thank the goddess of the meadows for protecting their livestock, and there is another festival held here every September attended by as many as 1500 local villagers. There are fantastic views of the three peaks of Trisul and Nanda Ghunti very close by, and across to the Gangotri peaks Chaukamba, Kamet and Nilkantha in the distance. We have the afternoon to rest and to enjoy the magical views from camp. 4 to 5 hours walking (B, L, D)
Day 5: Trek to Kanol: We start the day with a descent through the rhododendron forest back towards Wan. From the valley we make a climb to a low pass on the ridge of the Kukin Khal and thereafter descend through thick forest to our camp near the forest resthouse above the village of Kanol (2600m / 8530ft). (B, L, D)
Day 6: Trek to Sitiel: Setting out from the stone and slate buildings of Kanol we pass through terraced fields of wheat and amaranthus (whose flour is used for flat breads such as chapattis) and then follow a lovely path through dense forest of oak and rhododendron, with lots of wild flower species; orchids, primulas and poinsettias. After a long descent to the Nandakini River, we follow a cliff-side path to a bridge which takes us across to our camp on the outskirts of the village of Sitiel where we camp on the riverbank (1750m / 5740ft). An easier day of 4 to 5 hours walking. (B, L, D)
Day 7: Trek to below the Ramni Pass: Today, we ascend the hillside on the north of the Nandakini river, traversing the forested slopes and farmland to reach the small village of Jokhna. The steep trail begins to ease and we follow a balcony style path with views of distant settlements and the foothills. We pass through several villages and climb gradually to the larger settlement of Ghunni (2350m / 7700ft), followed by a steep ascent on a rocky path to camp in grazing areas on the hilltop below the Ramni Pass, with great views to the south. Approx 6 hours walking. (B, L, D)
Day 8: Trek to clearing above Jhenjipani: We begin today with a gentle climb to a crossing point at the Ramni Pass (3080m / 10,100ft), from where we look north to the Kuari Pass, our objective in 2 days time. We may see shepherds and their flocks of sheep and goats, and Langur Monkeys in the forest lower down. Making a long descent into the headwaters of the Birehi Ganga River, we pass through more dense forest, with occasional clearings, in one of which above the village of Jhenjipani (2075m / 6800ft) we make our camp and have the afternoon to rest. 4 to 5 hours walking (B, L, D)
Day 9: Trek to Pana: It is a steep descent from our camp to the picturesque village of Jhenjipani and then down to the suspension bridge across the Birehi Ganga. A steep, zig-zagging ascent takes us up and out of this narrow valley to a ridge at around 2300 m / 7545 ft. Here, the path levels out and we break for lunch. In the afternoon we contour around to our camp above the village of Pana. Taking around 5 to 6 hours, today's walk leaves us with the afternoon free at camp to enjoy the views of the valley below. Altitutude at camp above the village at 2700m / 8850ft. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Trek to Dhakwani: Climbing further on a gradual trail we follow the ridge through the forests for about an hour and half we then get down into another valley from where we can once again get a glimpse of the Kuari pass. The trail opens to the Siyartoli meadow where we descend to a stream before climbing steeply up through the forest on a good zig zag path and set up camp before the pass at Dhakwani just above the treeline (4 to 5 hours walking). (B, L, D)
Day 11: Cross the Kuari Pass: An early start today to take advantage of the clear morning weather for our ascent to the Kuari Pass (3650m / 12,000ft). Following a steep zigzag path it takes one to one and a half hours to reach the col (3520m / 11,550 ft) where the mountain panorama north of the pass opens up dramatically to show views from the Nanda Devi Sanctuary in the east to the Badrinath and Kedarnath peaks in the west. The view from the col is stunning, but it’s another 30 to 40 minute traverse to the top of the Kuari Pass proper from where you will see, in the words of Eric Shipton, one of “the grandest mountain views in the world”. The line up of peaks on view includes Dunagiri, Hathi Parbat, Ghori Parbat, Chaukamba, Nilkanth, Kedarnath, Berthatoli, Kamet and Trisul. Nanda Devi stays hidden for a little longer, but the outer peaks on the west of the sanctuary are all in view. After spending some time soaking up the views, we descend a few hundred metres from the pass and gain our first views of Nanda Devi. We descend just below the treeline to camp in the meadows at Chitrakanta at 3200m / 10500ft. Approx 5 hours walking. (B, L, D)
Day 12: Trek to Auli and drive to Pipalkoti: The breathtaking views are still with us, as we descend. After we leave the forest, we follow a narrow balcony path that traverses the hillside, and affords us with super views of Nanda Devi. The path soon opens up to wide meadows carpeted with flowers as we reach the Gorson ski slopes. We descend through forests to finally arrive at Auli (2755m / 9050ft) after 4 to 5 hours walking. Here, we meet our transport and begin the journey out of the mountains. This starts with a steep, switchback descent to the bustling town of Joshimath, a resting place for pilgrims heading to and from nearby Badrinath, one of the most sacred places in India. Beyond Joshimath, we continue our drive for an hour and a half to Pipalkoti, where we overnight at a basic, but comfortable hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 13: Drive to Rishikesh: Following the main road, through deep river valleys and across high passes, we make the long drive to Rishikesh. Allowing for lunch and other rest stops the journey will take around 8 hours. We stay overnight in a hotel in Rishikesh. (B, L, D)
Day 14: Morning Rishikesh, afternoon Haridwar: We have the morning to enjoy the atmosphere at this very special place. The most holy of Indian rivers, the Ganges flows through the town and it is at Rishikesh where its nature changes from tumbling waters to a more sedate and mighty flow as it leaves the Himalaya and heads across the Indian Plain. The town has many temples, shrines and ashrams and is a major place of pilgrimage and starting point for pilgrimages to Badrinath and Gangotri. Rishikesh became a well-known name outside of India when the Beatles came here in 1968 to visit their guru’s ashram. After lunch we will make the 30 – 40 minute drive to Haridwar where we check into the group hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free for relaxing or souvenir hunting in the bazaarr. At around 6.30 we will not want to miss the Ganga Aarti, a ‘puja’ or religious ceremony which has been practiced here for centuries. In fact the Ganga Aarti in Hardwar’s Har-ki-Pauri is one of the most famous rituals in India. Shortly after sunset, the puja is performed in all of the temples lining the river at the same time with a cacophony of musical instruments and voices. Afterwards, offerings of lamps and flowers are made to the Ganges and it is a moving sight to watch hundreds of miniature lamps float along the river. (B, L, D)
Day 15: Train to Delhi: We have an early start to catch the morning train back to Delhi. We arrive in the city before lunch and in the afternoon we have We have the option of a sightseeing tour by coach of Old Delhi and New Delhi, which are completely different in character to one another. We visit the busy bazaars of Chandni Chowk, and the Moghul Red Fort. We will also see New Delhi’s imposing avenues and the Lutyen’s designed Government Houses. We can also visit one of Delhi’s old bazaars, where we can witness the teeming life of the Indian capital city at first hand. Overnight at the group hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 16: Depart: KE Land Only package services end after breakfast Complimentary airport transfers are provided. (B)

Nuts & Bolts

Trip Includes

An experienced English speaking local leader
Delhi Airport transfers on group arrival and departure days
All land transport involved in the itinerary
Hotel / lodge and camping accommodation as detailed in the itinerary
All meals throughout the trip
Full trekking service including food and all equipment (excluding personal equipment)

Trip Excludes

Travel insurance
Delhi Airport transfers if arriving earlier or departing later than the group days
Indian Visa
Tips for trek staff
Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc.

Trip ID#: 62360

CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

Operator

For the specifics on this tour operator, please contact AdventureLink directly.

Reviews (2)

Sarah Wong

The camping experience and support crew ensured that this trek was a great success. Their speed, efficiency was excellent. Mark (our leader) was very experienced, he had great rapport with the support team, and his understanding of the language and culture is a great asset.
- Overall Rating
  80%
- Guide Rating
  100%
- Value Rating
  90%
- Itinerary Rating
  90%
- Accomodation Rating
  70%
Barrington White

A very enjoyable trip, espeically the Kauri Pass and the spectacular walk out on the last day. It's my 26th trek with KE since I started travelling with you in 1985.
- Overall Rating
  80%
- Guide Rating
  100%
- Value Rating
  90%
- Itinerary Rating
  90%
- Accomodation Rating
  80%

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