Kauri Pass Trek

After having breakfast early in the morning, transfer to the railway station to take the train to Haridwar.

It is part of one of the seven holy cities of Hinduism and among the sites where the Kumbh Mela (a religious festival celebrated every twelve years) takes place. The city is located near the foothills of Shivalik where the Ganges leaves its last rocky gorge to begin a 2,000 km journey across the plains to the Bay of Bengal. We then embark on a long drive along the Ganges. Along the way, we stop at a local restaurant for lunch. If we have time, we visit a ghat at Deoprayag, another sacred site for Hindus. We spend the night in the town of Srinagar, a small town in the valley. Hotel check-in upon arrival and relaxation for the rest of the day.

Today, we continue our raid into the heart of Garhwal. The path gradually climbs as it follows the Alaknanda Valley through a timeless agricultural landscape. We pass through Rudraprayag where, in the 1920s, Jim Corbett shot "The Leopard of Rudraprayag", a man-eater that is said to have killed approximately 125 people over the years. The "prayags" are sacred confluences of rivers that join the Ganges. Further down the valley lies Karnaprayag, situated at the junction of the beautiful Pindar river and the Alaknanda. Just before Gwaldam, we pass through the main street of Debel (1218m) and we branch off onto a bypass track on the road to Lohajung (2234 m), where the panoramas of Trisul and Nanda Ghunti are truly incredible.

We begin our trek today with a fairly easy hike in a fascinating area where the inhabitants' habits have remained unchanged for centuries. We descend into the Gyana Ganga valley passing through rhododendron and fir forests. Upon reaching the river, we follow it for a while before crossing it and climbing to reach the shepherd's camp at Didna.
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 13 Kms

In the morning, we begin our trek with a fairly steep ascent. Passing through Ali Bugyal, we emerge above the tree line. Our efforts are rewarded with magnificent views of Chaukamba and Nilkanth. We continue along the grassy ridge until we reach the high meadow of Bedni Bugyal. It is said to be one of the most stunning alpine viewpoints in the Himalayas. The mountains we saw through the trees now present themselves as a massive wall of dazzling white. The most important are Trisul (7120m) with its three claws representing the trident of Shiva, Nanda Ghunti, Nilkanth and Chakamba. To the northwest, we enjoy fascinating views of the giants of the Greater Himalayas: Bedni Bugyal. Travelers also use it to reach Roop Kund, or to participate in a pilgrimage that takes place every twelve years.
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 11 Kms

Today, we embark on a very easy half-day, allowing us to appreciate the magnificent views of Bedni Bugyal and perhaps walk a little higher in the valley towards Bhugu Basa. We start our trek with a long and steep descent through a beautiful forest of firs and rhododendrons along the river. We reach Vaan, a typical village of Garhwal. We camp just above the village near the Tourist Bungalow on a large terrace bordered by trees. Just above the camp is the sacred grove of Latu, a local spirit, whose temple is located beneath one of the largest Himalayan cedars in India.
Walking Time: 4 hours
Distance: 11 Kms

After the temple, the trail climbs steadily through magnificent cypress trees to Kukin Khal at 3,069 m altitude. This pass divides the Nandakini and Vaan valleys. The path now descends to a vast meadow on a paved stone trail to Kunol Village, a traditional Garhwal village, with stone and slate houses enjoying excellent views of Trisul. The fields are still cultivated by hand and provide villagers with most of their staple foods. The surpluses allow them to earn some small income. A long descent brings us back to the Nandakini river where we stop for lunch and enjoy the coolness of the water to soak our feet. A very pleasant walk in the afternoon takes us on a large cliff path above the river, pine forest and other villages. Near Sutol, we cross the Nandakini over a sturdy iron bridge and camp for the night.
Walking Time: 7 hours
Distance: 17 Kms

After breakfast, we walk through the heart of the Nada Devi country. Nandakini is considered the river of the Goddess of the Mountain. A short climb takes us to Sutol, a charming village with paved alleys and heavy slate-roofed huts. Our walk leads us into the valley through lovely villages where many social rituals and annual events related to the worship of the "Mother Goddess" are still practiced. Almost all the stones, trees and hilltops seem to have some connection with her, allowing us to feel a sense of timelessness. After descending the river, we climb again over another pass and walk through fields and small farms. The trail carries us throughout the day on the winding path until we finally emerge at Dekhandar, situated on a ridge at 2,120m with incredible views of Trisul. (Approximately 4 to 5 hours). Distance: 11 km.

After breakfast, we climb a steep slope at the top of the camp on a winding trail through verdant meadows. As we cross the village, we are fascinated by the wooden sculptures that adorn the tops of the doors of houses in Ala. Photos of snow are now beginning to make their appearance above the forest. After hours of climbing, we camp at Ramani.
Walking Time: 5 hours
Distance: 8 Kms

Today, we have a long day, which will be rewarded by fabulous views. We start with a gradual ascent to Ramani Pass (3064 m) known locally as Binayak Top. It promises magnificent views of snow-covered photographs and large trees. Along the way, we spot the multicolored Monal pheasants that live in the forests of this region. We gently descend into the pastures and cross forest clearings where horse chestnuts and walnuts are found. The descent passes through the colorful village of Jhin-jhi. Continuing further, we reach the wild Beireh Ganga, a river that caused much frustration to Shipton and Tilman during their explorations. After crossing the bridge, there is yet another steep climb after a zigzag path to the eroded coast. We continue further after lunch through the forest and pastures towards Pana, the last village before the pass. Just before reaching the village, we stop at Kalighat, a small bugyal (pasture area) at camp.
Walking Time: 7 hours
Distance: 15 Kms

Today, our trek takes us above Village Pana before a steep climb into the rhododendron forest. It is a large well-maintained trail that allows us to reach the pass at 3,100 m altitude. The path now descends gently along the valley to the open meadows of Sartoli with views of the Kauri Pass. The trail passes through several streams before we enter a steep section where we must be careful, as the river has carved a deep rocky gorge to the right. This is wild country and we are now above all habitations. Still climbing, we finally arrive at our camp near Kauri Pass, a large open pasture used by shepherds to allow their flocks of sheep and goats to graze in summer.
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 12 Kms

We start our trek very early today to enjoy the views from the top of the pass. The trail winds to the summit of the pass where we enjoy the breathtaking views of the Indian Himalaya. To the north is the Chaukhamba range, while the peaks of Mana (7272m), Kamet (7756m) and Abl Gamin (7355m) extend to the Tibetan border. In the middle, a number of spectacular photographs, including Dunagiri (7066m) and Changabang (6848 m) surround the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, while to the west, snowy meadows extend to Gangotri. Nanda Devi is not yet visible from there, but if the weather is clear, it is worth walking along the ridge to about 4,268m where the summit of Nanda Devi is more visible. We descend to our Talli camp where we will have an unobstructed view of the Nanda Devi sunset (on a clear day).
Walking Time: 6 hours
Distance: 13 Kms

The Talli trail is narrow and requires careful walking, as we take a long winding path to Auli with views of Nanda Devi all the way to the ridge. The great peak of Nanda Devi dominates all other summits. The crossing of Gorson with its vast meadows and wildflowers is very pleasant. Finally, man-made structures can be seen from a distance marking the location of the Auli village.
Walking Time: 5 hours
Distance: 16 Kms

It is now time to say goodbye to the ponies and porters and rejoin our vehicles for a long journey through the small town of Joshimath to Rishikesh. After an early breakfast in the morning, we depart for a long but spectacular journey to Rishikesh. We follow the Alaknanda river before arriving in Rishikesh in the evening. It is a popular pilgrimage and meditation center on the banks of the Ganges.

Enthusiastic travelers can wake up early to visit some of the Ghats in Rishikesh. After breakfast, we head to Haridwar. Along the way, we take the opportunity to visit temples and Ghats.

A long road awaits us until Delhi. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.