Kuri Pass Trek is an offbeat and thrilling high-altitude trek in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, perfect for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. Nestled amidst the stunning Himalayan ranges, Kuri Pass serves as a connecting route between the picturesque Har Ki Dun Valley and the remote Bali Pass region. The trek offers a blend of dense forests, rolling meadows, snow-capped peaks, glacial streams, and quaint villages along the trail.
The pass itself sits at an altitude of approximately 4,200 meters, providing trekkers with panoramic views of peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Kalanag. The journey to Kuri Pass is a mix of moderate and challenging trekking sections, making it suitable for both intermediate and experienced trekkers. Along the route, trekkers can explore charming Himalayan hamlets, interact with local villagers, and witness the untouched flora and fauna of the region, including wildflowers in summer and pristine snow in winter.
Reaching Kuri Pass involves a combination of road travel and trekking, as it is located in the remote Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan your journey:
1. By Air
The nearest airport to Kuri Pass is Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun, approximately 250–280 km away from the base village of the trek, often Osla or Sankri. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or pre-arranged transport through Hodophile Tour Travel to reach Sankri or Osla. The drive takes around 8–10 hours and passes through scenic hill roads, small towns, and dense pine forests.
2. By Train
The closest railway station is Dehradun Railway Station, well-connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and Mumbai. From Dehradun, travelers can hire a taxi or board a bus toward Uttarkashi and then onward to Sankri, which serves as the main base for the Kuri Pass trek. The total travel time by train plus road is approximately 12–14 hours, depending on connections.
3. By Road
Sankri, the base village for Kuri Pass, is accessible by private taxis, cabs, or state-run buses from Dehradun, Rishikesh, or Uttarkashi. The drive offers picturesque views of the Himalayan foothills, rivers, and small villages. Roads are winding and mountainous, so traveling with an experienced driver is recommended.
4. Trek Start Point
From Sankri or Osla, the trek begins on foot. The initial trails pass through dense forests of pine and oak, quaint hamlets, and flowing streams. Trekkers gradually ascend toward meadows and glacial zones as they approach Kuri Pass, which sits at an altitude of ~4,200 meters. The trek usually takes 5–7 days, depending on the chosen route, acclimatization, and weather conditions.
Hodophile Tour Travel provides door-to-door transport, local guides, and luggage support, ensuring that your journey from Dehradun to Kuri Pass is smooth, safe, and memorable.
1. Sankri Village (0 km)
Sankri is the base camp for the Kuri Pass trek. This quaint Himalayan village offers basic accommodation, local eateries, and serves as the last hub for trekking permits and guide arrangements. It also provides a chance to experience local Garhwali culture and interact with villagers.
2. Osla Village (8 km from Sankri)
A charming stopover en route to Kuri Pass, Osla is a small village surrounded by terraced fields and dense forests. It offers a glimpse of rural Himalayan life and is often used as a resting point before ascending higher altitudes.
3. Har Ki Doon Valley (12 km from Sankri)
A picturesque valley nestled between snow-capped peaks, Har Ki Doon is famous for its lush meadows, alpine flora, and historical significance in local folklore. Trekkers often pass through this valley on the way to Kuri Pass.
4. Kedarkantha Base (Approx. 45 km from Sankri)
While not on the direct Kuri Pass route, Kedarkantha Base offers an alternative trekking experience. The area is surrounded by dense pine and oak forests and provides panoramic views of the Himalayas.
5. Ruinsara Tal (Approx. 18 km from Sankri)
A serene high-altitude lake located in the upper reaches of the Sankri region. This glacial lake is known for its pristine waters, reflecting the surrounding snow-clad peaks, making it a perfect photography spot.
6. Har Ki Dun Top (Approx. 15–20 km from Sankri)
Another high-altitude trek option nearby, Har Ki Dun Top is known for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views, alpine meadows, and easy access from Sankri for trekkers looking for shorter trails.
7. Yamunotri & Gangotri (Approx. 150–180 km from Sankri)
For those seeking spiritual exploration, these revered pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand are reachable via extended road travel from Sankri, offering a mix of adventure and spirituality in the greater Garhwal region.
These nearby locations provide opportunities for acclimatization, sightseeing, and adventure activities along with the Kuri Pass trek. Travelers can plan side trips, rest days, and photography stops, making the journey more enriching and memorable.
Check-in at local guesthouses or homestays.
Acclimatization walk around the village to explore the scenic surroundings and interact with locals.
Preparation of trekking essentials and briefing by guides.
Overnight Stay: Sankri Village.
Distance: ~8 km trek
Elevation: Sankri (1,950 m) → Osla (2,300 m)
Activities:
Begin the trek through dense oak and pine forests.
Cross small streams and terraced fields, observing local flora and fauna.
Overnight camping at Osla Village, enjoying a peaceful Himalayan sunset.
Distance: ~10 km trek
Elevation: Osla (2,300 m) → Kuri Pass Base Camp (3,300 m)
Activities:
Trek through alpine meadows and open landscapes.
Spot wildflowers and possibly Himalayan birds.
Arrive at the base camp for overnight camping and acclimatization.
Distance: ~12–14 km round trip
Elevation: Base Camp (3,300 m) → Kuri Pass (4,250 m)
Activities:
Early morning ascent to Kuri Pass for panoramic views of surrounding snow-capped peaks.
Enjoy photography, rest, and snacks at the pass.
Descend back to Base Camp or Osla depending on schedule and weather.
Overnight Stay: Camping at Base Camp/Osla Village.
Distance: ~10–12 km
Elevation: Osla/Base Camp → Sankri (1,950 m)
Activities:
Trek downhill through scenic trails and forests.
Celebrate the completion of the trek with fellow trekkers.
Overnight stay in Sankri Village.
- Activities:
- Depart Sankri early morning by road to Dehradun or nearby cities.
- Option to stop at Har Ki Doon Valley or other nearby scenic spots for sightseeing.
Stunning views of the Himalayan ranges including Kedarnath, Swargarohini, and surrounding peaks.
Lush alpine meadows and dense forests.
Camping under the stars in pristine high-altitude locations.
Opportunity to experience local Garhwali culture in Sankri and Osla.
Kuri Pass is in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, serving as a high-altitude pass connecting Sankri village to the surrounding Himalayan valleys.
What is the difficulty level of the trek?
Moderate to moderately challenging. Suitable for beginners with basic fitness, though some steep sections require stamina.
The pass sits at approximately 4,250 meters (13,940 ft) above sea level.
- Round-trip trek distance is roughly 40–45 km, spread over 5–6 days including acclimatization.
