Planethimalayas

• Drive distance: 250 km / 10-11 hrs.
• Your road journey today follows the beautiful Badrinath highway, one of the most scenic routes in Uttarakhand. Though it’s a long 9–10 hour drive to Joshimath, every stretch of the road offers something mesmerizing — from quiet mountain villages to sweeping views of deep valleys and fast-flowing rivers. For most of the drive, the Alaknanda River will be your constant companion. At first, it flows gently beside the road, but as you gain altitude, it grows wilder and more dramatic, carving its way fiercely through steep gorges. The changing moods of the river make this journey feel alive and full of energy. Along the way, you’ll cross the four sacred Prayags, each a holy confluence of rivers that eventually form the Ganga. Devprayag marks the meeting of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, where the Ganga officially begins her journey. Rudraprayag follows, where the Mandakini joins in; then Karnaprayag, where the Pindar River merges; and finally Nandaprayag, where the Nandakini meets the Alaknanda. Each of these spots is breathtaking in its own way — places where spirituality and nature blend seamlessly. Though the drive is long, it never feels dull. The scenery keeps shifting — emerald forests, distant snow peaks, hanging bridges, and small hillside temples — all adding to the charm of the Himalayas. Keep your camera handy.

• Drive 15 km | Trek 3 km / 2–3 hrs.
• Drive from Joshimath to Tugashi, Your trek begins here, a quiet little mountain village surrounded by terraced fields and traditional Garhwali homes. The trail from here is a mix of gentle and steep climbs, gradually leading you away from village life and into the raw beauty of the mountains. The first stretch winds through farmlands — neat terraces where locals grow potatoes, rajma, and barley. While the lower slopes may seem modest in greenery, the views open up quickly. Far below, the Dhauli Ganga River glimmers like a silver ribbon, and in the distance, you can spot the Vishnugad–Tapovan Hydroelectric Project, reminding you how civilization still lingers in these wild spaces. As you climb higher, the trail grows steeper, but so does the reward. The first glimpse of Dronagiri Peak appears dramatically across the valley — its sharp ridges glowing in the mountain light. It’s one of those moments that stays with you — when the Himalayas suddenly feel close and alive. The final stretch to Gulling Top takes you through patches of forest that slowly open into wide meadows. By the time you reach the campsite, you’re surrounded by grand Himalayan peaks — Dronagiri, Hathi Parvat, Gauri Parvat, and Brahmal Peak — all standing tall against the sky. As the sun dips behind the ridges, the meadows turn golden, and a deep calm settles over the oak forests around. It’s the perfect way to end your first day — with tired legs, a full heart, and the quiet company of the mountains.

• Trek 6 km / 5 hrs.
• The trail today ascends gradually through a dense forest of oak, rhododendron, and birch, where sunlight filters through the trees and paints the ground in shifting shades of green. In spring and summer, the path comes alive with wildflowers blooming along the way, adding color to the quiet wilderness. Small streams and ridges appear at intervals, offering short breaks and sweeping glimpses of distant snow-covered peaks. The forest feels alive — filled with the natural rhythm of the mountains. You’ll hear rivulets murmuring, birds calling, and the rustle of leaves stirred by curious monkeys. Look closely, and you might spot sunbirds, woodpeckers, or even rare Himalayan herbs growing quietly by the trail. After several hours of walking under the thick canopy, the trees suddenly thin out, giving way to dwarf rhododendrons — a sure sign that you’re nearing the alpine zone. Soon, the landscape opens into the stunning Tali Meadows — a vast, undulating expanse surrounded by towering peaks. By the time you reach the Tali campsite, the views are nothing short of magical. In every direction rise the great Himalayan giants — Dronagiri, Kamet, Hathi–Ghodi, Nanda Ghunti, Nanda Devi — glowing golden at sunset and silver under the moonlight. Stay up a little late if the sky is clear — this is one of the best places in the region to witness a breathtaking canopy of stars, spread endlessly above the meadows.

• Trek 11 km / 7–8 hrs.
• This is the most exhilarating day of the Kuari Pass trek — where the true high-altitude adventure begins. The trail from Khullara climbs steadily above the tree line, leading you into the vast alpine world of sweeping ridges and endless Himalayan views. Within about an hour, you’ll gain the high ridge section of the legendary Lord Curzon Trail. From here, the horizon explodes with grandeur — Mt. Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Dronagiri, Nilgiri, Hathi–Ghoda Parvat, Trishul, and even distant glimpses of Nanda Devi shimmer under the blue sky. The ridge walk continues to the upper meadows of Kuari Pass — where a small shrine marks the top. Just beyond lies Pangarchulla Peak, one of the most exciting and challenging spring summit climbs in the Garhwal Himalayas.

From here, a gentle climb leads to Kuari Top — the highest vantage point, offering a 270° panoramic view of the Himalayan range. The actual pass lies further down at a small depression. After soaking in the magnificent scenery, retrace your steps back to the ridge and continue walking ahead toward Jhandi Top. The narrow ridge feels like the very spine of the mountains, before gently descending through the enchanting Chitrakantha meadows. As the forest returns, the trail winds through ancient oaks, pines, and dwarf rhododendrons, with sunlight streaming through the canopy. Finally, you’ll reach Tali — a quiet forest campsite surrounded by tall trees, perfect for a peaceful night after a rewarding climb.

Note for Winter Trekkers: In peak winter, after heavy snowfall, the trail beyond Kuari Pass toward Tali and Gorson Bugyal is often closed. This section involves traversing a narrow, exposed ledge that becomes icy and dangerously slippery. For participant safety, the return route from Kuari Pass goes back to Khullara instead of continuing to Tali during such conditions.

• Trek 8 km / 6 hrs.
• Begin your day with a serene walk toward Tali Lake — a small alpine pond nestled amidst tall oaks and pines. As you rise above the treeline, the grand panorama of Nanda Devi and the surrounding peaks unfolds once again. From the lake, a steep climb takes you to the thrilling cliffside traverse — a narrow ledge walk overlooking the Tugasi valley far below. This adventurous stretch soon leads to the open meadows of Gorson Bugyal, among the most picturesque in all of Garhwal. Walking through Gorson’s rolling slopes, you’re treated to sweeping Himalayan views and soft mountain breezes. The descent from here takes you through Padiyar Temple and into Auli, marking the end of your incredible Himalayan journey. From Auli, a short drive brings you back to Joshimath for an overnight stay in a cozy guesthouse.

Winter Route Update: When the Tali–Gorson trail is inaccessible due to heavy snowfall, trekkers return the same way they came — from Khullara back to Joshimath. This alternate descent through the familiar forest route ensures both safety and comfort while still offering enchanting winter views of the Garhwal Himalayas.