The Kuari Pass Trek is an incredible way to explore the Indian Himalayas in the most captivating way. From the start, you will be welcomed by magnificent mountain peaks and thick, dense forests that overlay the past. You will continue your trekking journey towards Mt Dronagiri and to Chitrakantha. Eventually, as you move further away, you will find yourself reaching your campsite at Khullara for the night, where you can rest amidst the forest and enjoy the serenity of nature. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience winter camping at its best! As we initiated the talk on campsites, let’s now detail the different campsites at the Kuari pass trek and their beauty.
Kuari pass campsite – Gulling campsite
It is 4 km from Dhak village and is the first camp you will come across on the trek. You will find numerous pine and walnut trees surrounding the place. You will get an amazing view of Mount Dronagiri from the camp. Right opposite Gulling, you will see Mount Garud and Nanda Devi too. The campsite covers a tiny place but is ample enough for a group of trekkers. The land is covered with snow (in winter), tall trees, and grassy, muddy fields. As huge mountains surround the place, you will be safe from chilly winter nights. A perennial water stream running down the Gulling campsite will fulfil the need for water for cooking, drinking, sanitation, etc. Specifically, in Winter the trees get covered with snow which makes the view most inviting.
Note: This campsite is not a part of TrekNomads itinerary
Kuari pass campsite – Khullara campsite
This is yet another fantastic place to camp and probably the most talked about site. Khullara, as the name suggests, is a wide-open site that would resemble a grand living hall. The place gives amazing views of Mount Hathi Ghoda and Dronagiri. The area is covered with grassy fields, water streams, pine trees, and coniferous forests. This open site lets you breathe out over all day’s exhaustion and breathe in the new air of refreshment. It is a lovely campsite with snow-covered fields, massive mountains, and trees welcoming us with fresh, beautiful smiles. The view is just like what we have seen in Bollywood movies. Winters add to its beauty, and the attractiveness of the campsite during winter leaves us awestruck. The tents poised over the snowy fields are a treat to our souls during winter. Imagine lying under those beautiful camps with such tranquillity around them. Uh! I just can’t wait for it. It gives me a feeling of lying under nature’s lap.
Kuari pass campsite – Gelaghad campsite
Gelaghad is another beautiful place for camping. Mountains like Mt. Chaukhamba, Balkund, and Trishul surround the campsite. The first rays of the sun fall on these mountains, and we cannot explain how beautiful it looks. In short, it is a supreme treat for the eyes. It is a wide-open place with few or no trees at all. It is grassy and muddy with a serene atmosphere that will make you crave its beauty even when you are back. Imagine your nights in this place with the sky above, mother Earth under, mountains around, and the fresh air moving and dancing for you. You will see the stars twinkling and the cold breeze touching your soul as you lie down. To your surprise, the mountains start giggling as the sun’s rays fall on them. (They appear because it is just so happy, don’t worry- there is no horror angle there). Be sure to witness the early morning beauty of this place. The calming environment fills your heart with immense pleasure.
Note: This campsite is not a part of TrekNomads itinerary
Kuari pass campsite –Tali Campsite
Tali campsite is covered with Rhododendron trees. These trees get covered with thick snow during winter, and the scenery becomes a treat to behold. The site is covered with trees, so the place will be chilled at night. You might even get to see bears and foxes at the campsite. The sun’s rays peep in through the trees giving you the perfect sunkissed mornings. 2 km from the campsite is Tali lake, where you can see Mt. Nanda Devi’s extremely clear reflection in the water. This site makes your mornings as bright as its beauty. This campsite gives you a good forest camping experience.
Kuari pass campsite – Gorson Bugyal campsite
This fantastic site is popularly known as the mini Switzerland of India. No, we are not saying it; the local guides and the trekkers there have titled it so. And believe us; they are true to that. Bugyal refers to Meadows’ in the Uttarakhand (Garhwali) lingo. Gorson Bugyal is the most talked about camping site of the Kuari pass trek. It is situated 3 Km away from Auli and remains chilly throughout the year. The lush green meadows with golden Oak trees and coniferous trees laid upon them are a luxurious treat to our eyes. The trees get capped with thick snow during winters giving it a silver glam look. These trees remind me of a perfect Christmas eve. You can also visit Maa Podyar temple, just a small walk away from Gorson Bugyal.
Every campsite has its uniqueness and has specific elements to chase after. Kuari pass has a lot to explore, which cannot be described in words. The excellent camping sites, the marvellous mountains, divine nature, forests, beautiful trees, snow-capped places, and green meadows make it a perfect place for adventure seekers. It is a great opportunity for anyone to take in the beauty of nature and get lost in the great mountains. While the trek can be quite tiresome, it’s worth every minute of it!
Useful Blogs:
Things to pack for Kuari pass trek
Getting fit for the Kuari pass trek
Top 5 reasons to choose winter Kuari pass Trek