Trek to Kuaripass

Trekking in the old age is a challenge. At the age of 73, that's t9 with a cardiac bypass surgery 21 yrs back, aspire for a trek to Kuwanri Pass, may look too daunting. But my tour arranger cum guide Ashish Paswan, of Joshimath, just wrote me in WhatsApp " Thik hai saab, ho jayega ". Being convinced, I along with my long time trekmate Somnaath (in his late 50s) reached Joshimath on 22 September 2023. I've never seen so many landslides on way to Joshimath. It made us late by almost 4 hours!! Ashish Paswan (ph:8650709442) was anxiously waiting for our arrival, as he had already booked a hotel room for us and had arranged everything for our two-man team customised trek. Next morning he transported us to Tugasi , a small hamlet at an altitude of 8000' , overlooking the green valley of river Dhauli ganga, dotted with yellow red Ramdana fields under the hood of Mt. Dronagiri.

 We ascend about 3 kms on the ziz-zag stone steps through Gulling , native village of Ashish. Reached Gulling Campsite by early afternoon and after a tasty lunch, sat for enjoying the valley and peaks.

 Next day's trek through the pyne and birch forest for 5 kms was moderate, which ended in a vast and beautiful green meadow skirted by green forest. India Hikes group of about 16, including 4 ladies from Poland camped nearly.

  Next day started early morning and quickly crossed treeline and slowly gained height through the lush green Meadows.

 Sky was crystal clear bordered by Snow White peaks. Nandadevi, Dronagiri, Hati, Ghoda, Kamet, Nilkanth and Chowkhamba were dazzling on the backdrop of clear blue sky. About 6 km ascend through the stone paved track, ultimately we reached on the top of Kuaripass.

 A 360° view of Himalayan Panorama filled the heart with immense pleasure and satisfaction. I was amused to see a small kid of 8 years, daughter of a managerial staff of Indiahikes, was darting here and there to collect colorfull flowers vibrantly without any sign of exertion. After a dry lunch, we descended for about 6 kms walking on the narrow ridge of a grassy hilltop and went down inside a thick forest. to reach Tali Tal, our campsite.

. It was an exhausting trek and retired early evening. Next day ascended to Gorson Bugyal through a very narrow path. Green lush Bugyal with sheeps grazing, small lakes with water of different colors made the trek to forget all the hardness. After crossing a thick forest, Auli Bugyal with its famous artificial lake was sighted. Comfortably crossed the Bugyal and reached the front of GNVM rest house, where Ashish was waiting to receive us.