Kauri Pass Trek

Terraced fields at Ghunni

Is there no where in India where people don’t live? Second biggest population in the world, yes I knew that! But high in the mountains at 4000meters, having just descended from the snowy pass and with the nearest village a days walk away…. in front of me a small shepherd boy is standing on the first branch of a lonely tree about 8 feet off the ground staring out at the snow capped peaks that surround us in every direction….. clearly oblivious to the world I live in! Hmmm I never thought I’d find myself wishing I was an 8 year old Indian boy.

Mt Dunagiri 6892 M

We left our tents at 4am guided by the light of our head torches and the stars in the sky, spurred on by words of encouragement from our hilariously entertaining Indian guide to ascend the final uphill section of the trek.

Pankaj, Sinead and Jam at the Kuari Pass

We reached the snow covered Kuairi Pass in time to see the sun rise over the easterly peaks of the North Indian Himalaya. This undoubtedly, was the scenic highlight of the trip. However the days in the lead up, as we climbed and descended though valleys, villages, across river beds and under waterfalls were a close runner-up.

Me with my new found friend

This can only be described as an ideal trek, with the option to chip in and help with camp set up or cooking or just relax and let your every need be catered for by a first rate team. With trekkers and guides from various parts of the globe, together with our local mule guides, cooks and trekking guide we made our way over 7 days to final our destination. A huge breakfast feast geared us up for each morning of nicely paced walking arriving early afternoon each day at camp spots that offered spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and terraced fields. With a little each of hail and rain, the sun shone predominantly throughout.

Village women carrying the fresh harvest

At night we devoured beautifully prepared and abundantly endless dinner around a camp fire as we listened to local tales or returned to the rudiments of wholesome entertainment with singing, playing cards and charades.

Camp at Khulara Meadow