From Wan to Joshimath (150kms): Walking the Lord Curzon Trail by a Local Route

Eight-day journey across villages, river valleys, high meadows and Kuari Pass

The Lord Curzon Trail is often introduced as a classic route to Kuari Pass. Our journey follows a different and deeply local approach: starting in Wan village and trekking village to village before crossing Kuari Pass and descending towards Auli and Joshimath.

For us, the trail begins at home. Wan is our village and the starting point for several journeys we guide. From here, the route moves through forests, settlements and high mountain camps, linking the everyday world of Garhwal villages with the wide Himalayan views around Kuari Pass.

Who Was Lord Curzon?

George Nathaniel Curzon served as Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905. His journey through the Garhwal Himalayas in 1905 became associated with Kuari Pass, and the route is now widely known as the Lord Curzon Trail. 

One point is worth getting right: Curzon’s journey is what gave the trail its name; it is not generally described as a trade expedition. The mountain paths themselves are older than the name. They connect villages and highland landscapes that have long been part of local life. Some trekking accounts describe the pass as part of an older footpath network, but we should avoid claiming that Curzon used it for trade. 

Today, trekkers know Kuari Pass for its open ridges and views towards major Garhwal peaks, including Nanda Devi. But the approach from Wan offers another perspective: this is not only a pass to reach, but a long passage through the villages and valleys that surround it.

The Journey: Wan to Kuari Pass and Joshimath

Day 1: Wan to Sutol village — 10 km

We leave Wan and climb towards Sutol village, where we spend our first night on the trail. The first day is a chance to settle into the rhythm of walking and begin adjusting to life between villages and camps.

Day 2: Sutol to Geri — 12 km

The route continues towards Geri village, crossing the Nandakini River and climbing to Dikhuna Dhar. River crossings and steep sections make this a full day on the trail. We spend the night in the village chosen for the itinerary.

Day 3: Dikhuna Dhar to a local village stay — 14 km

From Dikhuna Dhar, the route continues through a chain of villages. Depending on the day’s plan, the overnight stop may be Aalla, Jokhna, Boora, Pader or Ghuni.

This stretch brings the village landscape to the foreground. Instead of moving directly from one trekking camp to another, we pass through places where people live and work in the mountains.

Day 4: Ghuni towards Ramni and Jhinjhi — 14 km

We trek from Ghuni towards Ramni, continuing via Sema Kharak to Jhinjhi village. The exact overnight point can vary with the route plan and local arrangements, so we confirm it with the group before the trek.

Day 5: Jhinjhi to Irani or Pana — 10 km

The trail crosses the Saptganga River before reaching Irani or Pana village, where we stay overnight. It is a shorter walking day by distance, but river conditions and the mountain path shape the pace.

Day 6: Pana to Dhakwani — 12 km

From Pana, we climb towards Sartolli Kharak and continue to Dhakwani, crossing the Dumma Bithi River along the way. Dhakwani is our overnight stop before the trail rises towards the high country.

Day 7: Dhakwani to Kuari Pass and Khulara — 10 km

This is the day the route reaches the high point. We climb from Dhakwani to Kuari Pass, passing Samiti and taking in the mountain panorama, including views towards Nilkanth and Nanda Devi when conditions allow.

After the pass, we continue to Khulara, our campsite for the night. The long village approach has now opened onto the high Himalayan landscape that the Curzon Trail is famous for.

Day 8: Khulara to Auli and Joshimath — 15 km

Our final walking day takes us towards Talli Tal, across Gorson Bugyal, and down to Auli. From Auli, we continue to Joshimath, where the trek ends.

We can Pangarchula by adding one extra day to the itinerary but that's totally depends on the weather and month we choose for this trail.

Our Experience on This Trail

As local guides from Wan, we see this journey as more than a route to Kuari Pass. It begins in our own village, passes through the lives and landscapes of neighbouring communities, and ends in Joshimath after eight days on foot.

The route has a changing character: the first days connect village to village; the middle section brings river crossings and high ridges; then the landscape opens around Kuari Pass and Gorson Bugyal. For our team, sharing this route also means introducing trekkers to the places and people that make the journey feel rooted in Garhwal.

We want guests to experience the trail with us, not simply follow a line on a map. Whenever possible, we include local stays and food, and share the stories and practical knowledge our team has gathered from travelling these mountains.