Bali Pass Trek 2024 | Cost, Itinerary, Tips

Region: Uttarakhand

Base Camp: Sankri

Days: 8

Altitude: 16,200 ft

Grade: Difficult

Distance: 60 km

Min Age: 16 Years+

Best Season: June

Trek Description

If you’ve been in the trekking circles for a while, Bali Pass trekking needs no introduction. It’s the most challenging and thrilling high mountain pass trek that lies in the Garhwal Himalayan region. The Bali Pass Trek is at an altitude of 16,200 ft. and crosses over from the Har Ki Dun and Ruinsara Valley to Yamunotri.

Bali Pass has a grand aura, and many trekkers are excited about it. It has always been one of those treks that any trekker wants to do. But do you know why this trek is so hyped?

While trekking, you’ll come forward to the breathtaking landscapes of pristine wilderness and get a chance to explore the hidden gems of the Garhwal region. Do you know that this high-altitude trek is a dream come true for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and photography enthusiasts?

It takes you through some of the country’s most remote and scenic terrain. Crossing over a distance of approx. Sixety kilometers, the Bali Pass Trek offers a unique blend of challenging high-altitude hiking with picturesque alpine meadows and a peek at local culture, making it a must-do for those seeking adventure in the Himalayas’s heart.

Bali Pass is also one of the few high-snow adventure treks. It’s a terrific pass crossing, and it gets challenging to pass the snow ridges you take; you’ve never seen it on any other trek. Especially when you walk on the snow ridges climbing up to the pass, that’s a feeling that does not come on any crossing trek you’ve ever done.

The trek usually starts from Sankri, a small village in the Tons Valley. From here, hikers make their way to Taluka through dense forests. As the journey continues, the trail meanders through deep oak and pine forests along the Tons River, offering glimpses of the native flora and fauna.

Trekkers might have a chance to see some of the local species, such as musk deer, Himalayan thar, and different birds. The path also passes through charming villages where you can interact with people and discover more about their way of life.

One of the highlights of the Bali Pass Trek is the visit to the enchanting Har Ki Doon Valley, renowned for its natural beauty and solitude. Trekkers have the opportunity to acclimatize in this valley, which is also a base camp for climbing to higher heights.

The journey from Har Ki Doon to the glacial lake Ruinsara Tal offers breathtaking views of the region’s mountains and glaciers. You can take advantage of the lakeside camping and fully appreciate this distant area’s tranquillity.

The Bali Pass Trek offers a Himalayan adventure that will forever leave an indelible memory in your heart.

Itinerary

Our journey commences in Dehradun, where we’ll pick you up from the railway station early in the morning. After that, we’ll head towards Sankari village, passing through scenic places like Mussoorie and Kempty Fall and charming villages like Done, Netwar, Purola, and Mori.

As we drive, the majestic Yamuna River will gradually come into view. Our route will take us through the picturesque hill station of Mussoorie, alongside the tranquil waters of the Yamuna, and finally through dense forests with the musical sound of the meandering Tons River.

Purola will be our last stop for the day, where you can relax and enjoy the stunning Himalayan views in the hotel or guesthouse. Later, explore the village and have a delicious dinner.

We’ll begin our trek on day 2 after an early morning and start a 12-kilometer drive from Sankri to Taluka. We’ll pass through bamboo forests, cross streams, and reach the camping ground near Taluka’s forest rest house.

After a 12-kilometer hike, we’ll arrive at Seema, on the other side of the Supin River. The route offers scenic views of walnut and conifer trees, and we’ll visit Gangad village. Finally, we’ll set up camp in Seema for the night, with the path often covered in snow and slush during winter.

On day 3, we’ll hike alongside the Supin River to Devsu Bugyal, descending through a forested path to the riverbed. After crossing the Supin River, we’ll continue along its banks to our campsite at Rain Basira. Here, you need to be cautious on the potentially slippery terrain.

The trail starts with the Supin River on the left, becoming steeper as you approach Devsu Bugyal.

You’ll enjoy views of Osla village behind you and encounter boulders in the Ruinsara valley. After about 30 minutes, you’ll reach Devsu Bugyal meadows, a 2 km stretch surrounded by the Ruinsara forest. Stop for a while and admire the natural beauty and the variety of Himalayan wildflowers and wildlife.

Today marks the end of our Supin River trek as we make our way to Ruinsara Tal by afternoon. Rhododendrons, bushes, and meadows surround this picturesque lake. Although the trail isn’t too challenging, it can be pretty tiring.

Our campsite, which is between Ruinsara Lake and the Supin River, offers a stunning view. To the southwest, you’ll find the challenging Yamuna Kanta pass leading to Yamunotri, while the majestic Bandarpunch Peak (6,387 m) graces the eastern horizon.

At Ruinsaratal, take a day to relax, adjust to the altitude, and discover the wonders of this mesmerizing place. The crystal-clear water surrounded by swaying reeds and the gentle caress of the warm sun creates an enchanting ambiance.

This location offers a close-up encounter with the majestic peaks of Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Dhumdhar Kandi, and the White Top.

Our journey continues as we venture into Kyarkoti today, a destination renowned for its breathtaking meadows. We’ll spend the night in tents at Ruinsaratal, embracing the natural beauty surrounding us.

We’ve commenced our climb towards Bali Pass, the last leg featuring a rugged path strewn with boulders. The ascent is steep, beginning at Bali Udiyari and concluding at Bali Pass. After a few hours of hiking, we reach Bali Pass, which offers panoramic views of Swargarohini, Banderpooch, Garhwal ranges, and the Yamunotri valley below.

Today is the summit day as we will track to the highest point of the track, touching an altitude of 16200 feet. After making the summit, we’ll head to our next campsite, Lower Damini, at 11,100 feet.

The most thrilling part of the journey begins after crossing Bali Pass, navigating a steep, rocky path. Subsequently, we’ll tackle the challenging road. After this demanding section and tough trek, we’ll arrive at Damini and pitch tents for the night.

On the final day of your trek, you’ll descend easily along a cemented path to Yamunotri, which takes about 1 to 2 hours. The descent is notably easier than previous days, mainly along a cement-paved trail with more downhills than ascents.

Pay your respects at the Yamunotri shrine before following the regular route to Janki Chatti, a 5 km trek. Transportation awaits you to return to Dehradun, capping your extraordinary adventure with cherished memories.

What’s Included?

Price Inclusion

Transportation: Transportation from Dehradun to the basecamp and back to Dehradun is included in the package.
Accommodation: Enjoy comfortable stays during your trek with accommodation in hotels, guesthouses, or dormitories, offered on a twin, triple, or dormitory sharing basis. When camping, rest in spacious tents on a double or triple sharing basis.
Meals: We provide nourishing and delicious vegetarian meals. Our meals are designed to keep you energized throughout the trek.
Camping Fees/Permits: All necessary trekking permits and woodland camping fees are included in the package, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Trek Equipment: We provide essential trekking equipment, including dining tents, kitchen tents, sleeping tents with mattresses, and sleeping bags. Utensils, ropes, micro-spikes, and gaiters (if required) are also part of our equipment offerings.
Mules and Porters: Mules and porters are available to carry central equipment, easing your load and allowing you to focus on the trek.
Qualified Team: Our team comprises experienced and qualified guides, cooks, helpers, and porters who are dedicated to making your trek safe and enjoyable.
Basic First Aid: A basic first aid kit with an oxygen cylinder and a helmet (if required) is available to address any potential health concerns during the trek.
Expert Assistance: You can always reach out to our experts for any queries or assistance during your trekking journey. Simply contact us at +91-8089693825.

Price Exclusion

Backpack Offloading: If you prefer to offload your backpack, an additional fee of INR 1050 per bag applies.
Mules or Porters for Personal Bags: The service of mules or porters to carry personal bags is not included and can be arranged at an extra cost.
Emergency Costs: Any expenses arising from emergencies during the trek are not included in the package.
Tips: Tips for the trekking team are optional and not included in the package.
Items Not Mentioned: Any expenses or items not mentioned in the inclusion section are not covered.
Stay at Dehradun: Accommodation and meals in Dehradun on the last day of the trek are not included.
Meals During Transportation: Meals during transportation are not included.
GST: A 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is applicable and not included in the package.

Things to Carry

45-60 Ltr Bag Pack With Rain Cover & Comfortable Straps
Hot & Cold Water Bottle Like Borosil & Milton
Energy Bar, Dry Fruits & ORS
Personal Medical Kit

2/3 Full Sleeves (Non-Cotton)
1 Full Fleece T-Shirt
1 Fleece Jacket (Woollen Or Sweater)
1 Down Feather/Hollofil Jacket
1 Waterproof Jacket/Poncho
1 Pair Thermal Inners (Upper And Lower)
2 Trek Pants (Avoid Shorts & Denim Pants)
1 Pair of Waterproof Gloves
1 Pair of Woollen Gloves
Sun Cap
Woollen Cap
4 Pairs Of Cotton Socks
1 Pair Of Woollen Socks

1 Pairs Of Sunglasses (U/V Protected)
1 Neck Gaiters (Buff)
Tiffin Box

1 Waterproof & High Ankle Trekking Shoes
1 Pair Of Floaters

Hand Sanitizer & Sunscreen Lotion
Toothbrush And Toothpaste
Toilet Paper And Wet Wipes
Quick Dry Towel
Lip Balm & Antibacterial Powder
Moisturizer

How To Reach

If you’re arriving by air, the nearest airport to Sankri village is Jolly Grant, near Rishikesh. From there, you can arrange a separate taxi or board a bus that will take you Dehradun and then other Bus to Sankri, which serves as the starting point for the trek.

Dehradun and Rishikesh are the closest railway stations to Sankri. You can easily find a taxi or bus from either of these stations that will transport you directly to Sankri.

To reach Sankri via bus, you can catch a bus at the Mussoorie bus stand near Dehradun Railway station. These buses from Dehradun follow the following schedule: The first bus departs at 5:30 a.m. The second bus leaves at 6:30 a.m. The third bus departs at 7:30 a.m. During this journey, you’ll pass through several checkpoints, including Mussoorie, Naugaon, Purola, Mori, and eventually, Sankri village.

Difficulty Level of Bali Pass Trek

Now, about the difficulty level of the Bali Pass trial. It is quite a difficult trek and not meant for beginners. It has some highly narrow trials and risky areas, calling for technical skills that only a seasoned trekker possesses.

Any trek that rises to 16,207 and above has difficulty built into it. As oxygen levels are low, it’s not easy, and you’re almost at 1/3 of oxygen.

That doesn’t mean Bali pass is dangerous, but it’s tricky, and sometimes there’s a situation where we need to rope up a section. You need excellent preparation to do this trek, first of all, an extremely high fitness.

The entire Bali Pass to Ruinsara Tal trail closely follows the course of the Thamsa River and the Ruinsara Gad. You’ll find that you’re almost always in the company of a river or a stream, which results in frequent river and stream crossings during the trek.

For the most part, there are convenient wooden or cement bridges to assist you in crossing these waterways. However, it’s noteworthy that it’s not uncommon to encounter instances where the river has swept away these bridges. In such situations, you might need to rely on a rope and pulley system to cross the river safely.

Best Time for Bali Pass Trek

The Bali Pass Trek invites adventurers with its mesmerizing beauty and majestic landscapes. This trek is great for those who are passionate about high-altitude mountaineering.

The best time to do this trek would be June, mid-September to early-October. After that, the winter must come in, and it’s not a good time to do so because the snow is still unstable at that time.

Try to do the trek in the month of June. Many trekkers go from the middle of May to the first week of June, but even if you’ve to go a little early, the last week of May, you can take it at that time.

So, from the last week of May, the entire month of June is excellent. Maybe a few days into the first week of July, you can do it, and then the middle of September to the first or second week of October is a perfect time to do the trek.

Attention: The best time to do the Bali Pass Trek depends on your preferences and the kind of experience you seek.

More Info of Bali Pass Trek

The Bali Pass Trek is a renowned hiking route in the Garhwal Himalayas. Apart from its breathtaking natural beauty, this trek is steeped in historical and cultural significance, making it an unmissable destination for those seeking an immersive experience.

Story of Bali Pass Trek: Bali Pass is named after Bali, the monkey king of Kishkindha mountain, a significant figure in Hindu mythology. Despite being located in North India, the pass is named after Bali because he is believed to have crossed these mountains and defeated a demon at Odari. This connection to Bali makes the pass significant, even though Kishkindha Mountain is in South India.

Ancient Trade Route: Bali Pass was historically an important trade route connecting the Tons Valley in Uttarakhand with the Yamunotri and Har Ki Dun valleys. Traders from the Yamuna region used this route to access the markets in Tons Valley and vice versa. This trade was crucial to the region’s economic and cultural exchange.

Pilgrimage Route: The Bali Pass Trek has been used by pilgrims on their way to the revered Yamunotri and Gangotri shrines. Many believe that venturing on this trek is an act of devotion, and it offers trekkers a chance to explore the spiritual and religious aspects of the region.

Historical Sites: Along the trek, you can find several ancient stone huts and meadows that shepherds and traders used in the past. These historical sites provide insights into the traditional way of life in the region.

Local Culture: The trek takes you through remote villages inhabited by indigenous communities like the Bhotias and Jaunsaris. You can interact with the locals and explore their customs, traditions, and way of life. The culture of these communities is deeply intertwined with the Himalayan landscape and its resources.

Cultural Festivals: Besides all these things, the region is renowned for its festivals and cultural celebrations. If you time your trek right, you might have the chance to witness local festivals and participate in traditional dances and rituals.

The Bali Pass trek in Uttarakhand’s western Himalayas is a vibrant tapestry of nature. This trek takes you on an elevational journey through diverse landscapes, from lush alpine meadows adorned with wildflowers to enchanting Rhododendron forests.

Coniferous forests provide a relaxed, refreshing environment, while juniper bushes add a unique touch to the higher altitudes. This region is also rich in medicinal herbs, like Brahmi and Kutki, and is home to mosses, lichens, and a stunning array of butterflies.

Wildlife enthusiasts can glimpse elusive species such as the Himalayan black bear, musk deer, and the striking Himalayan tahr in the alpine meadows. Not only this, but the real treasure lies in the possibility of spotting a snow leopard, making the trek even more exhilarating.

The Bali Pass Trek is full of adventures and mystical views that will make your trek nostalgic. While the sensational Bali Pass is the primary attraction, there are several nearby attractions and adventures to explore during this trek. One of the nearby highlights is the Har Ki Dun Valley, a place of pristine beauty with snow-capped peaks and a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture of the valley’s villages.

If you’re seeking to extend your trekking adventure, Kedarkantha is another popular destination nearby, known for its stunning views and challenging trails. As the Bali Pass trek winds through the region, you’ll also encounter the picturesque Osla Village. This charming Himalayan hamlet is a testament to traditional architecture and offers an authentic experience of local culture.

For those looking for a more challenging experience, the Black Peak expedition is an option for experienced mountaineers, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Additionally, the sacred Yamunotri Temple is nearby, making it a spiritual stop on your journey to pay respects to the goddess Yamuna.

These attractions and adventures can be woven into your Bali Pass trek itinerary, providing a rich and diverse experience as you explore the stunning region of the Himalayas.

Gallery

Map of Trail

FAQs

The temperature at Bali Pass varies with the season. During the trekking season (May to October), daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) but can drop below freezing at night, especially at higher altitudes. When hiking in this region, be prepared for a wide temperature range.

The Bali Pass trek offers stunning views of several prominent Himalayan peaks: Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, and Kalanag( Black Peak).

The closest ATM to Sankri is located in the town of Purola, which is about 25 kilometers away. It’s a good idea to have enough cash with you before heading to Sankri, as access to banking services can be limited in this area.

However, cash availability can be limited, so it’s wise to make last-minute cash withdrawals in Dehradun before starting the trek.

Bali Pass Trek is not beginner-friendly as it is very challenging and technical. In fact, it’s a moderate plus level trek, so you should have the experience to go at that much altitude of 16,200 ft.

Yes, a permit is required for the Bali Pass Trek. The trek falls under the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary; hence, the trekkers must obtain necessary permits from the Uttarakhand Forest Department or relevant authorities.

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