Overview
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 which also serve as the basecamp of other treks like Fachu Kandi, Kedarkantha Trek, Phulara Ridge, Har ki Dun Trek, Rupin-Supin Trek, etc. 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.
Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Depart from Dehradun in the morning and arrive in Sankri in the evening (210 km)
Drive Distance: 0
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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After breakfast, you will go from Damini to Jankichatti and then to Dehradun
Bali Pass Trek Package
Price Inclusion
Stay: Accommodation is included for all days of the trek. Tents will be provided on a triple-sharing basis. Single and double sharing available at extra cost.
Transport: Transportation from Dehradun to the basecamp and back to Dehradun is included in the package.
Meals: We provide nourishing and delicious vegetarian meals. Our meals are designed to keep you energized throughout the trek.
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.
Forest Entry and Permits: All required fuel charges, tolls, forest entry fees, and permits are covered.
Trek Staff: A qualified, professional team, including a mountaineering-certified trek leader, guide, cook, and support staff, will accompany you.
Emergency Kit: First aid medical kits, oxygen cylinders, and stretchers are provided for safety.
Trek Certificate & HDT Badges: Receive a trek certificate and HDT badges to celebrate your adventure.
Price Exclusion
Meals during Transfer: Meals are not included while traveling to and from the trek starting points.
GST: A 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is applicable and not included in the package.
Emergency Evacuations: Any charges related to emergency evacuation are not included
Personal Expenses: Any meals or accommodations outside of the provided itinerary or additional services not listed in the inclusions.
Personal Luggage Carrying: Charges for mules or porters to offload personal luggage are not included in the package.
Best Time to Visit Bali Pass
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.
Difficulty Level of the 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.
Preparation for the Trek [Physical Fitness, AMS]
Treks are all about fun, adventure, finding yourself, etc, but only for those who are mentally and physically fit. Because activities like treks, especially a Himalayan trek, challenge you on different levels in unimaginable ways and situations.
Mental preparation includes thorough research of the trek you want to do or decide to. Understand the terrain, difficulty level, and the ways to get fit for it, look up for sudden situations that may happen, and how to tackle them. Being prepared gives you an edge to keep calm & handle a difficult situation.
1. Exercises to achieve the goal
- Cardiovascular Training: Running, cycling, and swimming to boost stamina.
- Strength Training: Focus on leg exercises like squats, lunges, and step-ups for endurance.
- Core Strength: Planks, mountain climbers, and Russian twists to maintain balance on uneven trails.
- Flexibility Exercises: Stretching, yoga, and dynamic warm-ups to prevent injuries.
- Mental Conditioning: Visualisation techniques, breathing exercises, and meditation to strengthen focus and manage stress on difficult days.
2. Extra Tips related to the diet, muscle recovery, and healthy lifestyle routine
Diet: Incorporate proteins like lentils, chicken, eggs, tofu, etc for fast recovery after a strenuous trek. Whole grains like wheat, quinoa, barley, etc for sustained energy, and leafy greens like spinach, bitter guard, and any seasonal veggie for those extra nutrients and building the immunity system.
Muscle Recovery: Plan rest days and add stretching, relaxing yoga poses or foam rolling after every workout.
3. Lifestyle Routine:
- Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption.
- Start sleeping up to 8 hours.
- Stay hydrated – drink 2 to 3 liters of water. To incorporate more nutrients, including coconut water, fruit, and vegetable juices.
Altitude Sickness happens when your body cannot adjust to lower oxygen levels at higher altitudes. This happens mainly because your body doesn’t have enough time to acclimatize to a higher altitude or not enough time to get used to lower oxygen levels.
How to Prevent AMS –
- Gradual Ascent: Climb slowly to give your body time to adjust.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
- Rest and Sleep: Ensure ample rest, especially as you reach higher camps.
- Avoid Alcohol: Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can lead to dehydration.
What to do –
- Most Important – Inform your trek leader as well-trained leaders and experience they can assess the situation better and find solutions faster.
- Stop and Rest: Pause your trek to recover.
- Descend if Necessary: Descend immediately to Raithal Basecamp, our team with the vehicle and necessary help will be there for further action.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink water and avoid strenuous activity.
- Seek Medical Help: After descending our team will take you to the nearest hospitals if needed. If solo, then descend and seek the closest medical help.
Trek Essentials [What to Pack]
- 45-60 Ltr Bag Pack With Rain Cover & Comfortable Straps
- Hot and Cold Water Bottle Like Borosil and Milton
- Energy Bar, Dry Fruits, and ORS
- Personal Medical Kit
- 1 Pair of Sunglasses (UV Protected)
- 1 Neck Gaiters (Buff)
- Tiffin Box
- 2/3 Full Sleeves (Non-Cotton)
- 1 Full Fleece T-Shirt
- 1 Fleece Jacket (Woolen or Sweater)
- 1 Down Feather/ Hollofil Jacket
- 1 Waterproof Jacket/ Poncho
- 1 Pair of Thermal Inners (Upper and Lower)
- 2 Trek Pants (Avoid Shorts and Denim Pants)
- 1 Pair of Waterproof Gloves
- 1 Pair of Woolen Gloves
- Sun Cap
- Woolen Cap
- 4 Pairs of Cotton Socks
- 1 Pair of Woollen Socks
- 1 Waterproof and High Ankle Trekking Shoes
- 1 Pair of Floaters
- Hand Sanitizer and Sunscreen Lotion
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Toilet Paper
- Quick Dry Towel
- Lip Balm and Antibacterial Powder
- Moisturizer
- Aadhaar Card, Pan, or Passport for Applying Permit
- Trek Insurance
- Medical Certificate
- Self-Declaration Form
- Sleeping Bag
- Common Tent
- Mattress
- Dining Tent
- Camping Stool
- Walkie Talkie (For Team)
- Utensils
How To Reach Base Camp
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.
Raithal is the point where we start our Dayara Bugyal Trek in Uttarakhand. It is approximately 183 kilometers away from Dehradun, which takes around 6 to 7 hours by public transportation. To reach Raithal you have to reach Uttarkashi first.
The bus to Uttarkashi leaves early in the morning around 5:30 am from Dehradun Hill station. You can also book your ticket online via the UTC portal. The average cost of the ticket is around 350 to 400 INR. Shared taxi option is also available.
If you are traveling via taxi, you will be charged around 400 to 500. You can hire a taxi from Rispana Pul and Parade Ground to Uttarkashi. Upon reaching Uttarkashi, you can rent another taxi to Raithal from Uttarkashi Taxi Stand. You must pay 100 to 150 INR to hire the taxi.
Bali Pass Trek Map
Peaks Visible From Bali Pass
Current Weather & Temperature
More Info about 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.
SCI, Foreign Permit & Vehicle
HDT is registered with the IMF, and we can cater to the needs of SCL for Government Employees. According to the rule, the government of India provides its employees with a prospect where they’re allowed to apply for a 30-day special casual leave in a calendar year to do trekking, hiking, or whatever adventure pleases them.
Mail us at info@himalayandreamtreks.in or call us at +91 80896 93825, if you want to avail SCL.
For foreign nationals, permit charges are different, and hence the overall package price is different for foreign trekkers. Connect with us before booking your trek.
- For 4-6 people Ertiga/Bolero or equivalent vehicle.
- For 7 or more people, Force Traveller.
Booking Confirmation, Payment, Reschedule, Cancellation, and Refund Policy
- Click the Book Now button and fill in the required details.
- Complete the payment by choosing from the available payment options.
- Once the initial booking amount is paid, you will receive an email confirmation with all trek details.
- The booking is considered confirmed only after receipt of the initial payment.
Booking Amount: 30% of the trek package at the time of booking.
Balance Payment: Remaining 70% to be paid at least 7 days before departure.
Payment Modes Accepted:
- UPI
- Bank Transfer (NEFT/IMPS/RTGS)
- Credit/Debit Cards (with applicable processing charges) – Temporarily Unavailable
- International Transfers via Wise / PayPal / Bank Transfer (processing fees apply)
Payment Partners: Razorpay, PhonePe Business, State Bank of India, Wise, PayPal, Payoneer
Transaction Charges:
- Razorpay: 1%–4% depending on payment method (UPI, card, wallet, net banking, etc.)
- PayPal: Flat 5% transaction fee
- Free rescheduling up to 30 days before trek start date.
- 10% rescheduling fee (of paid amount) for requests made 29–7 days before trek.
- No rescheduling within 7 days of trek start; booking will be canceled with no voucher issued.
- Itinerary Adjustments: Himalayan Dreamtreks may adjust the schedule due to safety or unexpected conditions.
- Early Departure: If a trekker leaves before scheduled dates, food, stay, and transport costs will be borne by the trekker.
Cancellation by Trekker:
- More than 30 days before departure → 90% trek voucher (valid 1 year)
- 21–30 days before departure → 75% trek voucher (valid 1 year)
- 11–20 days before departure → 50% trek voucher (valid 1 year)
- Less than 10 days before departure → No voucher
- No-show → No refund or voucher
Cancellation by Himalayan Dreamtreks (HDT):
- In case of natural disasters, government restrictions, or adverse weather → 100% trek voucher (valid 1 year, usable for any HDT trek).
Dropout During Trek:
- If a trekker leaves due to health, fitness, or personal reasons → No refund.
- Trekker must bear all costs for return/retreat.
Refund Terms:
- Refunds are provided only as trek vouchers (valid for 1 year).
- Vouchers can be redeemed for any Himalayan Dreamtreks trek.
- No cash refunds will be issued.
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.
Every campsite during this trek features dry pit toilets. You must carry your own toilet papers and hygiene essentials.
Sankri, the starting point of Bali Pass Trek, is also the last point for charging your gadgets. You must carry your own power banks or extra batteries. Trekking mostly comes with the activities like photography and videography, so it is advised to carry extra power banks and charge them in Sankri before you head towards Dayara Top.
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