India is renowned for various trekking spots but when it comes to a trekking spot with beautifully diverse landscapes, none comes close to Bali Pass. The trek allows you to witness the grandeur of the magnificent Himalayan pass crossing while connecting Har Ki Dun Valley and Yamunotri. It is an exhilarating and breathtaking trail that traverses through the confluence of the Ruinsara and Tons rivers. You can spend some moments of solace amidst the serene Ruinsara Valley and admire the beauty of Devsu Thach’s lush meadows. Standing at 16,207 ft, the pass gives you a picturesque view of three peaks – Kalanag, Swargarohini, and Bandarpoonch. The trail can be a bit difficult to trek so it is more suited for intermediate to experienced trekkers.
| Area | Uttarakhand |
| Duration | 8-9 days |
| Best Season | Summer and post monsoon |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Altitude | 16076 ft |
| Total Distance | 60 Km |
| Nearest Airport | Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun |
| Starting Point of Trek | Dehradun |
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri
On your drive from Dehradun to Sankri, you will pass amongst several quaint villages of Uttarakhand such as Mori, Damta, and more. You can enjoy the glorious sight of sunset on the periphery of Greater Himalayan peaks and halt the night at Sankri.
Day 2: Sankri to Seema
From Sankri, you can reach Taluka by vehicle and after reaching the same, your trek to Seema will begin. You can come across various plantations of amaranth or cholai which is a red-colored Himalayan crop. You can also rest under the cooling shade of pine, walnut, maple, and deodar trees. Once you start trekking, the quaint villages of Osla and Gangad start unfolding. You can stay the night at a camp or a hut in Seema.
Day 3: Seema to Roiltia
During your trek from Seema to Roiltia, you get to witness the merging of Supin and Rupin rivers to form Tons – the biggest river Yamuna tributary. As you ascend, you will come across Devsu Thatch and also get glimpses of Har Ki Dun valley and Kalanag.
Day 4: Roiltia to Ruinsara lake
This is the session where you start witnessing the diversity in landscapes as the surrounding slowly changes from pine and fir trees to the dominance of rhododendron trees and birches. You may even catch a glance at the endangered Himalayan brown bear. The highlight of this day’s trek is certainly the sacred Ruinsara Tal which is an alpine tarn located in the vicinity of blooming rhododendron trees that will leave you mesmerized.
Day 5: Ruinsara Lake
Before heading to the Bali camp base the next day, Ruinsara lake makes for a perfect acclimatization day standing at an elevated height of 3500m. You can surround yourself with the beauty of vast meadows, rhododendron bushes, pristine lakes, and alpine vegetation. Enjoy the tranquility of this place and you can engross yourself in a good book or play games with your companions. You can also explore the places nearby such as the Bandarpunch glacier and then return to the camp for an overnight stay.
Day 6: Ruinsara Lake to Odari
This trek lasts for about 4-5 hours and starting early is better if you want to reach the destination before noon. On the way, you will cross Thanga which is a meadow that offers the beauty of the Swargarohini ranges. After that, you will reach Odari which is believed to be the place where Lord Hanuman’s brother Bali stayed overnight. The night temperature can go down to sub-zero degrees giving you a one-of-a-kind experience.
Day 7: Odari to upper Dhamni
This is the day when you need to cross the Bali Pass and hence, the trek begins early. The trekking is of short duration but the climbs are steep. You can encounter a lot of glacial scree here and once you reach the top, you can witness the first sight of Yamunotri valley. Along with this, you also get to enjoy the views of Saptrishi Kund, Bandarpunch peaks, Dayara Bugyal, Dokrani Bamak, and Barua Top.
Day 8: Upper Dhamni to Janki Chatti
On this day, you can start descending to Janki Chatti along a forested trail. You will come across the famous Yamunotri shrine on the way and visit the Goddess Yamuna temple in the Char Dham circuit. Once done, you can start heading to Janki Chatti and stay the night there.
Day 9: Janki Chatti to Dehradun
This is where your long trip ends and you can start driving to Dehradun. You can visit other places such as Mussoorie, Kempty waterfalls, and the like along the way.
Things To Carry
- Walking stick
- Head torch
- Hiking shoes
- Water bottle
- Lightweight backpack
- Fleece jackets and warm layers
- Cap
- Rain cover
- Required documents
Best Time To Travel
The best time to go for the Bali Pass Trek is between May, June, and mid-August to October because this is when the weather is fairly present. During monsoon, the weather can get unpredictable and during winters, trekking here is not possible due to the heaps of snow resulting from heavy snowfall. Therefore, visiting the Pass during summer or after monsoon is recommended.
FAQs
- Is Bali Pass Trek difficult?
Bali Pass is located at a height of 16076 ft. and is considered to be a bit difficult for beginners. Therefore, it is more suitable for intermediate or experienced trekkers.
- How do you reach Bali Pass Trek?
You can reach Bali Pass only by trekking as there are motor-able roads. The last public transport is available in Sankri after which, you have to start trekking Taluka village to reach Bali Pass.
- What is special about Bali Pass Trek?
While trekking along Bali Pass, you get to witness varying sceneries and landscapes. You can also get a close-up view of the lofty Bandarpunch, Swargarohini, and Kala Nag peaks.
- Do you need trekking experience for Bali Pass Trek?
Having prior experience and following fitness routines is recommended to prepare for the Bali Pass Trek as it has a moderate difficulty level.
