Bali Pass Trek

The Bali Pass Trek is a challenging and exciting trekking adventure in the Garhwal region of the Indian Himalayas. It is a high-altitude trek that takes you through some of the most scenic and breathtaking landscapes, with snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and glacial lakes. This trek is not for the faint-hearted; it requires good physical fitness, endurance, and a sense of adventure. Yamunotri and Har Ki Dun Valley link through Bali Pass Trek. Finding a trek that allows you to experience the pure grandeur of crossing the Himalayan Pass is rare. It crosses the confluence between Tons and Ruinsara Rivers and enjoys the unspoilt serenity and lush meadows at Devsu Thach. Soon, the greenery will open up to alpine zones. The Pass, at 16,207 feet, offers 360° panoramic views of the Bandarpoonch and Kalanag peaks. This trek is not for beginners, and it’s hard work. At a staggering 5,000 elevation, the Pass is located in the Garhwal kernels. The stunning high-altitude Pass offers breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayan peaks like Swargarohini, Kala Nag and Bandarpoonch. You will be able to relive your childhood memories with Bali Pass Trek. It is filled with adventures and beautiful views. The trek begins in Sankri and finishes in Jankichatti. This trek requires some trekking experience.

The Bali Pass Trek is an exhilarating journey that connects the stunning Yamunotri and Har Ki Dun Valleys, situated at an impressive height of 16,200 feet. The adventure begins in Dehradun, where participants are picked up from the railway station for a 10-hour drive to Sankri Village, covering a distance of 220 km. The first night is spent at a local hotel in Sankri. The next day, a 12 km drive to Taluka is followed by a 12 km trek to Seema through lush forests, where a camp is set up for the night. On the third day, a moderately challenging trek to Rain Basera at 10,200 feet features steep inclines and declines. The Rain Basera campsite is the resting place for the night. The following day, the trek continues to the picturesque Ruinsara Tal, a stunning alpine lake surrounded by rolling meadows. Camping beside the lake is the highlight of the night.

The fifth day involves trekking towards Odari at an elevation of 13,100 feet, covering a distance of 4 kilometres and taking around 3 to 4 hours to complete. The journey includes navigating a river and admiring the Swargarohini range of peaks. After the trek, a warm lunch is enjoyed at the campsite, followed by staying in tents. The following day, the trek proceeds from Odari to Bali Col Camp, traversing a mountain ridge with a steep incline until reaching Bali Col Camp at 15,100 feet. The trek spans 5 kilometres and usually requires 6 to 7 hours, with accommodation for the night at Bali Col Camp.

Day 7 marks the summit expedition as the trek heads to Bali Pass before descending to Lower Dhamni. Bali Pass, perched at an elevation of 16,200 feet, offers unhindered views of Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, Ruinsara, and Yamunotri valleys, making it the longest day of trekking, covering 14 kilometres and lasting 10 to 11 hours. The descent from Bali Pass is challenging due to its steep and technical nature. The expedition concludes with a descent from Lower Dhamni to Janki Chatti via the Yamunotri temple, followed by transportation back to Dehradun.

The Bali Pass Trek promises breathtaking vistas of mountain ranges and diverse landscapes, but it demands advanced skills and expertise, featuring narrow paths and hazardous sections. The trek encompasses a moderate climb from Taluka to Seema, entrance into the picturesque Ruinsara Valley, and increasingly demanding terrain as participants proceed to Odari, with steep inclines, rocky terrain, and snow-covered glaciers. The final ascent to Bali Pass is particularly challenging, as is the equally tricky descent involving boulder-strewn paths and steep green slopes, culminating in reaching Yamunotri, surrounded by lush forests. Being fully prepared and ready for these challenges is crucial, emphasizing the importance of physical fitness and mental resilience.

Prior to embarking on this trek, it’s essential to ensure sufficient cash, as the last reliable ATM is in Dehradun. Also, be prepared for limited mobile connectivity, which becomes unreliable after Purola. The JIO & BSNL network at the Sankri base camp can be used, but it could be more stable, so making important calls at Purola is advisable to avoid inconvenience.

The Bali Pass Trek’s top attractions include Ruinsara Tal, a glacial lake within the Swargrohini peaks, surrounded by picturesque meadows and Rhododendron shrubs, and the ancient villages of Osla and Gangad, known for their unique traditions and architectural wonders. Furthermore, the beauty of Devsu Thatch’s alpine meadows, nestled amidst towering peaks like Swargrohini and Kalanag, offers a serene backdrop to admire nature’s splendor, enhancing the sense of tranquility and peace.