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Home›Treks›Bali Pass Trek

Bali Pass Trek

Uttrakhand

The Bali Pass Trek is a challenging yet rewarding adventure that takes trekkers through some of the most stunning landscapes in the Indian Himalayas. This trek connects the picturesque Yamunotri Valley and Har Ki Dun Valley, offering breathtaking views and diverse terrains. Below is a detailed itinerary guide for the trek from Dehradun to Bali Pass.

Highlights

Key features and unique experiences

Valley of the Gods: Explore the upper catchment of the Tons River in one of the most fascinating and least visited regions of the Garhwal Himalayas, known as the legendary 'Valley of Gods'.
Ancient Cultural Heritage: Experience 3,000-year-old mountain villages like Osla and Gangad, where traditional wooden architecture and the unique lifestyle of the 'descendants of the Pandavas' remain untouched by time.
Swargarohini Massif: Witness the majestic Swargarohini peaks (6,252m), believed in local mythology to be the 'stairway to heaven' taken by the Pandavas on their final journey.
Breathtaking Flora: Trek through luxuriant forests of deodar, oak, and conifer that open up into expansive alpine meadows (Bugyals) filled with vibrant wildflowers and rare medicinal herbs.
Ruinsara Tal & Bali Pass Connection: Discover the pristine Ruinsara Tal (3,565m), a sacred glacial lake that acts as a gateway to the challenging Bali Pass, also known as the Yamunotri Pass.
Mythological Landscapes: Ascend to an altitude of 3,566m along the Fateh Parvat, exploring lands steeped in Mahabharata lore where every peak and ridge has a story of divine intervention.
Photography & Wildlife: A paradise for nature enthusiasts within the Govind National Park, offering opportunities to spot the Himalayan Monal, Musk Deer, and golden eagles against snow-capped backdrops.
8
days

Duration

Complete journey time

Perfect length
12250 ft
m

Altitude

Peak elevation

High altitude
Hotel/Tents
nights

Accommodation

Stay arrangement

Comfort stays
Hard

Difficulty

Challenge intensity

Skill required

Detailed Itinerary

Depart early from Dehradun for a 220 km scenic drive. The route winds through Mussoorie, the Yamuna Valley, and Purola. Reach Sankri (6,400 ft), the gateway to the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, by evening. Overnight stay in a guesthouse.

Inclusions

Accommodation: 7 nights of stay including high-quality guesthouse lodging in Sankri and alpine tents (twin-sharing) at high-altitude campsites like Seema, Ruinsara Tal, and Bali Col.

Meals: All nutritious, healthy vegetarian meals provided from breakfast on Day 1 to dinner on Day 8 (or as per trek duration).

Expert Leadership: Services of educated, mountaineering-certified professional trek leaders and local guides with extensive medical and nature expertise.

Technical Equipment: Provision of high-altitude gear including sub-zero sleeping bags, insulated mattresses, crampons/micro-spikes, and gaiters.

Safety & Medical: Access to a comprehensive emergency kit featuring first-aid supplies, oxygen cylinders, and a stretcher for high-altitude safety.

Camp Infrastructure: Complete campsite setup including kitchen and dining tents, high-quality sleeping tents, utensils, and private toilet tents.

Permits & Fees: All mandatory forest access fees, Govind Wildlife Sanctuary entry permits, and local administrative permissions are covered.

Exclusions

Personal Expenses: Any personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, or prohibited prohibited items and alcohol.

Transit Meals: Meals purchased on the first day drive to the base camp and the last day return journey are not included.

Backpack Offloading: Mules or porter fees to transport private luggage are charged at ₹500 per day, per bag (max weight 11 kg).

Emergency Evacuation: Any costs associated with emergency rescue or medical evacuation fees due to injury or altitude sickness.

Insurance: Personal travel and high-altitude trekking insurance are not included and must be arranged separately.

Camera Fees: Any additional charges for video cameras, professional still cameras, or drone permits required by forest authorities.

Unforeseen Costs: Additional accommodation or food costs arising from landslides, roadblocks, or extreme weather conditions.

Packing Essentials

1
Layered Clothing
Moisture-wicking thermals, fleece mid-layers, and a heavy down jacket capable of handling sub-zero temperatures at Siagoru.
2
Trekking Footwear
Sturdy, high-ankle waterproof trekking shoes with good grip, plus a pair of lightweight sandals for the campsite.
3
Weather Protection
High-quality rain poncho or waterproof jacket and a backpack rain cover to handle sudden Himalayan showers.
4
Accessories
UV-protected sunglasses (essential for snow reflection), woolen cap, sun hat, and waterproof gloves.
5
Hydration & Health
Two 1-liter water bottles, personal medical kit, sunscreen (SPF 50+), and lip balm.
6
Lighting & Power
LED headlamp with extra batteries and a power bank (as there are no charging points on the trail).

Safety Considerations

1
Fitness & Physical Preparation
A moderate level of fitness is required to handle the steep forest inclines. We recommend a preparation routine of jogging 5 km in 35-40 minutes and leg-strengthening exercises (squats/lunges) starting 2 weeks before the trek.
2
Weather & Temperature Management
The Himalayas are unpredictable; temperatures at the base camp can drop to -5°C even in non-winter months. Trekkers must use a 3-layer clothing system (base, insulation, and shell) to prevent hypothermia during cold nights.
3
Winter Trail Protocol
During winter (Dec-Feb), the trail above the Nag Devta temple often turns into hard ice or 'verglas'. The use of micro-spikes and gaiters is mandatory in these conditions to prevent slips on steep summit sections.
4
Altitude & Hydration
While Nag Tibba (9,915 ft) is below the typical threshold for severe AMS, rapid ascent can cause mild headaches or fatigue. Consuming 3-4 liters of water daily and ascending at a steady, rhythmic pace is crucial for acclimatization.
5
Camping & Amenity Reality
Expect basic wilderness camping with dry pit toilets and no electricity or running water. Trekkers should carry fully charged power banks and avoid wandering away from the designated campsite after dark to ensure group safety.
6
Wildlife & Trail Etiquette
The Nag Tibba range is a habitat for bears and leopards. Trekkers must stay with the group, avoid playing loud music, and ensure no food waste is left outside tents, as this can attract wild animals to the campsite.

Best Time to Visit

Ideal seasons and weather conditions

1
Summer (May to June)
This is the most popular window for the crossing. The trails are vibrant with blooming rhododendrons in the lower valleys, while the higher reaches remain snow-covered, offering a true alpine adventure. The snow is firm enough for easier pass crossings during early mornings.
2
Post-Monsoon / Autumn (September to October)
Known as the 'Golden Season,' the monsoon clouds clear away to reveal the sharpest views of the Swargarohini and Bandarpoonch massifs. The trail is dry, the meadows turn a brilliant orange-brown, and the risk of rain is minimal, making the technical descent much safer.
3
Pre-Monsoon (Late April to early May)
For seasoned trekkers seeking a heavy snow challenge. The pass is often buried in deep snow, requiring advanced technical skills and equipment. It is significantly more difficult but offers a pristine, untouched white landscape.
4
Monsoon (July to August) - NOT RECOMMENDED
The trail becomes highly unstable due to heavy rainfall in the Tons valley. Increased risks of landslides, slippery technical sections, and cloud cover obscuring the views make this a dangerous and unfavorable time for the trek.

Physical Requirements

1
Difficulty Level
Categorized as Challenging/Tough (Level 6), involving technical glacier and pass crossings
2
Prior Experience
Mandatory completion of at least 2 high-altitude treks ranging between 3,500m and 4,500m
3
Fitness Level
Requires high cardiovascular endurance, core strength, and physical flexibility for technical terrain
4
Age Range
Typically recommended for fit individuals within the 18-48 years age bracket

How to Reach

1
By Air
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun, approximately 210 km from the base camp, Sankri. Most trekkers fly from Delhi to Dehradun (1-hour flight) and then hire a private taxi or use shared transport to reach Sankri. The airport is well-connected to major Indian cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi.
2
By Rail
Dehradun Railway Station (DDN) is the most convenient railhead. Popular overnight trains from Delhi include the Nanda Devi Express and Dehradun Shatabdi. From the station, you can find shared taxis and buses starting as early as 5:30 AM to 8:00 AM heading toward Sankri. Alternatively, Rishikesh is another railhead option, though it is slightly further from the starting point.
3
By Road (To Sankri)
The 200 km drive from Dehradun to Sankri takes about 8-10 hours. The route follows a scenic path through Mussoorie, Damta, Purola, and Mori along the Tons River. Government buses depart from Dehradun ISBT or near the railway station between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM. Private taxis (Bolero/Maxx) are available for approximately ₹6,000–₹7,500.
4
Return Journey (From Janki Chatti)
The trek concludes at Janki Chatti, the gateway to Yamunotri. From here, you can hire a private or shared taxi back to Dehradun (180 km, approx. 7 hours) via Barkot and Mussoorie. Shared jeeps are frequently available from the Janki Chatti taxi stand during the trekking and pilgrimage season (May–June and Sept–Oct).

FAQ

Everything you need to know before booking

No, the Bali Pass trek is a high-altitude expedition (16,200 ft) and is not recommended for beginners. It involves technical sections, narrow ridgelines, and steep snow/rock crossings that require previous high-altitude experience and a very high level of physical fitness.

The trek covers approximately 56–60 km over 8 days. While the distance is shorter than some other Himalayan treks, the intense altitude gain and technical descent make it a physically demanding journey.

It is rated as a 'Difficult' trek. You will ascend to nearly 5,000 meters, navigating nearly vertical scree slopes and glaciers. It requires significant cardiovascular endurance and mental resilience compared to moderate treks like Kedarkantha or Har Ki Dun.

The trek is located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It serves as a majestic crossover bridge connecting the Har Ki Dun/Ruinsara Valley to the Yamunotri Valley, starting from Sankri and ending at Janki Chatti.

In 2026, it is highly discouraged and often legally restricted to trek Bali Pass without a certified guide. Due to the technical nature of the pass and the risk of the trail being washed out or hidden by snow, forest authorities typically require trekkers to be accompanied by licensed professionals for safety and permits.

While the 3 Passes trek in Nepal is a longer, multi-pass endurance test, Bali Pass is a more concentrated technical challenge. Bali Pass is considered a 'serious adventure' with sharper technical descents, making it more difficult than a standard Everest Base Camp trek.

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Major Attractions

Discover the must-visit places along your journey

9 attractions across 9 categories

Filter by Category

Ruinsara Tal

Nature/Alpine Lake#1

Yamunotri Temple

Religious/Heritage#2

Sankri Village

Cultural/Base Camp#3

Osla Village (Traditional Wooden Houses)

Cultural/Heritage#4

Devsu Bugyal

Nature/Meadow#5

Odari (Rock Cave)

Mythological/Natural#6