Bali pass trek

Our Bali Pass Trek begins in Dehradun, the perfect starting point for adventure seekers from Delhi and beyond. From here, we embark on a scenic 8-hour, 190 km drive through the breathtaking landscapes of Uttarakhand. The journey takes us through charming villages like Damta, Purola, Mori, and Netwar, following the pristine Tons River along the way.

By evening, we reach Sankri, the base camp for the Bali Pass Trek, offering mesmerizing views of the Greater Himalayan peaks. With no mobile network in Sankri, we get the rare chance to fully immerse ourselves in the serene beauty of the mountains, especially during sunset.

We’ll spend the night in cozy hotels or homestays, recharging for the thrilling adventure that awaits in the coming days.

Our second day of the Bali Pass Trek begins with a scenic one-hour drive from Sankri to Taluka, the starting point of our trek. The trail follows a stony path along the Supin River, offering breathtaking views of red-hued amaranth (cholai) plantations swaying in the breeze.

As we walk under the cool shade of walnut, pine, deodar, and maple trees, friendly villagers greet us along the way. We cross a few mountain streams and spot Gangad village across the river before continuing our ascent.

After about an hour, we reach Osla, a picturesque Garhwali village home to around 200 families. This is a perfect place to experience the rich Himalayan culture before trekking further to Seema, a small settlement on the opposite side of the river.

For the night, we can either camp in Seema or stay with a local family in a traditional Himalayan hut, immersing ourselves in the warmth of mountain hospitality.

Leaving behind the last human settlements, we continue our journey along the true left of the Supin River, which eventually merges with the Rupin River near Netwar to form the Tons River, the largest tributary of the Yamuna.

A steady ascent through a dense deodar forest leads us to the breathtaking Devsu Thatch, a lush 1 km-long meadow set against the dramatic backdrop of the Swargarohini ranges. Straight ahead, we get a clear view of the mighty Kalanag (Black Peak) at 6,387m, while to our left, we catch glimpses of the Har Ki Dun Valley and the confluence of the Har Ki Dun and Ruinsara Rivers far below.

After soaking in the views, we descend into the Ruinsara Valley, where the landscape shifts to a more rugged terrain. By the end of the day’s trek, we reach our campsite near a gushing stream close to a waterfall, locally known as Roiltigad or Roiltia. Nestled in the wilderness, this serene spot is perfect for unwinding and preparing for the adventures ahead on the Bali Pass Trek.

On Day 4 of the Bali Pass Trek, we embark on a short but scenic 2-hour hike to one of the most anticipated highlights of the journey—Ruinsara Tal, a breathtaking high-altitude lake nestled amidst rhododendron forests.

As we ascend, we witness a striking change in vegetation, transitioning from pine and fir trees to birch and vibrant rhododendrons. This dense forest is home to the elusive Himalayan brown bear, and if luck is on our side, we might even spot one.

Upon reaching Ruinsara Tal, we are greeted by its serene, mirror-like waters, framed by pink-blooming rhododendrons and towering Himalayan peaks. Considered sacred in the Uttarakhand Himalayas, Ruinsara Tal is part of the trio of sacred lakes in the Garhwal region, alongside Marinda and Maldaru Lakes.

We spend the night camping by the tranquil lakeside, soaking in the beauty and peace of this mystical alpine setting.

On Day 5 of the Bali Pass Trek, we take a well-deserved break to acclimatize before ascending to Bali Pass Base Campthe next day. At 3,500m, Ruinsara Lake provides the perfect setting for rest, surrounded by pristine alpine vegetation and vibrant rhododendron bushes. Just 100 meters below the lake, the Supin River flows alongside a ridge, adding to the breathtaking scenery.

During this rest day, we can soak in the tranquility of nature, read a book, or enjoy fun games with fellow trekkers. For those eager to explore, optional short hikes lead to Kyarkoti, the base camp for Kalanag (Black Peak) and Dumdar Kandi Pass, or towards the Banderpunch Glacier.

By evening, we return to our campsite, feeling rejuvenated and ready for the next leg of our Bali Pass adventure.

On Day 6 of the Bali Pass Trek, we set out early for a challenging yet rewarding trek to Bali Pass Base Camp. The journey begins with a descent to the riverbed, followed by a river crossing and a steep ascent to reach the Thanga meadow. From here, we are greeted with breathtaking views of the Swargarohini ranges and the Kyarkoti valley on our left.

As we continue, we reach Odari, a fascinating spot with a natural rock cave and a mythological connection—it is believed that Bali, the brother of Hanuman, spent a night here. If luck is on our side, we might even spot the elusive Himalayan brown bear, a rare and endangered species found in this region.

By afternoon, we arrive at Bali Pass Base Camp, set on a glacial moraine. This high-altitude campsite offers stunning panoramic views, with the valley stretching below and the Pass towering behind us. As night falls, temperatures drop to sub-zero levels, making this an exhilarating and unforgettable camping experience—a privilege that only a few treks offer.

Today marks the most thrilling and challenging segment of the Bali Pass Trek as we make our way to the summit of Bali Pass (4,900m) before descending to Lower Dhamni.

We start early to take advantage of the firm morning snow, making our way up the steep, rocky incline toward the pass summit. As we reach the top, we are rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Kalanag peaks, along with a panoramic glimpse of the Yamunotri Valley on the other side. Standing at 4,900 meters, this is the highest and most exhilarating point of the trek.

The descent from Bali Pass is steep and technical, requiring careful navigation over snow and loose scree. Ropes may be used for safety in some sections. As we descend further, the trail eases, leading us through lush meadows and dense forests before finally reaching Lower Dhamni (3,200m), where we set up camp for the night.

This day is physically demanding but incredibly rewarding, offering an unparalleled sense of achievement as we conquer the Bali Pass summit and complete a dramatic descent into the verdant valleys below.

On the final day of our Bali Pass Trek, we descend from Lower Dhamni toward Yamunotri, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand. The trail winds through dense forests, gradually transitioning into well-paved stone steps leading to Yamunotri Temple.

Upon reaching Yamunotri (3,293m), we have the opportunity to visit the holy shrine of Goddess Yamuna and take a dip in the natural hot springs of Surya Kund, a rejuvenating experience after days of trekking. From here, we continue our descent to Janki Chatti (2,400m), a small but bustling town and the endpoint of our trek.

With this, our incredible Bali Pass adventure comes to a close, leaving us with unforgettable memories of high-altitude passes, breathtaking landscapes, and thrilling challenges.

After an unforgettable Bali Pass Trek, we embark on our final journey—a scenic drive from Janki Chatti to Dehradun. The route takes us through picturesque mountain roads, passing charming villages, dense forests, and the flowing Yamuna River.

As we descend, the crisp mountain air gradually gives way to the bustling energy of Dehradun. After eight hours of travel, we reach our destination, marking the end of an incredible high-altitude adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, cultural encounters, and personal achievements.