Overview
Bali Pass Trek: A Journey Connecting Ruinsara Valley to Yamunotri Valley | Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand – 2025
The Bali Pass Trek, nestled in the majestic Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is a high-altitude adventure that reaches an elevation of 4,953 meters (16,207 ft). Starting from Sankri, a well-known base camp for over 25 treks in the region, the journey culminates at Jankichatti, near the revered Yamunotri Temple.
This trek falls within the scenic Govind Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarkashi district and offers a rare blend of untouched natural beauty and spiritual connection. With its alpine meadows, gushing streams, snow-capped peaks, and ancient trails, Bali Pass offers a thrilling experience for seasoned trekkers.
One of the unique features of this trek is the possibility to combine it with the Har Ki Dun Trek, offering an extended route filled with cultural insights and diverse landscapes. For those planning a complete experience, the trek can be covered in 8 nights and 9 days from Dehradun to Dehradun, including transport.
Highlights of Bali Pass Trek
Scenic Diversity: Traverse through dense forests, lush meadows, wildflower-covered paths, and panoramic mountain vistas.
High-Altitude Challenge: Summit the Bali Pass at 4,953 meters, pushing your limits amidst pristine Himalayan surroundings.
Remote Cultural Encounters: Walk through isolated villages and interact with locals to witness their unique traditions and lifestyles.
Wildlife Sightings: The trail offers glimpses of Himalayan wildlife like musk deer, bharal (blue sheep), and possibly even the elusive Himalayan black bear.
Spiritual Connection: Ending at Yamunotri, one of the Char Dhams, the trek adds a spiritual dimension to the journey.
Trek Details
Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days (Dehradun to Dehradun)
Base Camp: Sankri Market
Altitude: 4,950 m (16,207 ft)
Temperature:
Summer Days: 5°C to 15°C
Nights: -2°C to 5°C
Best Months: May, June, September, October
Trek Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Trek Distance:
On foot: 58 km
By road (taxi): 395 kma
Iitinerary
Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri (Base Camp)
Distance: 190 km – Approx. 8–9 hours
Mode of Journey: By taxi or tempo traveller
Altitude: 6,291 ft
Stay: Hotel Grand Shiva – Twin sharing basis
Pickup will be from Dehradun Railway Station at around 6:00–7:00 AM. The scenic journey begins with a drive through the charming city of Dehradun, known for its lush greenery and vibrant streets like Rajpur Road.
After about an hour, you’ll pass through Mussoorie, often called the Queen of Hills. A short stop at Kempty Falls is planned, where you can have breakfast and enjoy the view. Further along, the route follows the Yamuna River, offering beautiful glimpses of nature and local villages.
Cross small towns like Nainbagh, Damta, and Naugaon, and stop for lunch around 1:30 PM in Purola. The journey continues through Jarmola’s pine forests, offering views of the Kedarkantha ranges.
After crossing Mori and a check post, you’ll reach Sankri – a quaint mountain village and your base camp. Check in to Hotel Grand Shiva, freshen up, enjoy snacks on the terrace, and relax with views of Swargarohini peaks. Evening walk optional before dinner.
Day 2: Sankri to Taluka (Drive) → Trek to Cheludgad Camp
Distance: 23 km (13 km drive + 10 km trek)
Mode: Taxi + On foot
Altitude: 8,158 ft
Stay: Campsite – Twin sharing basis
Post breakfast, drive to Taluka – a small village nestled in the forest. The trek begins here, with snow-capped peaks in the backdrop. Cross a wooden bridge, dense forests, and follow the Supin River.
Pass by Dhatmir village, lush meadows, and walk through mixed trails – a blend of steep climbs, forest paths, and open grasslands.
Arrive at Cheludgad campsite, set up your tents, and enjoy your first night in the wild amidst serene mountain views.
Day 3: Cheludgad Camp to Devsu Bugyal Camp
Distance: 6 km – Approx. 3–4 hours
Mode: On foot
Altitude: 9,795 ft
Stay: Campsite – Twin sharing basis
Begin your day with a gradual ascent towards Devsu Bugyal – a lush alpine meadow filled with birch, spruce, and stunning Himalayan flora and fauna. The trail is rich with birdlife, wildflowers, and spectacular views of waterfalls and valleys.
After a final steep ascent, reach the vast green meadows of Devsu Bugyal, where you’ll pitch tents and unwind. Look out for the impressive Black Peak in the distance.
Day 4: Devsu Bugyal to Ruinsara Lake
Distance: 10 km – Approx. 5–6 hours
Mode: On foot
Altitude: 11,720 ft
Stay: Campsite – Twin sharing basis
After breakfast, start your trek to Ruinsara Lake, nestled at 3,500 meters. The route includes a steep descent to the Ruinsara River, followed by a continuous ascent along rugged paths affected by past landslides.
Stop for lunch amidst giant boulders and trees, then continue through slippery trails and wooden bridges. Ruinsara Tal is a glacial lake surrounded by the mighty peaks of Mt. Kalanag, Bandarpoonch, and the Swargarohini range.
Enjoy stargazing by the lake and relax in one of the most scenic campsites in the Himalayas.
Day 5: Ruinsara Lake to Thaga Camp
Distance: 3 km – Approx. 3 hours
Mode: On foot
Altitude: 13,120 ft
Stay: Campsite – Twin sharing basis
Begin the ascent from Ruinsara Tal, passing through alpine meadows and rhododendron forests. The trail gradually becomes rocky and steeper.
At Thaga Camp, enjoy panoramic views of Bandarpoonch and Kalanag. The campsite is surrounded by vast open spaces and dramatic peaks. Stay alert for river crossings depending on weather.
Day 6: Thaga Camp to Bali Odari Base Camp
Distance: 6 km – Approx. 4–5 hours
Mode: On foot
Altitude: 15,125 ft
Stay: Campsite – Twin sharing basis
Today’s route gets more challenging as you gain altitude. The path takes you through glacial streams, rocky terrain, and moraines.
Reach Bali Odari Base Camp, a spectacular high-altitude site with 360-degree views of towering peaks. Perfect for night photography and stargazing.
Day 7: Bali Odari Base Camp to Lower Damni via Bali Pass Summit
Distance: 14 km – Approx. 8–9 hours
Mode: On foot
Altitude at Summit: 16,207 ft | Lower Damni Altitude: 10,111 ft
Stay: Campsite – Twin sharing basis
This is the toughest yet most rewarding day of the trek. Start early to ascend to the Bali Pass Summit, the highest point of the journey. The route is steep, with snow patches depending on the season.
From the summit, enjoy unmatched views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and the Yamunotri Valley. Descend carefully towards Lower Damni Camp through scree and loose rock sections.
Rest and recover at the camp, ending the day with a sense of achievement.
Inclusion
✅ What’s Included in This Trek Package
✔️ Transport Facility (Dehradun to Dehradun – Both Sides | Pickup Time: 7:00 AM)
✔️ Forest Permits and Entry Fees
✔️ Accommodation in hotels or tents on a twin-sharing basis
✔️ All Meals (Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Tea, Coffee, Snacks, Soup, and Dinner)
✔️ High-Quality Dome Tents
✔️ Sleeping Bags and Mattresses
✔️ Separate Toilet Tents for ladies and gents
✔️ Dining Tent with Dining Table
✔️ Experienced Trek Leader, Guide, and Technical Team
✔️ Medical Kit
✔️ Oxygen Cylinders
✔️ Radio Walkie-Talkies for Communication
✔️ Crampons and Gaiters
Trek essentials
🎒 Necessary Items to Carry on a Trek
1. Basic Trekking Gear
Item | Quantity |
---|---|
Trekking Backpack (with rain cover) | 50–60L with padded straps |
Daypack (with rain cover) | 20–30L (if off-loading backpack) |
Trekking Poles / Walking Stick | 1 |
Water Bottle | 2 thermos flasks (1L each) |
Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electrolyte |
2. Clothing Guide (Based on Season)
Item | Summer | Winter |
---|---|---|
Quick-dry collared T-shirt | 2–3 | 2–3 (Full sleeves) |
Fleece T-shirt (Full sleeves) | 2 | 2–3 |
Fleece Jacket | 2 | 2 |
Down Jacket | 1 (available on rent) | 1 (available on rent) |
Thermal Inner (Top & Bottom) | 1 pair | 2 pairs |
Quick-dry Trek Pants | 2–3 pairs | 2–3 pairs |
Waterproof Gloves | 1 pair | 1 pair |
Woollen Gloves | 1 pair | 1 pair |
Poncho / Rain Jacket & Pants | 1 | 1 |
Lightweight Quick-dry Towel | 1 | 1 |
3. Head Gear
Item | Quantity |
---|---|
Head Torch | 1 |
Sun Cap | 1 |
Woollen Cap | 1 |
Balaclava | 1 |
Buff / Neck Gaiter | 1 |
Sunglasses | 1 |
4. Footwear
Item | Quantity |
---|---|
Trekking Shoes (High ankle) | 1 pair |
Flip-flops | 1 pair |
Cotton Socks | 2–3 pairs |
Woollen Socks | 2 pairs |
Gaiters | 1 pair |
Microspikes | 1 pair |
5. Personal Care Essentials
Item | Quantity |
---|---|
Toothpaste | 1 |
Toilet Paper | 1 roll |
Hand Sanitizer | 1 |
Lip Balm | 1 |
Light Towel | 1 |
Moisturizer | 1 |
Sunscreen (SPF 30–40) | 1 |
6. Personal Medical Kit
Item | Quantity |
---|---|
Pain Reliever | 1 strip |
Motion Sickness Medicine | 1 strip |
Fever/Headache Medicine | 1 strip |
Allergy Medicine | 1 strip |
Diarrhoea Medicine | 1 strip |
Cream/Spray for Sprains | 1 |
Antiseptic Cream | 1 |
ORS | 1–2 packets |
Band-aids | 5–6 |
Cotton | 1 small roll |
Gauze | 2 pieces |
Scissors | 1 |
Tweezers | 1 |
Elastic Bandage | 1 |
Diamox 125/250 mg | 1 strip |
Diamox 500 mg | 4–5 pills |
Nifedipine 20 mg | 1 strip |
Dexamethasone (4 mg) | 1 strip |