Widely known as ‘Land of Gods’, Uttarakhand is blessed with stunning geography and adventure avenues. Adorned with snow-peaked Himalayas, pristine lakes and gurgling rivers, this North Indian state is popular among adventure enthusiasts and solitude seekers. There are innumerable trekking destinations in Uttarakhand if you love spending time amidst raw nature.
Blessed with untouched natural beauty, Bali Pass Trek near Yamunotri is an ideal thing to do for experienced trekkers and adventure lovers. This high altitude Himalayan trek is an old route connecting Har Ki Dun and Yamunotri valleys. The region was discovered in late 1940s by Jack Gibson, a teacher at The Doon School. As compared to other popular treks in Uttarakhand, Bali Pass Trek is still less-known among adventure buffs. Nestled at an altitude of 16,000 ft, trek to Bali Pass offers jaw-dropping Himalayan views that takes one through verdant meadows, lush green valleys and deserted terrains.
Trek Duration: 8 Days (61 km entire trek)
Trek Grade: Tough (Prior experience is required)
What Makes This Trek a MUST VISIT?
A crossover between Yamuna and its main tributary Tons River, Bali Pass Trek offers much more than just stunning natural landscapes. The thrilling trail passes through surreal Ruinsara Lake, and Jaunsar Village decked with superb wooden architecture. While trekking you will be awestruck by the captivating views of Dayara Bugyal, Swargarohini group of peaks, Kalanag, Bandarpunch and a host of peaks nestled in east of Gangotri valleys.
Bali Pass Trek gives an amazing opportunity to experience camping above 4000m. Offering a variety of elements and associated challenges, this lesser-known trek in Uttarakhand starts from Taluka and passes through pine forest of Govind National Park. The region is rich in terms flora and fauna and home various species like Blue Sheep, Black Bear, Himalayan Bulbul, Common Raven and Snow Pigeon to name a few.
Though you can start Bali Pass Trek from Yamunotri, but it’s good to begin from the Har-ki-Dun valley as the gradient is small and will give you ample amount of time to acclimatize to the altitude.
Short Trekking Itinerary
Drive from Dehradun to Sankri
Drive from Sankri to Taluka and then trek to Seema
Trek to Mora Thatch via Debsu Bugyal
Trek to Ruinsara Lake and explore the area
Trek to Odari
Trek to Bali Pass base camp
Cross Bali Pass and trek down to lower Dhamni
Trek down to Janki Chatti via Yamunotri
When To Go
The best seasons suited to go on Bali Pass Trek is during Summers (May-June) and Autumn (September-October). During rainfall and heavy snow, this high altitude Himalayan pass becomes extremely difficult to reach.
During day time, the weather remains warm if its sunny. At night or early morning the temperature at Bali Pass ranges between 0°C to 5°C or even freezing. Therefore, good thermals and heavy jackets are really important.
Getting There
Positioned in Uttarkashi district (Uttarakhand), the 30 km trekking trail to Bali Pass begins from Sankri village. You can easily reach till Sankri by following means.
By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun. Take a private taxi or local bus to reach Sankri.
By Train: Nearest railhead is at Dehradun. Take a private taxi or local bus to reach Sankri.
By Road: Sankri is well connected by motorable roads. Interstate buses are available from Delhi to reach till Dehradun and Uttarkashi. Take a taxi towards Sankri.
Accommodations
You can stay at following accommodation:
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