Bali Pass Trek: A challenging trail towards Yamunotri

The Bali Pass trek is one of the most challenging trails in Uttarakhand. It is a connecting route between the Har ki Doon Valley and the Yamunotri region. The highest point of the trek is Bali Pass which sits at around 16207 ft. The trek is over 60 km and takes 8 days to complete. There are many steep ascents and technical sections, which makes the Bali Pass Trek fall under the Difficult category. The DiscoveryHike Team will guide you through all the challenging sections, so you can be assured about safety during the trek. Extreme fitness is required and therefore, the trek is best suited for experienced trekkers.

The trek begins in the Sankri Village and ends at Janki Chatti. The best season to attempt the Bali Pass Trek is May-June and September-October. The trail offers spectacular views of the Kalanag, Bandarpoonch and Swargarohini peaks. One can say that the Bali Pass Trek is a mix of everything as there are wide grasslands, lakes, steep climbs and alpine forests. The trekkers can also get a taste of the local culture from the villages along the trail. The seekers of solitude and adventure will find the Bali Pass Trek, a wonderland, for themselves.

What is special about the Bali Pass Trek?

The Bali Pass Trek is good the trekkers who avoid crowded places. Because of the challenging terrain, not many people attempt this trek. Therefore, it is a good place to spend some time by yourself. The trekkers will get panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks around which look stunning along with the contrasting alpine forests.

The large canopies of the pine and deodar trees provide a cool and quiet atmosphere throughout the forest trail. The trekkers can also witness rare sights of wild animals along the way, which can be quite exciting. Himalayan Black Bear, Snow Leopard and Red Fox are some of the rare animals that can be seen. Pink and bright red coloured Rhododendron can also be witnessed if you are travelling in the Spring.

There are different types of terrain in the entire trail of the Bali Pass Trek including, snow-covered passes, glacial moraines, rocky terrain, widespread meadows and lush green valleys. Follow the instructions of the Trek Leaders of DiscoveryHike and you can get the most out of any situation. The Ruinsara Tal is an important point of the trek. The surrounding areas of this glacial lake are serene, creating a meditative environment. The Ruinsara Lake reflects the image of the rugged peaks around it, which makes it quite photogenic for the trekkers.

Odari is the Summit Base Camp of the Bali Pass Trek. Once you see the Summit from Odari, you will get goosebumps but hold your nerves and focus on every step. The trail from Odarito the Summit is extremely challenging and requires technical skills. The DiscoveryHikeTeam will guide you through it but you should be experienced and careful about this section.

Scenic Beauty

Greenery, forests and villages
The Sankri Village is surrounded by forests full of coniferous trees. The primary trees are pine, oak and deodar. The dark green leaves make large canopies which contrast the mountain landscape. Beautiful Rhododendrons add a pinch of bright red and pink hue to the scenery as well. The wooden houses based on the local architecture look beautiful and add to the overall beauty of the place. As you move upwards the trail opens up and the stunning views of the Supin River can be observed.

Ruinsara Lake
The Ruinsara Lake looks magical amidst the massive mountains around it, especially the Black Peak. The reflection of the Black Peak on the Ruinsara Lake looks breathtaking. The lake sits at an altitude of 11700 ft. The massif of Swargarohini also towers over the Ruinsara. Overall, it is fair to say that the Ruinsara Lake campsite is a dreamland for camp lovers.

Meadows and snowfields
The wide-spread meadows along the trail look mesmerizing because of their greenery and seasonal wildflowers. The meadows turn into barren lands as you move higher towards the Summit. The areas around Odari, the Summit Base Camp, are rocky and devoid of grasslands. It is filled with thick layers of snow, which looks like white snowfields.

Panoramic Mountain views
The sunrise from the Bali Pass Summit can give you joy and a sense of achievement. The orange and golden hues of the sun make the surrounding peaks look like a wonderland. The trekkers can get panoramic views of some of the great mountain peaks like the Swargarohini(20512 ft), Bandarpoonch (20722 ft) and Black Peak (21000 ft). The Yamunotri Glacier, which is the endpoint of the trek, is also visible from the Summit.

Challenges during the trek

Altitude
The Bali Pass Trek is a high-altitude trek therefore, prior preparation is extremely important. Without proper acclimatization, AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is very common. The primary symptoms are headache, nausea and irritation. At every campsite, spend more time outside the tent, as it will help your body to get acclimatized faster.

Weather
The weather can be very unpredictable, especially if you are attempting the Bali Pass Trek during the off-season. Strong winds throughout the day and freezing temperatures during the night are quite common, making the trek even more difficult. The trekkers should carry extra warm clothes and be prepared for such adverse conditions.

Terrain
The steep section near the Summit will demand the trekkers to be skilled, in using different trekking equipment. The trekkers should have prior experience of technical climbing using ropes and ice axes. The Trek Leaders of the DiscoveryHike Team will provide you with a detailed briefing about the use of different equipment. You can safely climb the technical sections if you are mentally strong and follow the instructions properly.

Preparation
The adventurous trail of the trek can be overwhelming and can be a testing experience regarding your fitness level. Therefore, you should never forget about the preparation before coming to the Bali Pass Trek. When it comes to preparation, for a trek, people only consider the physical aspect of the training. But, the mental preparation, before any trek, is equally important as it provides mental clarity and stability to face adverse conditions.

Physical Training

Mental Training

Itinerary of the Bali Pass Trek

Day 1: Pick up from Dehradun Airport and drive to Sankri Base Camp

Once you arrive at Dehradun/Rishikesh/Haridwar/Kathgodam, the DiscoveryHike Team will pick you up and take you through the scenic valleys and twisty roads to Sankri. It is around 200 km from Dehradun and will you 8-10 hours by road. Sankri sits at an altitude of 6400 ft and therefore, nature starts to unveil its beauty gradually along the way.
There are many restaurants and hotels, where you can freshen up, if needed. The road from Dehradun to Sankri travels through Mussoorie, Mori and Purola, therefore, the views are extremely beautiful. Once you reach Sankri, you will be provided with evening snacks and a briefing about the Bali Pass Trek. Talk to the locals while having dinner and take proper rest.

Day 2: Drive from Sankri Base Camp to Taluka and trek to Seema

After having breakfast, we start our day towards Taluka by road. You will be trekking to Seema, which is around 8200 ft above ground level, from Taluka. It is a 14 km trek and takes around 5-6 hours. It is primarily a forest trail throughout the day along the Supin River. The forest consists of walnuts, chinar and willow trees. The views of the Supin River are mesmerizing and contrast well with the alpine forests and rugged mountains.

You can also witness some wild animals like Black Bear, Fox Musk Deer and many more. Occasionally, Rhododendrons and different wildflowers can also be observed along the trail. There are small villages like the Gangaar Village along the trail as well, which are full of stories and rich culture. We will be taking small breaks in these villages and socialising with locals. The night stay will be at the Seema campsite.

Day 3: Trek from Seema to Rainbasera

Unlike the previous day, the trail for this day comprises both dense forest and widespread green meadows. Today, we will gain an altitude of 2300 ft and reach the Rainbasera campsite 10500 ft. It is a peaceful place by the riverside, which is best suited for the solitude seekers. The Debshu Bugyal is the primary break point of today’s trail.

The magnificent views of the Black Peak from the Debshu Bugyal can give you goosebumps. The trail from Debshu Bugyal descends through a rocky terrain. We need to cross the Supin River through a wooden bridge. After crossing a few tricky sections, we reach the Rainbaseracampsite for the night stay. It is a 10 km trek and you will reach the campsite after 5-6 hours by late afternoon.

Day 4: Trek from Rainbasera to Ruinsara Tal

Today we will be trekking for 7 km which will take around 4-5 hours. Along the way, you must bid farewell to the Supin River as this is the last day, for the Supin River to be seen. The campsite is serene and one of the primary attractions of the Bali Pass Trek after the Summit. The trekkers can see the Yamuna Kanta Pass from the Ruinsara Lake campsite.

The Bandarpoonch, Kalanag (Black Peak), Dhumdharkandi and White Peak can also be seen surrounding the Lake. The reflection of the mountains on the glacial lake enhances the beauty further. The campsite lies in between the Supin river and the Ruinsara Lake and the trekkers have an opportunity to stay in wooden huts as well.

Day 5: Trek from Ruinsara Tal to Odari

After finishing breakfast, we will start the hike towards Odari, the Summit Base Camp which is at an altitude of 13450 ft. It is a 4 km trek and will take us 3-4 hours. It is an important day to get your body acclimatized properly before the Summit Day. The area is mostly barren and is full of rock terrain.
Snow Leopard and Blue sheep can also be seen along the way if you are lucky. The Trek Leaders of the Discovery Hike Team will guide you about using trekking equipment like ice axes and ropes. Spend more outside the tent to get acclimatized better and prevent the risk of AMS. After dinner, rest well at the Odari campsite. You can also meditate here to get your thoughts aligned.

Day 6: Trek from Odari to Bali Pass and descend to Lower Dhamni

Finally, the day arrives, which you had anticipated. It is going to be a long, challenging and tiring day. We will be trekking for 10 km and will take us around 9-10 hours. We will start early morning and take the steep climb to the Summit, which is about 16207 ft. The panoramic views of the Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini and Yamuna Valley are breathtaking.

After spending some time at the Summit, we continue to descend towards the Lower Dhamni, at an altitude of 11800 ft. The trail to the Lower Dhamni is a steep descent. There are many narrow and critical sections along the way. We will take a short break at the Upper Dhamni before continuing our journey towards Lower Dhamni. The trekkers are advised to stay with the Trek Leaders as the path is confusing.

Day 7: Trek from Lower Dhamni to Janki Chatti and drive back to Dehradun

This is officially the last day of the Bali Pass Trek, so you might be overwhelmed with a lot of emotions. The trail towards Janki Chatti is about 8 km long and takes us through coniferous forests. You can visit the Yamunotri Temple nearby and take blessings. The Trek ends here officially. The Discovery Hike Team will take to Dehradun as per the Dehradun-Dehradun package.

Day 8: Buffer Day

The buffer day has been kept in case of adverse weather conditions or emergencies. It can also be used for an extra rest or acclimatization day.

So, did you like the Bali Pass Trek? If you are fit and experienced, this is the best way to experience the Himalayas. The DiscoveryHike Team will take care of everything as per the Dehradun-Dehradun package. We will offer you an amazing travelling experience, good accommodations at cheaper prices and an opportunity to connect with the local culture. The Bali Pass Trek is a perfect blend of adventure and solitude. Click here for more details.

FAQs

1. When is the pickup in Dehradun for the Bali Pass Trek?

The pickup for the Bali Pass Trek is scheduled at Dehradun/Haridwar/Kathgodam/Rishikesh. The vehicle will wait for a maximum of half an hour or more in case of delays or genuine issues raised by the trekkers.

2. What is the ideal time to embark on the Bali Pass Trek?

The best time to undertake the Bali Pass Trek is from May-June & September-October. These months offer pleasant weather and captivating landscapes.

3. What is the typical temperature range during the Bali Pass Trek?

In summer, temperatures on the Bali Pass Trek can range from –5°C to 15°C, while in winter, it may drop to –20°C to -5°C.

4. How do I return from the Bali Pass Trek, and is there organized transport?

The trek concludes in Sankri for the Sankri-Sankri Package, and we will arrange transport from Sankri at an additional cost of Rs. 6,000/- which may be shareable if other trekkers are available. Generally, we keep the drop-off vehicle Ready in advance for the Dehradun-Dehradun Package. The expected arrival in Dehradun is by 18:30.

5. What are the tent-sharing options on the Bali Pass Trek, and can I customize them?

Tents are usually shared by three trekkers. If you prefer a two-person tent, you can opt for it at an extra fee of Rs. 2000 per person. Payment for customization needs to be made instantly through Cash/bank transfer.

6. Who provides sleeping bags, tents, and other essentials for the Bali Pass Trek?

Discovery Hike will arrange tents and sleeping bags designed for harsh conditions.

7. Who accompanies trekkers during the Bali Pass Trek?

An experienced trek leader and qualified staff from Discovery Hike will ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

8. Are special shoes required for the Bali Pass Trek?

Normal shoes with good grip and water resistance are sufficient. Crampons and gaiters are provided for specific trail conditions.

9. Can beginners undertake the Bali Pass Trek?

No, the Bali Pass Trek is suitable for experienced trekkers and is categorized as a Difficulttrek. Extremely Good physical fitness is essential.

10. What if it rains during the Bali Pass Trek? `

Ponchos will keep you dry while trekking, and waterproof tents are provided. It’s advised to buy a rain cover for your bag.

11. Should I use trekking poles on the Bali Pass Trek?

Yes, trekking poles are essential, reducing energy expenditure by 60%, especially during high-altitude treks.

12. What other treks are similar to the Bali Pass Trek?

Similar treks include the Auden’s Col Trek and Borasu Pass Trek, suitable for experienced trekkers and offer breathtaking views and challenging terrain.

13. Can kids join the Bali Pass Trek?

No, it’s suitable for children aged 15 and above, provided they are fit and can hike around 8km daily.

14. What are the toilet facilities during the Bali Pass Trek?

Generally, there are 3-4 toilet tents in every camp with gender-specific dry pits.

15. Is backpack offloading available on the Bali Pass Trek?

Yes, it’s available for Rs 350/- per day per Bag. Trolleys/suitcases are not accepted for offloading.

16. Where can I get water if thirsty during the Bali Pass Trek?

You can fill your bottle from natural resources like cascades, consulting your trek leader before filling it.

17. How much water is needed during the Bali Pass Trek?

Carry 2 litres daily to stay hydrated.

18. What’s the mobile network and charging situation on the Bali Pass Trek?

Good Jio and BSNL networks are available till Sankri. Charge devices there as there are no points afterward.

19. What should I wear for the Bali Pass Trek?

Wear layers, including thermals, sweaters, and jackets. Socks and a woollen cap are essential.

20. Can I store extra luggage in Sankri during the Bali Pass Trek?

Yes, there’s a luggage room for storage at Sankri Base Camp, during the trek.

21. What should I bring for the Bali Pass Trek?

Basic trekking gear, a declaration, and a medical certificate.

22. Can I rent equipment from Discovery Hike for the Bali Pass Trek?

Yes, items like ponchos, poles, jackets, shoes, etc. are available for rent.

23. What food is served on the Bali Pass Trek?

A balanced diet varies with altitude, including breakfast items like eggs and parathas, and meals with daal, rice, vegetables, and chapattis. Meal variety is changeable and subject to availability.

24. Are there toilet facilities between Dehradun and Sankri for the Bali Pass Trek?

Local restaurants and hotels can used by the trekkers to freshen up.

25. What are the primary highlights of the Bali Pass Trek?

Ruinsara Lake has challenging sections, ancient Himalayan villages, Solitude and panoramic views.

26. How long does it take to finish the Bali Pass Trek?

It takes around 8 days. The total trek is about 60 km long.

27. What is the altitude of the Bali Pass Trek?

The Bali Pass is the highest point on the trek which sits at an altitude of 16207 ft.