About Bali Pass Trek
Riding on Asia's longest and highest ropeway, savouring the view of
some of the largest peaks in the world, and skiing on the longest
ropeway in India It is no exaggeration to say that Bali Pass Trek in the
Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, Himalayan Mountains is mountaineers'
delight. In this Trek (4800 meters above sea-level) one can enjoy and
come across hilly-terrain, rough boulders, dense forests with greenery
everywhere, smooth silky lush green meadows, snow-clad glaciers and
ice-frozen trekking path etc. when crossing each stop of Bali Pass
Trekking. Ball Pass Trek starts from the Tons River Valley and ends in
Yamuna River Valley. History has it that in the 1940s a School Teacher
by name Jack Gibson of Doon School made this trek popular. Many Trekkers
now enjoy his same pleasures every year in crowds.
The breathtaking views of Himalayan Peaks namely Swargarohini,
Kalanag and Banderpunch are highlights of Bali Pass Trek, along with the
splendid view of Supine Valley, and taking a holy-dip in the sacred
Ruinsara Lake and visiting Yamunotri Temple, as extra bonuses. Best
season for enjoying this Trek most is May to October. Popular among
Trekkers is the route taken from Dehradun to Sankri via Mussoorie,
Kempty Falls, Naugaon, Purola, Mori and Netwar. The actual trekking
starts from Sankri to pass through Govind National Park (beautiful
wild-flowers can't be missed in pine and deodar forest); Taluka; Seema;
Roiltia Waterfall Camp; Ruinsara Lake; Godari Camp (4100 meters); Upper
Dhamni via Bali Pass; Yamunotri and Hanumanchatti.
After enjoying rest at Sankri after 7 hours travel from Dehradun,
trekkers can embark to Taluka and Seema (12 kms). Although motorable,
the journey by walk through the forest range will be more enchanting.
Walking along the River bank, crossing fields, and apple orchards and
pine forest. Seema to Roiltia is ascending trail of 4 Kms, and when the
walkers cross this trail enjoying the green fields and flora and fauna
as donation of Tons River, they really like the trekking. Reaching at
Roiltia Waterfall they camp happily during night.
The next lap of the trek is ascending trail again for 9 kms. Until
reaching the Ruinsara valley and the Ruinsara Lake, your eyes are
feasting the pine, fir, birch and rhododendron bushes and trees. These
are lovely sights only for the enjoyment of trekkers in Himalayan
Mountains. Beautiful green meadows abound alongside Ruinsara Lake.
Kalanag Peak is clearly visible from here. Local people believe this
Lake as a sacred one and taking a holy-dip is considered divine.
Trekkers rest for one more day at this Ruinsara Lake Camp, to visit
Kyarkoti base-camp for Kalanag peak trekking and back to the camp. This
rest also acts as rejuvenation for climbing uphill next day. Marching
towards Godari (4100 meters) and camping in such a best location high
over the Mountain and excellent view of the valley below are really
fantastic experiences. Godari to Upper Damini via Bali Pass will also be
thrilling, because you have to ascend first to reach 4800 meters and
descend through the alpine zone to reach Upper Damini at 4000 meters.
Fabulous views of Himalayan Peaks, especially Panchachuli will be
unforgettable. The downward-trek to Yamunotri and Hanumanchatti begins
thereafter. On the way visit Yamunotri temple, worshipped very piously
by the local people. From Hanumanchatti back to Dehradun to carry home
the sweet memories of adventurous and lovely Bali Pass Trek.
Area : Garhwal Himalayas
Duration : 13 Days (3 day travel/10 days trekking)
Best Season : Mid May - Mid October
Grade :Tough
Altitude : 4800mts/15750ft
Total Trekking : 105 K.M
Bali Pass Trekking Tour Highlights
- Explore the Jaunsari Villages, a tiny hamlet known for its wooden houses.
- Spend some time observing the lush green high altitude Dev Thach meadows.
- Meet and greet the people of Gangad and Osla villages. Know about their local culture and folklores. Osla is known for interesting Himachali architecture that can keep you absorbed for a long time.
- Seek the blessings of Lord Shiva at the Yamunotri temple, a part of Chota Char Dham route.
- Relax on the lakeside of Ruinsara Lake, one of the glacial lake.
Best Time to Visit
Best time to travel to Bali Pass Trek is in summers (May – June) and post monsoon (September - October).
Summer:
The weather of Bali Pass remains salubrious and pleasing during summers.
The Himalayas are distinctly visible and the cool breeze adds charm to
the vacation. Carry light woolens with you.
After Monsoon:
The greenery of Bali Pass welcomes the tourist to get lost into the
wilderness of nature. Enjoy the sip of tea, gazing at the snow capped
peaks at Bali Pass during monsoons. There are chances of getting roads
blocked for a couple of hours due to landslides but the scenic beauty of
Bali Pass during monsoons is worth taking the risk. Do carry raincoats.
Where is the Bali Pass?
At an elevation of 4950mts, Bala is a high altitude pass, which
offers the view of Kala Nag, Banderpoonch & Swargarohini peaks. Trek
to Bala Pass is not easy to walk; trekkers will require the assistance
of technical gears like crampons and rope.
How to Reach?
By Air: Jolly grant airport at Dehradun is the nearest airport.
By Road: Sankri is well connected by roads with Uttarkashi (170 km), Mussoorie (180 km) and Dehradun (190 km).
By Railway: Dehradun is the nearest major railway station. Railway station at Haridwar is also one of the other nearby options.
Bali Pass Trek (Detailed Itinerary)
Day 1: Delhi - Dehradun - Mussoorie (34 kms/1½ hrs)
In the morning catch an AC train to Dehradun (scheduled at 06:50
hrs). Arrival at Dehradun by 12:30 hrs and meet our representative who
will assist you to reach Mussoorie, which is a popular hill station in
Uttarakhand. On arrival at Mussoorie, check-in to a hotel. Evening is
free to explore the nearby places. Overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 2: Mussoorie - Sankri (160 kms/5-6 hrs)
Today, we shall drive from Mussoorie to Sankri, which will be our
starting point of the trek. The route from Mussoorie to Sankri passes
through Yamuna Bridge and Naitwar at Tons valley. Driving continue to
Naitwar, which is an entrance of Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. The wildlife
sanctuary is a home to large number of mammal species like Snow
leopard, Black bear, Brown bear, Musk deer, Bharal, Himalayan Thar. A
few endangered birds like Monal pheasant, Koklas pheasant, Western
Tragopan, Himalayan Snow cock, Golden eagle, Bearded Vulture, Cuckoo,
Owl and Bulbul can be found in the wildlife Sanctuary. Overnight stay in
Sankri.
Day 3: Sankri - Taluka (1900 mts/12 kms 4/5 hrs)
Our day will start with a trek to Taluka village along the Supin
River. The trail is a motorable road, therefore it is an easy trek day
done for merely acclimatisation. We shall cross through remote village
that has two-storied houses that overlook the streams. There are about
42 fairly populated villages in the area of sanctuary; some are situated
at a height of 2900 mts. The people are living a primitive life are
dependent on forests for provision of basic needs. The villagers worship
the Kauravas and Duryodhana of the epic Mahabharata. The temples have
beautiful wood carvings here. Overnight stay in Taluka.
Day 4: Taluka - Osla (2559 mts/13 kms 4/5 hrs)
After the breakfast, we will be crossing Sian Gad by a bridge,
further we will climb to Dhatmir village. From Dhatmir, we shall cross
the river towards right side of Ton river. The entire route is dotted
with tea-shops and Dhabas. Our destination Osla, has a dense forest of
Walnut, Chestnut, Willow and Chinar. Overnight stay in a camp in Osla.
Day 5: Osla - Har Ki dun (3506 mts/ 14 kms 5/6 hrs)
Today, we will trek to Har Ki Dun, which has a backdrop of snowy
mountain peaks and it is said to be one of the best places to see in
Uttarakhand. As the trekking trail ascends the lush green mountain
fields can be seen dotted with wild flowers. Enroute we will have a
lovely views of Kalanag Peak (6387 mts), Bandar punch (6316 mts),
Swargarohini (6252 mts) and Juandhar glacier. Little streams shall also
cross our path. Overnight stay in a camp in Har Ki Dun.
Day 6: Har Ki Dun - Borasu Pass (4725 mts) - Har Ki dun (5 kms)
In the morning, after the breakfast, we shall ascend towards Borasu
Pass, which divides Har Ki dun and Sangla Valley in Himachal Pradesh. We
shall trek above the pass to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Later in
the afternoon, we will descend to the campsite. Overnight stay in Har
Ki Dun.
Day 7: Har Ki Dun - Debshu Bugyal
Today, we will trek 14 kms to reach Debshu Bugyal. It shall take 4-5
hrs to reach as most of the trek requires walking downhill. Overnight
stay in tents.
Day 8: Debshu Bugyal - Ruinsara Tal
Early in the morning, we will trek towards Ruinsara Tal. The Trek
from Debshu Bugyal to Ruinsara Tal is through terraced fields, lush
grasslands and conifer forest. The climbing required on moderate slopes,
thus it will take about 5 - 6 hrs to finally reach the lake. On arrival
at Ruinsara Tal, we shall set out our camp for an overnight stay.
Day 9: Ruinsara Tal (The day is for rest/acclimatisation/exploration)
The day will be free for acclimatization and exploration of the
surrounding area. The place is a photographer's delight. Dinner and
overnight stay in tents.
Day 10: Ruinsara Tal - Foot of Bali pass (6 kms)
Post breakfast, we will climb to the base of Bali Pass. An imposing
trio of Kalanaag, Bander Punch and Swargarohini peaks stands in front of
the base camp. Overnight stay in the camp.
Day 11: Foot of Bali pass - Bali pass (4800 mts) - Yamunotri (3165 mts/ 9 kms)
Early in the morning, we shall start our exciting trek to Bali Pass,
which is about 4800m, and it is not one of the glaciated passes but a
rocky and scree-filled pass. The pass divides the Tons valley and the
Yamunotri valleys and offers magnificent views of Swargarohini peak and
Ruinsara Gad. After spending some time at the Pass, we shall trek
through an open meadow and a forest to reach Yamunotri. The place is
said to be the source of the River Yamuna and it is one of the four
Dhams for Hindu pilgrimage. Overnight camping in Yamunotri.
Day 12: Yamunotri - Janakichatti - Hanumanchatti (2400 m/7200 ft) 14 kms/4-5 hrs
After breakfast, we shall trek 14 kms with packed lunch along River
Yamuna to reach Janakichatti (2575 mts). From here, we will trek to
Hanumanchatti (2400 mts), it is here that two holy rivers Yamuna and
Hanuman Ganga confluence. Dinner and overnight stay in camp/hotel.
Day 13: Hanuma Chatti - Dehradun - Delhi
Post breakfast, we will drive to Dehradun. Lunch will be provided on
the way. Arrive in Dehradun by evening and then go to the railway
station to catch AC train for Delhi at 17:00 hrs. Arrival at Delhi by
22:45 hrs.
Things to Carry for Bali Pass Trek
- Duffel bag Down/synthetic camp booties
- Sunglasses, Light gloves
- Sleeping bag
- Flashlight/Headlamp with extra batteries
- Daypack
- One liter water bottles wide mouthed
- Trekking Boots
- Water purification/filter
- Camp shoes/sneakers
- Walking stick/Trekking pole
- Cotton socks
- Note book with pens and pencils
- Gore-Tex jacket
- Lip balm
- Light wind jacket Sunscreen / Moisturiser
- Down jacket/vest
- Camp towel/towel/sarong
- Fleece jacket/vest
- Personal toiletries
- T-shirts
- Personal medicines
- Underwear
- Money pouch/belt
- Trekking pants
- Energy bars
- Thermal tops
- Vitamin tablets
- Thermal bottom
- Extra passport photos
- Warm hat and Bandana/scarf
- Sun hat/baseball cap
- Wind- and rain-gear with hood
- Swiss Army Knives (Classic pocket tool)
- One pair cotton trousers or shorts
- Two cotton shirts/T-Shirts One warmer (jacket with hood)
