🌄 1. Introduction
The Bali Pass Trek is one of the most thrilling and high-altitude treks in the Indian Himalayas, located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. If you’re someone who dreams of snow-covered ridges, alpine lakes, charming villages, and panoramic Himalayan views, then Bali Pass is calling you!
⛰️ Altitude: 4,950 meters (16,240 feet)
🚶♂️ Trek Duration: 7-8 days
📍 Region: Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
🗺️ Difficulty: Difficult
📍 2. Where is Bali Pass Located?
Bali Pass is situated in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, which falls in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It connects the famous Har Ki Dun valley to the Yamunotri Valley, making it a scenic and spiritual journey all at once.
✨ 3. Bali Pass Trek Highlights
- ❄️ Cross the majestic Bali Pass summit at nearly 5,000 meters
- 🛕 Visit Osla village and its unique Duryodhana temple
- 🌊 Camp by the glacial lake Ruinsara Tal
- 🐾 Spot wildlife inside Govind National Park
- 🛐 End your trek near the holy Yamunotri Temple, one of the Char Dham sites
- 📷 Get 360-degree views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak
🗓️ 4. Best Time to Visit Bali Pass
Planning is key! Here’s when you should go:
🌸 May to June
- Melting snow, clear views, moderate temperatures
🍁 September to October
- Autumn colors, crisp skies, minimal crowd
⚠️ Avoid July–August (monsoons) due to landslides and slippery trails.
🚗 5. How to Reach the Trek Start Point (Sankri)
Your trek begins from Sankri, a peaceful mountain hamlet.
✈️ By Air:
- Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (220 km from Sankri)
🚆 By Train:
- Nearest railhead: Dehradun Railway Station
🚌 By Road:
- From Dehradun to Sankri, it’s a 10-hour journey via shared cabs or private vehicles.
🔁 Pro Tip: Reach a day early to acclimatize before the trek starts!
🥾 6. Bali Pass Trek Itinerary (Day-by-Day)
Day 1: Arrival in Sankri (1,920 m)
Welcome to the base village. Surrounded by pine trees and apple orchards, Sankri is your first taste of the Himalayas.
Day 2: Sankri – Taluka – Seema (2,560 m)
Drive to Taluka and trek through riverside forests to reach Seema. Spot langurs and chirping birds on the way.
Day 3: Seema to Rainbasera (3,200 m)
Enjoy pristine Himalayan paths and the melody of the Supin River.
Day 4: Rainbasera to Ruinsara Tal (3,650 m)
Camp near this divine glacial lake, reflecting snow-capped peaks!
Day 5: Ruinsara to Odari (4,100 m)
A scenic and tough ascent through high-altitude terrain.
Day 6: Odari – Bali Pass Summit (4,950 m) – Lower Dhamni
The most challenging day! Cross the snow-laden Bali Pass and descend steeply.
Day 7: Lower Dhamni to Janki Chatti (2,650 m)
Descend through forests to Janki Chatti, gateway to Yamunotri Temple.
🏞️ 7. Tourist Places on the Bali Pass Trek
🏘️ Sankri Village
A lovely base camp known for homestays, views of Swargarohini, and Garhwali culture.
🏡 Taluka
A small motorable village surrounded by deodar trees and traditional stone houses.
🛕 Osla Village
A remote village famous for its wooden Duryodhana Temple, folk stories, and warm locals.
🏞️ Ruinsara Tal
This pristine lake is a paradise for photographers and nature lovers.
❄️ Bali Pass Summit
Offers panoramic views of Kala Nag, Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Yamunotri Valley.
🙏 Yamunotri Temple
Sacred shrine dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, part of the Char Dham Yatra.
🛖 8. Accommodation & Meals
🏕️ Campsites
- Tents provided by trek organizers along the route
- Camp beside rivers, forests, and lakes
🏠 Homestays
- Available in Sankri and Osla villages
- Warm Garhwali hospitality, local food, and cozy wooden homes
🍛 Food
- Simple vegetarian meals (dal-chawal, chapati, sabzi)
- Try local Garhwali dishes like Aloo ke Gutke, Chainsoo, Gahat ki Dal
🎒 9. Packing Essentials for Bali Pass Trek
- Thermal wear and fleece jackets
- Trekking poles and snow gaiters
- Waterproof shoes and rain cover
- Energy bars, ORS, dry fruits
- Reusable water bottle 🥤
- First aid kit + Diamox (for AMS)
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm
- Torch/headlamp 🔦
- ID proof and permits
🎒 Tip: Keep your backpack weight under 10 kg!
💪 10. Fitness & Trek Difficulty
This is a high-altitude trek, so fitness is key.
🚶♂️ Physical Fitness
- Daily cardio (jogging, stair climbing) for 30-45 mins
- Strength training for legs and core
- Practice brisk 5–8 km walks with a backpack
⚠️ Difficulty Level
- Moderate to Difficult
- Requires prior trekking experience or solid training
📄 11. Permits & Guidelines
Before you hit the trail, ensure you have:
- Entry permit for Govind Wildlife Sanctuary
- Trekking insurance (recommended)
- Medical fitness certificate
- Local guide or authorized trekking agency
📢 Important: Solo trekking not allowed beyond certain points. A licensed guide is mandatory for safety and regulations.
🔐 12. Tips & Safety Advice
- Acclimatize properly to avoid AMS
- Stay hydrated even if you don’t feel thirsty
- Follow eco-friendly practices: no plastic, no waste
- Listen to your trek leader
- Avoid alcohol/smoking during the trek
- Always inform your family before the trek (no network ahead)
🧘 13. Conclusion: Why Bali Pass Trek is a Life-Changer
If you’re looking for a trek that gives you everything — challenge, culture, charm, and spiritual closure, then Bali Pass is it. From lush green valleys to snow-laden summits, from sacred temples to mirror-like lakes — this journey is a celebration of everything beautiful about the Himalayas.
And when you finally stand at the summit, breathless but victorious, gazing at the Himalayan giants — you’ll know why Bali Pass isn’t just a trek. It’s an experience of a lifetime. 🌍💙
🙋 14. FAQs
❓ 1. How long is the Bali Pass trek?
The total trek is about 60–65 km and takes 7–8 days to complete.
❓ 2. Do we need a guide for Bali Pass?
Yes, it’s mandatory to have a certified guide or go with a registered trek operator due to the difficulty and terrain.
❓ 3. Is network available on the trek?
Network is only available in Sankri and Taluka. Beyond that, it’s a complete digital detox.
❓ 4. What is the temperature on the trek?
Temperature ranges from 10°C during the day to -10°C at night, especially at higher camps.
❓ 5. Can I do this trek solo?
Technically no. Due to safety concerns and permit rules, solo trekking is not allowed on this trail.