Bali Pass- a trekking route that connects the Yamunotri Valley to Har Ki Dun valley through Ruinsara lake.
Bali Pass Trek lies at the height Altitude of 4953 Meters. The Bali Pass Trek starts from Sankri Base Camp, which is the base camp of more than twenty-five Treks In Uttarakhand and Ends at Trek Yamunotri Jankichatti.The Bali Pass Trek comes under Govind Wildlife Sanctuary National park in Uttarkashi district Uttarakhand. No doubt, and the Himalayas have enchanting beauty, bracing climate, and desirable soothing green meadow.
Short Itinerary
Day 1-Dehradun to Sankri via Mussoorie & Purola - 8 hours drive
Day 2-Sankri (1,920 m) to Seema (2,560 m) - 1 hour drive to Taluka & trek to Seema + 5-6 hours trek
Day 3-Seema (2,560 m) to Roiltia or Waterfall camp (3,350 m) - 6-7 hours trek
Day 4-Roiltia to Ruinsara lake (3,600 m)- 2 hours trek
Day 5-Roiltia to Ruinsara lake (3,600 m)- 2 hours trek
Day 6-Ruinsara lake to Odari (4,100 m)- 4-5 hours Trek
Day 7-Odari (4,100 m) to upper Dhamni (4,000 m) via Bali pass (4,900 m)- 7-8 hours
Day 8-Upper Dhamni (4,000 m) to Yamunotri to Janki Cha tti (2,400 m)- 7-8 hours trek
Day 9-Janki Chatti to Dehradun - 7 hours drive
Detail Itinerary
Day 1
Dehradun to Sankri via Mussoorie & Purola - 8 hours drive
Our journey begins from Dehradun, making it a good option for people looking for treks near Delhi. Driving alongside the Tons river, and passing villages in Uttarakhand like Damta, Purola, Mori, and Netwar, we will reach the base camp Sankri. There is no network in this village, letting us take in the sight of the sun gloriously setting over the surrounding Greater Himalayan peaks without any distractions. We will be accommodated in hotels or homestays here.
Duration:3 hours
Day 2
Sankri (1,920 m) to Seema (2,560 m) - 1 hour drive to Taluka & trek to Seema + 5-6 hours trek
A few hours and crossing over a few streams later, we see the village of Gangad across the river on the left. We continue our hike and after about an hour, the quaint village of Osla unfolds itself. Osla is a household name among trekkers. Home to about 200 families, it gives us a peek into Garwahli culture. Seema is a tiny settlement opposite to Osla on the other side of the river. We set camp here or stay in a hut with a local family in the village.
Duration:3 hours
Day 3
Seema (2,560 m) to Roiltia or Waterfall camp (3,350 m) - 6-7 hours trek
Leaving the last of human settlements behind, we continue along the true left of the valley along the river Supin. Supin merges with Rupin near Netwar village to form Tons, which is the biggest tributary of river Yamuna. An ascend through deodar trees leads us to a beautiful meadow – Devsu Thatch. This 1km expanse of green land is set against the looming Swargarohini ranges. We can also see Kalanag (Black Peak) (6387m) straight ahead. On our left, we can see Har Ki Dun Valley. At its bottom lies the confluence of Har Ki Dun and Ruinsara rivers.
Duration: 3 hours
Day 4
Roiltia to Ruinsara lake (3,600 m)- 2 hours trek
Today's journey is going to take in under 2 hours even at a slow pace. And within this hike itself we notice a stark change in vegetation. Pine and fir trees give way to birch and rhododendron trees. We then reach one of the highlights of the trek — Ruinsara Tal, an alpine tarn, surrounded by lush Rhododendron trees, with their distinct pink bloom in the summers. We will be left enchanted by this sacred lake in the Uttarakhand Himalayas. It is one of the trio of lakes in the Garhwal region, the other two lakes being Marinda and Maldaru. We will be camping overnight near the lake.
Duration: 3 hours
Day 5
Roiltia to Ruinsara lake (3,600 m)- 2 hours trek
Lying at an elevation of about 3500 m, Ruinsara lake is a good place to acclimatize ourselves before reaching Bali Pass base camp the next day. Ruinsara Tal’s reputation precedes itself for its beauty. The small and pristine lake lies within a vast meadow, alpine vegetation and surrounding rhododendron bushes. There is innumerable variety of alpine flowers growing around the lake. The river Supin is situated 100 meters below the lake, next to a ridge.
Duration: 3 hours
Day 6
Ruinsara lake to Odari (4,100 m)- 4-5 hours Trek
We start the day early so as to reach our destination before afternoon. We descend down to the shallow river bed, cross over to the opposite bank and walk uphill to another beautiful meadow – Thanga. This meadow also offers awe-inspiring views of the seemingly omnipresent Swargarohini ranges. Kyarkoti valley lies towards the left.
Duration: 3 hours
Day 7
Odari (4,100 m) to upper Dhamni (4,000 m) via Bali pass (4,900 m)- 7-8 hours
This day of crossing Bali Pass too begins very early. We strive to reach the summit by 8am. The trail heads down south, over a ridge. It is a fairly short but steep climb up to the Pass. A lot of glacial scree will be encountered here. Time taken to reach the top ranges from 45 minutes to one and a half hours. Once we reach the top, we behold the Yamunotri valley for the first time. The view is breath- taking. We see hints of the Saptrishi Kund, which is the origin of river Yamuna. We also get to witness the Banderpunch peaks from the top of the Pass. The summits of Dayara Bugyal, Barua Top and Dokrani Bamak are visible too. We then descend carefully via a connecting ridge and reach the camping grounds of upper Dhamni.
Duration: 3 hours
Day 8
Upper Dhamni (4,000 m) to Yamunotri to Janki Cha tti (2,400 m)- 7-8 hours trek
We descend further to a forested trail. This path leads us to the famous shrine of Yamunotri with the glorious Bandarpunch in its background. One of the temples in the Char Dham circuit, it is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. After paying obeisance to her black marble idol, we make our way down the conventional pilgrim road to Janki Chatti. We stay overnight in one of the guesthouses here. We will get electricity but no phone network.
Duration: 3 hours
Day 9
Janki Chatti to Dehradun - 7 hours drive
This is the final day of the trip and we drive back to Dehradun. We can make the most of this jourey by visiting other well-known places that fall on this route such as Kempty waterfalls, Nainbagh and Mussourie. With equally beautiful memories of an offbeat trek and touristy sight-seeing, we have a cherishable experience.
Duration: 3 hours
Photo Gallery
Other Information
Price Includes
- All breakfasts, lunches and dinners from Dhaula to Sangla (VEG).
- All accommodation from Dhaula to Sangla.
- All campaign equipments Medical Kit.
- Professional Trek Leaders (Experienced Guide/Staff) All forests permits
Price Excludes
- Travel insurance and other emergencies.
- All Meals from Kathgodam-Lohajung & Lohajung-Kathgodam
- Mules (A Hybrid Animal) to carry personal luggage Single room accommodations
- Hard Drinks (This also includes undistilled fermented beverages)
- Photography accessories like cameras etc.
Terms & Conditions
Prices are "from", per person, based on 2 adults and 2 children (under the age of 12) sharing, and include all taxes. Day touring as per the itinerary.
This was my 2nd experience with them. It was educational, benefitial, reflective, fun, interesting, friendly, disciplined .. Considering the fact that it was in the remote hills, yet The Mountain Trekker provided such splendid facilities, I'll add luxurious.
Vinod was awesome, awesome being an understatement. He not only was informative regarding the trees, environment, birds, mountains, trails, Gaia, local language, rock climbing