The Bali Pass Trek is an exhilarating high-altitude adventure spanning approximately 66 kilometers through the rugged landscapes of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, India. Traversing ancient Himalayan trade routes, alpine meadows, and dramatic glacial basins, this trek connects the Har Ki Dun Valley to the sacred Yamunotri region, culminating in the crossing of the spectacular Bali Pass at nearly 5,000 meters (16,400 feet).
Starting from the picturesque village of Sankri, the trail winds through dense pine and oak forests, quaint hamlets, and lush meadows rich in wildflowers. Trekkers enjoy awe-inspiring views of iconic peaks like Swargarohini, Kala Nag (Black Peak), and Bandarpunch. This trek is graded moderate to challenging, recommended for experienced trekkers seeking a blend of remote wilderness, high-altitude adventure, and cultural immersion.
The trek typically lasts 7 days, beginning with a scenic drive from Dehradun to Sankri. The route progresses through Taluka, Seema, Dev Thatch, and the pristine Ruinsara Tal, before ascending to the Bali Pass Base Camp (Odari). The crossing of Bali Pass involves navigating snow slopes and glacier sections with crampons and ropes. The descent leads toward Damini Forest, Yamunotri shrine, and ends at Janki Chatti, from where you drive to Barkot and onward to Dehradun.
This journey offers a truly unforgettable experience combining challenging terrain, remote Himalayan vistas, and the thrill of crossing one of Uttarakhand’s most dramatic mountain passes.
Key Highlights
- Region: Uttarakhand, India — Govind Pashu Vihar National Park & Sanctuary, Har Ki Dun Valley, Ruinsara Tal, and Yamunotri region
- Duration: 7 days, with an average of 6–8 hours of trekking per day
- Grade: Moderate to challenging — recommended for trekkers with prior high-altitude experience and good fitness
- Trail Length: ~66 kilometers, point-to-point route starting at Sankri and ending at Janki Chatti
- Highest Point: ~5,000 meters (16,400 feet) at Bali Pass
- Package: ₹16,000–₹20,000 per person (inclusive of meals, accommodation, permits, guide, and transportation from Dehradun)
- Trail Type: Cross-over trail — steady ascent to Bali Pass with steep descent to Yamunotri
- Rail Head: Dehradun — major railway station with good connectivity to Delhi and other cities
- Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun — regular flights from major Indian cities
- Base Camp: Sankri, located at an altitude of 1,950 meters (~10–11 hours by road from Dehradun)
- Best Season: Mid-May to October — clear weather and stable trail conditions; June and September are optimal
- Snow: Snowfields and glaciers near Bali Pass; microspikes or crampons are usually required during early season crossings
Itinerary
Pick up from Dehradun Railway Station 07:00 am Drive to Sankri (base camp) by taxi or tempo travellers
Total distance 190 – – 8/9 Hours journey
Mode of journey – By taxi
Altitude Sankri base camp –Altitude- 6291 ft
Night stay – Our Grand Shiva Hotel – on a twin share basis
Trek from Sankri to Dharkot /Gangad Village via Taluka by taxi – 25 km same-day trek to Cheludgad camp!
Total distance 28 km – 4/5 Hours journey
Mode of journey – On foot – 03 km – By Local Taxi 25 km
Altitude Cheludgad camp – Altitude 8,158 ft
Trek Distance – 06 Km – 3/4 Hours journey
Mode of the journey – On foot 6 km
Altitude – Devsu Bugyal camp – Altitude 9,795 ft
Trek Distance – 10 km – 5/6 Hours journey
Mode of the journey – on foot – 10 km
Altitude – Ruinsara Lake Camp – Altitude 11,720 ft
Trek Distance 03 km – 3 Hours journey
Mode of journey – On foot – 03 km
Altitude – Thaga camp – Altitude 13,120 ft
Trek Distance: 06 km | Trek Time: 3 hours | Altitude 15,125 ft |
Trek Distance 06 km – 4/5 Hours journey
Summit attempt 16207 ft|
Trek Distance 14 km – 8/9 Hours journey
Mode of journey – On foot – 14 km
Altitude Lower Damni altitude –Altitude 10,111 ft
Trek from Lower Damani Camp to Jankichatti via Yamunotri temple, then the same day drive to Dehradun
Distance – 06 km – 2/3 Hours journey
