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
Start your journey with the beautiful drive from Dehradun to Sankri, covering approximately 200–220 km. Begin your day with fresh energy in Dehradun and catch a bus early in the morning. You can easily board a bus from the Mussoorie Bus Stand near the Dehradun railway station to Sankri village. For those riding bikes, it’s recommended to start as early as possible to make the most of the day.
After reaching Sankri, spend your first day exploring the village’s rich culture and unique atmosphere. Sankri is a stunning place, but the climate here can change rapidly, sometimes causing landslides. From Sankri, drive to Taluka (12 km), then begin your trek of approximately 14–15 km, which takes about 4–5 hours to reach Seema. Along the way, you’ll experience the beauty of chestnut, walnut, and chinar trees. After about 7.5 km, you’ll pass through the pristine Gangad Village. From there, it usually takes another 2–3 hours to reach Seema.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading out for an exhilarating trek to Ruinsara Tal. The trail begins with a steady climb of 1–2 hours. Along the way, explore the beautiful Dev Thatch meadow, which stretches for about 1.5–2 km at an altitude of 3,200–3,500 meters above sea level. After taking in the stunning views, continue your trek towards the Untigad Campsite near Ruinsara Tal.
Spend your morning enjoying the breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks from the Untigad Campsite, situated at approximately 3,630 meters. The area is adorned with lovely birch trees that add to its natural beauty. After taking some time to relax, continue your trek to reach the Bali Pass Base Camp (Odari). Once you arrive, rest and acclimatize before exploring the serene surroundings.
Wake up early at around 4 AM to begin your challenging day. An early start helps avoid unpredictable weather as you approach Bali Pass. Make sure you are well-equipped with crampons and ropes, as you will cross crevasses and snowy sections. As you ascend to Bali Pass, which rises to nearly 5,000 meters above sea level, enjoy spectacular views of the snow-clad peaks. From the pass, descend carefully towards the Damini Forest Camping Ground, which lies on the Yamunotri side.
On another beautiful morning, begin your trek from Damini to the Yamunotri shrine, one of the sacred Char Dham sites of Uttarakhand. After offering prayers at the temple, trek down to Janki Chatti. Once you reach Janki Chatti, rest and then take a short drive to Barkot.
This is the day to collect all your memories and bid farewell to this beautiful region. Start early in the morning and catch a bus or drive back to Dehradun.
