Bali pass trek in the state of Uttarakhand is one of the most heavenly treks that connects Yamunotri and the Har Ki Dun valley. This trek offers a stunning and beautiful view of Swargarohini peaks (1 and 2), Bandarpoonch and the Black peak (Kala Nag). The pass is situated at an altitude of 4950m and the month’s post-monsoon are ideal for trekking. Pre-monsoon is not the best season to visit due to heavy snowfall which makes climbing more difficult. This route poses a tough challenge for beginners. Some of the main attractions of the trek are meadows of Debsu Bugyal, beautiful campsites of Rainbasera, Govind Pashu National Park, Yamunotri temple and the alpine lakes of Ruinsara and much more. The region gained popularity due to a teacher Jack Gibson, of Doon School in the 1940s. The surrounding ranges of Swargarohini and Banderpoonch are sure to delight the mountaineers.
TREK DETAILS
Detailed Information About Bali Pass Trek
The Bali Pass trek is an old route to the Yamuna valley and is the best attraction for trekkers in the monsoon season when one can enjoy the melting snow peaks and the valley is approachable. The pass is easily accessible from the Har Ki Dun valley as the gradient is small and hence the travelers get more time for weather acclimatization. The Bali pass trek begins from the Sankri and traverses through the Govind National Park, that is famous for the wildflowers. Attractions of the trek include pine forests of Govind Pashu National Park, meadows of Debshu Bugyal, the beautiful campsite of Rainbasera, Yamunotri temple and much more. Besides, the travelers get a unique opportunity to camp above an altitude of 13,100 Ft.
Trek Highlights
- Region: Jaunsar Garhwal, Uttarakhand
- Starting Point: Sankri / Taluka
- Ending Point: Janki Chatti
- Duration: 8 days and 7 nights
- Ideal Time: May – October. Winter sets in from mid-November, onwards which makes crossing the pass more difficult. Likewise, pre-monsoon season is also more challenging for trekking due to plenty of snow.
- Level: Offers 360* panoramic view of the Bandarpoonch, Kalanag and Swargarohini peak all within a ‘hand-shaking’ distance.
- Total Distance: 99 Km
- Maximum elevation: Bali pass or Yamunotri Pass – around 4950 m.
- Weather: Cold at nights, day temperatures are usually pleasant.
- Communication: Only BSNL network is available at Sankri. After crossing the pass weak signals of BSNL and Vodafone are available at Lower Dhamni. All networks are accessible at Janki Chatti.
- ATM Points: Last ATM point in this route is Mori.
Key Facts about Bali Pass Trek
- The Bali Pass or the Yamunotri Pass stands tall at a staggering height of 4800 m.
- The pass falls on the old trekker’s route from the Tons River valley to the Yamuna River valley. Most of the trekkers approach it from the Har Ki Dun – a hanging valley in Garhwal Himalayas (located in Sankri range, Uttarakhand) side as the gradient is less steep and hence the acclimatization for the trekkers is relatively easy.
- The route passes through the Govind National Park which is known for its rich flora and bird-life and includes two nights on the banks of the sacred Ruinsara Lake and a visit to the revered Yamunotri Temple
Documents Needed for Trek to Bali Pass
- Health insurance documents- Health insurance cards and copies of claim forms
- Proof of yellow fever vaccination- If in case the trip needs travelers to take the completed International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis card or medical waiver.
- Copies of all prescriptions- Be sure to get copies of all prescriptions that have generic drug names. Also bring prescriptions for eyeglasses/ contacts, and other medical supplies.
- Photo Identity ID Card – Aadhaar, PAN, Driving Licence, Voter Id (Better to carry copies for submission to any agencies)
- Contact details
ITINERARY
Day: 1- Dehradun to Sankri (6,300Ft) – 210Km – 7 Hours
The drive is very exciting and passes through the town of Mori and Naitwar. It provides beautiful views of Swargarohini, Banderpoonch, and Kalanag. During this exciting journey, the travelers pass through Govind National Park.
Day: 2- Sankri (1920m) to Seema (8,400Ft) via Taluka (1800m) – 12Km – 4 Hours
There is a motorable road connecting Sankri to Taluka, but the walk through the forest is also enjoyable. Taluka is a small village with some shops, dhabas and has a Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited (GMVN) hotel. Travelers cross Taluka and continue along the true left of the river. It is a lovely walk along the riverbank, passing through forests, apple orchards, and fields. There are many dhabas and a GMVN hotel at Seema. The travelers usually camp along the riverbank or on the open grounds in the village.
Day: 3- Seema (2560m) to Devsu Bugyal (9,570ft) – 4Km – 4 Hours
A short but swift walk through the forest, and boulder patch with a view of lush meadows, with the Har Ki Dun Valley on the left and Osla and Puoni at the rear side. With the convergence of rivers, woods, meadows, and mountains around, it’s a wonderful site to a beautiful camp for the night and spends the rest of the day. One may also choose to go a little ahead to a waterfall site and camp there.
Day: 4- Devsu Bugyal (2900m) to Ruinsara Tal (11,000 Ft) – 9Km – 5 Hours
After the 3rd day, the trekkers are generally enthusiastic and motivated and Ruinsara Tal is the final place where travelers set up their camps. After slowly starting the descent as the trekkers just stroll through the forest, crossing few landslides and boulder patches the sight of a lovely lake in the opening, encompassed by rhododendron bushes and lush green meadows offers a stunning view. The lush green surrounding of the Himalayas and the calmness of the holy lake, backed by the tall and majestic peaks of the Kalanag makes the trip a delightful experience for travelers.
Day: 5- Rest Day / Local expedition and acclimatization (Ruinsara Tal- 11,000 Ft)
Travelers spend most of the day by acclimatizing for the critical days ahead and exploring surrounding valleys and glaciers. A stroll through the beautiful surrounding or a hike till Kyarkoti – the base camp of the Kalanag expedition and Dhumdhar Kandi pass. By early evening trekkers are back at the camp.
Day: 6- Ruinsara Tal (3350m) to Bali Pass Base / Odari (13,450 Ft) – 4Km – 5 Hours
This is usually a very exciting and pleasant day, it will be a dream come true for all trekkers for a zooming view of the Sankri. The Swargarohini, Kalanag, and Banderpoonch are tall peaks that majestically stand in front of the trekkers. Mere looks of the valley are truly astonishing. The trek will be a little strenuous route along the snow-covered peaks. However, the scenic beauty all around and focused attention of the trekkers help to complete the planned progress of the trek without any hassles on the way.
Day: 7- Bali Pass Base / Odari (4100m) to Upper Dhamni via – Bali pass (13,100 Ft) – 15Km – 9 Hours
Travelers need to cross the Bali pass the reach the Yamunotri valley. This pass is tricky and can deceit travelers. Hence, experienced guide is needed. The trail heads down south over a ridge. Though short this is a very steep climb up to the Bali Pass. Travelers see the majestic Kalanag, Banderpoonch, and Swargarohini in full view. The top pass is a good spot to spend time. Finally, the trekkers reach the camping site at Upper Dhamni which has water nearby.
Day: 8- From Upper Dhamni to Dehradun- Via Hanuman Chatti (13,100 Ft) – 180 Km – 7 Hours
The descend starts to Hanuman Chatti and travelers board jeep for Dehradun, and drive back safely. However, they carry beautiful memories of this pleasant and unique trek.
INCLUSIONS
Accommodation during Bali Pass Trek
- 8 days / 7 nights of trekking cost in Sankri.
- 1 night hotel stay in Sankri.
- Spacious tents – shared by 2 -3 trekkers.
- Sleeping
What Meals will be Given during the Trek?
- All meals starting evening tea in Sankri on Day 1 until lunch on the last day.
- 3 meals- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner for high altitude with snacks in the evening, soup and hot drinks and energy boosters/juices for trekking days.
Other Inclusions for Bali Pass Trek
- All essential camping gears with separate dining and kitchen tents, toilet tents for men and women.
- High altitude medical kit
- Other essential equipment and safety gears like rope, helmets, ice axe, anti-slip crampons, and
- Experienced English / Hindi speaking trek leader
- Knowledgeable and expert local guide, cooks, assistants.
- All entry permits and camping / other fees.
- Personal Purchases
- Personal travel claims and insurance
- Transportation of personal bags while trekking
- Some other additional food purchases brought outside our menu
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation for Bali Pass trek
One can reach Bali either by bus, train, air or can go through Janki Chatti / Dehradun.
By Road:
- There are plenty of Volvo / ordinary buses that ply between Delhi and Dehradun on Uttarakhand roadways covering a distance of 250 Km. Online booking offers a lot of choices to book many buses. The travel time approx. 8 Hours.
By Train:
- Direct trains are available from various destinations to Dehradun. In the alternative, travelers can first reach New Delhi and board any one of the 10 daily trains available to Dehradun which cover a distance of 300 Km between 6 to 8 hours.
By Air:
- Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is the nearest airport and offers good connectivity to different parts of the Indian cities.
THINGS TO CARRY
Important Things to Carry during Bali Pass Trek
Some essentials to carry while heading out for a Bali pass trek are:
- 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/ filters
- Camp shoes/ sneakers
- Walking stick/ trekking poles
- Cotton socks
- Notebooks with pen and pencils
- Gore-Tex jackets
- Lip balm
- Light wind jacket sunscreen/ moisturizer
- Down, Fleece jackets/vests
- Personal toiletries
- Cotton shorts, T-shirts
- Medicines
- Inner ware
- Money pouch/ belt
- Energy bars
- Trekking pants
- Thermal ware
- Vitamin tablets
- Extra passport photos
- Warm hats
- Bandara scarf
- Sun hat/ baseball cap
- Wind and rain gear with hood
- Swiss army knives (classic pocket tool)
- One pair of cotton trousers or shorts
- Hand sanitizer wipes
- Insect repellent
- Earplugs
HOW TO REACH
How to Reach Bali Pass for Trekking?
The Bali pass trek starting point of Taluka can be reached by road from Dehradun. The distance is about 200 Km with an approximate travel time of 5 hours. From Dehradun, both Janki Chatti and Sankri at a distance of 180 Km can be covered by road in about 7 hours.
Reaching Sankri from Dehradun:
Travelers can either hire taxis or in buses. Besides, there are many shared jeeps available right outside the bus stand or railway station. The road passes through Naugaon, Purola, Govind Pashu National Park, Mori, Netwada. Travelers can drive along the banks of the Tons river which are a confluence of two rivers Supin and Rupin. The road till Netwada is good but thereafter road condition deteriorates.
Reaching Dehradun from Janki Chatti:
There are two buses that leave at 5 – 6 AM to go directly to Dehradun. One can also go by private taxi or shared taxis. The road passes through Barkot, Nainbagh, Naugaon and Hanuman Chatti.
ADVISORY
What is Advised for Trek to Bali Pass?
The following medical advisory needs to be followed while travelers are visiting Uttarakhand, Bali. Travelers need to pack their usual medicines besides any medications to handle respiratory issues, acute mountain sickness in consultation with the family doctor before leaving for the trip. A pre-trip medical check-up will be helpful to decide specific care and medicines to carry. It is best to carry an extra reserve of the medication to accommodate unforeseen extensions. Some of the other important medicines/accessories suggested to be carried are:
- Diarrhea/antibiotics
- Syringe kit- (mainly for diabetics)
- Antimalarial drugs and medicine.
- Vision glasses: A spare glass will help in case your glass is damaged.
- Contact lenses – A spare will help in case yours are damaged.
- Suture Kit- Kit is for use by local health care providers and requires a letter from the doctor on a letterhead stationery.
- Inhalers
- Insulin
- Medical alert tags, necklace or bracelet (For emergency identification).
- Antacids
- Laxatives
- Cough drops, Decongestant
- Painkillers
- Saline nose spray
- Bandages
- Antifungal ointments
- Insect bite ointment
- Bandages-Multiple sizes, gauze, and adhesive tape
- Moleskin or molefoam for blisters
- Elastic/ compression bandage wrap- for strains and sprains
- Disposable gloves
- Digital thermometer
- Scissors and safety pins
- Cotton swabs
- Eye drops
- Tweezers
- Oral rehydration drops
WEATHER
Weather Conditions for Bali Pass Trek
The ideal season to visit Bali is from May – October. The trek here can be extremely cold at night (-2*C-5*C) and day temperatures are pleasant and warm (5* C- 15* C). The duration of the trek should be preferably below 10 days.
If one takes adequate precautions, the Bali trek is sure to be a refreshing, enjoyable and rejuvenating experience transporting the travelers to a world far away from monotony and rigors of daily routines for a while!. The Bali Pass trek gives an opportunity to mingle with persons from diverse cultural and socio-economic background. One can foster new relationships. Besides, treks provide a thrilling experience of exploring the ‘un-explored’ areas with interest and enthusiasm. What else, one can ask for!!!
