Bali Pass Trek
Okay, here's the deal
Come for the mountains.Stay for what they do to your brain.
Worth the early wake-up.
The Bali Pass Trek is one of the most epic and challenging Himalayan crossover routes in India, connecting the renowned Har Ki Dun Valley of the Tons River basin to the sacred Yamunotri location of the Yamuna Valley. Standing at 16,207 ft (4,950 m), the pass crossing involves steep snow slopes and exposed narrow ridges, emerging near the revered Yamunotri shrine — one of the Char Dhams. Premium operators guide this route within Govind Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarkashi district, traversing ancient Garhwali villages like Osla and Gangad where traditional Kath-Kuni wooden architecture has stood for centuries. The serene Ruinsara Tal — a pristine glacial lake at 11,800 ft reflecting the Swargarohini massif — is a spiritual and scenic highlight. This trek demands high fitness, prior high-altitude experience, and strong mental resolve.
The good stuff
Things you'll probably talk about later.
The views, the random conversations, the tiny moments that somehow become the whole point of the trip.
01Ruinsara Tal glacial lake at 11,800 ft
02Yamunotri temple Darshan
03Har Ki Dun Valley traverse
04Ancient Garhwali heritage villages
05Govind Wildlife Sanctuary
How this thing goes
One day at a time.
No speed-running the mountains. No checking boxes just because they're there.
Just a trail, good people, questionable amounts of chai, and enough time to actually be there.
01 Day
DehradunSankri
Dehradun to Sankri
Scenic long-distance drive through Mussoorie and Purola to Sankri, the base camp village situated within Govind Wildlife Sanctuary.
Altitude
6,400 ft (1,920 m)Walking time
8–10 hrs drive
02 Day
SankriOsla
Trek to Osla
Short drive to Taluka then trek through dense chestnut and walnut forests and open meadows to the ancient heritage village of Osla.
Altitude
7,677 ft (2,340 m)Walking time
6–7 hrs
03 Day
OslaWaterfall Camp
Osla to Waterfall Camp
Follow the Supin River upstream into the Ruinsara valley, where pine and fir give way to birch and rhododendron. Camp by the river amid impressive waterfalls.
Altitude
10,200 ft (3,100 m)Walking time
6–7 hrs
04 Day
Waterfall CampRuinsara Tal
Trek to Ruinsara Tal
A rewarding trek to the sacred Ruinsara Tal — a pristine glacial lake surrounded by snow-clad peaks including the Swargarohini massif and Kala Nag. The reflections are extraordinary on calm mornings.
Altitude
11,800 ft (3,600 m)Walking time
5–6 hrs
05 Day
Ruinsara TalOdari
Ruinsara Tal to Odari
Gradual climb to the high-altitude camp at Odari, situated beside a natural rock cave linked to local folklore about Bali, brother of Hanuman. Sweeping views of the Swargarohini peaks.
Altitude
13,120 ft (4,000 m)Walking time
4–5 hrs
06 Day
OdariBali Pass Base Camp
Odari to Base Camp
Steep ascent on a narrow moraine ridge with exposed sections. Reach the high-altitude base camp at the foot of the Bali Pass wall. Preparation and early sleep before the summit push.
Altitude
15,100 ft (4,600 m)Walking time
5–6 hrs
07 Day
Base CampLower Dhamni
The Bali Pass Summit
The ultimate challenge. An early start before dawn for the steep snow ascent to the Bali Pass summit at 16,207 ft. Panoramic views of Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, and Kala Nag reward the effort. Steep descent to the Yamunotri Valley and camp at Lower Dhamni.
Altitude
As per itineraryWalking time
9–11 hrs
08 Day
Lower DhamniDehradun
Yamunotri to Dehradun
Trek down to Janki Chatti, then visit the sacred Yamunotri temple for Darshan before the long drive back to Dehradun.
Altitude
FinishWalking time
4 hrs trek + 7–8 hrs driveA glimpse
Bali Pass Trek
Good to know
What's covered.What isn't.
No fine-print scavenger hunt. Here's exactly what comes with the trip.
You're covered
Included in your trip
- Dehradun to Dehradun transport
- All meals during the trek
- Camping accommodation (twin sharing tents)
- Sleeping bags & technical trekking gear
- Experienced trek leader & support staff
- Govind Wildlife Sanctuary permits & entry fees
- First aid & oxygen support
You're on your own
Not included in your trip
- Personal expenses
- Porter/mule charges
- Travel insurance
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions
- 5% GST
From the trail
People who actually went.
Real experiences from people who have walked this trail.
From
₹18,999/ person