The Bali Pass Trek is one of Uttarakhand’s most thrilling and scenic high-altitude treks, connecting the sacred Yamunotri Valley with the picturesque Har Ki Dun Valley. Situated at an altitude of about 16,207 feet, this trek is perfect for seasoned trekkers looking for both adventure and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.
The trail takes you through dense forests, alpine meadows, glacial valleys, and remote villages while offering mesmerizing views of snow-clad peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Kalanag. Starting usually from Sankri or Taluka, the trek passes through the charming villages of Osla and Seema, lush meadows at Dev Thach, and the beautiful Ruinsara Tal before reaching the challenging climb to Bali Pass.
Reaching the Bali Pass Trek requires traveling first to the base point, and then beginning the trekking journey. The trek usually starts from Sankri village in Uttarkashi district, which serves as the gateway to many popular treks in Uttarakhand. Here’s a detailed guide on how to reach Bali Pass:
1. By Air
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (about 220 km from Sankri). This airport has daily flights from Delhi and connecting flights from other major cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata. From Dehradun, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab/bus to Sankri, which takes around 8–10 hours by road.
2. By Train
The closest railway station is Dehradun Railway Station (around 200 km from Sankri). Dehradun is well connected with cities like Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, and Kolkata by regular trains including the Dehradun Shatabdi, Nanda Devi Express, and Mussoorie Express. From the station, you can take a bus or cab to reach Sankri.
3. By Road
Dehradun and Sankri are well connected by road:
From Dehradun: Regular buses run from Dehradun ISBT to Sankri or Purola. Alternatively, you can hire a private taxi for comfort and convenience.
From Delhi: The distance from Delhi to Sankri is about 450 km, which takes around 12–14 hours by road. Many trekkers prefer overnight buses from Delhi to Dehradun, and then continue onward to Sankri by cab or shared vehicle.
4. Trek Route to Bali Pass
Once you reach Sankri, the trekking journey begins. The usual route is:
Sankri – Taluka – Seema/Osla – Ruinsara Tal – Odari – Bali Pass – Yamunotri – Janki Chatti.
This trail covers scenic villages, alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and finally the steep climb to Bali Pass at 16,207 ft. The trek ends at Janki Chatti, from where you can return to Dehradun by road.
1. Yamunotri (3,293 m)
One of the revered Char Dham pilgrimage sites, Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna River. Surrounded by lofty peaks, it is not only a spiritual spot but also a beautiful place to enjoy hot springs like Surya Kund.
2. Har Ki Dun Valley (3,566 m)
Known as the “Valley of Gods,” Har Ki Dun is famous for its lush alpine meadows, pine forests, and views of the Swargarohini peaks. This valley is deeply connected to Mahabharata legends and is perfect for nature lovers and trekkers.
3. Ruinsara Tal (3,500 m)
A serene glacial lake surrounded by meadows and snow-clad peaks, Ruinsara Tal is one of the most picturesque locations near Bali Pass. The lake also serves as a camping ground for trekkers.
4. Osla Village (2,590 m)
A traditional Himalayan village, Osla is known for its wooden houses and an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It offers a glimpse into the local culture and heritage of the region.
5. Mori (1,150 m)
Situated on the banks of the Tons River, Mori is a peaceful hamlet where travelers can enjoy riverside camping, fishing, and birdwatching. It’s also a common stopover before treks.
6. Purola (1,524 m)
Often called the “Gateway to Har Ki Dun,” Purola is a charming town with scenic landscapes, apple orchards, and mountain views. It’s a convenient base for trekkers heading towards the Bali Pass route.
7. Govind Pashu Vihar National Park & Sanctuary
A biodiverse region rich in Himalayan flora and fauna. It’s home to snow leopards, black bears, bharals, and over 150 species of birds, including the Himalayan monal.
Arrive at Dehradun Airport/Railway Station.
Transfer to your hotel or guesthouse.
Rest and prepare for the trek, check equipment, and gather permits.
Overnight stay in Dehradun/Haridwar.
Early morning drive to Sankri village (200–220 km, 8–10 hours).
Enjoy scenic landscapes along the way, including rivers, forests, and small villages.
Reach Sankri, check into a guesthouse or campsite.
Overnight stay in Sankri.
Begin trek from Sankri to Taluka (or Seema).
Pass through lush forests, streams, and small villages.
Camp overnight at Taluka/Seema.
Trek through alpine meadows and glacial landscapes.
Reach Ruinsara Tal, a serene glacial lake ideal for camping.
Evening by the lake, enjoy nature and prepare for high-altitude trekking.
Overnight camping at Ruinsara Tal.
Early morning start for the Bali Pass climb (16,207 ft).
Cross the snow-covered pass and enjoy panoramic views of Himalayan peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Kalanag.
Descend to the next campsite or Janki Chatti base.
Overnight camping near Bali Pass or Janki Chatti.
Trek down to Yamunotri Temple, the source of the Yamuna River.
Optional visit to hot springs (Surya Kund & Gauri Kund).
Drive back to Sankri, relax and celebrate completing the trek.
Overnight stay in Sankri.
- Morning drive back to Dehradun or Haridwar.
- Visit local attractions if time permits.
- Depart for home or continue your Uttarakhand tour
May to June and September to October are ideal for clear skies, moderate temperatures, and safe trail conditions. Avoid monsoon (July–August) due to landslides and heavy rains.
- Typically 6–8 days, depending on the starting point and pace of trekking. Most itineraries start from Sankri or Taluka and end at Janki Chatti/Yamunotri.
- Moderate to challenging, recommended for experienced trekkers. It involves high-altitude trekking (up to 16,207 ft) and snow crossings at Bali Pass.
- Yes, it is highly recommended to hire an experienced trekking guide or join an organized group for safety, navigation, and logistics.
Local trekking permits from the Uttarkashi or Uttarakhand Forest Department may be required. A tour operator like Hodophile Tour and Travel can arrange these in advance.
