Bali Pass Trek
One of the least explored treks in the Indian Himalayan region that connects the Har Ki Dun Valley with Yamunotri, the Bali Pass Trek is a beautiful journey that one should try at least once in a lifetime. Bali Pass, which is set at an elevation of about 4,800 meters and located in the heights of Garhwal Himalayan region, is an exhilarating getaway where from you can capture the majestic trio of Kalanag at 6,387 meters, Bander Punch 6,316 meters and Swargarohini group of peaks at a maximum elevation of 6,252 meters. Further, the trekking tour to Bali Pass that stretches for approximately 7-8 days ranges from an elevation of 1,900 meters to 4,800 meters, passing through the charming bed of Har Ki Dun valley simply recalls the legendary myth of the Pandavas. The trail crossing the Govind National Park, which houses several colourful orchards and species of animals and birds, pens and clicks the trekker's diary and lenses with enrapturing moments. Another major attraction throughout the trail is the culture that is secluded within the Garhwal Himalayan portraiture. The Bali Pass Trek after crossing the Har Ki Dun valley moves through the Ruinsara Tal and thereafter becomes tricky. Hence the trek to Bali Pass is considered as one of the moderate treks in the Garhwal Himalayan region.
The Bali Pass trek, from Har Ki Dun Valley to Yamunotri via Ruinsara Tal, commences from Sankri, which is approximately 160 kilometers from Mussoorie. From Sankri the trail heads to Taluka at 1,900 meters and thereafter continues the following day towards Osla at 2,559 meters. The trail from Taluka to Osla follows a gradual climb and hence it takes about 6-7 hours to cover a distance of 13 kilometers. From Osla the trek continues and snakes through Har Ki Dun at 3,506 meters and thereafter steps on to Debshu Bugyal at about 3,000 meters. En route through the lush green meadows the route turns to Ruinsara Tal after a gentle climb to an elevation of 3,350 meters. The trail hits the strenuous tracks when you maneuver towards Bali Udiyari at 3,850 meters and climbs up to Bali Pass at 4,800 meters. The Bali Pass Trek thereafter follows a steep descent to Yamunotri at 3,165 meters. Yamunotri is one of the popular Hindu pilgrimage sites and also one of the four sites in the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. The shrine that is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna is the major attraction.
Day 1: Delhi to Dehradun to Mussoorie (34 kilometers/1.5 hours)
In the morning board the AC train to Dehradun from the Delhi Railway Station (scheduled at 06:50 hours). By 12:30 hours you will reach Dehradun and meet our executive who will help you to reach Mussoorie, a well known and striking hill station in Uttarakhand. After reaching Mussoorie, you will check-in to the hotel. The evening time is free which you can spend to explore the stunning surrounds and nearby places of the city. An overnight stay arranged at the hotel in Mussoorie.
Day 2: Mussoorie to Sankri (160 kilometers/5 to 6 hours)
Today, we will begin our journey and drive from Mussoorie to Sankri, it will be the starting point from where the train commences. On the way of the journey to Sankari, we will pass through the Yamuna Bridge and Naitwar at Tons valley. Naitwar is the entrance of the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. This wildlife sanctuary is an abode to a numerous of animal species like Musk deer, Brown bear, Snow leopard, Himalayan Thar Black bear, and Bharal. A few rare and endangered birds like Koklas pheasant, Golden eagle, Monal pheasant, Bearded Vulture, Western Tragopan, Owl, Himalayan Snow cock, Bulbul, and Cuckoo can be sighted in this wildlife Sanctuary. An overnight stay arranged at the hotel in Sankri.
Day 3: Sankri to Taluka (1900 meters/12 kilometers) (4 to5 hours)
Today, the trail will begin with a trek to Taluka village beside the River Supin. The trail is a through a motorable road and is a merely easy trek day planned for acclimatization. We will be crossing through a remote village that has 2 storied houses overlooking the streams. In the region of the sanctuary, there are 42 moderately populated villages of which some are situated at the elevation of 2900 meters. Here the local people of the village live a primitive life and mostly dependent on the forests for their basic needs. The villagers worship the Duryodhana and Kauravas of the Indian epic Mahabharata. The historical temples have magnificent wooden carvings and impressive structure here. We will stay overnight in Taluka.
Day 4: Taluka to Osla (2559 meters/13 kilometers) (4 to5 hours)
After having wholesome breakfast, we will cross the Sian Gad by a bridge, and afterwards, we will hike towards Dhatmir village. From Dhatmir, we will be crossing the river sited on the right side of River Ton. The entire route is spotted with small tea shops and Dhabas. Our destination Osla has a thick forest of Willow, Chestnut, Walnut, and Chinar. Arrangements made for an overnight stay in a camp in Osla.
Day 5: Osla to Har Ki dun (3506 meters/ 14 kilometers) (5 to 6 hours)
On this day, we will trek toward Har Ki Dun, which has a stunning backdrop of the snowy mountain peak. It is said to be one of the most striking and the best spot to see in Uttarakhand. After continuing for a while the trail ascends and the verdant green extensive mountain fields can be seen covered with blossoming wild flowers. On the way of the trail, we will have charming views of spectacular Kalanag Peak (6387 meters), Swargarohini (6252 meters), Bandar punch (6316 meters) and stunning Juandhar glacier. En route some little streams also traverse the trail path. Arrangements made for an overnight stay in a camp in Har Ki Dun.
Day 6: Har Ki Dun to Borasu Pass (4725 meters) to Har Ki dun (5 kilometers)
Today we will start the trek in the morning, after having wholesome breakfast; we will gradually ascend towards the Borasu Pass, which separates the Har Ki dun and Sangla Valley in Himachal Pradesh. After that, we will move ahead and hike above the pass to see the sights and enjoy the stunning surroundings. In the afternoon, we will move down and return back to the camp site. Arrangements made for an overnight stay in a camp in Har Ki Dun.
Day 7: Har Ki Dun to Debshu Bugyal
On this day, we will trek for about 14 kilometers to reach Debshu Bugyal. It will take around 4 to 5 hours to reach the destination as most part of the trek requires walking downward. Arrangements made for an overnight stay in the tents.
Day 8: Debshu Bugyal - Ruinsara Tal
Today the trail will start early in the morning and we will trek to Ruinsara Tal. The Trek from the Debshu Bugyal to Ruinsara Tal passes through verdant grasslands, terraced fields, and dense conifer forest. Climbing is required on the moderate slopes; therefore, it will take around 5 to 6 hours to reach the lake. After reaching the Ruinsara Tal, we will set up the camp here for overnight stay.
Day 9: Ruinsara Tal (Acclimatization Day)
This day is free for acclimatization; you can spend some time relaxing and exploring the stunning surrounds of the region. You can capture some stunning pictures in your camera as this place is truly a photographer's delight. Arrangements made for dinner and overnight stay in the tents.
Day 10: Ruinsara Tal to Foot of Bali pass (6 kilometers)
On this day post breakfast, we will ascend towards the base of the Bali Pass. An impressive trio of the magnificent Bander Punch, Kalanaag, and Swargarohini peaks that positioned in front of the base camp. We will stay overnight in the camp.
Day 11: Foot of Bali pass to Bali pass (4800 meters) to Yamunotri (3165 meter/ 9 kilometers
Today, in the early morning we will start our exhilarating trek towards the Bali Pass that is (4800 meters) and is not a glaciated pass but a rock-strewn pass. This pass separates Yamunotri valleys and Tons valley and offers fabulous views of the magnificent Swargarohini peak and the Ruinsara Gad. We will halt here at the pass for some time and then we will trek through an extensive open meadow and a forest to reach our destination Yamunotri. This place is one of the four Dhams for Hindu devotees and is also the source of the Yamuna River. We will stay overnight in the camp in Yamunotri.
Day 12: Yamunotri to Janakichatti to Hanumanchatti (2400 meters /7200 feet) 14 kilometers/4to 5 hours
After having wholesome breakfast, we will trek for about 14 kilometers beside Yamuna River along with packed lunch to reach Janakichatti (2575 meters). From this point of the trail, we will move ahead and hike to Hanumanchatti (2400 meters); here two sacred rivers Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna confluence. Arrangements made for dinner and an overnight stay in the camp/hotel.
Day 13: Hanuma Chatti to Dehradun to Delhi
Post breakfast, we will drive towards Dehradun. We will have lunch will on the way. by evening, we will reach Dehradun and then transfer to the rail head to board the AC train for Delhi (scheduled at 17:00 hours). You will reach Delhi Railway Station by 22:45 hours.