Bali Pass Trek stands as one of the most exhilarating and challenging high-altitude traverses in the Indian Himalayas. Connecting the lush Tons River Valley in Har Ki Dun to the sacred Yamunotri Valley, this trek is a masterclass in Himalayan diversity. Over the course of eight days, trekkers transition from ancient wooden villages and alpine meadows to the raw, glacial majesty of a nearly 5,000-meter summit.
This trek commences with a scenic 210 km drive from Dehradun to Sankri. This journey serves as a transition from the bustling plains to the quietude of the mountains, winding through pine forests and along the banks of the Tons River. Sankri, a picturesque basecamp, offers the last taste of traditional hospitality in local homestays before the wilderness takes over.
On Day 2, a short drive to Dharkot leads into the first leg of the trek—a 6 km walk to Seema village. The trail then matures as you head toward Rainbasera (3,086 m). This 12 km stretch is demanding but rewarding, characterized by river crossings and the dramatic shift from dense forests to rocky alpine terrain. Camping at Rainbasera places you deep within the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, surrounded by towering peaks.
One of the most profound highlights of this itinerary is the trek to Ruisara Tal (4,900 m). This high-altitude lake is cradled by alpine meadows and offers staggering views of the Swargarohini peaks. The campsite here is widely considered one of the most beautiful in the Himalayas, serving as a tranquil sanctuary before the final ascent towards the pass.
As the air thins, the trek moves through Odari (4,100 m)—named after a natural rock cave—and onward to the Bali Pass Basecamp (4,605 m). This section is short in distance but high in intensity. The landscape becomes increasingly lunar, with snowfields and moraines replacing the greenery, signaling the proximity of the "Great Divide."
Day 7 marks the pinnacle of the adventure. The climb to the Bali Pass Summit (4,950 m) is a test of grit and endurance. From the top, trekkers are rewarded with a 360-degree panorama of the Bandarpoonch, Kalanag (Black Peak) and Swargarohini massifs.