The Bali Pass Trek is one of the most thrilling and lesser-known high-altitude cross-over treks in the Indian Himalayas. Connecting the beautiful Har Ki Dun Valley to the sacred Yamunotri Valley, this trek in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, offers a perfect mix of raw adventure, cultural encounters, and unmatched alpine beauty.
For seasoned trekkers seeking a challenging and offbeat trail, Bali Pass delivers an unmatched high-Himalayan experience. With steep ascents, thrilling ridgelines, snowfields, and glacier crossings, this trek offers 360° views of iconic peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, and Kala Nag (Black Peak).
You also get to witness the contrasting beauty of two distinct valleys — the remote Har Ki Dun–Osla region and the Yamunotri pilgrimage trail — all in a single expedition.
Region: Govind Pashu Vihar National Park
District: Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
Altitude: 4,950 meters (16,207 feet)
Starting Point: Sankri
Ending Point: Janki Chatti (Yamunotri)
Difficult – Ideal for:
Experienced trekkers only
Those with prior high-altitude or snow trekking experience
Requires good physical fitness and mental stamina
Includes glacier walks, steep snow climbs, and exposed sections
The optimal seasons for the Bali Pass trek are:
Mid-May to June end: Snow-covered trail, glacial beauty, and cool temperatures
Mid-September to October: Post-monsoon clarity, vibrant landscapes, and safer weather
Monsoon (July–early Sept) is not advisable due to landslides and slippery terrain. Winters (Nov–April) are generally inaccessible due to heavy snow.
Explore traditional Himalayan villages like Osla and Gangaad
Camp at stunning alpine sites: Har Ki Dun, Ruinsara Tal, and Odari
Witness spectacular views of Swargarohini I–IV, Black Peak, and Bandarpunch
Traverse the scenic Ruinsara Lake and its high-altitude meadows
Cross the glacier-bound Bali Pass with dramatic Himalayan backdrops
Descend to the sacred Yamunotri Temple, one of the Char Dham shrines
Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Sankri
Day 2–3: Trek from Taluka to Seema to Har Ki Dun
Day 4–5: Har Ki Dun to Ruinsara Lake and Odari
Day 6: Summit Bali Pass and camp at Lower Dhamni
Day 7: Descend to Janki Chatti (Yamunotri)
Day 8: Drive back to Dehradun
(Buffer days recommended for bad weather and acclimatization)
