The Bouraso Pass (also spelled Borasu Pass) is a high-altitude crossover trek that connects the Har Ki Dun Valley in Uttarakhand to the Baspa Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Located at an altitude of 5,450 meters (17,880 feet), this remote and wild pass has been used historically by locals for trade and travel between the two regions.
Ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a combination of natural grandeur, cultural richness, and technical challenge, the Bouraso Pass trek takes you through ancient villages, glacial rivers, alpine meadows, and finally, across a stunning Himalayan pass into the other side of the world.
Bouraso Pass offers everything a true Himalayan adventurer could ask for — mythical valleys, ice fields, glaciers, and a chance to cross over from Garhwal to Kinnaur on foot. Starting from the culturally vibrant villages of Osla and Har Ki Dun, the trail climbs gradually toward Ruinsara Tal, then veers off into isolated wilderness before crossing the snow-laden Bouraso Pass and descending to Chitkul, the last village of India on the Indo-Tibet border.
It’s a less commercialized alternative to Bali or Lamkhaga Pass and offers a unique chance to explore unspoiled high-altitude beauty.
Region: Govind Pashu Vihar National Park & Kinnaur Himalayas
District: Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand & Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh
Altitude: 5,450 meters (17,880 feet)
Starting Point: Sankri (Uttarakhand)
Exit Point: Chitkul (Himachal Pradesh)
Difficult – Best for:
Experienced trekkers with prior high-altitude experience
Those capable of long walking hours, glacier crossing, and camping at 4,000m+
Requires excellent fitness, stamina, and cold weather preparedness
No technical gear is mandatory but may be required depending on snow/glacier conditions
The Bouraso Pass trek is best undertaken in:
Late May to June: Melting snow, alpine flowers, and manageable glacier conditions
Mid-September to October: Clear skies, sharp views, and crisp autumn air
Avoid monsoon months (July to early September) due to trail instability and possible landslides. Winter (Nov to April) is extremely harsh and generally not suitable due to snow blockages.
Journey through Har Ki Dun, Ruinsara Valley, and Bouraso Glacier Zone
Cross a glacial saddle flanked by Swargarohini, Kalanag, and Banderpunch
Camp at alpine lakes, pine forests, and high-altitude bugyals
Finish your trek in the picture-perfect village of Chitkul, known for its wooden homes and views
Ideal for trekkers wanting to combine spiritual routes, nature, and raw adventure
Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Sankri (~8–9 hrs)
Day 2: Trek from Sankri to Taluka, then Seema
Day 3: Seema to Har Ki Dun
Day 4: Trek to Ruinsara Tal
Day 5–6: Trek to Advance Base near Bouraso Glacier
Day 7: Cross Bouraso Pass (~5,450 m) and camp on Himachal side
Day 8: Trek to Chitkul through the Baspa Valley
Day 9: Drive to Shimla or Dehradun via Sangla
(Buffer day recommended for weather or acclimatization)
