The short version
- 18 days, about 56 km on foot, topping out at 4,940m. Rated Moderate on Trail to Tides.
- 2Best in May–Jun, Sep–Oct.
- 3Starts from Sankri / Janki Chatti, reached via Dehradun.
- 4One night gains more than 500 m above 3,000 m. That's common on Himalayan treks, but it's where altitude sickness tends to show up: go slowly the day before and drink well.
- 5Operators charge ₹20,000 to ₹22,000 per person; 4 listed, 3 verified.
The trek
Overview
Bali Pass links the Har Ki Dun valley to Yamunotri across a 4,940m crossing — one of the highest trekking passes in Uttarakhand — over glaciated terrain with Swargarohini, Bandarpunch and Black Peak in view. From the top, Swargarohini I, II and III line up like ramparts with Bandarpunch beyond: one of the most iconic summit panoramas in Garhwal.
Right for you if
- You've crossed a high pass before (Rupin, Buran Ghati) and slept above 4,000m
- You can do a 10–12 hour pass day on snow slopes up to 40°
- You can walk in microspikes or crampons and follow a guide's rope on steep snow
- You can take 8 days off, plus long drives to Sankri and back from Yamunotri
Think twice if
- It's your first Himalayan trek
- Steep, exposed snow scares you: the descent towards Yamunotri is steep
- You haven't acclimatised: pass day climbs to 4,940m
Season
When to go
Spring: longer days and rhododendrons lower down. Snow can linger on high ground into May, and afternoons often bring cloud or a shower.
June: warm days and snowmelt streams running high in the afternoons. The monsoon can arrive in the second half of the month.
Autumn: the clearest skies and steadiest weather of the year. Nights get cold quickly from October, and early snow is possible in November.
More on the Himalayan seasons: When to go.
Travel
Getting there
Meet in
Dehradun
Nearest airport
Dehradun (Jolly Grant)
Nearest railway
Dehradun
By road
Dehradun to Sankri, 8 to 10 hours. The trek exits at Janki Chatti near Yamunotri, about 7 hours back to Dehradun
Most operators run a shared pickup from Dehradun early on day one. Arrive the evening before so a late train or flight doesn't cost you the trek, and keep a buffer day at the end: mountain roads close for landslides and snow. Travel times are approximate.
Itinerary
Day by day
A typical plan, measured along the mapped trail: 39 km with about 2,880 m of climbing. The biggest day is day 5, climbing 840 m. Operators vary it a little; figures marked ≈ are estimates where the path isn't mapped.
- Day1
Taluka → Seema
Drive from Sankri to Taluka, then up the Supin river to Seema
12.2 km550 m50 msleep at 2,601 m
- Day2
Seema → Rainbasera
Into the Ruinsara valley through forest and meadows
5.7 km460 m50 msleep at 3,051 m
- Day3
Rainbasera → Ruinsara Tal
A short day to the lake below Swargarohini and Bandarpoonch
7 km550 m0 msleep at 3,601 m
- Day4
Ruinsara Tal → Odari
Up the valley over boulders and moraine to a rock-shelter camp
3.9 km460 m60 msleep at 3,992 m
- Day5
Odari → Lower Damini
via Bali Pass
The pass day: an early, steep climb to 4,950 m and a steep descent on the far side. Ropes are often needed
≈6.8 km840 m740 msleep at 4,095 m
- Day6
Lower Damini → Janki Chatti
Down through forest to the road below Yamunotri
3.7 km0 m1,510 msleep at 2,558 m
Altitude
Altitude and acclimatisation
Start
2,097 m
Highest night
4,095 m
Highest point
4,845 m
Know the warning signs before you go: Altitude sickness.
Fitness
How fit you need to be
Rated Moderate. A fair benchmark before you go: jog 5 km in about 40 minutes, or climb 40 floors with a 5 kg pack.
What this trek asks of you, on the ACE scale from 0 to 5:
Take the Matchmaker to compare yourself against these scores, and use the 8-week plan to close any gaps. How ACE works.
Paperwork
Permits and paperwork
- Forest department permits for treks inside sanctuaries and national parks. Operators normally arrange them; carry original photo ID.
- Carry original government photo ID and a few photocopies.
- Rules and fees change. Ask your operator what's included and what you need to bring, two weeks before you go.
More detail: Permits and documents.
Kit
What to pack
For Bali Pass Trek in particular, on top of the standard layers:
- Warm layers for a high camp well below freezing, even in summer, and glacier glasses for snow
- Sunglasses rated UV400, worn all day on snow, and SPF 50 for your face and lips
- Broken-in trekking shoes with ankle support, trekking poles, and a 25 to 35 litre daypack with a rain cover
The full list and how to layer: What to pack. The trek page has a tick-off checklist for this trek.
Safety
Safety on this trek
- Altitude is the main risk. Don't go higher with symptoms; descend if they get worse.
- Stay between the leader and the sweep, and respect the turnaround time on summit or pass days.
- Signal is scarce beyond the roadhead. Share your itinerary and your operator's emergency number with someone at home.
See also Trail craft and Insurance and emergencies.
Booking
Booking and cost
4 operators run this trek on Trail to Tides, from ₹20,000 to ₹22,000 per person. Prices usually cover the trek from the roadhead; check transport, permits and offloading.
- Trekup India4.3₹20,000
- Bikat Adventures4.8₹21,500
- Indiahikes4.8₹22,000
- Trek The Himalayas4.7₹22,000
What to ask before you pay: Choosing an operator.
Navigation
Offline map and GPX
Download the trail, with every overnight stop and its height, and load it on your phone before you lose signal.
Trail © OpenStreetMap contributors, via BRouter.
FAQ
Questions people ask
How difficult is the Bali Pass Trek?
It's rated Moderate on Trail to Tides. A fair benchmark before you go: jog 5 km in about 40 minutes, or climb 40 floors with a 5 kg pack. The highest point is 4,940m, so pace and acclimatisation matter as much as fitness.
When is the best time for the Bali Pass Trek?
May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Spring: longer days and rhododendrons lower down. Snow can linger on high ground into May, and afternoons often bring cloud or a shower.
How many days does the Bali Pass Trek take?
8 days including travel to and from the trailhead, with 6 walking days. Add a buffer day for weather or road delays.
How do I reach the Bali Pass Trek?
Most groups meet in Dehradun. Nearest airport: Dehradun (Jolly Grant). Nearest railway: Dehradun. Dehradun to Sankri, 8 to 10 hours. The trek exits at Janki Chatti near Yamunotri, about 7 hours back to Dehradun.
How much does the Bali Pass Trek cost?
Listed operators charge from ₹20,000 to ₹22,000 per person. Check what's included: transport, permits, meals, tents and offloading vary.
Do I need a permit for the Bali Pass Trek?
Forest department permits for treks inside sanctuaries and national parks. Operators normally arrange them; carry original photo ID.
This guide is built from Trail to Tides' trek data, mapped trails and operator listings, and checked by our team. Conditions change with weather and seasons: your trek leader's call on the day always comes first.