BALI PASS

Upon arrival in Dehradun, you will be greeted by our representative and then embark on a scenic drive to Sankri. Sankri is a small yet picturesque town nestled in the Govind Pashu National Park within the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. This charming destination is located approximately 195 km from Dehradun. The drive, which takes around 6 hours by private taxi, offers a beautiful journey through the mountainous terrain, while traveling by bus would take about 8 hours. After arriving in Sankri by 3 PM, you will check into a guesthouse or homestay where dinner and overnight accommodation will be provided.

The day begins with an early morning drive from Sankri to Taluka in a taxi, which takes approximately 1 hour. Taluka marks the starting point of our trek. Following a hearty breakfast at Taluka, you will commence your trek towards Seema Camp (2560 M), carrying a packed lunch for the journey. The trek will take you across an even surface through lush forests populated with chestnut, walnut, willow, chinar trees, and various conifers. Along the way, you will encounter several waterfalls, enhancing the beauty of the trek. You can choose to take the steep climb through Dhaatmeer village or opt for a gentler trek along the Karmanasha stream. Both routes eventually converge at Gangaar village. By late afternoon, you will arrive at the Seema Campsite where you will spend the night in tents.

On this day, the trek continues alongside the Supin River. The first significant landmark will be Debshu Bugyal, where you will be treated to magnificent views of Kala Nag (Black Peak). After passing Debshu Bugyal, the trail descends through a forested area with loose stones and a sandy path down to the Supin River. You will cross the river via a bridge and then ascend with the river flowing on your right. This section of the trek features some tricky and slippery paths that may require careful navigation or detours. The day’s trek will bring you to the Rainbasera campsite, situated by the river. You will spend the night here in camps.

Today’s trek continues along the Supin River, leading to Ruinsara Tal by the afternoon. Ruinsara Tal is a beautiful lake surrounded by meadows and rhododendron bushes, providing a serene and picturesque campsite. Instead of tents, you will stay in wooden huts at this campsite. The area offers spectacular views, including Yamuna Kanta to the south-west and Banderpooch Peak, Dhumdhar Kandi, Kala Nag, and White Peak in the surrounding landscapes.

Today’s trek is relatively short, covering a distance of about 4 km. Initially, you will descend to the Supin River through dense vegetation. After crossing the river via a bridge, you will ascend to a small meadow and then follow the river south-east. After trekking for approximately 3 km, the path will meander towards the south-west, leading you to the Odari campsite. Odari, known for its naturally formed rock cave, is steeped in local folklore, believed to have been a resting place for Bali (Hanuman’s brother). The campsite offers stunning views of Swargarohini 1 & 2. Later in the day, you will participate in learning sessions covering trekking techniques that might be useful in the coming days.

Today’s trek involves a challenging ascent to the Base Camp, situated at an altitude of 4678 meters. The hike involves walking on a mountain ridge with a steep incline of 60 degrees, covered in loose stones. This day is critical for acclimatization due to the significant altitude gain. It is essential to stay active and well-hydrated to minimize the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Temperatures at this altitude will drop to subzero levels, making the conditions more difficult. You will spend the night at the Base Camp in tents.

Today is the most challenging part of the trek as you will cross the Bali Pass (4950 m). An early start around 6 AM is necessary. The ascent to the pass involves walking through snow-covered terrain, requiring the use of techniques learned previously. Upon reaching the pass, you will be rewarded with a 360-degree view of the surrounding peaks, including Swargarohini, Banderpooch, the Garhwal ranges, and the Yamunotri valley. The descent from the pass is steep and involves navigating through scree and narrow paths known as the “goat route.” After this demanding section, you will have a brief rest at Upper Dhamni before continuing the trek to Lower Dhamni, where you will camp for the night.

On the final day of the trek, you will descend through a forested trail that eventually merges into a cemented path leading to Yamunotri. After visiting the Yamunotri shrine and taking a dip in the Sulphur hot water springs to soothe your legs, you will continue trekking to Jaan ki Chatti. From Jaan ki Chatti, you will board a vehicle for the drive to Dehradun, where you will check into a hotel for the night.

On the final morning, you will check out from the hotel by 10 AM. You can then plan your return journey from Dehradun as per your travel arrangements.