New Groups Opened to our latest Ranthan Kharak trek in Kumaon
New Groups Opened to our latest Ranthan Kharak trek in Kumaon

Difficulty

Difficult | Level 3

Duration

8 Days

Highest Altitude

16,207 ft

Age

13 to 62 years

Duration

8 Days

Age

13 to 62 years

Difficulty

Difficult | Level 3

Highest Altitude

16,207 ft

Bali Pass Trek

A Grand Pass Crossing High on Adventure

A Rare Adventure Among Big Mountains

There aren’t many treks that let one experience the raw grandeur of a Himalayan pass crossing. Connecting Har Ki Dun valley with Yamunotri, the Bali Pass is an exhilarating trail. Almost an exploration on its own. It traverses the confluence of Tons and Ruinsara rivers, the undisturbed serenity of the Ruinsara Valley and the lush meadows of Devsu Thach.

Soon, greenery paves way for an alpine zone. At 16,207 ft, the Bali Pass offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Bandarpoonch, Kalanag and Swargarohini peaks. This reward doesn’t come easy, as this trek is difficult and only suitable for experienced trekkers.

Bali Pass - Ruinsara Tal Videos

Watch these videos to plan and prepare for your trek.

Quick Itinerary

Study this chart to know how much altitude you would gain/lose every day on the Bali Pass trek.

Day 1

Drive from Dehradun to Kotgaon

Drive Distance: 200 km | Duration: 10-11 hours | Pick up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Grand Legacy Hotel, near Laal Pul, Dehradun or Library Chowk, Mussourie | Pick up Time: 6.30 am | Location of Indiahikes basecamp: Kotgaon

Drive from Dehradun to Kotgaon. This costs Rs.6,500 per vehicle (for a 5-6 seater SUV) & Rs. 10,000 per vehicle (for 11-12 seater Tempo Traveller) which is to be shared by trekkers and paid directly to the driver. Pick up time: 6.30 am.

Day 2

Kotgaon to Taluka drive then Taluka to Chilurgad trek

Drive Distance: 12 km | Drive Duration: 1-hour drive

Trek Distance: 11 km trek | Trek Duration: 7-8 hour trek | Altitude gain: 6,520 ft to 8,160 ft

Day 3

Chilurgad to Devsu Thach

Trek distance: 6 km | Duration: 4-5 hours | Altitude gain: 8,160 ft to 9,795 feet

Day 4

Devsu Thach to Ruinsara Tal

Trek Distance: 10 km | Trek Duration: 4-5 hours | Altitude gain: 9,795 ft to 11,715 ft

Day 5

Ruinsara Tal to Thanga

Trek distance: 3 km | Duration: 3 hours | Altitude gain: 11,715 ft to 13,080 ft

Day 6

Thanga to Advanced base camp via Odari (Bali Pass Base Camp)

Trek distance: 5 km | Duration: 5-6 hours | Altitude gain: 13,080 ft to 15,100 ft

Day 7

Advance Base Camp to Lower Damini via Bali Pass

Trek distance: 14 km | Duration: 9-10 hours | Altitude loss: 15,100 ft to 10,080 feet via 16,207 feet (Bali pass)

Day 8

Lower Damini to Janakichatti to Dehradun

Trek distance: 6 km | Trek Duration: 1 hour

Drive Distance: 169 km | Driving time: 8 hours | Altitude loss: 10,080 ft to 8,270 ft

Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.

Day 9

Buffer Day

If Buffer day is used, trekkers will have to pay Rs 2100 +5% GST. The money will be collected by the Trek Leader only if we use the buffer day. This depends completely on the weather conditions on the trek and the call will be taken by the trek leader.

You’ll be back in Dehradun by 8 pm. Please factor in the buffer day in your travel plans – book your onward journey from Dehradun only after 9 pm on Day 9.

IMPORTANT POINTS

- It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo ID along with the mandatory documents of the Medical Certificate and Disclaimer form. This is required for trek permissions.

- There are no facilities at Kotgaon. Do not leave this or any other gears till the end.

- The stay at Kotgaon will be on our campus where we have a lodge.

- On the trek, you will be staying 3 in a tent

- We won't have a Cloak Room facility at the base camp for excess luggage. This is because you will be descending to Janakichatti from the Bali pass.

Please note: Twin sharing tents may not be available in May, June, July and August. This is because raw materials for making tents are sourced from different countries. But their export has been affected due to international unrest. This has led to a global shortage of tents. Having said that, you'll still have comfortable space as these tents have been designed to accommodate three trekkers.

Study this chart to know how much altitude you would gain/lose every day on the Bali Pass trek.

PRO-TIPS

Onward Travel

The drive to Kotgaon takes you along the narrow mountain roads along the River Yamuna. Within an hour of driving from Dehradun, you reach Mussoorie. Further ahead, the journey takes you past Mori and Purola. You see beautiful valleys and forest cover throughout the journey. Cross the villages of Nainbagh, Naugaon, Purola, Jarmola, Mori Naitwar, and finally Kotgaon. The 18 km stretch of the dense pine forest after Purola and the drive through the Mori valley alongside River Tons will stay with you for a long time. Do not miss to watch out for them.

The village offers a beautiful view of the sun setting behind the greater Himalayas. The peaks of Swargarohini shimmer in the evening sun, standing tall over the ridges beyond Kotgaon.

Return Travel

The drive back to Dehradun follows the route from Janakachatti. The road goes along River Yamuna.
You are expected to reach back at Dehradun at around 8 pm. Plan your return journey only after 9 pm on the 9th day to factor in your buffer day.

Day 1

Drive from Dehradun to Kotgaon

Drive Distance: 200 km | Duration: 10-11 hours | Pick up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Grand Legacy Hotel, near Laal Pul, Dehradun or Library Chowk, Mussourie | Pick up Time: 6.30 am | Location of Indiahikes basecamp: Kotgaon

Drive from Dehradun to Kotgaon. This costs Rs.6,500 per vehicle (for a 5-6 seater SUV) & Rs. 10,000 per vehicle (for 11-12 seater Tempo Traveller) which is to be shared by trekkers and paid directly to the driver. Pick up time: 6.30 am.

Day 2

Kotgaon to Taluka drive then Taluka to Chilurgad trek

Drive Distance: 12 km | Drive Duration: 1-hour drive

Trek Distance: 11 km trek | Trek Duration: 7-8 hour trek | Altitude gain: 6,520 ft to 8,160 ft

Day 3

Chilurgad to Devsu Thach

Trek distance: 6 km | Duration: 4-5 hours | Altitude gain: 8,160 ft to 9,795 feet

Day 4

Devsu Thach to Ruinsara Tal

Trek Distance: 10 km | Trek Duration: 4-5 hours | Altitude gain: 9,795 ft to 11,715 ft

Day 5

Ruinsara Tal to Thanga

Trek distance: 3 km | Duration: 3 hours | Altitude gain: 11,715 ft to 13,080 ft

Day 6

Thanga to Advanced base camp via Odari (Bali Pass Base Camp)

Trek distance: 5 km | Duration: 5-6 hours | Altitude gain: 13,080 ft to 15,100 ft

Day 7

Advance Base Camp to Lower Damini via Bali Pass

Trek distance: 14 km | Duration: 9-10 hours | Altitude loss: 15,100 ft to 10,080 feet via 16,207 feet (Bali pass)

Day 8

Lower Damini to Janakichatti to Dehradun

Trek distance: 6 km | Trek Duration: 1 hour

Drive Distance: 169 km | Driving time: 8 hours | Altitude loss: 10,080 ft to 8,270 ft

Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.

Day 9

Buffer Day

If Buffer day is used, trekkers will have to pay Rs 2100 +5% GST. The money will be collected by the Trek Leader only if we use the buffer day. This depends completely on the weather conditions on the trek and the call will be taken by the trek leader.

You’ll be back in Dehradun by 8 pm. Please factor in the buffer day in your travel plans – book your onward journey from Dehradun only after 9 pm on Day 9.

IMPORTANT POINTS

- It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo ID along with the mandatory documents of the Medical Certificate and Disclaimer form. This is required for trek permissions.

- There are no facilities at Kotgaon. Do not leave this or any other gears till the end.

- The stay at Kotgaon will be on our campus where we have a lodge.

- On the trek, you will be staying 3 in a tent

- We won't have a Cloak Room facility at the base camp for excess luggage. This is because you will be descending to Janakichatti from the Bali pass.

Please note: Twin sharing tents may not be available in May, June, July and August. This is because raw materials for making tents are sourced from different countries. But their export has been affected due to international unrest. This has led to a global shortage of tents. Having said that, you'll still have comfortable space as these tents have been designed to accommodate three trekkers.

PRO-TIPS

Onward Travel

The drive to Kotgaon takes you along the narrow mountain roads along the River Yamuna. Within an hour of driving from Dehradun, you reach Mussoorie. Further ahead, the journey takes you past Mori and Purola. You see beautiful valleys and forest cover throughout the journey. Cross the villages of Nainbagh, Naugaon, Purola, Jarmola, Mori Naitwar, and finally Kotgaon. The 18 km stretch of the dense pine forest after Purola and the drive through the Mori valley alongside River Tons will stay with you for a long time. Do not miss to watch out for them.

The village offers a beautiful view of the sun setting behind the greater Himalayas. The peaks of Swargarohini shimmer in the evening sun, standing tall over the ridges beyond Kotgaon.

Return Travel

The drive back to Dehradun follows the route from Janakachatti. The road goes along River Yamuna.
You are expected to reach back at Dehradun at around 8 pm. Plan your return journey only after 9 pm on the 9th day to factor in your buffer day.

First rays of the sun lighting up the magnificent Mt. Swargarohini.

Picture by: Akhlesh Tomar

Campsites at a Glance

At Indiahikes, we are very particular about choosing terrific campsites. For the Bali Pass - Ruinsara Tal trek too, after a lot of back and forth, we have settled on these terrific campsites, which trekkers have come to love.

Picture by Jagadeesh DM

Picture by Preetham

Picture by Akhlesh Tomar

Dushyant Sharma, Slope Manager

Dushyant is a Slope Manager and Trainer at Indiahikes. He has been with Indiahikes for over 6 years now. Dushyant is one of the most on-demand Trek Leaders at Indiahikes for his expertise in safety and high altitude trek leading. He is also the face of the popular Hindi video series Chalein Trekking with Dushyant Sharma. He has led more than 100 treks including a few of the toughest treks organised by Indiahikes, including Warwan Valley, Kedartal and Pin Parvati Pass. He is known for his leadership and storytelling.

What I Like Like About Bali Pass Trek

What I Like Like About Bali Pass Trek

Dushyant Sharma, Slope Manager

Dushyant is a Slope Manager and Trainer at Indiahikes. He has been with Indiahikes for over 6 years now. Dushyant is one of the most on-demand Trek Leaders at Indiahikes for his expertise in safety and high altitude trek leading. He is also the face of the popular Hindi video series Chalein Trekking with Dushyant Sharma. He has led more than 100 treks including a few of the toughest treks organised by Indiahikes, including Warwan Valley, Kedartal and Pin Parvati Pass. He is known for his leadership and storytelling.

1. The ancient villages of Osla and Gangad take you back in time.

On day one, the ancient villages of Gangad and Osla strike a chord with unique village cultures and folklore. The ancient temples at Osla have riveting Himachali architecture that can keep you absorbed for a long time.

2. The alpine meadows of Devsu Thach in middle of the Ruinsara Forest are a grand surprise of the trek.

The setting of Dev Thach is picture-perfect. A thriving meadow surrounded by tall trees with Swargarohini and Kalanag looming in the background makes for a perfect setting. It makes for a very tempting spot to camp.

3. The trail from Devsu Thach to Ruinsara Lake, meandering next to the Ruinsara River

This is a beautiful and tricky stretch. The valley is narrow and one can be excused for comparing it with Rishi Gorge from Nanda DeviSanctuary, although it isn’t as difficult as the latter. The array of alpine flowers across the riverbank is astonishing.

4. The Ruinsara Lake is a special glacial lake

Resting amidst the beautiful mountain ranges of Swaragrohini, the lake is serene and calming. The meadows around are neat and untouched. One can experience a sense of tranquillity all around the lakeside.

5. The challenging approach to Bali Pass

Like most Himalayan pass crossings, it is best done in either pre or post-monsoon seasons. In June and July, the higher regions of the past are covered in snow while in post-monsoon season, it is a drier, rockier approach. Trekkers who enjoy high altitude pass traverses will find themselves totally at home.

Know Your Trek

We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.

Use this section to learn about the Bali Pass - Ruinsara Tal trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.

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PRO TIPS

Trek Trivia

Spotlights and Orange Glows in the Forests of Bali Pass Trek

Most of the trail for Bali Pass is similar to that of Har ki Dun. However, for Har ki Dun, the majority of the time you are walking on the left side of the Ruinsara-Tons river and the right side of Bali Pass. These two trails meet at a point. 

After this, beyond Boslo village towards Rain Basera, you face a steep descent through dense forest. As Bali Pass is filled with adventure in its truest sense, proper technique and guidance are needed to climb down the narrow path here. 

However, on this path, you see something magical. Sunlight takes on different colours and forms. The reason for this is the different kinds of canopies formed by the various trees here. The spruce trees, for instance, with their needle-like branches and leaves, break the sunlight into what seems like countless small spotlights falling on the ground. If you look up from under the golden oak trees, sunlight appears like an orange bulb above you. And it is through this ‘enchanted forest’ that you get to walk in the Bali Pass trek.

The Thunderous Ice- and Rock-falls in Bali Pass Trek

Beyond the Thanga meadows in the Bali Pass trek, a narrow gorge shows you how untamed nature is. Here, you get to witness what is known as icefall and rockfall. On one of the mountains around you, you will be able to see a very rocky and steep cliff. Here, the snow that has accumulated, tumbles down the entire cliff, taking rocks along with it. 

In the daylight, it is a humbling, yet, fascinating sight. During the nighttime, though, this fall is not visible in the pitch darkness. But, you can hear the heavy rumbling of the rocks creating a thundering sound effect. If you are a light sleeper, you might even get woken up by this sound!

If you get to view it in the dark, the rocks clashing with each other at times create sparks. And from afar, this gives you the illusion of a matchstick being lit. 

This is when you see that nature is alive and the mountains are making their presence felt.

When you trek with us, you leave mountains better

Green Trails is our promise to leave the mountains better. We have removed over 1 lakh kilos of the waste left behind by others on trekking trails. Yet this is a small percentage of what we do. Green Trails dives into reducing the use of resources, reducing our carbon footprint and bringing about a change in the daily practices of our trekkers too.

Available Dates