Bali Pass Trek – A Rare Himalayan Adventure with Travelhikes
Overview
A Rare Himalayan Adventure with Travelhikes
Embark on one of the most thrilling high-altitude expeditions in the Indian Himalayas with the Bali Pass Trek, offered by Travelhikes. This 9-day trek covers 49 km and reaches a staggering altitude of 16,207 ft, making it ideal for seasoned trekkers seeking a true alpine challenge.
The trail connects the scenic Har Ki Dun Valley to the sacred region of Yamunotri, passing through the pristine confluence of the Tamsa and Ruinsara rivers, the untouched beauty of Ruinsara Valley, and the vibrant meadows of Devsu Thach.
As you ascend, the lush greenery transitions into a stark alpine wilderness, culminating at the Bali Pass summit with breathtaking 360° views of Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, and Swargarohini peaks.
This is not a beginner’s trek – the Bali Pass demands physical endurance and prior high-altitude trekking experience. Explore this section to dive into day-wise itineraries, preparation tips, and everything you need to know for this unforgettable Himalayan crossing.
Itinerary
DAY 1
Drive from Dehradun to Sankri Luxury stay at Hotel “The Conifer Inn”.
Drive Distance: 195 km
Duration: 9-10 hours
Pick up point: The Valley Rides pick up point at Gandhi Road, Dehradun.
Pick up Time: 7.30 am
Location of Valley Rides basecamp: Sankri
Drive from Dehradun to Sankri.
DAY 2
Sankri to Dhatmir village drive then to Chilurgad trek
Drive Distance: 18 km
Drive Duration: 2-hour drive
Trek Distance: 9 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: 8 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
Base Camp to Lower Damini via Bali Pass
Trek distance: 12 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
Day 9 – Buffer Day (If Required)
In case of delays due to weather or trail conditions, Day 9 is reserved as a buffer day. If utilized, an additional fee of Rs. 2,600 + 5% GST will be charged. This amount will only be collected by the Trek Leader if the buffer day is actually used. The decision will be made on the trail, depending on the situation and in consultation with the group.
You'll return to Dehradun by 8 PM. Please account for this buffer day while planning your travel—book your return journey only after 9 PM on Day 9.
Mandatory Documents: Carry a photocopy of your photo ID, along with a signed Medical Certificate and Disclaimer Form. These are essential for obtaining trek permits.
Accommodation in Sankri: Stay will be arranged at the luxury hotel – The Conifer Inn.
On-Trek Stay: Accommodation during the trek will be in tents (2–3 persons per tent).
Mandatory Documents for Trek Participation
To comply with legal requirements set by Valley Rides and the Forest Department, all trekkers must carry the following documents. Failure to provide any of these will result in denial of entry to the trek.
Government-Issued Photo ID
Carry both the original and a photocopy of a valid photo ID (e.g., Aadhar Card, Driver’s License, or Passport). This is required for identity verification by the forest authorities.
Disclaimer Certificate
This form includes two parts:
A personal medical declaration
A legal disclaimer
Download the form, read it thoroughly, fill it out, and sign it. Submit this to your Trek Leader during base camp registration.
Medical Certificate (Certified by an MBBS Doctor)
This is a mandatory health clearance required by both the Forest Department and Valley Rides. The certificate must be completed and signed by a licensed MBBS doctor.
Declaration Form
A separate signed declaration may also be required.
Inclusions
- ✅ What’s Included in the Package
- Transport: Shared transportation from Dehradun to Sankri and return
- Accommodation:
- 1-night stay at the premium Hotel “The Conifer Inn” in Sankri
- 6 nights in tents during the trek (twin/triple sharing basis)
- Camping Equipment: Sleeping bags, mattresses, crampons, gaiters, microspikes, utensils, stools, chairs, etc.
- Tent Setup: Trekker tents, kitchen tent, dining tent, and toilet tent
- Meals: Nutritious vegetarian meals – breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner during trek days
- Permits & Fees: Forest entry permits, Valley Rides fee, guide charges, driver fees, and all applicable government taxes
- Trek Team:
- 1 certified mountaineering trek leader
- Local guide at a 1:6 guide-to-trekker ratio
- Dedicated chef and support staff
- Porters to carry common trek equipment (rations, tents, groceries, etc.)
- Luggage Facility: Cloakroom at Sankri to store extra luggage while on the trek
- Safety & Insurance: Basic first-aid kit and personal accident insurance
- Miscellaneous: Salaries of staff, logistical support, and a Travelhikes personalized Dri-Fit T-shirt
Exclusions
- ❌ What’s Not Included
- Travel expenses to and from Dehradun from your hometown
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Personal trekking gear (jackets, poles, shoes, etc.)
- Tips for the guide, chef, porters, etc. (recommended, but optional)
- Porter charges for personal luggage or excess baggage
- Any local sightseeing, camera fees, or monument entry charges
- Bottled water, soft drinks, and other personal beverages
- Charges for hot water for showers during the trek
- Meals not listed in the inclusions (e.g., meals during travel days)
- Lunch and dinner on the travel days to/from Dehradun
- Any other expenses not mentioned under "inclusions"
- Emergency expenses (medical evacuation, landslides, extra stay or transport due to delays, etc.)
FAQs
Moderate difficulty; for experienced trekkers only.
Steep climbs; ice axe recommended; follow expert guide.
Unpredictable above 15,000 ft; possible snowfall; leader decides continuation.
High altitude (8100–16,200 ft) with no acclimatization day; watch for AMS symptoms; report to leader immediately.
- Summer: 12-17°C day, 0°C night, snow patches early May, 3 warm layers
- Autumn: 10-14°C day, 0 to -3°C night, first snowfall in late Nov, 4 warm layers
Govt photo ID, Disclaimer Form, Medical Certificate (MBBS doctor).
Sturdy trekking shoes with ankle support & grip.
50-60 litres with good support.
Layering system; dry-fit base, insulated layers (5 in winter), quick-dry trek pants.
Sunglasses, sun cap, gloves (waterproof), woollen cap/balaclava, socks (2+2 pairs), headlamp, trekking poles.
Rain jacket/poncho + backpack rain cover.
25-30 litres for essentials.
Basic kit: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, tissue, moisturizer, lip balm, deodorant.
Two 1-litre bottles or 2-litre hydration pack.
3-4 old plastic bags for wet/dirty clothes.
Diamox, Dolo 650, Avomine, Combiflam, Digene, ORS; knee brace optional.
