Bali Pass Trek: Optimal Seasons for Himalayan Adventure Explorations!

Ruinsara Tal Yamunotri Bali Pass trek 2020

Maximum group size: 12  

Trekking distance: 56 km

Maximum altitude/height: 4900 m

Grade: Difficult

Less-explored terrain and still not on the charts of the coveted list, Bali pass brings to the trekkers a novel and superlative experience. If you hanker to push your limits after having done several beginner treks like Sar pass trek, Kedarkantha trek, Roopkund trek, Goechla trek and other common ones, it is time for you to set your feet on this mesmerizing and one of the offbeat treks in Uttarakhand, Bali pass trek. Our Bali pass trek package is inclusive of all the essential gear needed for high passes in Uttarakhand.

Living one of the best and pleasant climes, and a quaint native, Sankri serves as Bali pass base camp. Bali pass altitude summits at 4953 m or 16420 feet. Connecting exotic Ruinsara and Harki dun valley to Yamunotri, the trail is a thrilling package of steep ascents and descents. And when you move further the bird-view of Govind National Park grows prettier and prettier.

Let us read about the features of Bali pass trek in this article.

 Best Time To Visit Bali Pass trek: May-June, September-October

As a maximum number of Himalayan passes in Uttarakhand, Garwhal Himalaya and Himachal, the best season for Bali pass trek are either pre or post-monsoon. Both the durations have distinguishing attributes to offer a seasoned trekker. Depending on your interests, schedule and availability, you can select the right time. 

Although there lies no bias in choosing any one of the periods, the pre-monsoon starts with May ending in the latter half of June and the post-monsoon season starts in September. According to the timed climate, the scenic landscape variably changes providing you with diverse views. While in May the snow melts, you will come across frosty snow and ice on the trail, at a higher altitude. At the same time, in September there is a lesser quantity of snow observed with an anticipating promise of snowfall in October. 

More brilliant by the freshly germinated greenery, the rainforests buzz with birds, fauna and alpine flowers. September being a Fall period, the greens convert into orange, raw and burnt sienna tinted and dried foliage. 

During summers, the day time Bali pass temperature rises to 20 degrees and around winters the night weather plummets to -10 to -15 degrees, depending on the conditions. As you climb higher beyond Ruinsara lake, the weather relatively sustains to be colder throughout the time.

Irrespective of the Bali pass weather, the pros and cons of the seasons hardly bothers a crazy adventurist who wishes to explore challenging and never-explored-before terrains.

In a nutshell, Bali pas trek is awesome both the times!

Choose the months in your pockets and embark on this awe-inspiring region of Garwhal in Uttarakhand.

The Route Of Bali Pass Trek

The entire Bali pass trekking route teems with variations in the trail, forest, and indigenous topography. Beginning with a 10 to 12 hours long drive from Dehradun to Sankri, the trek is a crossover trail surpassing Tons river valley to arrive at Yamuna river valley. Tons is a tributary of Yamuna. It is like leading the road towards the origin of serene Tons river. The unique selling point about the Bali pass trail is that the vegetation and the cover of forests show a dramatic shift once you enter the Ruinsara Valley.

Once again, a long and bumpy drive from Sankri to a native of Taluka which follows with a short stony-path hike to the village of Seema or Chilurgad, as per the decided Balipass itinerary. We follow the path of gushing Supin river sheltered by balmy Walnut, Chestnut, Deodar and Pine trees. Moreover, it is refreshing to observe a row of bloomed flowers of wild Roses, Irises and many more. At the same time, before you reach the native of Seema, we pass through the traditional villages of Osla and Gangad, that are emblematic of Himachali architecture, art and craft. Visit the ancient temples and be blessed for your further audacious journey!

Leaving the Supin river trail, you will trek towards a waterfall and an expansive territory of Debshu Bugyal, a breathtaking meadow that lends us enchanting views of Swargrohini peaks, Bandarpooch and others in the horizon. Camping is here is an unmeasured bliss. We have now entered the splendid and ornate Ruinsara valley.

The Gorgeous Ruinsara Features And Bali Pass Summit

Lying amidst an undulating meadow of Ruinsara forest, Ruinsara lake is a beautiful camping spot. Freshwater and exotic birds chirping, you can comfortably sit next to this lake for hours staring at the mighty peaks that speak to us of this expansive land.

The Ruinsara valley is home to multiple alpine flowers. Since a year, the government has banned camping nearby the lake owing to the cleanliness of the vicinity. Therefore, camping is done a little farther from the lake. After having spent a day in the environment to acclimatize and ready for the summit push, we start our trek towards Odari basecamp, the next day.

The route from Odari is a real feat for all the seasoned trekkers waiting to experience the rush felt while treading the absolute steepness. During this time, you will hike on the moraine, as well as a glacial path of the pass. Arrived at the amazing Bali pass, rest here while you numbly stare at the beauty that surrounds you. You will be amazed to see Swargrohini, Bandar Poonch massif, Black peak or Kalanag peak and the superb Gangotri valley.

Descent To Janki Chatti Via Upper And Lower Dhammni

It is time to bid farewell to the marvelous pass and descend to Upper Dhammni, a handsome meadow to camp and settle your last day in the tents. Either the steep rock or snow or traversing through the ridge, we trek further down from the Bali pass, covering the longest distance in the whole trek.

On the last day, crossing Lower Dhammni to Yamunotri, spend some relaxing time to watch the lush valley and the bountiful origin of Yamuna river. Being a pilgrimage site, there are multiple temples where a lot of tourists are seen visiting temples and performing rituals. From here we head to Janki Chatti, a murky native where you observe an influx of pilgrims in rush to reach Yamunotri.

The exciting trek finally comes to end when you drive back to Dehradun from Janki Chatti.

Fitness For Bali Pass Trek

Bali pass trek assuredly tests our endurance levels. Apart from the steep ascent and descent around the summit, the air at higher altitude is thinner as compared to lower regions. Not only is the grade harder but also the atmosphere is lesser conducive once you shift to higher camps. 

Although there is no long-walking on moraines and glaciers, you have to be well-prepared before you begin this arduous trek. Due to lesser opted trek, the path is not trailed and needs proper navigation from a trained guide to lead novices. It is for this reason it is clubbed under a difficult umbrella. Start your workout routine forty-five days before the day of this tough journey.

As a yardstick to know whether you are ready for Bali pass, you should be able to run 10 km within 65 min. Gradually club your sessions with stair climbing, squats, lunges and other core and leg exercises to strengthen your muscles. Do not miss out on adequate rest and regular stretching to keep the soreness at bay. Although it is about fun to trek, it is also essential to protect the body from the untimely strain and hurt.

If you decide to go for Bali pass trek in Uttarakhand, India with Himalaya Shelter, you do not have to give a second thought to your arrangements, safety and gear. It is all taken care of by us. Owing to a limited number of trekkers in each batch, individual attention is caringly received for their best time at one of the best treks in Uttarakhand.

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