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Borasu Pass Trek

Trek Fee

₹ 29000

$ 332

+ 5% GST | + Rs 180 Trek Insurance

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TREK DIFFICULTY
Difficult
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TREK DURATION
7 Days
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HIGHEST ALTITUDE
17,585 feet
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GROUP SIZE
12 People
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TOTAL TREK DISTANCE
62 km
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BASECAMP
Uttarakhand
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BEST TIME
May-June | September-October
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PICKUP POINT
Dehradun (Prince Chowk)
TREK DIFFICULTY
Difficult 		TREK DURATION
7 days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE 17,585 feet GROUP SIZE 12 People
TOTAL TREK DISTANCE 62 km BASECAMP Uttarakhand
BEST TIME May-June | September-October PICKUP POINT Dehradun (Prince Chowk)
 

Borasu Pass Trek Overview

The Himalaya is indeed the most sacred and divine mountain range in the world. In the last few years, it has become more and more popular among adventure lovers and trekkers who come here to explore and experience the divine beauty of Mother Nature in some of the most remote parts of the Himalayas. Their ambition leads them to many known and lesser-known treks.

Humorously, there are certain Himalayan treks that have become so famous that they are well-known even to people living on the coastal lines of India, whereas certain treks are not known to some locals either.

Borasu Pass Trek is one such lesser-known high-altitude Himalayan mountain trek lying in the Garhwal Himalayas of India. Borasu Pass Trek is a very unique trek since it divides two different states of India: Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Moreover, Borasu Pass also falls near the border of Tibet. It is believed that the Borasu Pass, also known as Barasu Pass, was used as a trade route between Har ki Dun Valley and Kinnaur Valley in older days. Can you imagine the beauty of this trek during that time when the local people may have walked on the trails about 500-1000 years ago? What a spectacular beauty this high-altitude Himalayan Pass may have offered to the traders passing through it. Isn't it? Instead of traders, these days, this trek is sought after by the trekkers looking for challenging treks.

Trail Leading To Borasu Pass
Trail Leading To Borasu Pass

Borasu Pass divides Uttarakhand from Himachal Pradesh and it is located near the border of Tibet. The Borasu Pass trek starts from the Tons Valley in Uttarakhand and ends at the Baspa Valley in Himachal Pradesh. This trek falls into the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park. Both Tons and Baspa Valley are named after the names of the respective rivers that flow through these valleys. Tons river flows through Tons Valley in Uttarakhand and merges with the sacred river Yamuna. Whereas the Baspa River flows through the Baspa Valley and merges with the Sutlej river.

By embarking on the Borasu Pass trek, you will traverse through remote Himalayan villages like Osla, where you will get a chance to observe the unique ancient mountain architecture, culture, and lifestyle of the villagers who live in these remote Himalayan villages. With every passing day, the Borasu Pass Trek will reveal astonishing beauty before you. From the village trails, this trek will take you to the beautiful vast alpine meadows, and lush green forests of Pine, Bhojpatra, and Rhododendrons; You will hike through ridges, and witness the spectacular Marinda Tal, which is a glacial lake. From there you will trek to some challenging terrains where you will encounter steep climbs and descends through moraines, glaciers, and snow-capped mountains. Starting from a small village of Uttarakhand, this trek will take you to the Chitkul village of Himachal Pradesh.

During the Borasu Pass trek, you will be able to see some spectacular high mountain peaks of Uttarakhand Garhwal Himalayas like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag (AKA Black Peak), Bonga Peak, Bali Pass, and Dhumdhar Kandi Pass. From the Barasu Pass, if you look back, you will see the astonishingly beautiful Har ki Dun Valley.

The high altitude of the Barasu Pass and the long walking distances make this trek difficult and hence the Borasu Pass trek is suitable only for experienced trekkers and mountaineers.

Trek Fee

$332

₹29000

+ 5% GST
Optional Addition

Cancellation policy

 

How Does Each Day Look

- Complete day-wise Itinerary

Day 2: Sankri (1,920 m) to Seema (2,560 m) via Taluka (1,800 m)

Drive: 15 km, 1 hr

Trek: 12-14 km, 6 hrs

Altitude Gain: 6,500 ft – 8,398 ft

After a hearty breakfast, we will be transported to Taluka by car. The drive is a bit bumpy. The trek commences from Taluka on a stony path. The motorable road in Govind Pashu National Park ends here. With the river Supin gushing through rapids beside us, under the shade of walnut, pine and other trees, the walk is quite pleasant. Often the passing villagers greet us on the way. We also see plantations of the red-coloured Himalayan crop amaranth, locally known as cholai.

A few hours and crossing over a few streams later, we see the village of Gangad across the river on the left. We continue our hike and after about an hour, the quaint village of Osla unfolds itself. Osla is a household name among trekkers. Home to about 200 families, it gives us a peek into Garwahli culture. Seema is a tiny settlement opposite to Osla on the other side of the river. We set camp here or stay in a hut with a local family in the village.

Day 3: Seema/Osla to Har ki Dun (3,510 m)

Trek: 12-13 km, 7 hrs

Altitude Gain: 8,398 ft – 11,515 ft

From Osla the trail gradually rises higher and passes through bushes of flowers like orchids, fleece flowers and sunflowers. The ascending path climbs high above the confluence of Supin river and the river from Ruinsara valley.

After traversing higher up along the left side of the river, we camp at a very panoramic spot in Har ki Dun, located at the junction of two valleys – one originating from Jaundhar glacier and the other from beyond Hata glacier.

Day 4: Har ki Dun to Ratha Tho (4,200 m)

Trek: 5-6 km, 3-4 hrs

Altitude Gain: 11,515 ft – 13,779 ft

Today we trek at moderate pace to reach Ratha Tho. On the wasy, we pass by Morinda Tal, a small lake. A part of the trek is a bit over boulders but with the views of snow covered peaks and wide valleys, it is a beautiful walk.

Day 5: Ratha Tho to Borasu pass base camp (Upper Lamjung) (4,900 m)

Trek: 6-7 km, 5-6 hrs

Altitude Gain: 13,779 ft – 16,076 ft

On this day, we walk higher up. The path is over boulders and quite often snow-covered. The campsite at upper Lamjung is also on snow mostly. From here one gets a beautiful view of the valley behind.

Day 6: Borasu pass base camp (Upper Lamjung) to Bonga (4,000 m) via Borasu pass (5,360 m)

Trek: 10-12 km, 7 hrs

Altitude Gain and loss: 16,076 ft – 17,583 ft – 13,123 ft

We start before sunrise for this day’s trek. As we keep moving higher up, the views open up behind us. After crossing two glaciers and a final ascent over boulders, the cradle shaped Borasu pass lies before us. We descend towards the Himachal side of the pass into a large glacier usually glissading over the initial slope. The trek further is along a tributary of Baspa river. We may find shepherds near the campsite.

Day 7: Bonga to Chitkul (3,430 m)

Trek: 15 km, 6-7 hrs

Altitude loss: 13,123 ft – 11,253 ft

Today’s trek takes about 8 h. This is an easy walk through flower fields and forests. Overnight in Chitkul Village. The trek ends here. One can get public or private transport from Chitkul or Sangla to Shimla.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Get your questions answered here

The best time for the Borasu Pass trek is either before or after the monsoon season. In May-June and September-October, the weather is good with clear skies and pretty snow-capped mountains. In May-June: It’s nice because you’ll see greenery mixed with snow, which looks really nice. The weather is good for walking. In the daytime, it’s about 5°C to 10°C, and at night, it can get as cold as -1°C to -5°C. In September-October: There’s less snow, but it’s still beautiful. The weather is good for trekking. In the daytime, it’s about 6°C to 13°C, and at night, it’s around 3°C to -4°C. It’s best to avoid July and August because there’s a lot of rain, and the paths can be slippery and tough. Also, November to April isn’t ideal because there’s heavy snow and it’s really, really cold.”

The Borasu Pass trek is a bit tough. You should have a good level of fitness and some trekking experience before trying it. It’s not recommended for beginners or people who haven’t hiked much before. Here’s a breakdown of what’s needed for the trek: Endurance: You’ll be walking for long hours, sometimes over steep hills. It’s good to be able to comfortably walk for 5-6 hours a day with a backpack. Cardio Fitness: The high altitude and steep climbs ask for good cardiovascular fitness. It’s a good goal to be able to jog or run 5 kilometers in 30 minutes or less. Strength: Strong legs and core muscles are super important for handling the uneven ground and carrying a backpack. Regular strength exercises can help. Mental Strength: The trek can be mentally tough because of the altitude and long walking days. Staying positive and mentally strong is really important.

The difficulty of the Borasu Pass is moderate to difficult but can be safely done with proper preparation and guidance from experienced organizers. Here are safety tips: Altitude Sickness: Proper acclimatization, gradual ascent, and staying hydrated are key to preventing altitude sickness at high altitudes. Terrain and Weather: Steep paths and rocky trails can be slippery. Good footwear, trekking poles, and careful steps help avoid falls. Wildlife: Be alert to wildlife like bears and dogs. Avoid going alone and follow guide instructions. Remoteness: Limited medical help is available, so carry a first-aid kit and emergency communication options.

The Borasu Pass trek usually welcomes participants between the ages of 14 and 16 as the youngest, while the upper limit is typically around 60 years old. These age boundaries are set for safety reasons. The trek is demanding, with high altitudes and potential risks. Younger participants might not have the necessary physical and mental strength, and they may be more vulnerable to altitude-related issues. As for the upper age limit, it’s primarily a precaution for safety. Older participants may have underlying health concerns or reduced physical capacities, which could make the trek more challenging and increase the likelihood of complications.

The Borasu Pass trek is in the Western Himalayas, stretching between Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh states. It begins in Sankri village, Uttarakhand, and finishes in Chitkul village, Himachal Pradesh. The journey covers Govind National Park, Rupin Pass, and reaches Borasu Pass at 5,360 meters (17,585 feet) high. The trek offers a mix of scenery like green valleys, snowy peaks, glaciers, and pretty meadows. It’s a bit tough but totally worth it for the amazing views of the Himalayas and the chance to experience the wild beauty.

The Borasu Pass trek has different temperatures depending on the time and how high up you are. It’s best to go in May-June or September-October when the weather is good for trekking. In May-June: In lower places, it’s about 15°C to 20°C in the day, but higher up it can get as cold as 5°C to 10°C. At night, especially up high, it can go below freezing. In September-October: In lower places, it’s about 10°C to 15°C in the day, and higher up it can get to 5°C to 10°C. At night, it’s about 2°C to 8°C in lower areas, and -2°C to 4°C up high. July and August: It’s not a good time because there’s lots of rain and the weather is unpredictable. It can be between 15°C to 25°C in the day and 10°C to 15°C at night. November to April: It’s too cold and snowy for most people. In the day, it’s between -5°C to 5°C, and at night, it can go below -10°C.

Using your mobile phone during the Borasu Pass trek can be tricky. Sometimes you might get a signal, especially in lower spots or near villages, but it’s not reliable. Because of the mountains and the remote areas, it’s hard for mobile signals to reach everywhere. When you go higher up, it’s even tougher to get a signal. If you need to talk to family or friends, tell them your plan before you start. You can also bring a special phone or locator just for emergencies.

The Borasu Pass trek is considered a moderate to difficult trek, requiring a good level of physical fitness and prior trekking experience. It is not recommended for beginners or individuals with limited hiking experience. If you’re new to trekking, it’s a good idea to start with easier treks to get used to it before trying Borasu Pass. Make sure to check with your doctor to be sure you’re fit for high-altitude trekking. Here’s a plan to get ready for Borasu Pass: Cardio: Do 3-4 cardio sessions each week. Start slow and then go longer and faster. Activities like jogging, running, swimming, and cycling are good. Strength Training: 2-3 times a week, work on strength. Focus on your legs, core, and upper body. Exercises like squats, lunges, planks, and push-ups are good. Hiking: Practice with a backpack to get used to how it feels. Begin with shorter hikes and then do longer ones with more uphill. Altitude Practice: Spend a few days at a place with medium height (2500-3000 meters) before the trek. This helps your body get used to the thinner air. Always listen to your body, take it easy when you need to, and rest when you feel tired. Getting ready like this will make your trek more enjoyable and lower the chances of getting sick or hurt.

Inclusions & Exclusions

- Know What's Included & Excluded in Your Adventure!

Inclusion

Our treks are specially designed by the experienced team at Himalaya Shelter, taking you on an adventure of a lifetime all while making you connect not only with the bountiful nature but also with yourself and with others on the trek with you creating wonderful memories which will last you a lifetime. All Himalaya Shelter treks are guided by experienced Trekkers having vast knowledge and experience of the region, providing with insightful information and stories pertaining to the region’s flora and fauna and the history of the region whilst the trek. It is safe to say that on successfully completing the trek, one will gain tremendous insight and experience along with lifetime memories.

  • Transport support from Dehradun to Sankri-Taluka
    The trek ends at Chitkul. The trekkers can hire a cab from Chitkul village for their further journey. ( Pick-up location: Prince Chowk, near Dehradun Railway Station
  • Pick-up Time: Around 7:30 am )
  • Accommodation – At Base Camp, stay at a local homestay or guest house for one night each, which will give you an insight into the authentic lifestyle of the locals.
    On Trek stay in a 2-person Vango Halo Pro/A-Shape tent, which is to be shared by two trekkers, built to withstand extreme weather conditions and at the same time making you comfortable after a hard day’s trek.
  • Camping Equipment – specially designed sleeping bags that can withstand harsh weather conditions, foam mattresses. Other safety gear like microspikes, gaiters, an ice axe, and helmets will be provided.
  • Medical Kit – our team will be equipped with an extensive medical kit, which our team is trained and experienced to use. Oxygen cylinders are used after they are thoroughly inspected throughout the Trek. Even campsites have large oxygen cylinders as backups.
  • Permission  -  Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
  • Meals – Breakfast, packed lunch (on trek days), evening snacks, and dinner will be served. A hearty, delicious, and nutrition-filled Veg meals with egg preparation will be provided throughout the trek. (Jain and Vegan Food can also be arranged on prior notification.)There will be a dedicated Kitchen Tent along with a dining tent, which will have a dining table too.
  • Our Team – A highly experienced and AMC-certified Trek Leader who will help ensure that the entire trek goes smoothly and safely while navigating the challenging conditions during the trek, and is skilled enough to navigate any medical emergency that can arise during the trek. Local and route Guides who are well-versed with the region and provide an in-depth insight into the local customs and knowledge of the flora and fauna endemic to the region. A dedicated Kitchen staff, which includes a Cook, a helper, and other support staff. There will also be porters and mules to carry common equipment.
  • Cloakroom - We have a cloakroom facility available for extra luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave their luggage behind at no charge.

Exclusions

  • Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
  • Travel Expenses -  Travel expenses from your hometown to the mentioned Pick-Up Point are not included in the trek fee.
    From the scheduled pick-up spot to the base camp, we have our own fleet of vehicles like Bolero, Innova, Dezire, or Tempo Traveler (12-seater). This is be shared by trekkers for a pre-decided amount. All vehicles are non-AC.
  • Personal Equipment - Any personal gear like jackets, shoes, cutlery, or backpacks are not included in the trek fee. We recommend renting them from our Rental Store for an affordable fee. This can be pre-arranged to avoid last-minute hang-ups. 
  • Offloading - We encourage carrying your backpack to get into the true spirit of trekking. However, if needed, you can opt to offload your personal luggage of up to 12 kgs for an additional cost of INR 500 per bag per day.
  • Trek Insurance - A mandatory trek insurance fee is charged in addition to your trek fee. Since most medical insurance doesn’t cover adventure activities, trek insurance offers essential coverage, enhancing your safety without a significant financial burden.
  • Buffer day on the trek - We have kept a buffer day on the trek to account for any weather-related delay. If this is utilized, you will need to pay an extra amount to your trek leader. 
    Anything apart from inclusions
  • Please carry a lunch box for a packed lunch/breakfast to avoid using polythene and Aluminium foil.

Keeping the Himalayas clean is our own responsibility. Reduce the use of Plastic when you are in the abode of the Sacred Himalaya. 🌱

 

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Trek Fee

$ 332

₹ 29000 /Per serson

+ 5% GST | + Rs 180 Trek Insurance

Inclusions and Exclusions, Scholarships & waivers, Cancellation policy

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