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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.

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 /Per person

+ 5% GST | + Rs 180 Trek Insurance

Inclusions and Exclusions, Scholarships & waivers, Cancellation policy

 

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.

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.

Inclusion

  1. 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.
  2. Pick-up location: Prince Chowk, near Dehradun Railway Station
    Pick-up Time: Around 7:30 am
  3. All vegetarian meals starting from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day
  4. Professional Guide, Cook and Support staff
  5. First-Aid kit with Oximeter and Portable Oxygen Cylinder
  6. Kitchen tents, common tents, toilet tents with portable toilet seats
  7. Rent for camping equipment like Clean sleeping bags and foam mattresses, Good quality ‘A’ shaped or dome tents, Camping stools, Table and Crampons and gaiters if required
  8. Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
  9. Porter and mule support to carry camping equipment and NOT personal luggage
  10. Accommodation throughout the trek on a triple-sharing basis
  11. Guesthouse accommodation on the first day on a triple-sharing basis
  12. All applicable taxes

Exclusions

  1. Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
  2. Any transport support during the trek apart from what is included above
  3. Any cost or services not mentioned in the Inclusions
  4. Accommodation in Dehradun & Chitkul
  5. Adventure Insurance
  6. Cost arising due to unforeseen incidents like bad weather, medical evacuation, roadblocks etc
  7. Porter and mule support to carry personal Luggage can be arranged at an additional cost of INR 500 per bag per day (weighing up to 12 kg)
  8. Please carry a lunch box for packed lunch/breakfast to avoid using polythenes and Aluminium foils. 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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