Uttarakhand which is also known as ‘Dev Bhoomi’ is indeed the land of Gods because it has many hidden heaven-like places. One such place is Bali Pass. I bet that many people haven’t heard about this place. For avid travelers and trekkers, it a sheer place of bliss.

Location

Bali Pass is one of the lesser-known places of Uttarakhand. It is situated at a height of a whopping 16,200 feet, in the Uttarkashi district of the Garhwal region. This untouched beauty is amongst the place traveled less. One of the reasons being a tough terrain, which is not really everyone’s cup of tea.

Journey

Since Bali Pass is situated in Garhwal so the starting point of the trek is Sankri village. Sankri has been the key to the way of numerous gem places quaintly placed in the laps of the mighty Himalayas. From Sankri the next layover is Seema or Chelugad which can either be trekked or reached by vehicle. This small rural settlement dwells on the banks of the Osla River, so camping here for a night gives a soothing experience. From Seema, the trail is followed till Rainbasera via Devsu bugyal. As the trekking journey goes further, the difficulty level also starts rising. While on way there are beautiful meadows and highland grassy plains apt for grazing the domestic animals and also the junction where the other way is for Har Ki Doon. From Rainbasera the trek is continued till Ruinsara lake, which is a glacial lake. This lake is surrounded by meadows from all sides. The beauty of the lake tempts the trekkers to camp there for a night. The next point is Odari, to reach here trekkers will find a mix of gradual and steep ascent. A mythological fable is associated with this place, that brother of Lord Hanuman had spent a night in Odari. The excitement to reach the destination keeps the warmth inside the trekkers active. From Odari the next point is the base camp where tents are already set up. The base camp itself offers a panoramic view of the snowfields around it. Finally, from the base camp by crossing Bali Pass trekkers reach lower Dhamni. Another interesting fact here is the half-a-way trek from Bali Pass to lower Dhamni is descent. The summit point unfolds the view of peaks such as Bandarpooch, Black peak (Kala nag), and peaks on the sides of Yamunotri. Still, the trek isn’t completed the rest of the trek consists of descent and the next point is Janki Chatti via Yamunotri. So, on the way, trekkers get to pay a visit to the holy Yamunotri shrine which is one of the Dhams in Uttarakhand. So, the trek ends in Janki Chatti.

Best time to visit

Well, the best time to plan a trek to Bali Pass is round the year except for the monsoon season. The trek is considered apt for experienced trekkers due to its arduous and difficult terrain. But if you are fit and healthy you can absolutely give it a try. For regular trekkers, trek to this high-altitude pass can only upgrade their expedition level.