At a height of 4,950 meters Bali Pass is a high altitude trek in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The trek is approximately 60 to 70 KM long and it takes about 7 to 9 days to complete it. The distance, high altitude along with challenging terrain makes the Bali Pass trek a difficult trek. Each year hundreds of trekkers flock to the Bali Pass to test their physical and mental fortitude. Here are some of the reasons that make the Bali Pass a must do for experienced trekkers.
High Altitude Adventure:
The altitude of the Bali Pass makes things interesting, where on one hand it offers you spectacular sceneries of the high himalayan mountains and the deep valleys stretching down below; on the other hand it also makes things challenging.
The high altitude increases the risk of altitude sickness and it is important to acclimatize properly, taking proper rest before your next climb. The way to reach the summit is hard but once you reach up on the top you will feel it all to be worth it.
Challenging and diverse Terrain
The terrain, while easy to tread at the beginning of the trek, becomes increasingly challenging as one moves higher into the mountains. The lush green meadows slowly transform into stark white snowfields and the tall pine trees are replaced by huge boulders. This dramatic shift is thrilling to witness and only the brave and strong willed climber, hungry for adventure, gets to witness this glory.
Panoramic Himalayas
The summit view from Bali Pass shows you majestic peaks like the Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch and Kala Nag. The High himalayan peaks perpetually covered in snow seem otherworldly, they stir up something deep inside the human soul. The white clouds drifting below those peaks and the sunlight gently falling on the nobel mountains is something you will see nowhere else.
Cultural and Spiritual Experience
The trek to Bali Pass also goes through ancient villages like Osla, said to be as old as the tales of the Mahabharata; the village is also known for its Koti Banal architecture. The Bali Pass trek begins at Sankri and ends at the Janki Chatti which is close to the Yamunotri dham. The trek thereby provides a spiritual and cultural experience.
Technical Challenges:
The trek is best for the experienced trekkers as it provides challenges that are thrilling and exciting. The glacier crossings, steep ascents and descents add to the adventure and make the trek memorable.
The climb requires you to be well equipped with the best gear available and be able to use them properly.
Remote and Offbeat
The Bali Pass trek is unlike the well-known Kedarkantha or Hampta pass treks. The difficulty of the trek because of its remoteness and tough terrain makes it a trek that is largely untouched.
It might go days before you see another group while you are on the trek. The rare sense of isolation that you get while on the trek is sure to make the experience deeply personal.
Mythology and Culture
The trail to reach the Bali Pass passes through the ancient village of Osla, a village that is said to be as old as the tales of Mahabharata. The trekker gets the opportunity to see the ancient Koti Banal architecture in which the village temple is made.
The Bali Pass trek ends in the Yamunotri Dham which is the part of the Char Dham yatra, this adds to the spiritual aspect of the trek.
