Borasu Pass Trek (8N-9D; 28000/ head)
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Overview
Borasu Pass Trek: A Prestigious High-Altitude Crossover from Uttarakhand to Himachal
The Borasu Pass Trek is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and challenging cross-over treks in the Indian Himalayas, known for its technical terrain, vast glaciers, and ancient trade routes. Situated at a staggering altitude of 17,880 ft, Borasu Pass acts as a high-altitude bridge connecting the lush Tons Valley of Uttarakhand to the rugged and stark Baspa Valley in Himachal Pradesh.
Located near the Indo-China border, this trek is best suited for experienced trekkers and high-altitude enthusiasts seeking a raw Himalayan adventure that pushes physical and mental limits. The trail offers a dramatic transition in landscapes, starting from the dense alpine forests of blue pine and cedar in Har Ki Dun and moving into the lunar-like, rocky terrain of the Kinnaur region.
The journey follows an ancient trade artery used for centuries by the villagers of Osla and Gangaad to trade with the people of Chitkul and Sangla. In the lower sections, the route is filled with cultural heritage and scenic beauty, passing through the iconic “Cradle-shaped” Har Ki Dun valley, surrounded by the massive Swargarohini peaks.
As trekkers gain altitude, the terrain becomes significantly more technical, featuring steep ascents over moraine and glaciers. The most challenging section is the summit push, which involves navigating a technical “Ice Wall” and snow slopes using micro-spikes and crampons. Strong winds, sub-zero temperatures, and thin air at nearly 18,000 feet make this a true test of mountaineering skill.
One of the major highlights of the Borasu Pass Trek is the spectacular view from the summit, where trekkers can see the vast expanse of the Kinnaur ranges on one side and the Garhwal Himalayas on the other. The descent into the Himachal side leads through the beautiful Rani Kanda meadows, ending at Chitkul—the last Indian village on the border.
The Borasu Pass Trek is approximately 67 km long and generally takes 8 to 9 days to complete. The route is visually diverse, introducing trekkers to everything from high-altitude grazing grounds (Ratta Tho) home to Himalayan Ibex, to the legendary “Last Indian Dhaba” at the road head.
Despite its high difficulty level, the Borasu Pass Trek rewards trekkers with a profound sense of achievement and a rare opportunity to cross state borders over one of the highest navigable passes in the region. It is a soulful journey that demands respect for the mountains and peak physical readiness.
Peaks & Scenic Highlights
During the trek, trekkers witness spectacular views of the Garhwal and Kinnaur mountain ranges along with dramatic glaciers and ancient valleys.
Major highlights of the trek include:
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Har Ki Dun Valley (Cradle of the Himalayas)
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Swargarohini Peak Views
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Borasu Pass Summit (17,880 ft)
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Jaundhar Glacier & Maninda Tal
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Ratta Tho (Red Stone) Meadows
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Baspa Valley & Rani Kanda
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Chitkul (The Last Indian Village)
Wildlife & Nature on the Trek
The lower sections of the trek are rich in biodiversity, featuring thick forests of cedar and blue pine. As you ascend to Ratta Tho, trekkers may spot high-altitude wildlife such as the Himalayan Ibex and Blue Sheep in their natural grazing grounds.
As the altitude increases past the tree line, the vegetation becomes sparse, giving way to alpine flowers in the meadows before transforming into a world of ice, snow, and rock at the pass.
Borasu Pass Trek Best Time
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Best overall experience: May to June & September to October
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Snow & Glacier experience: Late May and early June
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Clear mountain views: Post-monsoon (September and October)
The weather at 17,880 ft is highly unpredictable; trekkers must be prepared for extreme cold and sudden weather shifts even during peak seasons.
Must-Know for Borasu Pass Trek
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Best Time to Visit: May – June & Sept – Oct
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Days Required: 8 – 9 Days
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Trek Length: ~67 Km
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Maximum Altitude: 17,880 feet
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Difficulty Level: Difficult
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Base Camp: Sankri (Uttarakhand)
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Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
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Highlights: Cross-state trek, Ice wall climbing, Har Ki Dun valley, Indo-China border proximity.
Plan Your Borasu Pass Trek with Places to Visit India
At Places to Visit India, we offer professionally managed trekking packages for the Borasu Pass, ensuring the highest safety standards for this technical crossing.
Our treks include:
✔ Transportation assistance (Dehradun to Dehradun)
✔ Accommodation (Hotel in Sankri & High-altitude tents)
✔ All meals during the trek (Nutritious veg menu)
✔ Expert Trek Leader & local technical guides
✔ Safety gear (Crampons, ropes, oxygen cylinders)
✔ Forest permits and sanctuary entry fees
✔ Complete on-ground logistics
Borasu Pass Trek Price: ₹28,000
📞 Call or WhatsApp: 99291 07926 / 96363 44415 to plan your Borasu Pass adventure.
Included/Exclude
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Accommodation: Stay in guest houses/hotels in Sankri and Chitkul, and high-quality tents on a twin/triple sharing basis during the trek.
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Meals: All veg meals included (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) starting from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 9.
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Transportation: Pickup from Dehradun Railway Station and drop-off at Shimla/Dehradun as per the itinerary.
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Expert Team: Professional and certified Trek Leader, local guides, and an experienced kitchen team.
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Permits: All necessary forest permits, sanctuary entry fees, and camping charges.
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Safety Gear: Oxygen cylinders, stretchers, and a comprehensive medical first-aid kit for high-altitude emergencies.
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Trekking Equipment: High-quality sleeping bags, mats, kitchen tents, toilet tents, and technical gear like crampons or ropes for the pass crossing.
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Cloakroom: Facility to leave extra luggage at the base camp in Sankri.
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GST: 5% GST is applicable on the total trek fee.
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Backpack Offloading: Available at an extra cost if you do not wish to carry your own bag.
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Personal Expenses: Any snacks, mineral water, or laundry services during the journey.
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Single Occupancy: Extra charges apply for those requesting private hotel rooms or tents.
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Emergency Costs: Any expenses arising from weather delays, medical evacuations, or unexpected road closures.
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Insurance: Personal travel or medical insurance is not included in the package.
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Unmentioned Services: Any service or meal not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions list.
Tour Plan
Pickup from Dehradun Railway Station at 7:00 am then drive to the scenic village of Sankri via Mussoorie and the Yamuna Bridge. Arrive at the base camp, check into your guest house/tents, and enjoy a briefing session followed by dinner
Take a bumpy morning drive to Gangad village then begin your trek through dense forests of blue pine and cedar. Arrive at the Cheludgad/Seema campsite along the Supin River for an overnight stay in tents.
Start your steady ascent through the iconic "Cradle-shaped" valley with spectacular views of the Swargarohini peaks. Arrive at the Har Ki Dun campsite, one of the most beautiful spots in the Himalayas, and stay overnight.
Spend the day at Har Ki Dun for active recovery and altitude adjustment. Take a short hike to Maninda Tal or towards the Jaundhar Glacier to prepare your body for the high-altitude push ahead.
Leave the tree line behind and trek through shifting terrain from lush meadows to rocky moraine. Arrive at Ratta Tho (Red Stone), a high-altitude grazing ground, and stay overnight in camps.
Continue your climb through rugged mountain terrain to reach the Borasu Pass Base Camp at Upper Lamjunga. Rest early to prepare for the midnight summit push and stay overnight in tents.
Start at 3:00 am to navigate snow slopes and the technical "Ice Wall" to reach the Borasu Pass summit (17,880 ft). Cross over into Himachal Pradesh, descend into the Baspa Valley, and arrive at Bonga Camp for a well-earned rest.
Enjoy a scenic walk through the Rani Kanda meadows and cross several mountain streams. Arrive at Chitkul, the last Indian village on the border, celebrate your crossing at the "Last Indian Dhaba," and stay overnight in a hotel.
Board your vehicle for a dramatic drive along the famous Kinnaur hanging cliffs and the Satluj River. Arrive in Shimla by evening to conclude your epic crossover journey.