About the Trek
Borasu Pass at 5,450 metres is one of the most challenging and rewarding pass treks in the Indian Himalayas. This ancient trade route connects the Har Ki Dun valley in Uttarakhand to the Ruinsara valley, traversing through some of the most pristine and untouched wilderness in the region.
The trek takes you through dense forests, alpine meadows, glacial moraines, and finally over a snow-covered pass with views of Swargarohini, Kalanag, and Bandarpoonch peaks. The remoteness of this trail means you encounter very few other trekkers, making it a true wilderness experience.
This is a trek for experienced mountaineers. The pass crossing involves navigating crevassed glaciers and steep snow slopes, requiring proper mountaineering equipment and technique. Trishul Adventures provides experienced high-altitude guides and all necessary technical gear.
Trek Highlights
- Cross the mighty Borasu Pass at 5,450m — a serious high-altitude challenge
- Trek through the pristine and remote Har Ki Dun valley
- Views of Swargarohini, Kalanag and Bandarpoonch peaks
- Navigate glacial moraines and snow slopes
- Ancient trade route between Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh
- True wilderness experience with minimal other trekkers
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A 9-day expedition from Dehradun through Har Ki Dun valley and over the formidable Borasu Pass at 5,450m.
- Drive from Dehradun to Sankri village
- Pass through Mussoorie, Purola, and Mori
- Overnight at guesthouse
- Drive to Taluka village
- Trek along the Supin river
- Pass through Gangad village
- Reach Seema village campsite
- Overnight in tents
- Trek through dense forest and open meadows
- Cross several streams
- Arrive at the spectacular Har Ki Dun valley
- Overnight in tents
- Ascend from Har Ki Dun towards the pass
- Trek through moraine and boulder fields
- Camp near Maninda Tal glacial lake
- Overnight in tents
- Rest and acclimatisation day
- Short hike towards the pass for altitude training
- Gear check and briefing for pass crossing
- Overnight in tents
- Early start at 2 AM for the pass crossing
- Navigate snow slopes and glacial terrain
- Reach Borasu Pass (5,450m) — views of Swargarohini and Kalanag
- Long descent to Ruinsara Valley
- Overnight in tents
- Explore the beautiful Ruinsara Valley
- Visit Ruinsara Lake surrounded by peaks
- Relax and recover from the pass crossing
- Overnight in tents
- Descend through the valley back to Seema
- Pass through familiar forest trails
- Celebratory camp at Seema
- Overnight in tents
- Trek back to Taluka
- Drive from Sankri to Dehradun
- Trek ends — departure from Dehradun
What's Included
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Accommodation — Hotel / Homestay / Tents on triple sharing
- All necessary entry fees and permits
- Professional trek leader, guide, cook and support staff
- Camping equipment — sleeping bags, blankets, mats, toilet tents
- Safety equipment — medical kit, oximeter, crampons & gaiters
What's Not Included
- Meals during the road journey
- Any kind of insurance
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage (can be arranged at extra cost)
- Medical / evacuation expenses (assistance provided in emergencies)
- Any expense of personal nature
- Any expense not specified in inclusions
Things to Carry
Essentials
- Backpack (50-60 L) with rain cover
- Day pack (20 L)
- Trekking shoes with ankle support
- Headlamp / torch with spare batteries
- Water bottles (2 L)
- Personal medication
Clothing & Gear
- Thermal innerwear (top + bottom) x 2
- Heavy down jacket (-20°C rated)
- Waterproof hardshell jacket and pants
- Balaclava, insulated gloves, liner gloves
- Trekking pants x 2 + warm fleece pants
- Quick-dry t-shirts x 3
- Gaiters (high ankle)
- Mountaineering sunglasses (Category 4)
Documents
- Government photo ID (Aadhaar / Passport / DL)
- Two passport-sized photos
- Medical fitness certificate
Optional
- Trekking poles
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Power bank
- Energy bars / dry fruits
How to Prepare
This is a Moderate to Difficult grade trek. Expect long walking days (6–9 hours), steep ascents and descents, possible snow/glacier crossings, and altitudes above 4,000 m. Prior trekking experience and 6–8 weeks of dedicated preparation are strongly recommended.
Cardio — Start 6–8 Weeks Before
- Run: 5 km in under 25 minutes, 4–5x per week
- Long walks: 12–15 km weekend hikes with an 8–10 kg loaded pack
- Stairs with load: Climb 15+ floors with a backpack, 3x per week
- Incline training: Treadmill at 10–15% incline for 30 min, or find real hills
- Practice trek: Do at least 1–2 trail hikes (8–12 km) with full daypack before departure
Strength (4x per week)
- Weighted squats — 3 sets of 15 (10–15 kg)
- Bulgarian split squats — 3 sets of 12 each leg
- Step-ups with weight — 3 sets of 12 each leg
- Deadlifts or Romanian deadlifts — 3 sets of 10
- Core circuit: planks (90 sec) + mountain climbers (30) + Russian twists (20)
- Calf raises with weight — 3 sets of 20
Diet & Recovery
- 4+ litres of water daily throughout your training
- Protein-heavy diet (1.2–1.5 g per kg body weight) for muscle repair
- Load up on iron-rich foods (spinach, beetroot, dates) — helps with oxygen at altitude
- Avoid processed food, sugar and alcohol for 2+ weeks before departure
- Sleep 7–8 hours — recovery is as important as training
Altitude & Technical Readiness
- These treks cross 4,000–5,000 m — AMS is a serious concern
- Carry and know how to use Diamox (consult your doctor before the trek)
- Learn basic crampon walking if the trek involves snow — your leader will brief you, but practice helps
- Expect sub-zero camping nights — test your cold tolerance and layering system before departure
- Carry a personal first-aid kit: ORS, Diamox, Dolo, Avomine, bandages, antiseptic
- Inform the leader of ANY medical condition — no detail is too small at altitude
Photo Gallery
Photos from the trail. More coming soon — follow us on Instagram for daily updates.
Gallery photos will be added soon. Binoy is preparing the best shots from the trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Borasu Pass is a serious high-altitude challenge involving glacier travel and steep snow slopes. Prior experience with treks above 4,500m is essential.
Yes. Crampons, ice axes, ropes, and harnesses are used during the pass crossing. All technical gear is provided by Trishul Adventures.
June to September when the snow is more stable and the pass is accessible. July and August may have rain at lower altitudes.
You should be able to trek 8-10 hours a day and have experience at altitudes above 4,500m. Serious cardiovascular fitness and strength training for 3+ months is recommended.