Black Peak Expedition

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About Tour Package

Have you ever had this thought that you need to take a break from alpine hill treks and rather choose to do an expedition? Whether you’re a moderate or strenuous-level trekker, you definitely had this thought once in a while in your mind. So, it’s time to turn your thoughts or daydreaming into reality. Yes, if you are ready to push your trekking limits, then you must look forward to one of the most difficult Black Peak expedition.

Black Peak, alternatively recognized as Kala Nag or Black Cobra in the local dialect, reigns as the loftiest and most emblematic summit within the Bandarpunch (Saraswati) range in the Garhwal Himalayas. Its towering elevation of 6,387 meters (20,955 feet) establishes it as a formidable challenge, demanding a mastery of advanced climbing techniques and extensive high-altitude trekking expertise. What distinguishes Black Peak is its distinctive formation that strikingly resembles the head of a cobra. Further intensifying its enigmatic appeal and securing its esteemed status among avid mountaineers pursuing an exhilarating and daring expedition. Black Peak, in fact, is not just a mountain; it’s a friendly behemoth wrapped in mystery and charm, waiting for adventurers and nature lovers to come and discover its secrets.

The story of Black Peak begins with the efforts of British mountaineers in the early 20th century, and later, in 1979, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police team reached its summit. These achievements transformed it into a beloved destination for global adventurers, all drawn by its rugged charm and breathtaking panoramas.

Region

Uttarakhand

Base camp

Sankri

Duration

15 Days

Grade

Difficult

Distance

100 km

Altitude

6,387 m

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Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri

Drive Distance: 207 km

Drive Time: 7-8 hrs

Altitude: 1,950m /6,400ft

Our exciting journey begins from Dehradun on a 220-kilometer drive to Sankri. Expect an 8 to 9-hour journey along scenic yet rugged mountain roads, passing through Mussoorie, Naitwar, and Mori. The road meanders alongside the Yamuna and Tons rivers, adorned with lush greenery and a mix of milky white and emerald hues. The alluring fragrance of the surrounding forest blends seamlessly with the stunning vistas, making the trek to Sankri a memorable experience. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes along the Yamuna and Tons rivers, leading to the captivating Govind National Park. Upon arrival in Sankri, relax and unwind at the hotel nestled in the serene charm of the area.

Day 2: Sankri – Osla(2560m)

After breakfast, we’ll drive to Taluka, which is 12 km away from Sankri and takes about an hour to reach. The road to Taluka is surrounded by bamboo and deodar trees, with streams crossing the zigzag path. Our trek officially begins from Taluka, and we’ll cover a 12 km distance to reach Seema, which is on the right bank of the Supin River. The path leads you through forests adorned with walnuts, cashew nuts, and willow trees. The side of the Supin River that we’ll traverse is particularly scenic. The path winds alongside a river, leading to Gangad village, displaying classic Himalayan architecture. A wooden bridge connects to Osla village, renowned for its Garhwali culture and lifestyle. Opposite Osla, Seema campsite, a tourist shelter, awaits. Further along, we’ll arrive at Seema for our overnight camp. The path might be covered in snow and slush during winter.

Day 3: Osla – Ruinsara Tal (3350m)

Take in the breathtaking views from the mountain trail that leads to the holy Ruinsara Lake. The fascinating views of the Swargarohini Range create a stunning background that evokes the legendary undertones of the Indian epic Mahabharata, which tells the story of the Pandavas’ 14-year exile. The core of this fabled story comes to life as you hike, enchanting the picturesque Ruinsara Tal with its allure.

Day 4: Ruinsara Tal – Kyarkoti 3500m

The imposing silhouette gradually emerges on your way to the Black Peak base camp. The trek poses considerable challenges as you navigate valleys and rugged terrain flanked by breathtaking mountain vistas. The ascent to Kyarkoti is steep, adding to the overall difficulty.

After about an hour’s hike, you’ll reach a prone landscape area, guided by your trail markers and expert guide through the landslide zone. Arising into a picturesque grassland, the glistening Supin River flows below, while the undulating path leads you over hills, water bodies, and a rugged 3 km boulder stretch. Arriving at the camp, you’ll find a vast grassy expanse enclosed by boulders, with the striking Swargarohini peaks in the backdrop.

As evening sets in, ready for a serene night, ensure you have sufficient layers to keep warm as you contemplate the majestic Black Peak, your ultimate destination.

Day 5: Rest Day to Acclimatize

Considering the upcoming altitude gains, scheduling a rest day for adequate acclimatization is imperative, minimizing the risk of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).

Today, you’ll be introduced to the equipment for the journey ahead, receiving training on walking techniques, knot tying, and the use of tools like axes. Enjoy your evening, and rest well, as the following days are set to be exciting.

Day 6: Kyarkoti – Camp 1 (4600m) Load Ferry

Today, you’ll load the ferry and trek from Kyarkoti to Camp 1 to set up the Camp 1. Here, you’ll be greeted by views of Swargarohini to the north and Bandarpunch to the South. The relatively short distance shouldn’t be rushed, given the potential effects of the altitude.

The trail, though picturesque, can be challenging as it alternates between clear paths, narrow stretches, and rocky, inclined terrain. The landscape changes dramatically from drylands to dry glacier beds.
Day 7: Kyarkoti – Camp 1
After approximately 2 hours of rugged terrain:

Settle into Camp 1 and enjoy the stunning views.

Prepare for your upcoming ascent of the Black Peak.

Take a leisurely walk around the camp, witnessing a stunning sunset that paints the sky and snow in an enchanting, visually immersive display.

As the temperature decreases and the wind picks up, savor a delightful dinner before retiring to your tents.
Day 8: Camp 1 – Camp 2 (5100m) load ferry

The path to the Advance Base Camp (ABC) leads through meadows, rocky terrain, and a challenging ascent through a landslide area, descending to moraine fields and a glacier. The spectacular sight of the Black Peak from here is captivating as it marks the journey towards conquering this grand mountain. We set up Camp 1, organized our gear, and prepared to move forward. After returning to the ABC, we rested for the night.

Day 9: Camp 1 – Camp 2

We will repeat the same route we took yesterday to build Camp 1. Then, we rest for the night.

Day 10: Camp 2 – Camp 3 (5500m)

Today, we move toward our Summit camp. After navigating past several crevasses, we establish our camp on a snowfield. The campsite offers stunning views of Swargarohini to the North, Bandarpunch to the South and the visible Black Peak towards the Southeast. We’ll set up our camp for the night, gearing up for the Black Peak summit attempt the following day. Rest early as the summit push begins shortly after midnight.

Day 11: Camp 3 – Summit Attempt (6387m)

Today marks the long-awaited attempt to summit the majestic Black Peak. With a 2 a.m. start, the excitement among everyone is palpable. Following a thorough team check, we’ll eagerly embark on our journey towards the summit.

As you move forward, the only light guiding your way is the faint glimmer of the headlines. With each elevation gain, we’ll navigate through the thick snow while ensuring a stable foothold. Today’s track is entirely snow-covered and inclined, following the lead of your guide’s steps. As dawn breaks, the surrounding mountains create an awe-inspiring sight. The golden morning sun illuminates the snow-capped peaks, etching a memory that will endure forever.

The zigzag path to the summit necessitates roping up with your team for the final 500 meters. This challenging climb will likely become one of your most memorable experiences. Standing on top of the mighty Black Peak, the proximity of the Himalayan peaks is striking. Take a moment to absorb the panoramic views before we descend to the base camp.

The descent will be significantly faster, and you’ll reach the summit camp in approximately three hours. We’ll spend the night here and return to the base camp the following day. Rest well, basking in the sense of achievement from conquering the Black Peak summit. It’s a remarkable feat for any adventure enthusiast.

Day 12: Extra Day Reserved for the Summit Attempt.

An additional day to make the summit attempt.

Day 13: Camp 2 to Kyarkoti

After a successful summit ascent, descend from Camp 2 back to the Kyarkoti.

Day 14: Kyarkoti – Osla

Descend from the Kyarkoti to Osla Village for an overnight stay. Spend your final day surrounded by forests and mountains, savoring every moment.

Day 15: Osla – Taluka – Sankri

Begin your day with a good breakfast. You will be going on a hike from Osla village to Taluka and then driving back to Sankri. You will walk beside the Supin River and through pine forests during the hike. After about 4 hours, you will reach Taluka, which is where you begin your journey. From there, you will be driven back to Sankri. Once you’re back, you can take a nice, refreshing shower at the guest house. In the evening, you can enjoy exploring the village.

Day 16: Sankri – Dehradun

Today is the last day in these majestic mountains. We’ll commence our journey towards Dehradun bright and early. A Tata Sumo or a similar vehicle will be arranged at Sankari to transport you back. With a distance of 220 km to cover, anticipate a 10-hour journey. The sooner we set off, the smoother our return on the same route we tackled on day one. Let the breathtaking natural vistas envelop you as we traverse through picturesque landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see. Our estimated arrival time in Dehradun is 6:00 p.m., please plan your subsequent arrangements accordingly.

Package Features List

Include Features

Accommodation: Hotel/Guest house stay : twins triple / dormitory. Tent : Double /triple sharing.
Transport: Transportation from Dehradun to Dehradun.
Meals: From the Day 1st dinner to the day 15th breakfast, all meals are included. We offer healthy, nutritious and vegetarian food on all days of the trek.
Trek Equipment: All essential trek equipment is included, such as sleeping bags, kitchen and dining tents, utensils, mattresses, personal tents, toilet tents, and crampons (if needed).
Forest Entry and Permits: All required fuel charges, tolls, forest entry fees, and permits are covered.
Trek Staff: A qualified, professional team, including a mountaineering-certified trek leader, guide, cook, and support staff, will accompany you.
Emergency Kit: First aid medical kits, oxygen cylinders, and stretchers are provided for safety.

Exclude Features

Muels or porter to carry the personal bags.
Trek insurance (mandatory)
Tips (optional)
Stay at Dehradun on the last day
Any expenses arising due to emergencies, delays, or unforeseen situations
During the transportation meals are not included
GST – 5%

Frequently Asked & Question

The Black Peak excursion is moderately challenging, demanding technical climbing skills, high-altitude experience, and proper acclimatization. It requires careful navigation through steep terrain and often unpredictable weather conditions, making it suitable for experienced mountaineers.

Black Peak, which is in the Garhwal Himalayas, is often known as Kalanag, which means “Black Cobra.” It is named Kalanag because the top part of the peak resembles a black cobra.

The altitude of Black Peak is approximately 6,387 meters (20,955 feet) above sea level. This altitude makes it one of the challenging high-altitude climbs, requiring adequate preparation and acclimatization to mitigate the risks associated with high elevations.

The risks involved in the Black Peak expedition are notably high due to the challenging terrain, which includes the potential for avalanches and extreme weather conditions. Also, several altitude-related illnesses include acute mountain sickness, high-altitude pulmonary edema, and high-altitude cerebral edema.

The best time for the Black Peak expedition is during the pre-monsoon season (May to June) and the post-monsoon season (September to October). The weather is more steady during these times, with clearer skies and milder temperatures. This makes climbing easier and ensures better visibility for the expedition’s breathtaking views.