The drive from Dehradun to Sankri takes you through picturesque towns and villages like Mussoorie, Nowgaon, Purola, and Mori. The route is scenic and takes you through a dense pine forest, filling the air with the sweet aroma of pines. After driving through the forests, you’ll reach Mori, where the Tons River joins you on the route. The Tons River is the biggest tributary of Yamuna and is well-known for rafting activities. The 190 km long drive typically takes 8-9 hours to complete, so it’s advisable to start early to reach Sankri by evening. You’ll spend the night at a guesthouse before starting your hike the next day.
Today will be an early start to make the most of our day. Breakfast will be between 7-8 AM, allowing time to enjoy the morning sun and the beauty of the mountain town before departing at 9 AM.
Our destination is Taluka, a lively village at the road’s end. You’ll know you’re there when you see mules in line and small canteens offering hot food. After breakfast and picking up packed lunches, we’ll head to Seema, our first campsite. While the altitude gain is only 160m, it’s a long walk. The trail starts with a forest fragrance and several waterfalls. The path is mostly even, with occasional obstacles.
After an hour, we reach a clearing with rest areas. Another hour brings expansive valley views. A short steep section comes next. The rest is a steady incline. There’s a food joint an hour from the campsite for an energy boost. The forest floor can be slippery, so be cautious. You’ll see houses on the opposite mountainsides.
Expect to reach the campsite by 6 PM after a 6-hour trek. Choose a spot with mountain or river views, in an open area or tucked behind trees. Set up your tent and rest for the night. Enjoy the adventure!
Ruinsara Tal, a sacred high-altitude lake at 3,500m, holds deep significance for locals. Popular among trekkers heading to Har ki Doon Valley, it’s adorned with vibrant alpine flora. Located 14km from Seema, legend has it that the Pandavs took this route to heaven, with Swargarohini peak in sight. Arrive at this stunning campsite by early evening and soak in the breathtaking scenery.
Heading from Ruinsara Tal to Kyarkoti Base Camp, the majestic Black Peak’s summit comes into view. Kyarkoti, a vast grassland encircled by boulders and snow-capped peaks, hosts the campsite beside a spring. The thrill is palpable as you approach the base of this enchanting peak. Take a moment to absorb the sight of your ultimate goal, towering before you for the first time in the trek!
Take the day to rest and adjust to base camp at 3,820M, a 2,000M climb from Sankri. Gear setup, technical training, and icy slope practice will come later. This break allows you to acclimate to the terrain and altitude before diving into the activities.
Today’s adventure takes you from Base Camp to Advance Base Camp of Black Peak and back, situated at 4600m. This journey includes carrying supplies. Enjoy the stunning landscapes and make the most of this high-altitude experience.
Today marks a significant ascent from Camp 1 to the Summit Camp of Black Peak, reaching an altitude of 5500m. The journey begins early, navigating through rugged terrain and steep slopes. The path demands careful footing and proper gear. As you progress, the air thins, requiring steady pacing and regulated breathing.
Upon reaching the Summit Camp, take a moment to absorb the achievement and marvel at the breathtaking panorama. The campsite is strategically positioned for the final push to the summit. Rest, hydrate, and savor a well-deserved meal, replenishing energy for the culmination of this extraordinary journey.
As the day draws to a close, the setting sun paints the mountains in hues of gold and crimson, creating a truly awe-inspiring spectacle. Rest well, for tomorrow holds the ultimate challenge – the final ascent to the summit of Black Peak, where you’ll stand at the pinnacle of this remarkable adventure.
In the dead of night, we embark on our summit push, facing bitter cold and fierce high-altitude winds. The climb is demanding, tackling vertical ice walls at a steep gradient of 70-75 degrees, rising 75-85 feet. Fixed ropes and jumars will be essential for this leg until we reach the ridgeline. Surprisingly, the summit of Black Peak is relatively flat.
Our goal is to conquer this stunning peak in 7-8 hours, swiftly descending to the safety of our tents before the snow becomes unstable. Exercise extreme caution during the descent, as it can be more treacherous than the ascent. The priority is always safety. Keep focused, move deliberately, and rely on the expertise of our experienced guides. Together, we’ll conquer this challenge and savor the triumph from the summit of Black Peak.
After conquering the summit, we begin our descent from the Summit Camp, heading back towards Base Camp. The journey requires careful footing and a steady pace as we navigate the steep terrain.
Taking in the spectacular views, we retrace our steps, ensuring a controlled descent. Our goal is to reach Kyarkoti camp, where we’ll rest and replenish before continuing to Base Camp. The descent is a test of endurance, requiring focus and caution.
Upon arriving at Base Camp, take a moment to reflect on the incredible achievement of summiting Black Peak.
Starting from Kyarkoti camp, we make our way through diverse terrain, including grasslands, rocky paths, and gentle ascents. The trail is adorned with vibrant alpine flora, adding a burst of color to the landscape.
After several hours of trekking, we arrive at the tranquil Ruinsara Lake, nestled amidst the mountains. The sight of the crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding peaks is a truly enchanting experience.Upon reaching the lake, take some time to relax and soak in the serene ambiance. Settle into the campsite and enjoy a well-deserved meal prepared by our skilled team.
The journey back to Seema is a testament to the beauty of the mountains and the resilience of the trekkers. The familiar landmarks along the way serve as markers of the progress made during the expedition.Upon reaching Seema, take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey undertaken over the past days.
The trek back to Sankri takes us through the picturesque forested paths and charming villages we encountered at the start of our adventure. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the natural surroundings, taking in the beauty of the region.As we approach Sankri, the landscape gradually transforms, marking our return to civilization. The village welcomes us with its warm hospitality and offers a chance to rest and rejuvenate after the trek.
On the drive back the stretch along Mori where the road runs parallel to river on almost same altitude is bound to leave you nostalgic about the region. You can return for a future trek as the region has plenty of trekking routes, some of which are barely explored. You can also choose to get off at Mussoorie if you have an extra day left to explore this hill station.
In unforeseen circumstances like bad weather, this contingency plan allows for adjustments to the schedule. It’s a precaution for unexpected conditions that could disrupt our original itinerary, ensuring safety and adaptability.
Black Peak, also known as Kalanag, is a prominent mountain located in the Garhwal region of the Indian Himalayas. It stands at an elevation of approximately 6,387 meters (20,955 feet) above sea level.
A Black Peak Expedition refers to a guided trekking and mountaineering adventure aimed at summiting Black Peak. It involves careful planning, acclimatization, technical skills, and physical preparation.
A standard Black Peak Expedition can last anywhere from 15 to 20 days, including acclimatization, trekking, and summit attempts.
Participants should have a high level of physical fitness, endurance, and stamina. Regular cardiovascular training, strength training, and altitude conditioning are essential.
While prior mountaineering experience is beneficial, some expeditions offer training and guidance for beginners. However, participants should have basic trekking skills and be comfortable in high-altitude environments.
Participants will need specialized mountaineering gear such as ice axes, crampons, helmets, harnesses, and high-altitude clothing. A detailed equipment list will be provided by the expedition organizers.
Yes, altitude sickness is a potential risk, especially at higher elevations. Proper acclimatization, hydration, and recognizing symptoms are crucial to mitigate these risks.
The ideal time for a Black Peak Expedition is typically during the pre-monsoon (May to June) or post-monsoon (September to October) seasons when the weather is relatively stable.
Group sizes can vary depending on the expedition organizers, but they usually range from 6 to 12 participants.
Success rates can vary based on factors like weather conditions, individual fitness levels, and group dynamics. On average, successful summit attempts range from 50% to 70%.
