Mt. Black Peak (Max Altitude 6387 mts)
Highest peak of Bandarpoonch range.
Mt. Black Peak
Grade 7The Mt. Black Peak Expedition, also known as Kalanag, is a demanding high-altitude mountaineering adventure located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. Rising to 6,387 meters, this peak presents a technically challenging climb that is suitable only for those with prior mountaineering experience and strong physical fitness. The expedition involves traversing glaciers, negotiating rocky ridges, and ascending snow-covered slopes, making it a true test of endurance, skill, and determination.
The journey begins from the remote village of Sankri, following scenic trails through dense forests, alpine meadows, and rugged Himalayan terrain, leading up to the Black Peak Base Camp (4,000 m). From there, climbers spend time acclimatizing and preparing for the summit push. The climb requires careful navigation across glacial moraines, crevasses, and steep icy slopes, combining both trekking and technical mountaineering challenges.
Summit day is an early and strenuous ascent, rewarding climbers with breathtaking panoramic views of the Gangotri Range, Swargarohini, and Banderpunch peaks. The expedition, ideally undertaken between May and October, offers a perfect blend of high-altitude adventure, technical climbing, and the awe-inspiring beauty of the Himalayas. It is an unforgettable experience for mountaineers seeking both challenge and scenic grandeur in one of India’s most iconic mountain ranges.
Day 1: Make your way to Sankri (1,920 m)
Distance: 185 km | Duration: 8–9 hours
Start early from Dehradun (meeting at 7 AM) for the long drive to Sankri, the gateway to Garhwal treks. The scenic route passes lush forests, terraced fields, and mountain towns. Expect to reach Sankri by 7 PM. Dinner and overnight stay will be at a cozy homestay.
Sankri is the head trail for popular treks like Har Ki Dun, Bali Pass, Kedarkantha, and Dev Kyara.
Overnight: Homestay / Guesthouse
Day 2: Sankri (1,920 m) → Seema (2,260 m) via Taluka (2,100 m)
Distance: 12 km drive + 10–12 km trek | Duration: 3 hours drive + 5–6 hours trek
Drive to Taluka through scenic mountain roads, then begin trekking to Seema. The trail follows the Supin River, passing waterfalls, forest patches, and forest clearings. Gradual inclines and muddy forest paths lead to your first campsite.
Overnight: Tents / Campsite
Day 3: Seema (2,260 m) → Ruinsara Tal (3,500 m)
Distance: 14 km | Duration: 7–8 hours
Trek through alpine meadows to Ruinsara Tal, a sacred high-altitude lake. Enjoy bright alpine vegetation and views of Swargarohini peak. Reach the campsite in the evening.
Overnight: Tents / Campsite
Day 4: Ruinsara Tal (3,500 m) → Kyarkoti Base Camp (3,820 m)
Distance: 7 km | Duration: 5–6 hours
Ascend towards Kyarkoti Base Camp with Black Peak in view. The campsite lies on a lush grassy patch surrounded by boulders and snow-clad mountains, near a natural spring.
Overnight: Tents / Base Camp
Day 5: Rest & Acclimatization at Base Camp (3,820 m)
Distance: 0 km | Duration: 0 hours
A full day for rest, acclimatization, and preparation. Gear distribution, technical training, and practice on icy slopes are included. This step is crucial for safe high-altitude climbing.
Overnight: Tents / Base Camp
Days 6–14: Black Peak Expedition
High-altitude climbing involves rotation rounds between camps for acclimatization (“climb high, sleep low”). Black Peak has three camps beyond Base Camp:
Advanced Base Camp (4,600 m) – 4–5 hours trek from Base Camp. Terrain: grasslands → boulders → moraine → glacier.
Camp 1 (5,100 m) – Similar terrain; easier on second rotation.
Summit Camp (5,500 m) – Views of Swargarohini and Bandarpooch, crevasse-rich terrain.
Summit Push (6,387 m):
Start at night to avoid snow instability.
Steep vertical ice walls (70–75°; 75–85 ft) require fixed ropes and jumars.
Summit is relatively flat; enjoy panoramic views before descending carefully to Summit Camp, then Base Camp.
Rotation rounds: Ferry loads to higher camps, descend to lower camps to sleep, then return to occupy higher camp. Benefits:
Reduces load on a single day
Gradually adapts body to altitude
Improves technique and confidence
Post-Summit Descent: Base Camp → Ruinsara Tal → Seema → Sankri
Overnight: Tents / Camps at respective campsites
Day 15: Depart from Sankri (1,920 m)
The expedition concludes with a celebration of the summit. Participants depart for Dehradun or continue exploring Uttarakhand.
It is recommended to keep spare days after the expedition due to unpredictable mountain weather.
Overnight: Travel / End of Expedition
Day 16: Reserve Day
Reserved for unforeseen delays due to weather or other conditions. Used only if the schedule gets disrupted during the expedition. For More Info Kailasa Treks .
What's Included
- Stay in Sankri on Day 1 and Day 15
- Veg Food (Day 1 Dinner till Day 16 Breakfast). Three Meals a day
- Forest Permits/Camping Charges/Permits, Trek Permit Fee/IMF Permission (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- Camping tents, Temp rated sleeping bags, mattress
- Technical equipment – Ropes, Helmet, Ice Axe, Crampons, Mountaineering Boots
- First aid medical kits and oxygen cylinder
- Qualified & experienced trek Leader, Guide and Support staff
What's Not Included
- Meals during road journeys
- Any kind of Insurance
- Any expense of personal nature
- Mules or porters to carry personal luggage
- Any expense not specified in the inclusion list
- Transportation from Dehradun to Sankri and back to Dehradun.
- IMF Peak Booking Fee for foreign nationals USD 500 for a team of 2 members and USD 225 for every additional member up to 12 members.
- Forest Permit /UK Wildlife Fee for foreign nationals (USD 800-1000) upto group of 10
- IMF deputed liaison officer is mandatory in case of foreign nationals. Expense of liaison officer is distributed amongst foreign nationals equally. Approximate total expense of LO : INR 15000/-
- IMF Liaison officer fee of USD 500 applicable to only foreign nationals
Frequently Asked Questions
Mt. Black Peak, also known as Kalanag, is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India, within the Govind Pashu Vihar and Har Ki Doon region.
The peak rises to an altitude of 6,387 meters, making it a high-altitude, technical mountaineering challenge.
This climb is meant for experienced mountaineers with prior high-altitude trekking or climbing experience. Beginners are not recommended due to technical terrain and glacial crossings.
Yes. The expedition involves glacier crossings, rock and snow climbing, and steep icy slopes, requiring familiarity with ropes, crampons, and ice axes.
Climbers face high-altitude conditions, technical terrain, unpredictable weather, and long summit days. Good physical fitness, stamina, and mental endurance are essential.
