Black Peak Expedition (Kala Nag)

• Starts from Sankri and follows the scenic Ruinsara Valley approach.
• Passes through Seema, Devsu Bugyal, Ruinsara Tal, and Kyarkoti.
• Reaches Black Peak (Kala Nag) at approximately 20,187 ft.
• Features glacier crossings, snowfields, moraines, ice sections, and fixed-rope climbing.
• Offers spectacular views of the Swargarohini massif, Bandarpoonch range, and Garhwal Himalayas.
• Includes expedition-style high-altitude camps, acclimatization, glacier training, and summit push.
• Considered an extremely difficult, expedition-grade mountaineering objective.
• Suitable only for climbers with prior high-altitude and basic mountaineering experience.
• Best climbing months are May–June and September–October.

The Black Peak Expedition, also known as the Kala Nag Expedition, is one of the most challenging mountaineering objectives in the Garhwal Himalayas. Black Peak derives its name from the dark appearance of its summit ridge, which resembles the hood of a cobra when viewed from certain angles.

Standing above 6,300 meters, it is the highest peak in the Bandarpoonch range and attracts climbers seeking their first 6,000-meter Himalayan expedition. The route combines glacier travel, moraine sections, snowfields, high-altitude camps, and technical summit climbing.

Day 1 — Dehradun to Sankri
Long mountain drive to Sankri, with acclimatization beginning upon arrival.

Day 2 — Sankri to Seema Region
Trek through traditional villages and scenic river valley trails towards the Seema region.

Day 3 — Seema to Devsu Bugyal
Trek through dense forests and expansive meadows with gradual altitude gain.

Day 4 — Devsu Bugyal to Ruinsara Tal
Continue towards the beautiful alpine lake of Ruinsara Tal while further acclimatizing to the altitude.

Day 5 — Ruinsara Tal to Kyarkoti
Enter expedition terrain with increasingly rugged landscapes and the first views of surrounding glaciers.

Day 6 — Establish Base Camp
Set up the base camp and conduct equipment checks and expedition preparations.

Days 7–11 — Acclimatization & Load Ferry
Multiple rotations to higher camps with technical training, glacier practice, rope work, and load ferrying.

Summit Phase — Advanced Base Camp to Black Peak Summit
Move through Advanced Base Camp and Summit Camp before attempting the Black Peak summit. Summit day typically includes a midnight departure, snow climbing, fixed-rope sections, and steep summit slopes.

Descent Phase — Summit Camp to Sankri
Descend through Summit Camp, Base Camp, Ruinsara Valley, and onward to Sankri after completing the summit attempt.

Participants are usually expected to have:

• Excellent cardiovascular fitness
• Prior experience above 15,000 ft
• Strong endurance
• Ability to carry expedition loads

Typical benchmarks often include:

• 10 km run within a specified endurance range
• Long-duration hiking capability
• Strength training preparation
• Multi-day mountain experience

Nearest Airport

Jolly Grant Airport

Nearest Railway Station

Dehradun Railway Station

Participants generally assemble in Dehradun before traveling to Sankri.

Clothing

• 2 full-sleeve & 2 half-sleeve quick-dry T-shirts

• 2 fleece T-shirts

• 1 wind stopper / fleece jacket

• 1 windproof jacket

• 1 down feather / hollow jacket

• 1 thermal innerwear set (upper & lower)

• 3 quick-dry trekking pants

• 3 wind stopper / fleece pants

• 1 pair waterproof gloves

• 1 pair fleece / woollen gloves

• 1 poncho / waterproof jacket and pant

Head Gear

• 1 head torch

• 1 sun cap

• 1 woollen cap

• 1 balaclava

• 1 synthetic & 1 woollen buff / neck gaiter

• Sunglasses with UV protection

Footwear

• 1 pair water-resistant, high-ankle trekking shoes with good grip

• 1 pair floaters / flip-flops

• 10 pairs cotton socks

• 3 pairs woollen socks

• 1 pair gaiters, if required

• 1 pair micro spikes, if required

Backpack

• 60–70 L backpack with rain cover

• 20–30 L daypack with rain cover, if offloading is opted

• Walking stick

Personal Essentials

• 2 × 1 L water bottles / hydration pack + 1 × 1 L bottle

• 1 thermos flask

• 1 small tiffin / lunch box

• Personal medical kit / medicines

• Sunscreen

• Moisturiser

• Chapstick / lip balm

• Toothbrush & toothpaste

• Toilet paper & wipes

• Soap / hand sanitizer

• Antibacterial powder

• Quick-dry towel

Food / Snacks

• Energy bars

• Dry fruits

• Chocolates

• ORS / electrolytes

Tip: Don't overpack. For a high-altitude mountaineering trek, good trekking shoes, proper layers, rain protection, hydration, and sun protection are more important than carrying extra clothes.

Refund percentages vary depending on cancellation timing:

• Earlier cancellations receive higher refunds/vouchers.
• Emergency situations may qualify for special refund consideration.