Route Overview – From Sankri to Ruinsara to Black Peak (Kalanag)

Black Peak (Kalanag), standing tall at 6,387 meters (20,955 ft) in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is more than just a mountain—it’s a test of endurance, skill, and mental grit. The expedition usually begins in Sankri, winds through dense forests and alpine meadows, passes the serene Ruinsara Tal, and culminates in a challenging summit push.

Whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer or an aspiring 6000-meter climber, understanding the route from Sankri to Ruinsara to Black Peak is crucial for preparation, safety, and success.

Black Peak Route Quick Facts

 

• Starting Point: Sankri (1,920 m)
• Highest Point: Black Peak Summit (6,387 m)
• Trek + Climb Duration: 15–18 days
• Difficulty: Moderate to Technical
• Best Season: May–June & September–October
• Region: Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand

 

=> Climb Mount Black Peak Expedition

 

Route Overview – Black Peak Step by Step

 

Day 1: Arrival at Sankri (1,920 m)

Sankri, a quaint Himalayan village, serves as the gateway to several famous treks—Har Ki Dun, Kedarkantha, Bali Pass—and of course, Black Peak Expedition.

• Highlights: Apple orchards, mountain views, local wooden houses
• Tip: Use this day for gear checks and acclimatization.

 

Day 2: Sankri to Taluka (Drive) → Taluka to Seema (12 km Trek)

• Drive: 12 km bumpy jeep ride through forest roads to Taluka (2,100 m)
• Trek: Follow the Supin River through pine forests and small settlements to reach Seema (2,560 m).

Trail Features:

• Gradual ascent
• Suspension bridges
• Chances of spotting Himalayan langurs and birds

 

Day 3: Seema to Devsu Thatch to Ruinsara Tal (3,500 m)

• Trek via Devsu Thatch, a stunning meadow offering panoramic views of the snow-clad peaks.
• Final stretch leads to the crystal-clear alpine lake Ruinsara Tal, a sacred site for locals.

Why Ruinsara is Special:

• Surrounded by towering peaks
• Base for multiple Himalayan expeditions
• Ideal for acclimatization before climbing further

 

Day 4: Ruinsara Tal to Kyarkoti Base Camp (3,800 m)

The trail from Ruinsara heads into moraine-covered valleys, with glacial streams and rugged landscapes.

• Kyarkoti Base Camp: Offers direct views of Black Peak’s imposing summit and surrounding peaks like Bandarpunch I & II.

 

Day 5–6: Load Ferry & Acclimatization at Base Camp

• Practice load ferrying—carrying gear and supplies to higher camps and returning for better acclimatization.
• Briefings on glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and fixed rope techniques.

 

Day 7: Base Camp to Camp 1 (4,500 m)

• Steep ascent over snow slopes and moraine.
• Camp 1 lies on a relatively flat section, safe from avalanches.

Challenges: Deep snow, cold winds, and the first real exposure to thin air.

 

Day 8: Camp 1 to Camp 2 (5,200 m)

• This stretch involves navigating crevasses and steep snow ridges.
• Requires roped-up glacier travel.

Pro Tip: Maintain steady pace, avoid overheating, and keep crampons ice-free.

 

Day 9–10: Summit Push from Camp 2 (6,387 m)

• Start early (around midnight) to avoid soft snow and weather hazards.
• Steep gradient (up to 60° in sections) on mixed snow and ice terrain.
• Final approach: A knife-edge summit ridge offering breathtaking 360° Himalayan views.

Summit Views Include:

• Swargarohini Massif
• Bandarpoonch I & II
• Satopanth and Chaukhamba
• Vast Garhwal ranges fading into the horizon

 

Best Time to Take This Route

 

• Pre-Monsoon (May–June): Stable snow, ideal for climbing
• Post-Monsoon (Sept–Oct): Clear skies, less avalanche risk
• Avoid monsoon (July–Aug) and peak winter (Nov–Feb) due to heavy snowstorms.

 

Why This Route is Special

 

• Blend of Trekking & Mountaineering: You get lush meadows, forests, alpine lakes, and high-altitude climbing in one trip.
• Cultural Touchpoints: Local villages with Garhwali traditions.
• Wildlife Sightings: Himalayan blue sheep, monals, and snow leopards (rare).
• Mythological Significance: Ruinsara Tal is linked to the Pandavas from the Mahabharata.

 

Key Challenges on This Route

 

• Altitude: Rapid gain requires proper acclimatization.
• Weather: Sudden snowstorms possible above 4,000 m.
• Technical Sections: Ice axe, crampons, and rope skills required.
• Glacier Travel: Risk of hidden crevasses between Camp 1 and Camp 2.

 

Training & Preparation Tips

 

• Build cardio endurance (running, hiking with load).
• Strengthen legs and core for steep climbs.
• Learn mountaineering techniques in advance (fixed rope use, crampon walking).
• Practice with a 15–20 kg backpack before the expedition.

 

FAQs – People Also Ask

 

Q: How difficult is the route from Sankri to Black Peak?
A: The route is moderately technical, involving long trekking days, glacier travel, and steep snow climbs. Prior mountaineering experience is recommended.

 

Q: How many days does it take to climb Black Peak from Sankri?
A: Typically, it takes 15–18 days from Sankri to the summit and back, depending on weather and acclimatization needs.

 

Q: Is Ruinsara Tal part of the Black Peak route?
A: Yes. Ruinsara Tal is an important acclimatization stop and one of the most scenic spots along the Black Peak approach.

 

Q: Do you need a permit to climb Black Peak?
A: Yes. Climbers must obtain permits from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park authorities.

 

Q: What gear is needed for this route?
A: Mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmets, ropes, gaiters, and high-altitude clothing are essential.

 

Q: Can beginners attempt Black Peak via the Sankri route?
A: While the trek to Ruinsara is beginner-friendly, the climb beyond base camp is technical and suited for climbers with prior 5000–6000 m experience.

 

Conclusion

The Sankri Ruinsara Black Peak route is not just about reaching a summit it’s about the journey through Himalayan villages, sacred lakes, and high-altitude wilderness.

From the pine forests of Sankri to the icy ridges of Black Peak, this route offers everything a mountaineer dreams of serenity, challenge, and a deep connection with the mountains.

If you prepare well, respect the terrain, and embrace the culture along the way, your journey to Black Peak will be as unforgettable as the summit itself.