Black Peak (Kalanag)

Mt. Black Peak, locally known as Kalanag (6,387 meters), stands as the highest peak in the Bandarpunch massif of the Garhwal Himalayas. Named for its cobra-like black summit, this peak draws mountaineers with its sheer elegance and commanding presence. The climb to Kalanag is considered ideal for those transitioning from trekking to technical mountaineering, offering both glacier travel and snow-clad ascents.

A perfect blend of mythology, alpine adventure, and majestic Himalayan beauty, Black Peak is more than a climb—it’s an initiation into the high Himalayas.

Expedition Overview

• Altitude: 6,387 meters (20,955 feet)

• Duration: 16 Days / 15 Nights

• Best Time to Climb: May to June & September to October

• Cost: ₹80,000 INR (per person)

The journey begins in Sankri, traversing through the Govind National Park, home to rare flora and fauna. The route advances via Seema, Ruinsara Tal, and finally to Base Camp at Kyarkoti. The summit push involves navigating ice fields, crevasses, and steep snow walls, demanding technical precision and high-altitude endurance.

Why Choose Black Peak?

1. A True Alpine Climbing Experience

This is not just a trek—it’s a summit expedition. With glacier navigation, roped ascents, and crampon work, Black Peak offers a real taste of mountaineering, making it perfect for those looking to push their limits.2. Symbolic and Spiritual Significance

“Kalanag,” meaning Black Serpent, is deeply mythical in local lore, believed to be associated with Lord Shiva’s adornment—the serpent. The peak stands ominous, powerful, and sacred, inviting climbers into its legendary fold.

3. A Photographer’s Paradise

From the summit ridge, enjoy panoramic views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Ruinsara, and the upper Tons Valley. With alpine lakes and wild forests below and snow-clad peaks above, this route is a visual odyssey.

4. For Aspiring Mountaineers

With its moderate technical difficulty, Black Peak serves as the perfect training ground for future climbs like Mt. Deo Tibba, Stok Kangri, or even Mt. Satopanth. If you’re dreaming bigger, this is your gateway.

Conclusion

Mt. Black Peak (Kalanag) is where the wild meets the divine, and ambition meets altitude. It is the kind of expedition that transforms a trekker into a climber, and a climber into a seeker. For those with determination, reverence, and resilience, this peak becomes more than a goal—it becomes a milestone.

Climb Kalanag to test your endurance, witness nature’s rawest forms, and feel the deep, ancient pulse of the Himalayas beneath your boots.