The Black Peak (KalaNaag) is the highest peak in the Saraswati Range of the Himalayas. This exciting expedition begins from a small hamlet called Taluka, from where a gentle path leads to Osla. Osla is a village settlement located at an altitude of 2560m, and it takes about 7 to 8 hours to get here from Taluka. Camp is set up in this village for the night, and the next morning we head to our next stop -Ruinsara.

Ruinsara is a glacier lake, situated at 3350m above sea level. It is said that the Pandavas remained by this lake during their 14yr long exile, as evidenced by the Mahabharata. The Swargarohini range is visible from the lake, and often mystifies viewers with its beauty! The next morning, the team proceeds towards the Base Camp (Kyarkoti) at an elevation of 3500m. This is a grassy patch of land surrounded by boulders, offering a glimpse at the Black Peak from below. A ferry is taken from the Base Camp to the Advance Base Camp, and then back to Base Camp as part of acclimatization drills. The night is spent at Base Camp, and the next day we proceed to the Advance Base Camp once again to set up camp for the night. Similarly, we ventured from the Advance Base Camp to Camp 1 and back, and finally made it back to Camp 1 for the night. The coming morning, the team ascends towards Summit Camp (5500m). The ascent is difficult as we navigate through rough terrain, and it takes about 6 hours to arrive. We are now hours away from making our way to the summit, before which weather conditions are assessed, and we commence our trek round midnight. Snow covers the surroundings like a blanket, while ice forms and holds the snow together. After a successful summit, you take in the plendid view from the top and realize the entire ordeal was completely worth it!

The first few minutes leave you completely lost for words, as you take in the magnificent beauty from all around you. After spending a few hours at the peak, we descend back to Base Camp from Summit Camp (a rough 12hr journey overall) with a light skip ino our steps. Further on, a trek down from Base Camp back to the charming little village of Osla, leaves you fulfilled and content with the past 2 weeks of hustle. The Black Peak expedition, known to be a difficult expedition, went by in a jiffy – as I had wonderful company of the Goalpines team by my side! A special mention to Mr. Satish who made the trek look like cakewalk and pushed us all every step of the way while keeping in mind our comfort. I want to keep coming back for more!

Thank you team Goalpines!