Haba Black Sea Lake Guide｜Every Snapshot is a Life Highlight

💬 Preface
My first high-altitude trek coincided with relentless rain 🌧️. Before setting off, I stared at Windy with a heavy heart, and sure enough, as soon as we entered the mountains, we were met with a series of muddy traps. Gasping for breath and cursing my luck, I wondered what kind of misfortune this was. Even the alpine rhododendrons, which should have been in full bloom in early June, had their flowering delayed due to the continuous rain.

Standing at the summit, I couldn't even see Black Sea Lake. The thick fog made it impossible to spot the guide just ten meters away, and all I could think about was "avoiding lightning." I even had a title ready: "Black Sea Lake in the Rainy Season—Don't Take the Gamble!"

But then, the heavens pulled a dramatic twist. The rain and fog that had shrouded the day suddenly lifted, revealing the true beauty of Black Sea Lake and Haba Snow Mountain. That moment can only be described as a "pupil earthquake."

Think that's the end? The best was yet to come—golden hour sunlight on the mountains at dusk, a starry night sky, and even a shooting star streaking across the heavens. Every frame was a highlight of my life.

🗺️ Route Breakdown
Total round trip: 17.7 km, cumulative ascent: 1,045 m
Haba Village to Dela Pasture by shared car: Elevation 3,238 m
Dela Pasture to Upper Sheep House: 1.72 km, ascent 213 m, elevation 3,451 m
Upper Sheep House to Orchid Meadow: 2.41 km, ascent 302 m, elevation 3,753 m
Orchid Meadow to Rhododendron Valley: 2.17 km, ascent 239 m, elevation 3,992 m
Rhododendron Valley to Summit: 2.55 km, ascent 253 m, elevation 4,245 m

📷 Photo Spots
🔸 Pasture Meadows: Upper Sheep House, Orchid Meadow
🔸 Rhododendron Fields: Rhododendron Valley, southwest of the rocky slope before the summit (drone only)
🔸 Black Lake Viewing Platform: East side of the summit, east side of Black Sea Lake campsite
🔸 Iconic Tree: By the lake, expected to turn red in September-October

🥾 Trekking Options
🔹 Single-Day Round Trip
Stay overnight in Haba Village the night before. This is quite challenging, with only a short stop at Black Lake.
🔹 Two Days, One Night (Orchid Meadow Camp)
Orchid Meadow Camp offers better conditions, including internet, electricity, and standard rooms. The ascent is split into two segments, but the second day is more demanding, with only a short stop at Black Lake.
🔹 Two Days, One Night (Black Sea Lake Camp)
Black Sea Lake Camp is more rugged, with almost no internet and only a generator running until lights-out at night. However, the two days are more balanced, allowing you to wait for better weather and enjoy the serene mornings and evenings. There's a chance to see golden hour sunlight on the mountains and the starry sky.

🎒 Gear Recommendations
▫️ Always bring a raincoat (rain can come suddenly).
▫️ Consider bringing a wool hat, gloves (it's windy at the summit), gaiters, and mid-to-high waterproof boots (to handle mud and water).
▪️ Avoid using shoe covers (they're really slippery).

⚠️ Notes
🔺 Riding a mule costs 300-800 one way, and you'll need to negotiate. Calling for a mule mid-route may incur a premium.
🔺 Guides are theoretically mandatory. There are checkpoints between Haba Village and Dela Pasture, and security checks at Orchid Meadow. However, it's said that if you go early enough, no one checks.