Mt. Kanamo Peak (5964 m) Expedition 2019

Mt. Kanamo peak is proudly perched at the 5,974 mts mark just above the Tashi Gang and Kibber village in the Spiti Valley. Although the summit almost touches the 6000 meters mark, the climb is not technical in nature, however, it can be challenging towards the completion of the expedition and certainly requires good acclimatization, reasonable stamina and skill set to negotiate rocky and scree terrain. It is an added advantage to be equipped with good trekking shoes, trekking pole for increased stability and rock, ice and snow climbing techniques.

We will leave Manali for Batal and camp at Chandertaal. The drive will traverse through the Lahaul region before we de-board at Batal. A trek from here to Chandertaal is excellent for acclimatization. We will be trekking and traversing through the exotic Spiti Valley which is dotted with charming, old-world monasteries, huge rocks carved by mother nature and diamonds of lakes such as the mesmerizing Chandertaal (4300 mts). Chandertaal, or the Moon Lake, is a crescent shaped water body and the point of origin for the mighty River Chandra.

This entire region is surrounded with the well-renowned Kibber wild life sanctuary. The trek is dotted with sightings of some awesome wild life comprising of Himalayan Ibex, Himalayan Blue Sheep, Snow leopards and Tibetan Wolves.

The trek from Kibber to Kanamo is a bit challenging as one gains altitude suddenly and requires acclimatization. The terrain is very scenic and rewarding and dotted with beautiful lakes and green meadows on the way. From the base camp, the trek is not technical but challenging as the air starts to thin out. Rhythmic pattern of breathing and acclimatization are the key success.

After crossing a few ridges, we reach the base of the mountain from where the climb to the summit begins. From this point on, it takes about 4 – 5 hours to reach the summit at a reasonable pace.

The trail to the summit can be characterized as “Boulder Moraine” as it is surrounded by a Glacier on the North face and Scree on the South face. This makes its appearance as a stark black and white. The view from atop the summit is to die for. The Chau Chau King Nilda peak, Kullu valley, Spiti Valley, glaciers and many more peaks raise their white shining heads to greet you.

The descent from the summit to the base camp is easier compared to the climb as you have rocks to aid the longish strides and support the slide down. One can make it to the base camp in about 3 hours at a comfortable pace.

As mentioned before, it it certainly not a technical trek, however a challenging one as the air is very thin and temperatures fluctuate frequently. And anyway, once on the summit you will thank Mother Nature for the beauty called Himalaya.

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging

Itinerary:

Day 1: Drive from Manali (2,000m) to Batal (3,907m) (5-6 Hours)

Day 2: Trek from Batal to Chandertaal (4,300m) (6 Hours)

Day 3: Trek from Chandertaal – Kunzum La (4,600m) (3-4 Hours) – Drive from Kunzum La - Kibber (4,250m) (5-6 Hours)

Day 4: Trek from Kibber to Kanamo Base Camp (4,800m) (5-6 Hours)

Day 5: Trek from Kanamo Base Camp – Kanamo Peak Summit (6,000m) – Kanamo Base Camp (8-9 Hours)

Day 6: Trek from Kanamo Base Camp to Kibber (4 Hours), Drive from Kibber to Kaza (30 Minutes)

Day 7: Drive from Kaza to Manali (8 Hours)

Detailed Itinerary

Day 0: Arrival in Manali 

Depart from Delhi or Chandigarh and arrive at Base Camp in Haripur, Manali. Unwind after the long drive. Refresh yourself with some amazing breakfast and beverages. Meet the Mountaineerz expedition team for drill down about the climb. Ask as many questions you have to be better prepared for the climb. Our team is extremely rich in experience and can clarify any queries you may have. Our only ask is, please ensure that you follow all the instructions given to you by the team on the climb to ensure success and a great time.

Interact with the other climbers to break the ice. Remember, up there, you only have your wits and each other to bank onJ. Explore the surrounding environs like the beautiful ‘somvan’ by the river Beas, Naggar Castle, Roerich art Gallery etc. Return to dA Base in time for a relaxed evening over bonfire and early dinner. Retire early to get up fresh in the wee hours of the morning.

Day 1: Manali (2,000m) – Batal (3,907mts)

After a high-nutrition and scrumptious breakfast, drive to Batal. En route, you will witness the lush green Kullu Valley on one side and the barren topography of Spiti in stark contrast while passing through the mighty Rohtang pass. We will take a short break at the Rohtang pass before commencing our descent into the Lahoul Valley.

The success of any trek mainly depends on the “acclimatization” of the climbers. After we reach Batal, we will camp here to acclimatize. Engage yourself with the team to pitch tents and learn techniques in camping. Chill around a bon fire (if the weather permits) and enjoy some great conversation over dinner. Retire early, as we are to embark on one of the greatest treks tomorrow.

Day 2: Batal – Chandertaal

Open your eyes to bright blue skies and enjoy a high-nutrition breakfast under the morning sun. We begin our trek and it carries us across the River Chandra and upwards to Baatal. The trek is not exactly short but extremely rewarding in terms of the views and the sightings of some rare flora and fauna. After about 6 to 7 hours we will arrive at the crescent shaped moon lake. The lake is rightly called so as you will.

The less talked about it, the better. Words do not do justice to the beauty called Chandertaal. The Moon Lake – Chandertaal is encompassed by high and rocky mountain terrain. It is a parallel universe at night and a hand of god if you are fortunate to catch a glimpse on a full moon night.  There are many gaddi (shepherd) encampments around this area and you can spend a great evening listening to the “larger than life” tale and anecdotes of the gaddis and their life style.

You can also witness the Bara Shigri Glacier along with some other great Himalayan peaks perched up there. We will pitch our tents here and camp here after some lovely dinner.

Day 3: Chandertaal – Kunzum La (4,600m) - Kibber (4,250m)

Refresh yourself and gear up for a day of great trekking and sights and sounds. After a fix of high-energy and nutritious breakfast, trek towards the Kunzum Pass. At an altitude of 4600 mts, the trek to Kunzum Pass from Chandertaal is pleasant and offers some great scenic images. The trail meanders through a semi-arid topography and is not stressful.

Take a breather after arriving at Kunzum La and then we drive up to Kibber. Spend the remainder of the day unwinding and exploring this ancient village which boasts of some amazing Spitian landscape, ancient monasteries and odd little stone houses. Relax and take in the beauty of Kibber.

Day 4: Kibber – Kanamo Base Camp (4,800m)

As mentioned earlier, acclimatization is the key to a successful trek. Make sure you are ready for the adventure today – mind, body and soul.

The trek to Kanao base camp from Kibber village is at a fair gradient. The climb is both steep and gradual in parts. We will cross a small lake which is the chief water source for Kaza. The Kanamo peak base camp is at an altitude of 4800 mts.

As tomorrow is the day we will attempt the summit, it is a very crucial day and it is imperative that all the climbers are acclimatized, well rested and high on nutrition. We arrive at the base camp and turn in early.

Day 5: Kanamo Base Camp – Kanamo Peak Summit (6,000m) – Kanamo Base Camp

Mt. Kanamo peaks at an elevation of 6000 mts. After a hearty and high nutrition breakfast, start the ascent to the summit. The climb will have to be navigated by crossing two shoulders in the mountain. The trail continues to ascend upto the ridge and finally we will reach the top. Depending on the time of the year when you choose to attempt to summit Mt. Kanamo, you may come across snow and ice and will have to negotiate it accordingly.

Once on the summit, the amzing sights that await us are that of Parang La, Pin Parvati Pass, Mountain Range of Kinnaur, Lahoul and Spiti valley and the Kullu valley.

As they say, mountains make their own weather. If you are lucky, spend some time up there and celebrate the climb. Gradually start the descent with caution. Chill out after arriving at the base camp and enjoy your achievement. After some warm and yummy dinner, relax and turn in to your sleeping bags and tents for the night.

Day 6: Trek from Kanamo Base Camp – Kibber (4 Hours) – Drive from Kibber - Kaza (30 Minute drive)

The minute you open your eyes, you will witness the spectacle that you conquered – the summit. Enjoy your breakfast in these surreal environs and leave for Kibber and then camp there for the rest of the day. We will spend the night camping in Kibber, which is just a short distance from Kaza.

Enjoy some refreshments, and explore Kibber and Kaza and indulge in some photography at leisure. Unwind with your fellow climbers with some great dinner and bon fire. Interact with the native there and turn in for the night.

Day 7: Kaza – Manali

Wake up to some awesome sights of Spiti Valley and after breakfast, leave for dA Base in Manali.

The trek to Mt. Kanamo will wind up here.

**Guests who are travelling the next day are welcome to stay the night at no extra cost.    Relax at the base camp or go angling (some nice spots near our base) the next day, before we part ways here to meet soon for our next adventure.