Kanamo Peak Ascent
Kanamo in Spitian language literally translates into, “The Black Mountain”. The villages from where the peak is visible are located on the south side of this peak, from their location the mountain appears to be black in colour, and that is why it got its name. Kanamo also means mountain that has a lot of snow, if one were to reach the top and view the glacier on the north face, the second interpretation is quite appropriate too. The name doesn’t do entire justice to this friendly and beautiful peak, as it is black only in colour and not in spirit.
Overview
Experience
Kanamo is a relatively easy peak to scale and at a height of almost 6000m it is also one of the most rewarding as well. A completely non-technical peak in terms of scaling, it requires nothing more than a good pair of hiking shoes and a walking stick. However a good level of fitness is a must.
The Kanamo ascent gives a great adrenalin rush, once you get on top almost 6000 mts to be surrounded by a vastness of snow-capped peaks.
Advisory
a) Since the program starts early morning on Day 1, you are expected to be in Manali by the previous night to get adequate rest. The program ends in Manali on the last day and due to the road conditions it is not possible to predict the time of arrival in Manali. Hence it is advisable to not pre-book any onward journey on the same day.
b) Spiti is a high altitude region. Since few people have been to such altitudes, it is hard to know who may be affected by high altitude sickness. There are no specific factors such as age, sex, or physical condition that co-relate with susceptibility to altitude sickness. Some people get it and some people don’t, and some people are more susceptible than others. If one has not travelled to these altitudes before, it is recommended that you consult your doctor.
c) Please note that we do not take responsibility for reimbursements in the event that you are unable to complete the trip due to high altitude sickness and/or other personal reasons, bad weather, road blockages, etc.
d) Arrangements for pick up and drop to Delhi can be arranged at an additional cost. Stay in Shimla/ Manali and Delhi can also be arranged at an additional cost. We also recommend a visit to the Taj at Agra especially for overseas visitors. The same itinerary starting and ending in Delhi combining Agra would add an additional 3 to 4 days. Please inform us your requirements at the time of booking this tour.
e) All timings between places mentioned in the itinerary above are based on ideal road conditions with limited stops en route.
f) Roads to Spiti and within Spiti are rough and mostly un-metaled hill roads. Please be warned that while the experience is exhilarating it is not the most comfortable. Persons with medical conditions that could worsen with such road travel are advised they consult their doctor.
g) The trip runs if we have a minimum of 4 confirmed participants. In the event that we don’t get the requisite numbers we can run with less than 4 participants if participants are willing to pay slightly extra. Alternatively we reimburse the amount paid to the participants minus any minimal bank charges that may have been cut.
h) Costs may vary marginally based on time of booking before departure of tour.
i) Costs are on a sharing basis and we try and pair same gender participants. If you would prefer a single share option, this will cost more (please mail us to get these costs)
Itinerary
DAY 1 / MANALI
Arrival-Manali and transfer to Hotel. (Overnight Hotel)
DAY 2 / MANALI (2,000 M/6,562 FT) – BATAL (3,907 M/12,818 FT)
Have breakfast and be driven to Batal. Enjoy the route that displays verdant Kullu and Manali valleys along the barren terrain of Lahaul and Spiti valley through Rohtang Pass. After some refreshing moments at the Pass, begin downhill to Lahaul Valley. In order to get acclimatised, you will be staying at Batal. Once you reach at this destination, prepare the camp and during the first half of the evening, engage in an acclimatisation trek. You will spend the night in tents for tomorrow you begin your Kanamo Peak trek.
DAY 3 / BATAL-CHANDRATAL – KUNZUM LA (4,500 M/14,764 FT) - KIBBER (4,250 M/13,944 FT)
Prep up with breakfast, you will begin with the lake, The water body that derives its name from the half-moon shape is ringed by high mountains and you will find many gaddi shepherds around. From here drive to Kunzum Pass top which towers at 4,500m. Light and pleasant in nature, you can enjoy the terrain that is semi-arid. When in Kunzum Pas, be driven to Kibber. Come evening and you can tour the monastery that is there and enjoy an amble through the stunning Spitian scenery. At this high hamlet, you can also savour the stone houses along with the agriculture grounds.
DAY 4 / KIBBER - KAZA - LANGZA - HIKKIM - KIBBER
Acclimatization drive and walk around the Spiti Valley and preparation for the upcoming climb.
DAY 5 - 6 / KIBBER – KANAMO BASE CAMP (4,800 M/15,748 FT)
After having acclimatized completely to the air and surroundings of the place, set off on the Kanamo Peak trek. This day’s hike will entail ascending to the basecamp soon above Kibber Village and consists of a steep as well as a gradual climb. On the way, you will be crossing a tiny lake that is the source of water to Kaza town. Upon reaching the base camp, settle down for the night in tents and get prepared for the next day’s Kanamo Peak trek. We will spend an extra day at the base camp acclimatising.
DAY 7 / KANAMO BASE CAMP – KANAMO PEAK SUMMIT – KANAMO BASE CAMP
This day starts off with a heavy breakfast after which you can start your climb to the top of Kanamo peak crossing two shoulders in the mountain. This is followed by an ascending trek to the ridge that will take you to the top. Based on the season, you might encounter little snow at the top which will require you to be extra careful.When at the summit, delight in the great sights that include Parang La Pass that leads to Ladakh, Pin Parvati Pass that leads to Kullu Valley, Kinnaur ranges, Lahaul and Spiti and the stunning valleys. As per the weather, you can enjoy some moments taking in the beauty of its sights and environs after which you can start the back journey cautiously. When at the camp, celebrate your climb and set down your camps for the night.
DAY 8 / TREK FROM KANAMO BASE CAMP – KIBBER (4 HOURS) – DRIVE FROM KIBBER - KAZA (30 MINUTE DRIVE)
Wake up to splendid views from the summit and after an appetizing breakfast, make your way back towards Kibber from where you will be driven for a short time to your Kaza hotel. Freshen up and the remaining part of the day can be spent in unravelling the place. After indulging I lunch, if you wish, you can engage in rafting along the Spiti River. Delight in the turbulent rapids as well as appreciate the gorgeous landscapes. The activity can be undertaken by beginner and also those who cannot swim. Wrap up your day with a celebratory dinner at the hotel and retire for the night.
DAY 9 / KAZA – MANALI: 10 HOURS DRIVE
With the completion of the day's breakfast, pack your bags and wish adieu to the enchanting village of Kaza. Depart the hotel and drive off to Manali after which you can continue onward journey, you have completed your Mt Kanamo Peak climb.
DAY 10 / MANALI - DEPARTURE.
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