Itinerary -
DAY 01: Manali (2000m) – Batal (3907m) Drive/5-6 hrs & Acclimatisation Hike
After breakfast we set out on the drive to Batal. This is an interesting drive which crosses over from the lush green valleys of Kullu & Manali into the stark dune-like landscape of Lahaul & Spiti valley via the famous Rohtang pass. We will spend some time at the pass and then start descending into the Lahaul valley. We will stay at Batal today to get acclimatised to the lower levels of oxygen. Upon reaching Batal we will set up our campsite and towards early evening head out on an acclimatisation hike. Overnight in tents.
DAY 02: Batal (3907m) – Chandratal (4300m) Trek/6 hrs
After breakfast we set out on the trek. We cross over the Chandra river and start moving up from Batal. It is a reasonably long walk all the way up to Chandratal and will take around 6 hours. We get very fine views of the Bara Shigri glacier and some high Himalayan peaks. Chandratal is a jewel in the mountains and the minute you set your eyes on it the exhaustion of the day’s hike will vanish. The scenery at the lake is quite remarkable with the lake surrounded by high mountains. The lake also called Moon Lake gets its name from its half-moon shape. There are several gaddi shepherds scattered around the lake giving it a beautiful character. Overnight in tents.
Note: We might also decide to camp at Batal on day 2. This we might do just in case people in the group are not properly acclimatize. We come back to Batal from Chandratal and stay here overnight.
DAY 03: Chandratal (4300m) – Kunzum La (4600m) – Kibber (4250m) Trek/3-4 hrs & Drive/5-6 hrs
After breakfast we start on our hike from the lake to the top of the Kunzum pass at 4600m. This is an easy and enjoyable hike and one moves along the landscape getting a very good feel of this semi-arid terrain. We finish at Kunzum pass where we board the waiting vehicle and from here drive to Kibber. In the evening we will visit the monastery here and take a stroll to enjoy this beautiful Spitian landscape. This high village has beautiful agricultural fields and stone houses to be appreciated. Overnight in tents/guesthouse.
DAY 04: Kibber (4250m) – Kanamo basecamp (4800m) Trek/5-6 hrs
We are sure to have acclimatised completely by now and it is time to get cracking on the Kanamo peak summit. Today we will hike up to the basecamp. The hike starts immediately above Kibber village and is steep in the first phase which will last for a couple of hours after that the trail kind of eases out. We cross a small lake which supplies water to Kaza town on our way to the base camp. From the base camp we can see our destination for tomorrow, summit of Kanamo peak. Overnight in tents.
DAY 05: Kanamo basecamp (4800m) – Kanamo peak summit (6000m) – Kanamo basecamp (4800m) Trek/8-9 hrs
Today is the day we reach the top of a 6000 m peak. We get up early have breakfast and start climbing up. The trail is not too difficult, we cross 2 shoulders in the mountain and then climb up scree slopes towards the ridge leading to the summit. Depending on the month we will catch some snow at the top. One will need to walk a bit carefully towards the top and should be in close proximity to the guides. The climb is rewarded with astounding 360° views. From the summit we see the Parang La pass leading to Ladakh, Pin Parvati pass leading to Kullu valley, ranges of Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti and the underlying valleys. Depending upon the weather we spend some time at the top and then start retracing our steps carefully. Once at the camp we celebrate our climb and give our body much required rest. Overnight in tents.
DAY 06: Kanamo basecamp (4800m) – Kibber (4250m) – Kaza Trek/4 hrs & Drive/30 mins
We retrace our steps towards Kibber and from there drive a short distance to our hotel in Kaza. Enjoy a hot shower and spend the rest of the day exploring Kaza. If your quest for adventure is not over yet post lunch you will have the option of rafting on the Spiti river. It is a great experience where you not only enjoy the excitement of negotiating rapids but also get to appreciate the landscape from a totally different perspective. This stretch of rafting is suitable for beginners and non-swimmers. Evening we will have a celebratory dinner at the hotel. Overnight in the hotel.
DAY 07: Kaza
On this day we can do a sightseeing trip in the beautiful Spiti valley. There is an option of river rafting on beautiful river Spiti. In the evening visit local market of Kaza, Overnight in the hotel.
DAY 08: Kaza – Manali Drive/8 hrs
After breakfast we get into the vehicle and drive to Manali.
Trip Ends With Sweet Memories !!!
TRANSPORT OPTION (Delhi – Manali – Delhi)
For travel from Delhi to Manali & back, one can choose between air, rail & road. For air travel, the closest airport is Bhuntar (Kullu) airport. There are a couple of flights that link this airport to Delhi airport
Train travel though not very popular is available to cover a certain distance. One can either take a train to Pathankot or Jogindernagar (narrow gauge). From both these places one will need to drive to Manali. For train details, you could log on towww.indianrail.gov.in and for online railway ticket bookings you could log on to www.irctc.co.in .
There are frequent Public Transport buses including Volvos available from Delhi to Manali that cost about Rs. 1300 per person. They take about 15 hrs to cover the distance. A private vehicle could also be arranged for if you require the same.
Weather Details
Season for this trek is from mid-June to mid-October. In the early days of the season we will catch a lot of snow on the high passes which reduces considerably by August. As the season proceeds we might catch rain towards Kullu-Manali valley but on the other side, Spiti we will have sunny days. Days are generally going to be sunny and warm (12-20 °C) while the night temperature at the highest campsite would be in the range of -2 to 6 °C. In the latter part of the season (Sep – mid-Oct) there is very little snow on the trail and good weather throughout but with possibility of snowfall. The days are sunny with temperatures hovering around (12-18 °C) and the evenings start getting cold with the onset of October and nights are comparatively colder (- 6 to 4 °C).
Please keep in mind that the above information is not exact and does not account for sudden changes. Whatever the temperatures and conditions rest assured we will be prepared to handle it with ease as we use equipment of very high specifications.
List of Essentials
Mountain/adventure travel requires one to be adequately equipped with the right kind of personal gear. Since one is travelling in the wilderness there will be hardly any opportunity to buy anything once you hit the trail so we urge you to carefully pack everything into your bags. Also please keep in mind you can rent out or purchase equipment from our Gear Store, if required..
Shirts / T-shirts – 2/3
Jeans / Trekking Pants - 2
Windproof jacket of decent quality (no flimsy wind cheaters please!) preferably with a hood
Warm and thick Fleece / Full-sleeve Woollen sweater
Thermal inner wear (upper & lower)
Woollen cap
Woollen gloves
Woollen socks & regular socks (3-4 pairs)
Scarf/muffler (optional)
Comfortable Trekking/Hiking shoes (shoes with a thick sole are recommended)
Lightweight floaters/sandals/slippers
Raincoat / Poncho
Small light weight towel
Water bottle (sturdy ones, no empty Bisleri bottles!!)
Cap / Hat to keep the strong sun away from your face
Sun glasses
Walking stick / Trekking pole
Sunscreen Lotion
Lip Balm
Torch / Flashlight (with extra batteries)
Medicines, if requiring any specific medication
Personal toiletries
Books, if you like reading
Day pack/small bag which you will carry on your back every day and keep your essentials in it
Carry rain cover for your bags
Keep a few poly bags or waterproof bags in your bag in which if required you can put your belongings in case of heavy rain
Camera if you like (with fully charged batteries)
…LOADS OF ENTHUSIASM!! AND A PLEDGE TO LEAVE NO TRACE
Carry your stuff in a duffel bag, soft shoulder bag or a rucksack. Avoid suitcases, trolleys or any other hard luggage. As you will be walking long distances carrying a rucksack, avoid bringing unnecessary items on the trek. Please avoid carrying expensive watches, jewellery and electronic items on the trek.
NOTE: In case you are planning to put your bag on a mule or taking a porter please get a duffel bag or rucksack and keep it in mind that there is a possibility that the bag at times might brush against a rock or a tree and get slightly damaged so don't get very expensive bags. Also in case of damage we shall not be held accountable.
Disclaimer
Great Indian Outdoors (P) Ltd. takes utmost care to ensure safety of its clients. However in the case of any unforeseen mishaps, Great Indian Outdoors (P) Ltd. will not be liable for any injuries caused or for loss of life. All disputes rising due to the above are subject to the jurisdiction of the courts in New Delhi/Delhi only. All participants would be required to sign an Indemnity Form before the start of the program, without which they would not be allowed to take part in the trip/program/activities.
Duration: 8 Days
Season: Jun-Sep
Grade: Moderate +
Region: Lahaul & Spiti Valleys (Himachal Pradesh)
Sketch Itinerary
Day 01: Manali (2000m) Batal (3907m) Drive/5-6 Hrs & Acclimatisation Hike
Day 02: Batal (3907m) Chandratal (4300m) Trek/6 Hrs
Day 03: Chandratal (4300m) Kunzum La (4600m) Kibber (4250m) Trek/3-4 Hrs & Drive/5-6 Hrs
Day 04: Kibber (4250m) Kanamo Basecamp (4800m) Trek/5-6 Hrs
Day 05: Kanamo Basecamp (4800m) Kanamo Peak Summit (6000m) Kanamo Basecamp (4800m) Trek/8-9 Hrs
Day 06: Kanamo Basecamp (4800m) Kibber (4250m) Kaza Trek/4 Hrs & Drive/30 Mins
Day 07: Kaza
Day 08: Kaza Manali Drive/8 Hrs
Description
The Kanamo Peak Trekisfabulous and probably the best way for one to experience a climb to 6000m in India. It is of a relatively short duration, non-technical in nature and the economics also work out well due to easy access, so overall a great opportunity for one to climb a peak. Having said this one should keep in mind that this trip goes beyond just the altitude and offers one great chances to experience the many wonders of our mountains.
The trek to Chandratal and camping by the lake is an experience as enriching and satisfying as the climb to the top. On this trek we also get to see the Spiti valley at very close quarters. We meet the beautiful and welcoming people of the land, visit ancient monasteries and walk through high villages. One also gets the option to put icing on cake in the form of rafting on the Spiti river. It is a wonderful experience suitable for first timers and non-swimmers. Moving on a raft gives you a completely different perspective of the valley.
In the first stage we drive from Manali over the Rohtang pass into the Lahaul valley to reach Batal from where we start our trek the next day. This halt is planned to help one get acclimatised to lower levels of oxygen. Next day we trek from Batal and hike up to Chandratal (Moon Lake), a high altitude lake at 4300m. This glacial lake gets its name from its half-moon shape and is a fantastic sight to see with high mountains all around - No wonder that several gaddis (shepherds) camp around it. Camping near the lake is nothing short of bliss!
Kanamo Top
Having acclimatised we set our eyes on our goal The summit of Kanamo peak and start moving towards it in the next stage. We do this climb using only one base camp from where we summit the next day and get back to the same camp. The climb is non-technical but demanding so be ready to sweat it out. All the exhaustion is sure to vanish when you get to the top. The sense of achievement coupled with the 360 views is super!! Far off ranges towards Kullu, Kinnaur, Ladakh make it quite a spectacle. Having finished the task we head back to Kaza the next day and have a grand celebratory dinner to round off a fantastic trip.
Climb up a trek to the Mt Kanamo Peak!
Beautiful in nature, it is one of the best way to relish a 6,000m experience of trekking in India. The Kanamo Peak trek track opens up many glories of the mighty Himalayas. Adding to the entire experience is the trekking experience to fascinating Chandratal and camping by the water body. You will also be making your way through Spiti Valley, passing by old world charmed monasteries and ambling through high hamlets. Interested people can also engage in rafting in Spiti River.
Originally, during the trekking activity, you will be driven from Manali through Rohtang Pass and Lahaul Valley before you reach Batal. After that you revel in the trek to Chandratal, a high altitude glacial lake that is on the edge of 4300m. It is named so owing to its half-moon shape and is ringed with mountains and many shepherd camps making for a heavenly sight.
Though non-technical, the climb does necessitate you to put in some efforts. Gratifying you are the wonderful views of faraway Kullu, Kinnaur and Ladakh.
Highlights
High altitude
Trek Camp beside the splendid Chandratal Lake Climb
the Mt Kanamo Peak Summit (6000m)
Witness spectacular valleys
mountains and passes
Experience river rafting on the Spiti River