Yorkshire Cadet Trust Expedition 2010

Spiti High Passes Trek & Mount Kanamo 5974m

Introduction

Kanamo Peak towers over Ki Gompa; it is the holiest mountain in Spiti. Ka means white or auspicious and Namo means lady so Kanamo means the mountain is a good omen or simply a white lady.

Himachal Pradesh extends from the plains of Punjab, north of Delhi, to the high crest of the Himalaya and includes some of the finest trekking in India. To see the distinct variety of landscape, which is a feature of the southern Himalayan foothills, we take a route through the lush green Kinnaur valley to the high mountain desert of Spiti. After a fascinating train ride to the British Raj hill station of Shimla, we drive on the old Hindustan to Tibet road, through forest, rice fields and apple orchards, to the remote district of Kinnaur to begin our trek in Kafnoo. This major watershed is part of an ancient trading link between Kinnaur and Spiti and is still used by nomadic Gaddi herdsmen who travel widely throughout the Himalayan foothills.

This part of the Himalaya is very different from the 'touristy' Everest region of Nepal, much more a wilderness experience. There are no lodges or tea shops along the way, no electricity and no cyber cafes! It is unlikely that we will encounter more than a handful of trekkers on this route if indeed we meet any! Camping throughout the expedition, we will be supported by an experienced trek crew consisting of a Sirdar (leader), 2 Sherpa guides, 2 cooks and several camp helpers. Although we have a comprehensive staff, team members will be expected to help with the everyday tasks such as pitching and striking camp, preparing food, collecting and treating water. You may also be required to help round up the pack horses if they are spooked in the night by a prowling Snow Leopard! Members will carry a day pack with all heavy equipment, tents, rations, fuel and cargo bags being carried by pack horses.

The trekking phase complete we go on to climb Mount Kanamo (5974m), on the north side of the Spiti valley. Although Kanamo is a non-technical peak (a high altitude mountain walk), at almost 6000m it will be a challenge and merits respect! At this altitude the oxygen level is half what our bodies are accustomed to in the UK. Even though we will be acclimatized every step will be an effort! The first task will be to establish a Base Camp (BC) above the village of Kibbar at approximately 4800m. We will then prepared our equipment and put in a high camp (HC) at about 5200m. From HC it will be an early start and a long day to the summit and back to Base Camp. Per chance there are members less well acclimatized or the weather takes a turn we have time enough to make two summit attempts.

Surrounded by the Kibber plateau this area is teeming with wildlife. Blue sheep herds of up to fifty are often seen. Himalayan Ibex are also very common in this region. There have also been sightings of Tibetan wolves and lucky ones have seen Nono, the Snow leopard.

The trekking and climbing over we will visit some of Spiti's ancient monasteries and villages before taking to the road again for our return journey to Delhi by jeep and train.

No trip to India would be complete without visiting the magnificent Taj Mahal. After a day in Delhi to catch our breath we will travel by road to Agra staying in a four star hotel with swimming pool. That evening we will enjoy a team dinner of traditional Indian cuisine. The following morning we have a fully guided tour of the Taj. Nothing can prepare you for this incredible icon; make sure your cameras are fully charged!

Learn more about the Taj Mahal here: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/252/video