In late autumn an Anglo-Irish expedition, supported by the MEF and Mountaineering Ireland, became the first group of climbers to explore the Singekang Valley in India's Spiti region.

Martin Boner, George Carlton, Sandra Kennedy, Alan Tees, Andrew Tees and Jeremy Windsor spent only 13 days at or above base camp but in that time made the first ascent of a 5,500m peak named Snaght Kang.

After a drive east alongside the Spiti River, the team reached Pomrang close to the entrance to the valley. They then spent the next eight days establishing three camps along the valley before making an unsuccessful attempt on Singekang (Lion Peak, 6,008m), the high peak at its head.

The climbers reached the col between the main peak and a subsidiary northwestern summit, Singekang Minor, but were then stopped on the West Ridge, c400m below the top, by steep ice towers, unconsolidated snow and loose rock.

The expedition returned to advanced base and from there decided to attempt Snaght Kang immediately to the south. This summit lies at the end of the north ridge of Peak 6,091m on the southern rim of the valley.

A high camp was pitched at 4,800m and from there the final ascent of the north ridge completed in five hours - interesting climbing largely over snow, with several traverses to outflank obstacles on the crest.

The main peak of this region is Manirang (6,593m) situated in the valley immediately south and first climbed in 1952 by South African J de Van Graaf and his wife with two Sherpas. The second ascent was made in 1988 by a team led by Balwant Sandhu, while the third, in 1994, included Paul Nunn.

The recent expedition identified a number of accessible peaks in the Singekang Valley and a potential crossing towards the east at its head. Members hope that their exploration will encourage others to enjoy this stunning area.

The expedition was made possible due to the assistance provided by the Indian company, Adventuremania, and the Indian Mountaineering Foundation.
 

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