Kalanka, Mountain summit in Garhwal Himalayas, India
Kalanka is a mountain peak in the Garhwal Himalayas rising to 6,931 meters, with three distinct glaciers covering its southern, eastern, and northern faces. These glaciers dominate the mountain's appearance and create the steep, icy slopes climbers encounter.
A Japanese team led by Ikuo Tanabe made the first successful ascent on June 3, 1975, climbing the west ridge route. The north face remained unclimbed until 2008, when mountaineers finally completed an alpine-style ascent there.
The name comes from Hindi and means 'cockscomb', referencing the distinctive peaked shape that locals have observed for generations. This term reflects how the mountain's outline stands out in the landscape.
The town of Joshimath serves as the main gateway, offering accommodation, food supplies, and equipment options for expeditions. Starting from there makes sense because all essential support services are located in or near this town.
The north face represents one of the most demanding climbing challenges on the peak, with volatile ice conditions and steep terrain. This remote route stayed unconquered for many decades after the initial ascent elsewhere on the mountain.
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