I got some info from the brother of one of my colleagues:

From: rajat <email removed>
"If you want to trek in the arid areas (high altitude deserts) and also
some real high altitude stuff, I'd suggest you go to Kaza from Manali (by
public bus) from where you can reach Kibber village (also by bus). You
will reach Kibber village (13,000 feet) the same day you leave Manali.
From here, you can climb the Kanamo peak (19,800 feet). This is not a
technical climb and any fit climber can make it. There is a wildlife
sanctuary there as well and the Ki monastry near Kibber, will complete the
Tibetean experience that you may find interesting. Very different from the
rest of India.
...
Rgds

Rajat"

I also found a shop that seems to sell a nice variety of equipment - also
maps and guidebooks. They are located far in the northside of Delhi, in
Kamla Nagar. Check www.stikage.com. Rucksacks and sleeping bags seem to be
really bargain! Have to go and chech the quality though.

I was hoping to do the trek without porters. To support local economy and
to be sure, we might want to hire a guide. (I just got news that my tax
refunds are being processed - I'll be a rich man soon!)

But basically I'd say we should go in fast with minimal gear - Rucksacks
full of food but otherwise as little as is required to survive. Technical
gear is not necessary as the peak should be mostly free from glaciers but
I'll have to talk about this with Rajit. Maps seem to be available but the
quality of them makes a guide a very nice option.

As I have no idea how fit each of you is, I'd suppose that we make the
peak in 'base camp´ style. Meaning that those wishing to reach the summit
leave early with daypacks and the others can stay at the camp (or village
- have to check distances) and get a rest day.

Acclimatization might be an issue worth thinking about.

Also für die, die Deutsch sprechen:
http://www.trekkingforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3542
(also some english there)

Another one:
http://www.himadventures.com/peaks/ladakh/kanamo.html


If anyone needs some specialized trekking gear from Europe, mail Niamh
(email included in the list). She'll be here on the 10th of september and
can bring some expensive stuff from Ireland.

cheers,
   Reima

-----------
My first comments:

Some things to clarify:

-This would be mainly a hike with visits to interesting places along the
way.

-On one day there would be a summit attempt for Kanamo. It is not a
technical climb, but rather a strenuous walk up. This is for those who
want to do this and are able to do this. We'll see who is fit for the
altitude and who is not - altitude sickness might prevent anyone from
attepting it, even me :(  For For peaks less than 6000m no permit is
necessary.

-the time would be the second half of september. A few days are required
to acclimatize before starting to hike. Hike would be myabe 4-6 days,
depending on the chosen route.

-we need a kerosene stove unless someone of you has seen white ('coleman')
gas sold somewhere around Delhi.

-one link more: http://trekking.cc/forum/showthread.php?p=4662

 cheers again,

   Reima