Kanamo Peak

A High Summit Climb in the Heart of Spiti

A High Summit Climb in the Heart of Spiti

There is a certain glamour in a trekkable peak that touches an altitude that most mountaineers climb in. A trekkable peak, after all, does not require any mountaineering skill and can be climbed if you are properly acclimatised. Many trekkers flock to Stok Kangri – around 20,190 ft – for this very hunger for altitude. However, not many people know that there is another, a lesser-known peak that rises to almost the same altitude – the Kanamo Peak (19,600 ft).

The Kanamo Peak looms behind Kibber and Tashi Gang villages, hidden away at the heart of Spiti. This is a region of Spiti that is still untouched by modernity, unperturbed by civilization. Which makes this trek quieter, prettier and an equally challenging alternative to Stok Kangri. Stok Kangri has been unfortunately commercialised.

Now, while Kanamo Peak is a trekkable summit, it is by no means easy. High order of physical fitness is necessary because this trek is an endurance test. It is a relentless climb overscreeand bouldermorainefrom Kanamo base camp to the summit.  And in that altitude, just putting one step ahead is an effort. On the summit day, you not only have to ascend 4,500 ft to the peak, but you also need to descend back to basecamp on the same day. That takes almost 12-14 hours, covering around 10 km of trekking through arduous terrain. This trek is for the strongest, fittest and experienced trekkers.

However, the fruit of this hard and adventurous climb is wondrous. At the summit, you see a view that is something you see out of an airline. Standing at what seems like the top of the world, you see over 35 other summits from Ladakh, Spiti, Kullu and Kinnaur. It is a 360-degree view of equally high mountains.  The Shilla Peak, Kanamo’s sister peak is so close, you can almost reach out and feel it. Standing on top of this summit is a gift.

There is a certain glamour in a trekkable peak that touches an altitude that most mountaineers climb in. A trekkable peak, after all, does not require any mountaineering skill and can be climbed if you are properly acclimatised. Many trekkers flock to Stok Kangri – around 20,190 ft – for this very hunger for altitude. However, not many people know that there is another, a lesser-known peak that rises to almost the same altitude – the Kanamo Peak (19,600 ft).

The Kanamo Peak looms behind Kibber and Tashi Gang villages, hidden away at the heart of Spiti. This is a region of Spiti that is still untouched by modernity, unperturbed by civilization. Which makes this trek quieter, prettier and an equally challenging alternative to Stok Kangri. Stok Kangri has been unfortunately commercialised.

Kanamo Peak Videos

Watch these videos to prepare well for your trek.

Campsites at a Glance

At Indiahikes, we are very particular about choosing terrific campsites. For the Kanamo Peak trek too, after a lot of back and forth, we have settled on these terrific campsites, which trekkers have come to love.

Why I Believe Everyone Must Trek: A Note from the Founder

Trekking transforms lives. It has changed my life totally. When I see my colleagues at Indiahikes, all of them have been impacted greatly. The transformations have been profound and irreversible. 

I see it in our trekkers too. I have seen them change professions, careers or start a new life. I have seen them get in and out of relationships, start new projects. These are life-changing experiences. 

I have seen children building resilience. I have seen families come together. When I see those above 55, I see them rediscover passion and a sense of purpose. These are not small gains.

In the mountains new professions, new economies and new businesses have opened up. Our staff no longer go to cities to earn their living. Their income has increased. Above all, they are happiest working in this world. Trekking has been truly transformative.  

Everyone must absolutely trek. It transforms lives far more than you imagine. 

Highlights

Highlights of the Kanamo Peak Trek

1. The summit day

It is not often you will experience an expedition-style summit day like this one. Your day starts at 1 am with a quick breakfast. With three litres of water and packed food, you start off in the darkness.

On a clear day, the stars will light up in the sky.  The trail is such that it is easy to get lost. So you walk in a single line behind each other on this challenging, barren terrain. The sky starts lightening as you hit 18,000 ft. You toil on in the light of the morning along the slippery slope of the mountain. And then the world opens up below you at 9.30 AM. The feeling on top of this summit is indescribable!

2. Key Monastery

Key is the largest monastery in the Spiti Valley region and possibly one of the oldest in the region. Perched on a hilltop, boxes of buildings stacked on top of each other on the mountainside, this monastery is quite a sight! If you are lucky, you will get a tour from a friendly monk and sometimes, a helping of herbal tea.

3. The villages of Spiti

There is a certain charm to the villages of Spiti. You see these whitewashed mud settlements, perched on the stark brown mountainside, overlooking patches of green farmlands. The villages look like people have made houses on a moonland. After the trek, you can tour these villages. Our picks (apart from Kaza and Kibber, which you will already pass through): Hikkim, Chicham, Langza, Komic and Dhankar.

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Know Your Trek

We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.

Use this section to learn about the Kanamo Peak trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.

Leaving the Mountains Better

Green Trails is our promise to leave the mountains better. We have removed over 1 lakh kilos of waste left behind by others on trekking trails. Yet this is a small percentage of what we do. Green Trails dives into reducing use of resources, reducing our carbon footprint and bringing about a change in the daily practices of our trekkers too.

5 Reasons Why Indiahikes

We are India’s safest trekking organisation

When we brought out new trails in Indian trekking, safety came with us. Back in 2012, we were the first to introduce microspikes, and two years later, pulse oximeters became standard thanks to us. Nobody does safe treks like Indiahikes. In the mountains, emergencies don't care who you're with – everyone knows that when trouble hits, you look for the yellow tents of Indiahikes.

We are pioneers of treks in India

We are pioneers in trekking. Since 2007, we have brought out treks that have become India's most famous treks: Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Kedarkantha, Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Brahmatal, Phulara Ridge—the list goes on. In 2023 alone, we brought out five new treks in Indian trekking. We know treks better than anyone. This comes directly from the reason why Indiahikes was born: to bring out trek information and enable trekkers to trek on their own.

We are India’s largest trekking organisation

More than 25,000 people trek with us every year. We are the largest trekking organisation in India. 24% of our trekkers come back to trek with us every year. Over 4,000 students from the top educational institutions trek with us every year. Aside from this, families with children choose to trek with Indiahikes knowing that our treks are the safest. We have taken over 8000 children trekking so far, and the number continues to grow.

Our treks are transformative

We focus on designing transformative experiences. Our trek leaders conduct thought-provoking exercises that help you reflect and contemplate. This impact stays with you for a long time. Trekkers return feeling energised, more confident, or developing abilities to deal with difficulties. Many have changed careers, rethought their core values, become more humble, shown gratitude to others, or started a new fitness journey.

We are India's most sustainable trekking organisation

Since 2012, we have pioneered sustainable practices that have become standard in trekking. Using eco-bags, our trekkers have cleared over 120 tonnes of litter from the mountains. We do not carry packaged foods; instead, we serve freshly made food. We do not light campfires; we carry coal to light angethis to keep you warm. Our bio-toilets not only keep our toilets odour-free but also enrich the soil. When you trek with us, you leave mountains better.

Indiahikes Features

You’re guarded with our trek again philosophy

If you are unable to complete a trek, or if you love a trek, you can repeat it with us anytime. You don’t have to pay us for it. See our thoughts behind this here.

Get expert guidance even before you start the trek

Get personalised support from our expert Experience Coordinators. From registration to departure, they'll prepare you every step of the way.

Join any group, they are all women-friendly groups 

With around 30% of our trekkers being women, all women, including those travelling solo are comfortable to join any of our groups.

Meet like-minded trekkers

Indiahikes carries with it a strong spirit of trekking, one that comes with fitness, minimalism, mindfulness and a deep love for nature.

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