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.