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.
About the trek
Watch these videos to prepare well for your trek.
How to prepare
What does IH provide
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
Kanamo Peak is Best Discovered Through Pictures
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.
5 Reasons Why Indiahikes
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Daily 3-time health checks keep you safe at any altitude
Our thrice-a-day oxi-metre checks keep altitude sickness at bay, never allowing you to reach a point where you need evacuation.
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.
Request Jain/Vegan-friendly food
Our kitchen teams understand your needs as a vegan (or a Jain). We will take special care of your food, even in the remote Himalayas.
Be comfortable and sustainable with bio toilets
We have specially designed bio toilets to ensure you have no sight or smell in toilets, at the same time making sure the toilets cause no harm to the fragile ecosystem we trek in.
Fresh, nutritious food at every camp
We’ll admit it. Our love for food surpasses our love for minimalism. Expect freshly cooked, multi-cuisine food at all camps, designed to meet your nutritional requirements and keep your taste buds happy!
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