Kamet

Mountain Prominent Kumaon Himalaya peak, significant high-altitude climbing objective

A high Himalayan peak in Uttarakhand above 7,000 metres, Kamet attracts mountaineers for its long approaches from the Joshimath region and classic Himalayan expeditions rather than casual tourism.

Main image
ISS010-E-10626 - View of China.jpg
ISS010-E-10626 - View of India - Kamet Group - Dhauliganga Valley - Amrit Ganga Glaciers - Amrit Parbat (mountain) - Mana Peaks - Kamet and Abi Gamin - Geldhung Glacier Valleys - Ganesh Parbat (cropped).jpg
ISS010-E-10626 - View of India and China - Kamet Group - Dhauliganga Valley - Hathi Parbat - Gauri Parbat - Mana Peak - Kamet - Saraswati Parvat Range - Balbala Zhongri Glacier Peaks (cropped).jpg
Kamet Closeup.jpg
Kamet GMHM.jpg
Kamet mauvais.jpg
Kamet with four others 2 (3to4).jpg
Kamet with four others 2.jpg
Kamet with four others.jpg
View of Himalayan Peaks Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Kamet, Mana, Gori Parbat and Hathi Parbat from Kuari Pass.jpg

Kamet is a high Himalayan peak in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India, with an elevation of 7,756 metres. It is one of the major summits of the Garhwal Himalaya and a significant mountaineering objective.

The mountain presents glaciated faces and high ridges that require technical alpine mountaineering on long, remote approaches. Climbs are carried out from base camps established in high valleys and involve glacier travel and high-altitude camps.

Kamet was first climbed in 1931 by a British expedition led by Frank Smythe, marking an early Himalayan mountaineering success in the region. Since that ascent the peak has been part of the history of Himalayan exploration and climbing.

The mountain stands in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand near the border with Tibet, in the eastern sector of the Garhwal Himalaya, and is approached via long valleys that connect to the main Himalayan routes.

  • Elevation: Elevation is 7,756 metres, making it one of the highest peaks in the Garhwal Himalaya and a prominent objective for expedition mountaineering.
Kamet
Kamet, Garhwal Himalaya near Chamoli, Uttarakhand, India
30.9198, 79.5934
No park admission for base access; high-altitude climbing permits and guided expedition fees apply for serious climbs

How to Get to Kamet #

Access to Kamet typically begins from Joshimath/Chamoli in Uttarakhand. From Rishikesh or Dehradun, road travel to Joshimath takes several hours; organized expeditions drive higher to staging points and then follow traditional trekking approaches. Permits and coordination with local authorities are required for high-altitude expeditions.

Tips for Visiting Kamet #

  • For non-technical trekkers, acclimatize in nearby Chamoli/ Joshimath before attempting higher approaches.
  • Hire an experienced, locally registered guide and allow for acclimatization days - Kamet is a serious expedition mountain (7,756 m).
  • Summit attempts are reserved for carefully organized expeditions; do not attempt without proper permits and support.

Best Time to Visit Kamet #

Pre-monsoon (May-June) and post-monsoon (September-October) are the primary expedition seasons; both demand careful planning.

Pre-monsoon (spring)
May-June · -10 to 8°C (14 to 46°F) at base and colder at altitude
Common time for Himalayan expeditions; clear weather windows but snow conditions vary.
Post-monsoon (autumn)
September-October · -5 to 10°C (23 to 50°F)
Stable weather and clear skies; preferred season for high-altitude climbs.

Weather & Climate near Kamet #

Climate

Kamet's climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with freezing summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -32°C to -3°C. Moderate rainfall (626 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Best Time to Visit
NovemberOctoberDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
16°
Warmest Month
-38°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -22°C and lows of -32°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

-27°
Feels Like Freezing
-27°C
Temperature
-32° -22°
68%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

23 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
10.3h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of -22°C and lows of -32°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

-27°
Feels Like Freezing
-27°C
Temperature
-32° -22°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

15 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
11.0h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of -18°C and lows of -28°C. Almost no rain, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

41 Poor

Comfort

-23°
Feels Like Freezing
-23°C
Temperature
-28° -18°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

5 mm
Rainfall
6.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.5
UV Index
High
11.9h daylight

April

April is freezing with highs of -14°C and lows of -23°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and partly cloudy skies.

43 Poor

Comfort

-19°
Feels Like Freezing
-19°C
Temperature
-23° -14°
72%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

2 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.0
UV Index
Very High
12.8h daylight

May

May is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -18°C. Almost no rain, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

37 Poor

Comfort

-14°
Feels Like Freezing
-14°C
Temperature
-18° -10°
69%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

3 mm
Rainfall
7.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
13.6h daylight

June

June is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -14°C. Almost no rain, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

41 Poor

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-14° -5°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

8 mm
Rainfall
8.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
13.9h daylight

July

July is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (248 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

21 Poor

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-10° -3°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

248 mm
Rainfall
6.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
13.8h daylight

August

August is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -10°C. Significant rainfall (193 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

25 Poor

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-10° -3°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

193 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
13.1h daylight

September

September is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -14°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

31 Poor

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-14° -6°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

93 mm
Rainfall
6.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.9
UV Index
Very High
12.2h daylight

October

October is freezing with highs of -12°C and lows of -20°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

45 Poor

Comfort

-16°
Feels Like Freezing
-16°C
Temperature
-20° -12°
65%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

12 mm
Rainfall
6.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.5
UV Index
Very High
11.3h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of -17°C and lows of -25°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.

47 Poor

Comfort

-21°
Feels Like Freezing
-21°C
Temperature
-25° -17°
55%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

4 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
10.5h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -19°C and lows of -29°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

45 Poor

Comfort

-24°
Feels Like Freezing
-24°C
Temperature
-29° -19°
57%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

20 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
10.1h daylight

Nearby Attractions to Kamet