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.
Kamet at a Glance#
Address: Kamet, Garhwal Himalaya near Chamoli, Uttarakhand, India
Admission: No park admission for base access; high-altitude climbing permits and guided expedition fees apply for serious climbs
About Kamet#
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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Kamet#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -32° - -22° | -38° | 23 mm | partly cloudy | 68% | 4.1 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.3h |
| February | Poor | -32° - -22° | -39° | 15 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 5.4 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 11.0h |
| March | Poor | -28° - -18° | -36° | 5 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 6.9 m/s | 1.5 high | 11.9h |
| April | Poor | -23° - -14° | -28° | 2 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 5.2 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.8h |
| May | Poor | -18° - -10° | -24° | 3 mm | overcast | 69% | 7.0 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 13.6h |
| June | Poor | -14° - -5° | -19° | 8 mm | overcast | 73% | 8.7 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 13.9h |
| July | Poor | -10° - -3° | -14° | 248 mm | overcast | 79% | 6.6 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.8h |
| August | Poor | -10° - -3° | -13° | 193 mm | overcast | 81% | 4.9 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.1h |
| September | Poor | -14° - -6° | -18° | 93 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 6.1 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Poor | -20° - -12° | -26° | 12 mm | partly cloudy | 65% | 6.2 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.3h |
| November | Poor | -25° - -17° | -31° | 4 mm | partly cloudy | 55% | 4.5 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 10.5h |
| December | Poor | -29° - -19° | -33° | 20 mm | partly cloudy | 57% | 3.6 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.1h |