There’s a unique allure in a peak that can be trekked yet reaches altitudes typically reserved for mountaineers. A trekkable peak doesn’t demand technical climbing skills—it can be summited with proper acclimatization. Many adventurers are drawn to Stok Kangri, which rises to around 20,190 ft, for the sheer thrill of high-altitude trekking. But few know of another, less-explored peak that climbs nearly as high: Kanamo Peak, standing at 19,600 ft.
Kanamo Peak towers behind the villages of Kibber and Tashi Gang, tucked away in the heart of Spiti. This part of Spiti remains largely untouched by modern development, giving the trek a serene, unspoiled charm. For those looking for a quieter, more scenic, and equally challenging alternative to the increasingly commercialized Stok Kangri, Kanamo Peak is a perfect choice.
Although Kanamo Peak is technically a trekkable summit, it is far from easy. High physical fitness is essential, as this trek is an endurance test. From Kanamo Base Camp to the summit, trekkers face a relentless climb over scree, boulders, and moraines. At such high altitudes, every step demands effort. Summit day involves ascending roughly 4,500 ft and then returning to base camp, a journey that can take 12–14 hours and cover about 10 km across challenging terrain. This trek is suited only for the strongest, fittest, and most experienced trekkers.
The reward for this demanding climb, however, is extraordinary. From the summit, the view feels almost like looking out of an airplane window. Standing on what seems like the roof of the world, you can spot over 35 peaks spanning Ladakh, Spiti, Kullu, and Kinnaur. The 360-degree panorama of towering mountains is breathtaking, with Shilla Peak, Kanamo’s close neighbor, so near you feel you could reach out and touch it. Reaching this summit is truly a remarkable experience, one that stays with you forever.
1. A Thrilling Summit Climb Summit day on Kanamo is an adventure from the very first step. You begin before dawn, trekking along a barren, scree-strewn trail in complete silence. As you climb higher, the terrain becomes increasingly challenging — loose rocks, steep inclines, and no water sources along the way. Yet, the effort is completely worth it when the world unfolds beneath you at the summit. Few treks in the Himalayas offer such a raw, expedition-like experience.
2. Touching 19,000 ft Kanamo rises to 19,553 ft, yet it doesn’t demand mountaineering skills to reach the top. This makes it a rare chance for experienced trekkers to truly test their limits. The trek begins from Kibber at over 14,000 ft, gaining altitude quickly. Strong fitness and proper acclimatization are essential. For those prepared for the challenge, it is an immensely rewarding climb.
3. Spectacular Views from the Top The panorama from Kanamo’s summit is among the most breathtaking in the Himalayas. Over 60 towering peaks stretch in every direction, including Indrasan, Kalanag, Papsura, and Shilla Peak, which feels close enough to touch. The 360° view reveals every ridge, peak, and valley in stunning detail — a sight that stays with you long after the descent.
4. Clear Skies in a High-Altitude Desert Located in the Spiti region, Kanamo lies within the rain-shadow of the Himalayas. This means consistently dry and clear weather throughout the trekking season, a major advantage for summit success. With minimal cloud cover, trekkers enjoy vast, uninterrupted views each day of the journey.
5. A Journey Through Remote Spiti Trekking Kanamo also immerses you in one of the most secluded regions of the Himalayas. The drive through Rohtang and Kunzum passes is dramatic, as the landscape shifts from green valleys to stark, high-altitude desert in just hours. Around Kaza, you can explore remote villages like Hikkim, Langza, and Komic, or visit the serene Chandratal Lake. Spiti’s untouched beauty and tranquil charm make this trek much more than a climb — it is a complete Himalayan experience with Himachal Tripper.
At Himachal Tripper, we believe that well-informed trekkers have the safest and most rewarding Himalayan experiences. Knowledge can make the difference between a challenging trek and a dangerous one, and between a truly immersive journey and a superficial adventure.
This section is designed to give you detailed insights into the Kanamo Peak trek. You’ll find day-by-day information, what to expect on the trail, and how to prepare for the journey. Years of trekking expertise have gone into creating this guide, making it an invaluable resource for every trekker.
Reach the Himachal Tripper Base in Manali
Arrive at the Himachal Tripper Base in Manali, a vibrant community space designed exclusively for our trekkers. Stay in comfortable Swiss tents set in a peaceful mountain corner. At the heart of the base is the Urjino Café, a warm and inviting spot where trekkers gather to chat, play games, or simply enjoy a quiet cup of tea. The campus is designed to help you connect—with fellow trekkers, with nature, and even with yourself.
Settle in and enjoy a hot lunch before completing your safety check-in. This step is especially important for the Kanamo Peak trek, which climbs higher than most Himalayan treks. Your vitals and fitness will be carefully assessed to ensure you’re fully prepared for the challenges ahead.
Collect any rental gear you may need and store extra luggage in the cloakroom. Then attend a detailed trek briefing, where your Trek Leader will guide you through the route, what to expect on the trail, and how to acclimatise over the next two days. This briefing is one of the most important parts of your trek—how well you acclimatise now will directly affect your strength and comfort later on.
Drive Distance: 180 km | Drive Duration: 7 hrs | Altitude Gain: 6,000 ft to 13,500 ft
Depart Manali and head towards Batal via the Atal Tunnel on the Manali-Leh Highway. The road is bumpy and rugged in stretches, but the journey is unforgettable. From Batal onwards, you enter the heart of the Spiti Valley, where quaint villages are tucked amidst stark mountains and arid landscapes. Green and golden patches of peas and barley fields dot the terrain, creating scenes straight out of a postcard.
Accommodation for the night will be arranged at a hotel or homestay in Kaza. Today also marks the beginning of your acclimatization process, helping your body adjust to the high-altitude environment before the trek ahead.
Acclimatisation Day at Kibber
Kibber is a charming hamlet nestled in the heart of Spiti. Use this day to relax and acclimatise to the high altitude. You can take a short day-hike, visit the Chicham Bridge, or simply explore the local culture and traditions of this remote Himalayan region. Make sure to stay well-hydrated and avoid strenuous activity, allowing your body to adjust comfortably before the trek continues.
Trek Distance: 5.5 km | Trek Duration: 6 hrs | Water Source: Carry 2 litres of water from Kibber. You can refill your water bottles at a lake, about an hour before reaching Kanamo base camp. | Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Steep ascent for the first 3-4 hours after which the trail evens out into a level walk for a short while before ascending gradually | Altitude Gain: 13,500 ft to 15,850 ft
Trek to Kanamo Basecamp
The day begins with a trek from Kibber to Kanamo Basecamp, a continuous ascent of about 6–7 hours through rocky slopes, grassy patches, and high-altitude desert valleys. You’ll gain over 1,640 ft in altitude today. The first 3–4 hours involve a steep climb, which gradually eases into some level walking before rising again toward basecamp.
Soon after leaving Kibber, you’ll pass fields of green peas, and if it’s harvest season, locals may even offer you fresh peas to taste. Along the route, you’ll cross two scenic lakes, one of which provides water to Kaza town. The final two hours of the trek are particularly picturesque, with smaller varieties of Brahma Kamal and a vibrant mix of high-altitude flowers dotting the trail.
Keep an eye out for fascinating stones along the way—many are plant or animal fossils. Our trek guides can help identify them if you haven’t seen one before. Within about a 1 km radius of Kanamo Basecamp, you’ll find repositories of various fossils, adding an exciting natural history dimension to the trek.
Acclimatisation & Preparation Day at Kanamo Basecamp
Tomorrow, you’ll be making the summit push above 19,000 ft, so today is all about rest and recovery. Use this day to allow your body to fully recuperate and prepare for the strenuous climb ahead.
The Himachal Tripper Technical Team will also conduct sessions to brief you on everything you need to know for the summit attempt—trail navigation, pacing, safety measures, and acclimatisation tips—ensuring you are fully ready for the challenging day ahead.
Trek Distance: 11 km | Trek Duration: 12 hrs | Difficulty: Difficult. Continuous ascent to the peak, with the last 4 hours of climbing on a steep incline completely on scree. 2.5-3 hours of descent to return | Water Source: None. Carry at least 2-3 litres of water from the base camp. | Altitude Change: 15,850 ft to 19,500 ft and back to 15,850 ft
Summit Day – Kanamo Peak
The summit push begins very early, around 2:00 AM. As you ascend, you’ll cross the first shoulder of the mountain at dawn, where the distant Himalayan ranges glow in the sky’s changing colors—a truly magical moment.
Next, you approach the second shoulder, where the temperature drops sharply and the wind can bite. A balaclava is essential at this altitude to protect against the icy morning breeze. The final leg of the climb takes 4–5 hours, a steep ascent of about 80 degrees on scree slopes. The trail is loose, and slipping is easy, so maintain large, careful steps to navigate safely. If needed, guides are available to assist through the toughest sections.
After this demanding climb, you’ll reach the summit. The reward is spectacular: a 360-degree panorama of the greater Himalayas, including the Parang La pass to Ladakh, the Pin Parvati pass to Kullu Valley, and mountain ranges of Kinnaur, Lahaul, and Spiti. Behind Kanamo lies a massive glacier, and you’ll see its twin, Shila Peak, often snow-covered, while Kanamo itself shows just a small patch of snow at the summit.
The descent back to basecamp takes approximately 2.5–3 hours, giving you time to reflect on the incredible achievement of summiting Kanamo Peak.
Trek Distance: 5.5 km | Trek Duration: 3 hrs | Altitude Loss: 15,850 ft to 13,500 ft | Drive Distance: 180 km | Drive Duration: 7 hrs | Drop-off Time: 7 PM | Drop-Off Point: Beas Bridge, Manali
Trek from Kanamo Basecamp back to the roadhead at Kibber, a gentle 5–6 km descent that allows you to reflect on your trek and enjoy the surrounding landscapes one last time. From Kibber, drive back to Manali, where you will return any rental gear and collect your cloakroom luggage at the Himachal Tripper Base.
FrFinally, you’ll be dropped off at Beas Bridge, Manali, marking the end of your unforgettable Kanamo Peak adventuredge.
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