Mt. Kamet Expedition

Days: 24D/23N
Altitude: 7756
Distance: 160
Grade: Difficult
Pick Up: Rishikesh
Drop: Rishikesh
Base Camp: Vasundhara Tal Base Camp
Season: Summer (May–Jun)
Stay: Guesthouse + Homestay + Tent

The Mt. Kamet Expedition (7,756 M) is one of the highest, most serious, and most respected mountaineering objectives in the Indian Himalayas. Standing within the remote Niti Valley near the Indo-Tibetan border, Mt. Kamet is the second-highest peak in India open to climbers, and it demands a full-scale expedition approach involving extended acclimatization, multiple high camps, and disciplined technical execution.

Kamet is not a mountain that can be rushed. Its altitude places trekkers deep into the extreme zone, where the body deteriorates rapidly and every movement becomes significantly harder. Success depends on:

Structured acclimatization and staged camp progression
Efficient high-altitude routines (hydration, nutrition, rest)
Strong rope discipline and snow/ice movement skills
Conservative decision-making in harsh weather
Ability to sustain effort above 7,000 meters

The expedition begins from Rishikesh, moving toward Joshimath and then deeper into the Niti Valley through Malari, Gamshali, and Niti Village. This approach gradually transitions trekkers into a high-altitude desert environment where cold winds, barren slopes, and glacial basins dominate the landscape.

The Vasundhara Tal Base Camp (4,700 M) is set in a spectacular glacial valley that feels completely removed from civilization. From here, the expedition shifts into a true alpine phase with multiple rotations between base camp, ABC, and higher camps. Load ferries and route openings are built into the plan to ensure both logistical stability and acclimatization resilience before committing to summit camp.

The summit attempt to Mt. Kamet (7,756 M) is long, cold, and physically intense. It is a climb that rewards discipline and patience more than speed. Trekkers who complete Kamet take away more than a summit—they gain a rare Himalayan achievement and a deep understanding of what elite altitude truly demands.

With Terranova Expedition, Mt. Kamet is approached with structure, experience, and safety-first leadership—ensuring that every stage of the expedition is conducted professionally and responsibly.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MT. KAMET EXPEDITION

  • One of the highest climbable peaks in India (7,756 M)
  • Remote approach through the Niti Valley near the border region
  • High-altitude base camp near Vasundhara Tal
  • Multi-camp 7000+ m expedition structure
  • Strong acclimatization and rotation-based plan
  • Serious summit push above 7,000 meters
  • Elite Himalayan mountaineering milestone

Itinerary

Day 1

Rishikesh to Joshimath (1,875 M)

Day 2

Joshimath to Malari (3,150 M)

Day 3

Malari to Niti Village via Gamshali (3,900 M)

Day 4

Acclimatization Day at Niti Village

Day 5

Niti Village to Shepuk Kharak (4,100 M)

Day 6

Shepuk Kharak to Base Camp (Vasundhara Tal) (4,700 M)

Day 7

Base Camp to ABC (5,550 M) Rotations / Establishment Phase

Day 8

Base Camp to ABC (5,550 M) Rotations / Establishment Phase

Day 9

Base Camp to ABC (5,550 M) Rotations / Establishment Phase

Day 10

Base Camp to ABC (5,550 M) Rotations / Establishment Phase

Day 11

ABC to Camp I (6,150 M) Rotations & Occupation

Day 12

ABC to Camp I (6,150 M) Rotations & Occupation

Day 13

ABC to Camp I (6,150 M) Rotations & Occupation

Day 14

ABC to Camp I (6,150 M) Rotations & Occupation

Day 15

Camp I to Camp II (6,610 M) Rotations & Establishment

Day 16

Camp I to Camp II (6,610 M) Rotations & Establishment

Day 17

Camp I to Camp II (6,610 M) Rotations & Establishment

Day 18

Camp II to Summit Camp (7,125 M) Rotations & Occupation

Day 19

Camp II to Summit Camp (7,125 M) Rotations & Occupation

Day 20

Camp II to Summit Camp (7,125 M) Rotations & Occupation

Day 21

Summit Attempt: Mt. Kamet (7,756 M)

Day 22

Reserve Day for Summit

Day 23

Descend Back to Base Camp

Day 24

Descend Back to Base Camp

Day 25

Base Camp to Niti Village

Day 26

Niti Village to Joshimath

Day 27

Joshimath to Rishikesh | Expedition Closure

Inclusions & Exclusions

What’s included

  • Stay is included in Joshimath hotel/lodge on sharing basis.
  • You will be staying in high altitude tents during expedition on sharing basis.
  • Transportation from Rishikesh to Joshimath and return.
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, soup, tea, hot drinks during expedition [Day 1 Dinner Day 26 Dinner]
  • High altitude meals.
  • Expedition permits & peak booking from Indian Mountaineering Foundation (For Indians)
  • Local National Park Permit Tourism department
  • Adventure Sports Cover & Medical Expense
  • Garbage cleaning charges.
  • Weather forecast report from the Indian Meteorological department & Windy.
  • Certificate of accomplishment
  • 3 men all season high altitude tents & high altitude tents, sleeping bag, mattress, kitchen tent, cutlery, dining & meeting tent & toilet tent, table & stool till base camp.
  • First aid, medical kit, oxygen cylinders, Blood pressure monitor, Oximeter, etc. will be available at all campsites to deal with emergencies.
  • Ice axe, snow boots, harness, carabiners, ascenders, descenders, gaiters, helmet, crampons, tape sling (all necessary safety & climbing gears)
  • Certified Expedition leader & Experienced Sherpas from Terranova Expedition.
  • Base Camp Manager
  • Cook, helper, mules support base camp.
  • High altitude cooks and supporting staffs for upper camp
  • Cloakroom facility for left luggage.

What’s not included

  • Mules or porters charge to carry personal luggage [Offload].
  • 5% GST
  • Any kind of personal expenses.
  • Expedition permits from Indian Mountaineering Foundation (For Foreigners)
  • Liaison Officer (For Foreigners)
  • Any early return travel costs or accommodation except for the days as per the itinerary.
  • Anything apart from inclusions.
  • Documentary filming, camera, and drone permit fee (if require)
  • Any emergency evacuation.
  • ASC 360 Insurance (Mandatory for Ladakh Region)
  • Tips for staffs

 

Refund & Cancellation

Quick Summary
Policy WindowRefund
30+ days before departure85%
20–29 days70%
15–19 days50%
7–14 days25%
< 7 days or no-showNo refund
If You Cancel
  • Advance/booking amount is non-refundable; reschedule credit may be offered if requested ≥ 7 days before departure.
  • Government permits, insurance, accommodation and transport already paid to vendors are non-refundable.
  • Force majeure (weather, landslides, strikes, roadblocks, government orders): trip may be postponed; paid amounts remain non-refundable; credit/reschedule may be offered where possible.
  • Unused services, early return or partial participation do not qualify for refunds.
  • Refunds are processed to the original payment method; allow 7–10 business days.
  • Name change/transfer possible until permits are issued; afterward, standard cancellation terms apply.

Things to Carry

Footwear

  • Waterproof Trekking Shoes [1 pair] Floaters / Slippers [1 pair] Socks [4-5 pair]

Clothing Layers

  • Quick dry T Shirts [3-4] Quick Dry Trek Pants [2] Windproof Pants for Sumit [1] Down Jacket [1] Thermal [1 set] Fleece [1] Windproof Jacket [1]

Rain Protection

  • Lightweight Rain Poncho Rain Jacket

Sun Protection

  • Sun Goggles UV Protected Sun Cap or Head Buff

Hydration

  • Water Bottle / Hydrapack [1L] Thermos Bottle [1L]

Snacks & Energy

  • Energy Bar Trail Mix Dry Fruits

Personal Medicines

  • Prescribed Medicines [If any] ORS

Headlamp & Batteries

  • Head Torch Spare Batteries Power bank Camera [If needed]

Warm Accessories

  • Woollen / Fleece gloves [1 pair] Waterproof Gloves [1 pair] Woollen / Fleece Beanie Neck Protector

Toiletries & Hygiene

  • Toiletery Kit [1 set] Quick Dry Towel [1] Toilet Paper Wet Wipes

Documents & Cash

  • Govt. ID Proof Emergency Cash Emergency Contact Number

Backpack & Daypack

  • 50-60L Rucksack [1] 20-30L Backpack [1]

How to Reach

By Air

  • Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) – approx. 20 km from Rishikesh
  • Direct flights available from Delhi, Mumbai & major cities

By Road

  • Delhi → Rishikesh: 240 km
  • Well connected by buses and taxis from Delhi and Haridwar

By Train

  • Nearest railway station: Haridwar Railway Station – approx. 25 km from Rishikesh
  • Regular trains available from Delhi & major cities
FAQs

Common questions answered

How difficult is the Mt. Kamet Expedition?

Mt. Kamet is highly technical and extremely difficult due to altitude and prolonged time above 6,000–7,000 meters.

Is Mt. Kamet the highest climbable peak in India?

It is among the highest climbable peaks open to expeditions and is often cited as India’s second-highest accessible peak for climbers.

What experience is required for Kamet?

Trekkers should have prior 6500–7000 m expedition experience and advanced snow/ice climbing discipline.

Why are rotations and load ferries so long on Kamet?

Because acclimatization above 5,500 m must be gradual, and supplies must be staged safely to support summit camp at 7,125 m.

How cold does it get near summit camp?

Temperatures can drop below –30°C, with severe wind chill at night and early morning.

What is the trekking distance of the expedition?

Total travel distance is 38–45 km including approach, ascent and descent.

What is the best season to climb Mt. Kamet?

The ideal climbing windows are:

  • May–June (Summer climbing season with stable snow)
  • September–October (Post-monsoon clean cold weather)
What makes Mt. Kamet an ideal peak for training?

It offers steep snow climbs, rope-team travel, semi-technical summit ridge, crampon movement and weather exposure — all essential skills for future 6000M and 7000M expeditions such as Kang Yatse II, Mentok Kangri, Mera Peak, Lobuche East, Island Peak & Stok Kangri.

What physical fitness is required?

Trekkers must be capable of:

  • Trekking 8–10 hours a day
  • Climbing steep terrain with backpack weight
  • Managing cold, wind chill and altitude exposure
  • Cardiovascular endurance & leg strength
What training should I do before joining?

Recommended preparation includes:

  • Running/cycling/swimming (5–8 km, 5 days/week)
  • Stair climbing with backpack (10–20 floors/day)
  • Strength workouts for legs and core
  • Practice hikes carrying 8–10 kg backpack
Can someone with no climbing experience attempt this expedition?

No. Without basic trekking and altitude exposure, acclimatization difficulty and summit risk increase significantly.

What equipment is required for the expedition?

Required equipment includes:

  • Ice Axe, Crampons, Helmet, Harness, Gaiters
  • Layered clothing system (Base/Insulation/Shell)
  • High altitude trekking boots
  • Down jacket, gloves, sunglasses, headlamp

Technical equipment may be rented via Terranova.

What food is served during the expedition?

Nutritious vegetarian meals + eggs. High-calorie options are prepared for summit push days including soup, porridge, energy bars and hydration boosters.

What is the temperature on summit night?

Wind chill can drop between –15°C to –20°C.

What kind of accommodation is provided?
  • Comfortable homestay in Manali
  • High-quality alpine expedition tents during the climb
Is mobile network available on the route?

Limited network up to Bakarthach. No network at Lady Leg and Summit Camp.

What is the role of load ferry?

Load ferry helps the body adapt to altitude by exposing trekkers to higher elevation temporarily and then returning to lower elevation for recovery. This strategy reduces AMS risk and increases summit success.

Does Terranova Expedition carry emergency oxygen?

Yes. Medical oxygen and first aid kits are carried for emergency response.

What safety measures are in place?

Safety plan includes:

  • Daily pulse & oxygen saturation monitoring
  • Guide-to-trekker ratio planning
  • Strict turnaround time
  • Weather window management
  • Trained team for rescue coordination
Will there be rope fixing?

Rope assistance is used for safety during steep incline and summit ridge traversal. The technical lead determines rope strategy based on snow & ice quality.

What if I feel unwell or have altitude sickness symptoms?

Immediate descent is enforced as safety rule. Our guides are trained in AMS, HAPE & HACE protocols.

What are AMS symptoms?

Headache, nausea, appetite loss, fatigue, dizziness, breathing difficulty, bluish lips. Strict medical reporting is mandatory.

Is the summit guaranteed?

No Himalayan summit is guaranteed. Safety and weather conditions determine decision.

Can I attempt the summit if I am struggling?

Only if medically cleared and within turnaround safety limits.

Is rescue helicopter service available?

Arrangements available depending on government and weather conditions.

Is travel insurance required?

Highly recommended.

What is the minimum age requirement?

Minimum recommended age: 16+ with fitness certificate.

Can older trekkers attempt this expedition?

Yes, if medically cleared.

Can international climbers join?

Yes — full support provided from Manali.

What makes Mt. Kamet special?

Its semi-technical nature, beautiful training environment and outstanding summit ridge view make it one of the most respected Himalayan climbing programs.

What makes Terranova Expedition different?

Experienced Himalayan mountaineering team, safety-first approach, technical instruction, structured acclimatization and personalized expedition handling.

How is weather assessed for summit push?

Wind speed, snow firmness, cloud formation, temperature drop and avalanche possibilities are analyzed daily.

Can trekkers rent gear from Terranova?

Yes, subject to availability.

Is group customization available?

Private and professional-level batches available.

What are the next peak recommendations after Mt. Kamet Expedition?

Friendship Peak, Kang Yatse II, Mentok Kangri, Mera Peak, Island Peak.

How many hours a day do trekkers walk?

5–7 hours on average; Summit Day is longest (10–13 hours).

What happens on the buffer day?

Used only for weather delay or safety extension.

Is tipping the team expected?

Optional but considered respectful.

Will I get a summit certificate?

Yes, after successful submission and safe return.

How do I register for the expedition?

Contact Terranova Expedition through phone, WhatsApp or website enquiry form.

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