Early explorers of the region faced long approach marches of around 200 miles (321.9 km) from Ranikhet through dense mountain forest; access is easier today.

Kamet was the first peak over 25,000 ft (7,620 m) to be climbed, and was the highest summit reached until the first ascent of Nanda Devi five years later.

The ascent to Meade's col involves steep gullies, a rock wall, and several glacier climbs.

Charles Meade gives the pronunciation as /ˈkʌmeɪt/, and claims that it is known to Tibetans as Kangmen, signifying "huge grandmother of a sacred snow chain".

This range is slightly lower than Kamet, its highest peak being Gurla Mandhata, 7,728 m/25,355 ft; however it stands more fully on the high Tibetan Plateau.

Alexander Kellas and his companion Henry Morshead conducted scientific studies during their 1920 Kamet expedition focusing on the physiology of high altitude travel and acclimatization, and on the possibility of using supplemental oxygen.