On 24th May 2002, the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) issued a series of stamps to commemorate the International Year of Mountains with the purpose of raising awareness to the importance of mountain ecosystems and their role in providing water and habitat for diverse species. The 12 stamps featured the most famous peaks around the world, and depicted photographs of mountains in Kyrgyzstan, Tanzania, the United States, Chile, Switzerland, Japan, Antarctica, India, New Zealand, Canada, Pakistan and Nepal.

Among the mountains featured on these stamps were several significant peaks in India, including one of Kamet, the second highest mountain in the Garhwal region of India, after Nanda Devi, 7,816 m (25,643 ft). Located in the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand, close to the border with Tibet, Kamet is the 3rd highest mountain in India and the 29th highest in the world.

The UN General Assembly proclaimed 2002 the International Year of Mountains to increase awareness of the global importance of mountain ecosystems, which are the source of valuable resources as well as centres of culture and recreation.