Prominent Indian Mountain Peaks: A Geographical Overview

India’s diverse topography boasts a remarkable array of mountain peaks, each contributing to the nation’s rich geographical tapestry. From the towering Himalayan ranges in the north to the ancient hill systems of the peninsular south, these elevations are significant for their geological characteristics, ecological importance, and cultural relevance. This document provides a comprehensive overview of several notable peaks across various Indian states and Union Territories, detailing their elevations, locations, and distinguishing features.

Peaks of Northern India

K2 (Mount Godwin Austen)

At an elevation of 8,611 meters, K2 stands as the second-highest peak globally, surpassed only by Mount Everest. It is the highest peak in India and the highest point within the Ladakh Union Territory, an integral part of the Karakoram range. The peak is known for its extreme climbing difficulty and is often referred to by various designations, including “Savage Mountain” by George Bell and “Mountain of Mountains” by Reinhold Messner, reflecting its formidable nature.

Kangchenjunga

Standing at 8,586 meters, Kangchenjunga is the third-highest mountain in the world and the second-highest peak in India. It is a prominent feature of the Eastern Himalayas, straddling the border with Nepal, with its Indian portion majestically located in Sikkim. Its name translates to “The Five Treasures of Snow,” referring to its five peaks, which are revered as repositories of gold, silver, gems, grain, and holy books.

Nanda Devi

At 7,816 meters, Nanda Devi is the highest peak located entirely within India, and the highest in Uttarakhand. Positioned in the Garhwal Himalayas near the Chamoli district, the peak is encompassed by the Nanda Devi National Park, which serves as a significant ecological preserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its pristine high-altitude flora and fauna.

Kamet

With an elevation of 7,756 meters, Kamet is a significant peak in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, situated near the Tibetan Plateau. It is the second-highest summit in the Zanskar Mountain Range within the Garhwal region and is characterized by its distinctive pyramidal shape and two subsidiary peaks.

Saltoro Kangri

With an elevation of 7,742 meters, Saltoro Kangri is the second-highest peak in the Ladakh Union Territory. Situated within the Karakoram range, this peak plays a critical role in defining the Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) between India and Pakistan in the Siachen Glacier region, underscoring its strategic importance and challenging geopolitical context.

Saser Kangri

Saser Kangri is a group of five prominent peaks, with Saser Kangri I reaching 7,672 meters, making it one of the highest in the Ladakh Union Territory. Located in the Saser Muztagh sub-range of the Karakoram, this remote and rugged area is known for its challenging mountaineering routes and breathtaking glacial landscapes.

Mamostong Kangri

At 7,516 meters, Mamostong Kangri is another significant peak in Ladakh, part of the Rimo Muztagh sub-range of the Karakoram. Its proximity to the Siachen Glacier highlights the extreme environmental conditions and strategic significance of this region.

Rimo I

Rimo I, with an elevation of 7,385 meters, is the highest peak in the Rimo Muztagh sub-range of the Great Karakoram range in Ladakh. This peak is part of a series of four Rimo peaks and is noted for its dramatic elevation and the complex glacial systems surrounding it.

Abi Gamin

Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Abi Gamin stands at 7,355 meters. It is a prominent peak in the Garhwal Himalayas, part of the main Himalayan watershed, and often climbed in conjunction with nearby peaks like Kamet.

Hardeol

Known as the “Temple of God,” Hardeol is a prominent peak in the Kumaon Himalayas of Uttarakhand, standing at 7,161 meters. Located in the Milam valley, this peak is revered for its religious significance and its historical importance in Himalayan climbing.

Chaukhamba I

Chaukhamba I, at 7,138 meters, is the highest peak in the Gangotri Group of the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand. Its distinctive four-pillar-like peaks contribute to its name and make it a striking landmark in the region, popular with trekkers and climbers.

Trisul I

Named after Lord Shiva’s trident, Trisul I is the highest of three peaks in the Trisul massif in the Kumaon Himalayas of Uttarakhand, reaching 7,120 meters. This peak is known for its aesthetically pleasing shape and is located near the Nanda Devi Sanctuary.

Satopanth

Satopanth, with an elevation of 7,075 meters, is located in the Gangotri region of the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand. It is a revered peak, particularly due to the nearby glacial lake, also named Satopanth, which is considered sacred by Hindus.

Dunagiri

At 7,066 meters, Dunagiri is situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. This peak is part of the Garhwal Himalayas and presents a challenging ascent, attracting experienced mountaineers.

Reo Purgyil

Standing tall at 6,816 meters, Reo Purgyil is the highest peak of Himachal Pradesh. It is located in the Zanskar Range within the Kinnaur district, offering breathtaking views and challenging climbs, and lies near the Line of Actual Control.

Amarsot Peak (Uttar Pradesh)

The highest natural point in Uttar Pradesh is Amarsot Peak, with an elevation of approximately 957 meters. It is located in the Shivalik Hills near the border with Uttarakhand.

Peaks of Northeastern India

Namcha Barwa

The easternmost limit of the Himalayas, Namcha Barwa (7,782m) is located in Arunachal Pradesh near the Tibet border. This impressive peak is geographically significant for influencing the dramatic southward bend of the Brahmaputra River into India, forming a deep gorge.

Kangto

One of the highest peaks of Arunachal Pradesh at 7,060 meters, Kangto is located in the West Kameng district, near Tibet in the Eastern Himalayas. It lies on the India-China border, adding to its strategic importance.

Mount Saramati

The highest peak of Nagaland, Mount Saramati rises to 3,826 meters. It is situated in the Naga Hills in the Kiphire district, near the India-Myanmar border, and is known for its unique biodiversity and tribal heritage, often called the “Crown of Nagaland.”

Sandakphu

At 3,636 meters, Sandakphu is the highest peak in West Bengal. Situated on the Singalila Ridge of the Eastern Himalayas, it offers unparalleled panoramic views of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu, making it a popular trekking destination.

Daphabum

Daphabum, standing at 4,578 meters, is the highest peak in Assam. It is located in the Mishmi Hills, highlighting the varied topography of the state beyond its famous plains.

Mount Tempü (Mount Iso)

Mount Tempü, also known as Mount Iso, is the highest peak in Manipur, standing at 2,994 meters. Located in the Senapati district, it is part of the Naga Hills section of the Purvanchal Range.

Blue Mountain (Phawngpui)

Also known as Phawngpui, the Blue Mountain is the highest peak of Mizoram at 2,157 meters. It is located in the Lushai Hills and is a part of the Phawngpui National Park, renowned for its vibrant orchids and the unique blue hue it acquires in certain atmospheric conditions.

Shillong Peak

At 1,965 meters, Shillong Peak is the highest point of Meghalaya. Located in the Khasi Hills, it offers panoramic views of the city of Shillong and the surrounding lush landscapes.

Betalongchhip

The highest peak of Tripura, Betalongchhip, stands at 1,097 meters. It is located in the Jampui Hills, known for their pleasant climate and orange orchards.

Peaks of Western and Central India

Guru Shikhar

At 1,772 meters, Guru Shikhar is the highest peak of Rajasthan. Located in the Mt. Abu Hills of the Aravalli range, it is named after Guru Dattatreya, a revered sage, and is home to a significant temple dedicated to him.

Kalsubai Shikhar

Reaching 1,645 meters, Kalsubai Shikhar is the highest peak in Maharashtra. It is nestled in the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot, and is a popular destination for trekking, offering panoramic views of the Sahyadri mountain range.

Dhupgarh

The highest peak of Madhya Pradesh, Dhupgarh stands at 1,352 meters. It is located in the Mahadeo Hills of the Satpura range, and the popular Pachmarhi Hill Station (known as ‘Satpura ki Rani’ or ‘Queen of Satpura’) is situated near its summit, offering scenic views and a cooler climate.

Girnar

Girnar, with its highest point at 1,145 meters, is a significant peak in the Junagadh District of Gujarat. It is not just a geological formation but a major pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Jains, featuring ancient temples and a recently inaugurated ropeway.

Gaurilata

Gaurilata, at 1,225 meters, is the highest peak in Chhattisgarh, located in the Samripat region.

Sonsogor

Sonsogor, at 1,166 meters, is the highest point in Goa. Located in the Western Ghats, it provides a green expanse within the state’s predominantly coastal landscape.

Peaks of Eastern and Southern India

Parasnath

The highest peak of Jharkhand, Parasnath, stands at 1,370 meters. Located in the Parasnath range, it is named after the 23rd Jain Tirthankara, Lord Parshvanatha, and is a highly revered pilgrimage site for Jains, known as Sammed Shikharji.

Deomali

Deomali, standing at 1,672 meters, is the highest peak in Odisha. Located in the Eastern Ghats, this peak is characterized by its lush forests and rich biodiversity, offering potential for ecotourism.

Mahendragiri

Mahendragiri, at 1,501 meters, is a significant and culturally important peak in Odisha’s Eastern Ghats, located in the Gajapati district. It is a significant Mahabharata site associated with Lord Parashurama, lending it considerable mythological and spiritual importance.

Arma Konda

Arma Konda, with an elevation of 1,680 meters, is the highest peak in Andhra Pradesh. It is located in the Eastern Ghats, offering scenic views and contributing to the region’s biodiversity.

Mullayanagiri

At 1,925 meters, Mullayanagiri is the highest peak of Karnataka. It is located in the Baba Budan Giri hills of the Western Ghats, an area celebrated for its coffee plantations and panoramic views.

Saddle Peak

Saddle Peak is the highest peak in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory, reaching 732 meters. Located in North Andaman, it is part of the Saddle Peak National Park, a protected area known for its rich biodiversity and endemic species.

Doddabetta

The highest peak in Tamil Nadu, Doddabetta, reaches 2,637 meters. It is located in the Nilgiri Mountain Range, a popular hill station area, and offers a prime vantage point for viewing the surrounding lush valleys.

Anai Mudai

Anai Mudai, at 2,695 meters, is the highest peak of Kerala. Its name translates to ‘Elephant Forehead’, reflecting its morphology. It is also distinguished as the highest peak of both the Western Ghats and Southern India, frequently referred to as the ‘Everest of the South’ due to its prominence and challenging climbing conditions.

Doli Gutta

Doli Gutta, at 965 meters, is the highest peak in Telangana. It is located on the border of Telangana and Chhattisgarh, in the Deccan Plateau region.

Someshwar Peak

Someshwar Peak, at 880 meters, is the highest peak in Bihar. It is located in the Shivalik Hills near the Nepal border.

Key Pointers: India’s Major Mountain Peaks

This overview highlights India’s most significant mountain peaks, detailing their geographical importance and notable features.

Global and National Giants:

• K2 (Mount Godwin Austen): Second highest peak globally (8,611m) and the highest peak in India (in Ladakh UT). Part of the Karakoram range.
• Kangchenjunga: Third highest peak globally (8,586m) and the second-highest peak in India (in Sikkim, bordering Nepal), part of the Eastern Himalayas.
• Nanda Devi: The highest peak located entirely within India (7,816m), and the highest in Uttarakhand. Encompassed by a UNESCO World Heritage Site National Park.

Prominent Himalayan Peaks (Northern India):

• Saltoro Kangri (7,742m): Second highest in Ladakh UT, defines part of the AGPL in Siachen.
• Saser Kangri I (7,672m): High peak in Ladakh’s Karakoram, known for challenging terrain.
• Mamostong Kangri (7,516m): Significant peak in Ladakh, part of Rimo Muztagh range.
• Rimo I (7,385m): Highest in Rimo Muztagh sub-range of Karakoram (Ladakh).
• Abi Gamin (7,355m): Prominent peak in Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand.
• Kamet (7,756m): Second highest in the Garhwal Himalayas (Uttarakhand), near the Tibetan Plateau.
• Hardeol (7,161m): “Temple of God” in Kumaon Himalayas (Uttarakhand), religious significance.
• Chaukhamba I (7,138m): Highest in Gangotri Group (Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand), distinctive four-pillar shape.
• Trisul I (7,120m): Named after Lord Shiva’s trident, in Kumaon Himalayas (Uttarakhand).
• Satopanth (7,075m): Revered peak in Gangotri region (Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand).
• Dunagiri (7,066m): Challenging ascent in Garhwal Himalayas (Uttarakhand).
• Reo Purgyil (6,816m): Highest peak of Himachal Pradesh, in the Zanskar Range.
• Amarsot Peak (957m): Highest natural point in Uttar Pradesh, in the Shivalik Hills.

Key Peaks by Region/State (Northeastern India):

• Namcha Barwa (7,782m): Easternmost limit of the Himalayas in Arunachal Pradesh, influences Brahmaputra’s course.
• Kangto (7,060m): One of the highest in Arunachal Pradesh, near the India-China border.
• Mount Saramati (3,826m): Highest peak of Nagaland, near the India-Myanmar border.
• Sandakphu (3,636m): Highest peak in West Bengal, offers views of Everest and Kangchenjunga.
• Daphabum (4,578m): Highest peak in Assam, in the Mishmi Hills.
• Mount Tempü (Mount Iso) (2,994m): Highest peak in Manipur.
• Blue Mountain (Phawngpui) (2,157m): Highest peak of Mizoram, known for vibrant orchids.
• Shillong Peak (1,965m): Highest point of Meghalaya, offers city views.
• Betalongchhip (1,097m): Highest peak of Tripura, in Jampui Hills.

Key Peaks by Region/State (Western and Central India):

• Guru Shikhar (1,772m): Highest peak of Rajasthan, in the Aravalli range, cultural significance.
• Kalsubai Shikhar (1,645m): Highest peak in Maharashtra, popular trekking destination in Western Ghats.
• Dhupgarh (1,352m): Highest peak of Madhya Pradesh, in the Satpura range, near Pachmarhi.
• Girnar (1,145m): Significant pilgrimage site in Gujarat, major Hindu and Jain temples.
• Gaurilata (1,225m): Highest peak in Chhattisgarh, in the Samripat region.
• Sonsogor (1,166m): Highest point in Goa, in the Western Ghats.

Key Peaks by Region/State (Eastern and Southern India):

• Anai Mudai (2,695m): Highest peak of Kerala, Western Ghats, and Southern India (“Everest of the South”).
• Doddabetta (2,637m): Highest peak in Tamil Nadu, in the Nilgiri Mountains.
• Mullayanagiri (1,925m): Highest peak of Karnataka, in the Baba Budan Giri hills of the Western Ghats.
• Arma Konda (1,680m): Highest peak in Andhra Pradesh, in the Eastern Ghats.
• Deomali (1,672m): Highest peak in Odisha, in the Eastern Ghats.
• Mahendragiri (1,501m): Significant and culturally important peak in Odisha, associated with Mahabharata.
• Parasnath (1,370m):: Highest peak of Jharkhand, significant Jain pilgrimage site.
• Saddle Peak (732m): Highest peak in Andaman and Nicobar UT, part of a National Park.
• Doli Gutta (965m): Highest peak in Telangana, in the Deccan Plateau.
• Someshwar Peak (880m): Highest peak in Bihar, in the Shivalik Hills.
• Unnamed Peak (Punjab) (1,200m): Highest point in Punjab, in the Shivalik Hills.

Cultural and Ecological Significance:

Many peaks are associated with religious legends (Guru Shikhar, Parasnath, Mahendragiri, Trisul), form parts of national parks (Nanda Devi, Blue Mountain, Saddle Peak), or define strategic boundaries (Saltoro Kangri).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Indian Mountain Peaks

Q1: What is the highest mountain peak in India?

A1: The highest mountain peak in India is K2 (Mount Godwin Austen), standing at 8,611 meters, located in the Ladakh Union Territory.

Q2: Which is the second-highest mountain in India?

A2: The second-highest mountain in India is Kangchenjunga, at 8,586 meters, located in Sikkim, bordering Nepal.

Q3: Which is the highest peak located entirely within India?

A3: The highest peak located entirely within India is Nanda Devi, at 7,816 meters, in Uttarakhand.

Q4: What are the highest peaks in the Southern Indian states?

A4:

• Kerala: Anai Mudai (2,695m), also the highest in the Western Ghats and Southern India.
• Tamil Nadu: Doddabetta (2,637m), in the Nilgiri Mountains.
• Karnataka: Mullayanagiri (1,925m), in the Baba Budan Giri hills.
• Andhra Pradesh: Arma Konda (1,680m), in the Eastern Ghats.
• Telangana: Doli Gutta (965m), in the Deccan Plateau.

Q5: Which peaks are important for trekking and mountaineering in India?

A5: Many peaks offer trekking and mountaineering opportunities. Some popular ones include Nanda Devi (challenging expeditions), Kangchenjunga (for experienced climbers), Sandakphu (for panoramic views of Everest and Kangchenjunga), and Kalsubai Shikhar (popular trek in Maharashtra).

Q6: Are there any peaks in India that hold religious significance?

A6: Yes, several peaks are culturally and religiously significant. Examples include:

• Guru Shikhar (Rajasthan): Named after Guru Dattatreya, with a temple at its summit.
• Parasnath (Jharkhand): A major Jain pilgrimage site, named after the 23rd Jain Tirthankara.
• Mahendragiri (Odisha): Associated with Lord Parashurama from the Mahabharata.
• Trisul (Uttarakhand): Named after Lord Shiva’s trident.
• Satopanth (Uttarakhand): Near a sacred glacial lake.
• Girnar (Gujarat): A major pilgrimage site for Hindus and Jains.

Q7: Which Indian peak is known as the “Everest of the South”?

A7: Anai Mudai (2,695m) in Kerala is known as the “Everest of the South” due to its status as the highest peak in the Western Ghats and Southern India.

Q8: Which peak forms part of a strategic line between India and Pakistan?

A8: Saltoro Kangri (7,742m) in Ladakh forms a critical part of the Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) between India and Pakistan in the Siachen Glacier region.

Q9: What is the significance of Namcha Barwa?

A9: Namcha Barwa (7,782m) in Arunachal Pradesh marks the easternmost limit of the Himalayas and is famous for causing the Brahmaputra River to make a dramatic southward bend into India, forming a deep gorge.

Q10: What is the highest point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

A10: Saddle Peak (732m) is the highest point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory, located in North Andaman.

Q11: Which peak is the highest in West Bengal and what views does it offer?

A11: Sandakphu (3,636m) is the highest peak in West Bengal. From its summit, one can witness panoramic views of four of the world’s five highest peaks: Mount Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu.

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