Top 10 Highest Peaks In Uttarakhand
Devbhoomi, the land where the gods once walked, a place that makes you feel closer to nature and a holiday destination to purely rejuvenate your senses, Uttarakhand is the crowning glory of India. Safely preserved by the majestic Himalayas and home to towering peaks it is a playground for mountaineers, trekkers, happy campers, and explorers from different parts of the world. Over time the accessibility to this blessed land has increased substantially due to the presence of pocket-friendly Uttarakhand Tour Packages. Dotted with varied types of thick forest cover, an agricultural landscape, a cascading sea of mountain ranges as far as the eyes can see, and an incredibly colorful collection of biodiversity, this place is replete with memorable experiences. Given below are the top 10 highest peaks in Uttarakhand which are the pride of the state:
List of 10 Highest Peaks in Uttarakhand
- Nanda Devi (7,816m / 25,643f)
- Kamet (7,756m / 25,446f)
- Chaukhamba (7,138m / 23,418f)
- Satopanth (7,075m / 23,212f)
- Trishul (7,120m / 23,359f)
- Mount Shivling (6,543m / 21,467f)
- Bhagirathi Massif (6,856m / 22,493f)
- Panchachuli Peaks (6,904m / 22,651f)
- Gaumukh Peak (4,023m / 13,198f)
- Kedar Dome (6,940 m (22,770 ft)
1. Nanda Devi (7,816m / 25,643f)
Nanda Devi Mountain |
Famous for being the 2nd highest mountain in India after Kanchenjunga and the 23rd highest in the world, Nanda Devi is every mountaineer’s dream to conquer. Located in the district of Chamoli within the Garhwal Himalayan region and placed gracefully in between Rishiganga Valley and Goriganga Valley the literal translation of the name means the ‘bliss-giving goddess’. It is considered to be an extremely holy mountain that is also worshipped by the Pahadi folks residing around it. The Nanda Devi National Park that encircles the peak is also a UNESCO world heritage site and home to a thriving selection of high-altitude flora and fauna.
Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek Route: Munsiyari - Lilam - Bugdiyar - Martoli (Rilkot) - Patta - Bittalgwar - Nanda Devi Base Camp (via Narspanpati herding ground)
2. Kamet (7,756m / 25,446f)
Kamet Mountain |
Famous as the 2nd highest mountain peak in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand just next to Nanda Devi, Kamet is one of the grandest adventures any mountaineer can take. Located within the district o Chamoli the terrain and features of this peak have been said to resemble a giant pyramid topped with a flat summit area consisting of 2 peaks. Due to its geography of being located close to the plateau of Tibet summiting this peak is not an easy one. Did you know that the first summit to Kamet was made by Frank Smythe, Eric Shipton, and R.L. Holdsworth - who are also responsible for accidentally discovering the valley of flowers.
Kamet Base Camp Trek Route: Dehradun - Joshimath - Malaria - Niti Village - Shepuk Kharak - Vasundhara Tal - Kamet Base Camp.
3. Chaukhamba (7,138m / 23,418f)
Chaukhamba Mountain |
Chaukhamba Peak which is located in the holy town of Badrinath is one of the most dramatic-looking Mountain Massif in Uttarakhand. With Chaukhamba 1 being the highest peak in this group of Gangotri group of mountains, this particular peak makes for the eastern anchor of the whole range. One can see a clear view of the peak on a clear sunny day from the holy shrine of Budha Madhyamaheshwar and Deoria Tal. Considered to be not only one of the highest but also a very picturesque peak in Uttarakhand it was first ascended in 1952.
Chaukhamba Base Camp Trek Route Map: Joshimath - Mana - Bagua Nala - Chaukhamba Base Camp
4. Satopanth (7,075m / 23,212f)
Satopanth Peak |
Considered to be one of the most prominent peaks of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges and the 2nd highest peak in Gangotri National Park, Satopanth is one of the most incredible adventures one can go on. Often visited by mountaineers and trekkers for a visit to the clear blue triangular lake located on the foothills, this peak holds immense religious significance. Literally translating the name means truth (Sato) and a figure of veneration or devotion (Panth). Due to its majestic altitude and knife-like ridges, Satopanth became a must-visit prior to the Everest expedition, as a practice ground.
Satopanth Trek Route: Mana - Laxmiban - Chakratirtha - Satopanth
5. Trishul (7,120m / 23,359f)
Trishul Mountain |
Trishul Peak is actually a group of 3 Himalayan mountain peaks located in the western region of the Kumaon part of Uttarakhand. The highest peak in the group is Trishul 1 touching up to a height of 7,120 Metres and is famous among the mountaineers for being the first peak ever to be successfully climbed which was over 7,000 Metres in 1907. It is named so as the three peaks together shapes up like a trident or a Trishul which is the famous weapon of Lord Shiva and hence this too holds a lot of religious significance. Almora, Ranikhet, and Kausani offer some panoramic views of this incredible peak.
Mount Trishul Trek Route Map: Sitel Village - Tatra Village - Latakopri - Chandaniya Ghat - Homkund - Main Homkund - Bhujyani - Trishul Base Camp
6. Mount Shivling (6,543m / 21,467f)
Mount Shivling |
This visually striking peak occupies a prominent position in Tapovan within the Gangotri group of peaks, located in the western Garhwal region, very close to the snout of Gangotri Glacier. Located at a distance of 6 kms from Gaumukh, the spiritual relevance of this place is clear with the name it has been given, i.e. Shivling is derived from a sacred symbol of Lord Shiva. Early European visitors had described the making of this peak as Matterhorn Peak. Climbing up this peak is extremely challenging due to its extremely steep make but was finally ascended in 1974 after several failed attempts.
Mount Shivling Base Camp Trek Route Map: Uttarkashi - Gangotri - Bhojbasa - Tapovan (via Gomukh) - Nandanvan - Vasuki Tal - Mount Shivling Base Camp
7. Bhagirathi Massif (6,856m / 22,493f)
Bhagirathi Massif |
The Bhagirathi massif consists of a collection of 4 peaks ranging between 6,856m to 6,193m and makes for a magnificent sight in the Garhwal Himalayas. Feeding the Gangotri glacier Bhagirathi 1 was first climbed on in 1980 by a team of expert Japanese mountaineers. The surrounding glaciers include Vasuki Glacier, Gangotri Glacier, Chaturanga Glacier, and Swachhand Glacier. The entire massif area lies within the protected area of 2,390 sq. km within the largest conversation area of Gangotri National Park. One can easily take one of the several widely available treks here in order to get clear and panoramic views of this peak.
Bhagirathi Massif Base Camp Trek: Uttarkashi - Gangotri - Bhojbasa - Gaumukh - Nandanvan - Bhagirathi Massif Base Camp
8. Panchachuli Peaks (6,904m / 22,651f)
Panchachuli Peaks |
Lying in the eastern Kumaon region close to Dugtu and Darma Valley, this is a groups of 5 mountain peaks with altitudes ranging from 6,334 Metres to 6,904 Metres. The group of peaks lies at a distance of 138 kms from the district of Pithoragarh. The highest in this group of peaks is the Panchachuli 1 which was first ascended in 1973. Just like almost every mountain peak in Devbhoomi this group also holds religious significance as it is named after the 5 Pandava brothers. It is a beautiful sight throughout the year as in winter you get to encounter snow and in summer you witness some colorfully lit rhododendron flowers.
Panchahuli Base Camp Trek Route Map: Dharchula - Dar - Urthing - Nagling - Son - Panchachuli Base Camp
9. Gaumukh Peak (4,023m / 13,198f)
Gaumukh Peak |
Standing tall and towering above the Gaumukh Glacier, Gaumukh Peak is the final terminus of the Gangotri Glacier and is the source of the life-giving Ganga River that is worshipped throughout its course. Adorning the district of Uttarkashi and surrounded by high altitude flora and fauna reaching here is the work of expert climbers who make it a point to ascend it carefully although it is lower in height when compared to the other high peaks in Uttarakhand. Gaumukh holds a very high place in the life of devout Hindus and has also found its mention in the holy Puranas.
Gaumukh Trek Route Map: Dehradun - Gangotri - Chirbasa - Bhojbasa - Gaumukh
10. Kedar Dome (6,940 m (22,770 ft)
Kedar Dome |
Forming the stunningly majestic backdrop of the holy Kedarnath Dham Temple in Rudraprayag, the Kedar Dome is one of the most incredibly dramatic peaks in Devbhoomi. The dome group also comprises Kedarnath main which belongs to the Gangotri group of peaks within the western Garhwal regions. It is situated at a distance of 15 kms from Gangotri Glacier. First ascended in 1947 reaching to the top is an extremely challenging task. One can easily view the mountain from the holy site of Kedarnath which makes the entire valley look extremely picturesque and scenic from every corner.
Kedar Dome Trek Route Map: Uttarkashi - Gangotri - Bhojbasa - Tapovan (via Gomukh) - Kirti Glacier Base Camp - Kedar Dome Base Camp
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