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India is the land of diversity- there is diversity not only in the culture and heritage but also in the natural terrain. Here we find mountain peaks, valleys, rivers, flora and fauna. India is home to seven mountain ranges- the Himalayan Range, Karakoram Range, Eastern Mountain Range, Satpura and Vindhyachal Range, Aravalli Range, Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats. The Himalayas, which mean ‘abode of snow’, are the youngest and highest range of fold mountains in the world. In contrast, the Aravalli Range is relatively older running across Rajasthan to Haryana.
Mountains protect the geographical area from extremely cold winds. They provide the plains with water for irrigation and for generating hydel power. They provide refuge to diverse flora and fauna. We can find many endangered species of animals and plants in the mountains. Many rivers have their source in the glaciers in the mountains. Mountains provide breathtaking views to tourists.
We take a look at the top 15 mountain peaks of India :
Kangchenjunga
This beautiful mountain is the third-highest peak in the world at 8,586 meters above sea level. It is part of the Himalayas and lies at the Indo-Nepal border. This sacred mountain in Sikkim was first climbed on 25 May 1955 by Joe Brown and George Band who were part of the 1955 British Kanchenjunga expedition.
Nanda Devi
This magnificent mountain is the 23rd highest peak in the world (7,816 meters). It lies in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is believed that the peak is a manifestation of the Goddess Parvati who is an important deity and the consort of the Hindu God Shiva. In 1988, the Nanda Devi and the areas surrounding it were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mountaineering and adventure-based activities have been banned here since 1983 keeping in mind its religious importance and to protect the fragile eco-system.
Kamet
Kamet Peak lies in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand at an elevation of 7,756 meters above sea level. It is considered to be the second-highest peak in the Garhwal region after Nanda Devi. When viewed from a distance, it looks like a giant pyramid topped by a flat summit area with two peaks. It is a part of the Zaskar range and was first climbed in 1931. Since then, a lot of trekking and adventure activities are undertaken here.
Saltoro Kangri
This is the 31st highest mountain peak in the world at an elevation of 7,742 meters and the highest peak of the Saltoro Mountains which is a subrange of the Karakoram range. It is located on the Actual Ground Position Line between Indian- controlled territory in the Siachen region and Pakistani-controlled territory west of the Saltoro range. The first attempt to climb the peak was led by J. Waller in 1935. The peak is not visited much due to danger from military operations.
Saser Kangri
This peak is located in Ladakh the northernmost union territory of India. It stands at an elevation of 7,672 meters. It is the highest peak in Saser Muztagh, a sub-range of the Karakoram range. Saser Kangri means Yellow Peak in the local language of Ladakh. It is one of the most technically difficult peaks to climb in India.
Mamostong Kangri/ Mamostang Kangri
This peak is situated in the Ladakh Union territory of India and stands at an elevation of 7,516 meters. It is the highest peak in the remote Rimo Muztagh, a subrange of the Karakoram range. It is located near the Siachen Glacier. The mountain was named by Yarkandi traders –Mamo in the Turki dialect means fog and Stong means thousand. The mountain was first climbed in 1984. Â
Rimo/ Rimo Kangri I
Rimo I lies in the northern part of the Rimo Muztagh, a sub- range of the Karakoram range. It lies in the vicinity of the Siachen Glacier. For a long time, Rimo was little-known and unvisited due to its remote location. It stands at an elevation of 7,385 meters above sea level.
Abi/ Abi Gamin
This Himalayan Mountain peak is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It stands at an elevation of 7,355 meters above sea level. This peak was climbed for the first time in 1950 by a small Anglo-swiss Expedition.
Hardeol
This is one of the major peaks of the Kumaon Himalayas and stands at an elevation of 7,151 meters above sea level. It is part of the ring of peaks that protects the Nanda Devi sanctuary.
Chaukhamba / Chaukhamba I
This peak is located in the state of Uttarakhand and is part of the Garhwal Himalayas. It lies at the head of the Gangotri Glacier and it’s the Gangotri Glacier that gives rise to Bhagirathi –one of the main sources of the holy river Ganga. It stands at an elevation of 7,138 meters above sea level. It was first climbed on 13 June 1952 by Lucien George and Victor Russenberger.
Trisul / Trisul I
Trisul is a group of three Himalayan mountain peaks in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand of which the highest is Trisul I (7,120 meters). When looked from far it resembles the Trishul or Trident, the weapon of Lord Shiva. Trisul I, the main peak was first climbed in 1907.
Satopanth
This majestic mountain peak is located in the state of Uttarakhand. This peak lies in the Gangotri region of the Garhwal Himalayas. It stands at an elevation of 7,084 meters above sea level. It has religious significance and was first climbed in 1947.
Dunagiri
This peak is situated in the Chamoli district in the state of Uttarakhand. It stands at an elevation of 7,066 meters above sea level and was first climbed on 5th July 1939 by Swiss climbers Andre Roch, F. Steuri and D. Zogg.
Kangto
This mountain peak is part of the Eastern Himalayas located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh and it shares its border with the Tibet Autonomous Region Of China. It is an unclimbed peak and stands at an elevation of 7,090 meters above sea level.
Siniolchu
This beautiful mountain peak is the tallest in Sikkim, standing at an elevation of 6,888 meters above sea level. It was first scaled in 1936 by German climbers Karl Wien and Adi Gottner. This peak is known for its unmatched aesthetic beauty.
