Top Mountain Peaks in India: A Detailed Guide India is celebrated globally for its diverse geography and stunning natural terrain. The country is home to part of the majestic Himalayas, including some of the world’s highest and most iconic peaks. In addition to the Himalayas, mountain ranges like the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and the Karakoram Range host some of the country’s tallest and most scenic summits. Below is a detailed overview of India’s highest peaks, offering a glimpse into the unique landscapes and ecological diversity they bring to the subcontinent.
Highest Mountain Peaks in India
1. Kanchenjunga
- Height: 8,586 m (28,169 ft)
- Location: Sikkim, along the India-Nepal border
- Highlights: Kanchenjunga is India’s highest mountain peak and the third-highest in the world. Known as the “Five Treasures of Snow” (referring to five valuables: gold, silver, gems, grain, and holy books), Kanchenjunga’s towering elevation and ethereal beauty make it one of India’s most revered summits.
2. K2 (Godwin-Austen)
- Height: 8,611 m (28,251 ft)
- Location: Jammu and Kashmir (disputed region, located between Baltistan and Xinjiang)
- Highlights: Although K2 is the highest peak in the Indian subcontinent and the second-highest globally, its location in the disputed territory makes it a politically sensitive site. Its rugged and treacherous terrain has earned K2 the title of one of the most challenging peaks to climb.
3. Nanda Devi
- Height: 7,816 m (25,643 ft)
- Location: Uttarakhand, Garhwal Himalayas
- Highlights: Nanda Devi, the second-highest peak within India’s borders, is entirely located within the country, unlike Kanchenjunga, which straddles the border. Nanda Devi National Park, surrounding the peak, is home to rare high-altitude flora and fauna, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. Kamet
- Height: 7,756 m (25,446 ft)
- Location: Uttarakhand, near the Tibetan Plateau
- Highlights: Kamet stands as the third-highest peak in India and is part of the Garhwal Himalayas. Its remote location and the rugged terrain of the surrounding Zaskar Range make it difficult to access, appealing to experienced mountaineers seeking solitude.
5. Saltoro Kangri
- Height: 7,742 m (25,400 ft)
- Location: Jammu and Kashmir, Saltoro Range, near Siachen Glacier
- Highlights: Saltoro Kangri is the tallest peak in the Saltoro Range, part of the Karakoram Range. Its proximity to the Siachen Glacier, one of the world’s longest glaciers, makes it a vital landmark in the strategic and military geography of the region.
6. Saser Kangri
- Height: 7,672 m (25,171 ft)
- Location: Jammu and Kashmir, Karakoram Range
- Highlights: Saser Kangri consists of five major peaks and lies within the Saser Muztagh subrange of the Karakoram. Its challenging climb and remote location make it a coveted site for mountaineers and adventure enthusiasts.
7. Mamostong Kangri
- Height: 7,516 m (24,659 ft)
- Location: Jammu and Kashmir, Karakoram Range near Siachen Glacier
- Highlights: Mamostong Kangri, positioned close to the Siachen Glacier, holds strategic significance. It is the highest peak in the Rimo Mustagh subrange of the Karakoram.
8. Rimo
- Height: 7,385 m (24,229 ft)
- Location: Jammu and Kashmir, part of the Karakoram Range
- Highlights: The Rimo group of peaks is part of the Rimo Muztagh subrange in the Karakoram. The nearby Rimo Glacier connects with the Siachen Glacier, and historically, the Rimo Pass was a key route for trade in Central Asia.
9. Hardeol
- Height: 7,151 m (23,461 ft)
- Location: Uttarakhand, Kumaon Himalaya
- Highlights: Known as the “Temple of God,” Hardeol is a significant peak in the Kumaon Himalaya. Located in the Pithoragarh district, it is one of the most revered mountains in Uttarakhand, surrounded by myths and legends.
10. Chaukhamba
- Height: 7,138 m (23,419 ft)
- Location: Uttarakhand, Garhwal Himalaya
- Highlights: The Chaukhamba range comprises four peaks, with Chaukhamba I being the tallest. It is part of the Gangotri Group, located near the source of the Ganges River and revered for its stunning views and glaciated valleys.
State-wise List of Prominent Mountain Peaks in India
Apart from the highest peaks, India’s geography includes several other notable mountains across various regions. Here is a state-wise list of prominent mountain peaks:
| Peak | Range/Region | State | Height (m) |
| Arma Konda | Eastern Ghats | Andhra Pradesh | 1,680 |
| Kangto | Eastern Himalaya | Arunachal Pradesh | 7,090 |
| Someshwar Fort | West Champaran | Bihar | 880 |
| Bailadila Range | Dantewada District | Chhattisgarh | 1,276 |
| Sosogad | Western Ghats | Goa | 1,022 |
| Girnar | Junagadh | Gujarat | 1,145 |
| Karoh Peak | Morni Hills | Haryana | 1,499 |
| Reo Purgyil | Western Himalaya | Himachal Pradesh | 6,816 |
| Parasnath | Parasnath Hills | Jharkhand | 1,366 |
| Mullayanagiri | Western Ghats | Karnataka | 1,925 |
| Anamudi | Western Ghats | Kerala | 2,695 |
| Dhupgarh | Satpura Range | Madhya Pradesh | 1,350 |
| Kalsubai | Western Ghats | Maharashtra | 1,646 |
| Mount Iso | Senapati District | Manipur | 2,994 |
| Shillong Peak | Khasi Hills | Meghalaya | 1,965 |
| Phawngpui | Saiha District | Mizoram | 2,165 |
| Mount Saramati | Naga Hills | Nagaland | 3,841 |
| Deomali | Eastern Ghats | Odisha | 1,672 |
| Guru Shikhar | Aravali Range | Rajasthan | 1,722 |
| Doddabetta | Nilgiri Hills | Tamil Nadu | 2,636 |
| Betalongchhip | Jampui Hills | Tripura | 1,097 |
| Amsot Peak | Shivalik Hills | Uttar Pradesh | 957 |
| Sandakphu | Eastern Himalaya | West Bengal | 3,636 |
Detailed Overview of the Top 3 Peaks in India
1. Kanchenjunga Peak
- Description: Kanchenjunga, known as the “Five Treasures of Snow,” stands as India’s highest mountain peak. With its massive elevation, it is revered among locals and trekkers for its beauty and prominence in Hindu and Buddhist mythology. The peak is located on the border between India and Nepal in Sikkim, making it both a symbol of natural wonder and a point of international camaraderie.
- Height: 8,586 meters
- Location: Sikkim, along the India-Nepal border
2. Nanda Devi Peak
- Description: The Nanda Devi peak, situated in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas, is the second-highest mountain within India’s borders. This peak, surrounded by the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, provides a habitat for various high-altitude flora and fauna. Revered as a spiritual site, the Nanda Devi Sanctuary within the biosphere is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Height: 7,816 meters
- Location: Uttarakhand
3. Kamet Peak
- Description: Kamet is the third-highest peak in India, located in Uttarakhand’s Zaskar Range near the Tibetan Plateau. It is known for its rugged terrain and is a popular destination for advanced mountaineers. Kamet is challenging to access, making it one of the more secluded and awe-inspiring mountains in the country.
- Height: 7,756 meters
- Location: Uttarakhand
Importance of Mountain Peaks in India
The mountain peaks of India are not only significant for their breathtaking views and physical magnitude but also for their role in biodiversity, cultural heritage, and hydrological resources:
- Ecological Diversity: The Himalayas and other mountain ranges host unique flora and fauna, making them vital for biodiversity. Protected areas around these peaks, like the Nanda Devi Biosphere, are critical for conservation.
- Cultural Significance: Many peaks are intertwined with local folklore, spiritual practices, and cultural beliefs. Peaks like Nanda Devi and Trisul hold special places in Indian mythology.
- Water Sources: The snow-capped mountains serve as a source for many of India’s perennial rivers, including the Ganges and Brahmaputra, supporting millions of people downstream.
- Adventure and Tourism: India’s peaks are destinations for adventure tourism, from trekking in the Western Ghats to mountaineering in the Himalayas.
India’s highest mountain peaks symbolize the nation’s diverse topography, cultural heritage, and environmental significance. They offer a mix of adventure, ecological diversity, and natural beauty, contributing to India’s identity on the global stage.
Also Read Latest Current Affairs 2024
FAQs: Highest Mountain Peaks in India
Kanchenjunga, at 8,586 meters, is the highest peak in India.
K2 is located in Jammu and Kashmir, near the border with Pakistan.
Nanda Devi is the highest peak entirely within India.
Kanchenjunga represents five treasures, including gold, silver, and holy books.
K2 is the highest peak in the Karakoram Range.
Saltoro Kangri is located in the Saltoro Range, near the Siachen Glacier.
Kamet in Uttarakhand is located near the Tibetan Plateau.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique flora and fauna.
Hardeol stands at 7,151 meters.
Hardeol is also referred to as the “Temple of God”.
Saser Kangri is in Jammu and Kashmir, within the Saser Muztagh range
Chaukhamba stands at 7,138 meters.
Rimo Peak is part of the Rimo Muztagh range
Mamostong Kangri is near the Siachen Glacier in Jammu and Kashmir
It is one of the longest glaciers in the world.
Kamet is the third-highest peak in India.
Hardeol is in the Kumaon Himalaya, Uttarakhand.
It is an ancient trade route connecting India with Central Asia
Rimo Peak stands at 7,385 meters
Chaukhamba, part of the Gangotri Group, has four distinct summits.
