Explore the Less explored Peaks in The Indian Himalayas :

The Indian Himalayas are an absolutely breathtaking mountain range that beholds treasure for every explorer and nature lover. The Himalaya range, stretches across northern India, has a rich history, fascinating myths and some of the most challenging peaks to climb. Many peaks hold religious and cultural values and have been attracting climbers, researchers and spiritual seekers for years. In this article, we will explore the historical and geographical facts of the Indian Himalayas and learn about some lesser-known peaks situated in the vast Indian Himalayas range.

History and Geography of The Himalayas/The Indian Himalayas 

The Himalayas were formed millions of years ago when the Indian Plate crashed into the Eurasian Plate. This powerful collision pushed the land upward and created the highest mountain range in the world. Even today, the Himalayas are still growing because the plates are slowly moving and that's why the Himalayas range is called the newest mountain range among all mountain ranges. The Himalayan mountains stretch across India, Nepal, Bhutan, China and Pakistan. The most tallest peak on the earth, Mount Everest, is also situated there. The Himalayas have huge glaciers, deep valleys and many rivers flowing like Sindh, Ganga, Yamuna, Satluj, Jhelum, Ravi, Chenab etc. The Himalayas affect weather as they help control the climate by blocking cold winds from the north and allow rainfall to many parts of Asia. If the Himalayas were not situated in the north of India, India's weather would also be as cold as China and Russia.

The Indian Himalayas have also been home to ancient civilizations like Indus Valley Civilization and Vedic Civilization. It was mentioned in many Hindu scriptures, including the Mahabharata and Ramayana, as the home of Gods. The Himalayas also served as a natural barrier between India and Central Asia and has been crucial to influence trade, migration and wars.

The region has been significant for mountaineering since the early 20th century, when British explorers and Indian climbers started attempting its peaks. Many of these mountains remain difficult to climb due to extreme weather conditions and technical challenges. Here are few of them described:

1. Mount Shivling: The Sacred Peak

• Height: Approx 6,543 meters (21,467 feet)
• Location: Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand

Mount Shivling is one of the most iconic peaks in the Indian Himalayas. It is named after Lord Shiva, as its shape resembles a Shivling. This mountain is situated near the Gangotri Glacier which is the source of the holy Ganga River.

Mount Shivling is often called the 'Matterhorn of India' due to its steep, pyramid-like structure. It is considered one of the most highly climbed and due to this, it attracts experienced mountaineers. The first successful ascent was in 1974 by an Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) team led by Mr. Hukam Singh.

2. Sudarshan Peak: A Hidden Gem

• Height: Approx 6,507 meters (21,348 feet)
• Location: Gangotri region, Uttarakhand

It is named after Lord Vishnu's Sudarshan Chakra. Sudarshan Peak is a challenging mountain that remains lesser-known for climbers and trekkers due to harsh conditions and difficult terrain. But once you climb, you will get to see a breathtaking view of the Gangotri Glacier.

The first recorded ascent was by an Indo-Tibetan Border Police team in 1956.

3. Thelu Peak: A Climber’s Delight

• Height: Approx 6,000 meters (19,685 feet)
• Location: Garhwal Himalayas

Thelu Peak is a great choice for those looking for an easy trekking experience in the Himalayas. It serves as an acclimatization peak for those preparing for bigger climbs like Shivling or Satopanth.

Thelu Peak is located near Gangotri National Park which is a home to rare wildlife. The climbing offers stunning views of the Bhagirathi peaks and Shivling.

4. Mehru Peaks (1, 2, 3): The Lesser-Known Trio

Mehru/Meru Peak 1

• Height: Approx 6,000 meters (19,685 feet)
• Location: Garhwal Himalayas

Mehru/Meru Peak 1 is a lesser-explored mountain and offers a challenging yet rewarding climb.

Mehru/Meru Peak 2

• Height: Approx 6,150 meters (20,177 feet)
• Location: Garhwal Himalayas

Located near Mehru Peak 1, this peak remains mostly unexplored due to difficult weather conditions and terrain.

Mehru/Meru Peak 3

• Height: Approx 6,200 meters (20,341 feet)
• Location: Garhwal Himalayas

This peak is rarely attempted. To climb on it yet a dream for adventure lovers for exploring the unexplored territories.

Mehru Peaks offer clear views of Gangotri Peaks and other Himalayan giants. Mehru Peaks hold high importance in Buddhism as there's a concept where Mehru Peaks are seen as the center of the universe.

5. Gangotri Peaks (1, 2, 3): The Watchtowers of the Ganga

Gangotri Peak 1

• Height: Approx 6,672 meters (21,889 feet)
• Location: Garhwal Himalayas

This peak stands tall near the Gangotri Glacier, one of the holiest glaciers in India.

Gangotri Peak 2

• Height: Approx 6,590 meters (21,622 feet)
• Location: Garhwal Himalayas

One of the lesser-climbed peaks, Gangotri Peak 2 offers a serene yet challenging climb.

Gangotri Peak 3

• Height: Approx 6,575 meters (21,568 feet)
• Location: Garhwal Himalayas

This peak completes the Gangotri trio and makes the Himalayan skyline even more beautiful. Though these peaks offer beautiful sunrise and sunset views over the Gangotri Glacier but these peaks are rarely climbed and less-explored due to their remoteness and unpredictable weather.

6. Kedar Dome: A Skier’s Paradise

• Height: Approx 6,831 meters (22,411 feet)
• Location: Garhwal Himalayas

Unlike the sharp peaks of the Indian Himalayas, Kedar Dome has a rounded shape which is why it is called dome not peak. Its dome shape makes it a favorite for mountaineers. This peak is associated with Lord Shiva as Kedarnath temple is located nearby. It was first climbed in 1947 by a Swiss expedition led by Mr. André Roch.

7. Satopanth Peak: A Mountain of Legends

• Height: Approx 7,075 meters (23,212 feet)
• Location: Garhwal Himalayas

Satopanth Peak is one of the most spiritually significant peaks in the Indian Himalayas. The name Satopanth means 'True Path' and it is said that Lord Vishnu meditated at Satopanth Lake which is located below the peak. The first ascent was in 1947 by the same Swiss team led by Mr. André Roch.

Certainly, the Indian Himalayas are home to some of the most beautiful yet challenging peaks in the world. From the sacred Mount Shivling to the Satopanth, each peak has its own story which tells more than one knows. While some mountains like Kedar Dome are popular among skiers, others like Mehru Peaks remain hidden gems. 

The history and myths surrounding the Indian Himalayas make them more than the mountains. Indian Himalayas are truly the living legends which every nature lover wants to witness, explore and live-in.

Read more: Birth of Himalayas An Art by Mother Nature