Top 15 Highest Mountain Peaks of Uttarakhand

July 18, 2023

Ashwini Paralkar

In this article, we present the top 15 highest mountain peaks of Uttarakhand, taking you on a thrilling journey through the majestic heights and untamed beauty of this enchanting Himalayan haven. This Himalayan region boasts some of the highest mountain peaks in the world, each offering a unique and adrenaline-pumping experience for mountaineers and trekkers.

View of Himalayan peaks from Kedarkantha. PC: Tridhib

In my opinion, there are two types of people in the outdoorsy world. There is one who aims to climb every mountain, catch a bird’s eye view of the world and claim the summit. Then there are the others who trek far and wide to just be in the presence of these majestic mountains and be awestruck. I am the latter one who plans every outdoor adventure with a mountain and not the mountain top in mind.

The state of Uttarakhand boasts of two of the top three mountains in India, both seven-thousanders, which lie in the Greater Himalayan mountain range. The rugged terrain of the Indian Himalayas of Garhwal and Kumaon division in the state can be broadly classified into the mountain ranges of Bandarpunch, Gangotri, Kamet, Nanda Devi, Panchchuli, and Adi Kailash.

Top 15 Highest Peaks of Uttarakhand:

1. Bandarpunch Peak (6,316 Meters):

At the western edge of the high Himalayas in Uttarkashi district is the Bandarpunch range of mountains. The notable six-thousanders are:

Highest Peaks of Uttarakhand — Black peak as seen during the ascent to Dhumdhar Kandi; PC: Tanzeem Patankar

This three-peak massif of Bandarpunch I (Saraswati Devi Parvat), Bandarpunch II or White Peak (Hanuman Parvat), and Black Peak (Kalanag) is located in the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Sanctuary. Black Peak is the highest peak in the range. The Yamunotri glacier lies on the west end of the massif which is the source of the river of its namesake. It is believed that the name of the mountain derives from the tale of Lord Hanuman summiting the mountain to extinguish his tail which was set on fire in the court of Ravana in Lanka.

The trek of Dayara Bugyal offers a captivating view of this mountain upon reaching the meadows. Ruinsara Lake and Bali Pass trek give you a fantastic opportunity to admire the Black Peak (Kalanag) in all its glory.

2. Swargarohini (6,252 Meters):

swargarohini glacier — The south face of Swargarohini is visible on the way to Bali pass; PC: Bachan Rana

This three-peak massif takes its name from the legend which identifies it as the “stairway to heaven”. It is presumed that when the Pandavas renounced the world they scaled the mountain. Only Yudhisthira and a dog who was none other than Lord Yama, made their way to heaven retaining their bodies.

The trek to Har Ki Dun offers enchanting views of Mt. Swargarohini along with Jaundhar Glacier which will leave you speechless.

Moving towards the east is the striking Gangotri range of mountains. They are spread across from Uttarkashi to Chamoli district with a presence in Rudraprayag and Tehri Garhwal too. Several peaks are home to the Gangotri Glacier which is the primary source of India’s lifeline, the river Ganga. Home to three of the Char Dhams, these are undoubtedly the holiest mountains in India.

3. Chaukhamba (7,138 Meters):

uttarakhand highest peak — Deoriatal with Chaukhamba Massif in the background

This four-pillar massif is the highest peak of the Gangotri range with the Gangotri glacier situated on its western slope. Spread across Uttarkashi-Chamoli and Rudraprayag districts, its spectacular view is seen on the Deorital-Chopta-Chandrashilla trek.

4. Satopanth (7,075 Meters):

The second highest peak in the range derives its name from the amalgamation of two Sanskrit words, “Sato” i.e. truth, and “Panth” i.e. a spiritual path. Its altitude and technical challenges offer a perfect training ground for a pre-Everest expedition.

5. Kedarnath (6,940 Meters):

kedarnath peak — The highest peak in the middle is Kedarnath; Kedar Dome can be seen towards its right; PC: Vijay Uniyal

It is considered to be the highest peak on the south side of the Gangotri Glacier with Kedarnath Dome as the third highest.
The Kedarnath temple, one of the Char Dhams is situated just 7 km away.

6. Thalay Sagar (6,904 Meters):

It is the second-highest peak on the south side of the Gangotri Glacier. Situated around 10 km from the Gangotri Glacier, it stands as the most dramatic rock peak with Lake, Kedartal at its base.
Trek up to this emerald blue lake to enjoy the most enchanting views of Mt.Thalay Sagar with Mt. Bhrigupanth (6,772 m) in tow.

7. Bhagirathi (6,856 Meters):

bhagirathi mountain — A glimpse of Bhagirathi group in Gaumukh Tapovan trek; PC: Vijay Uniyal

This three-peak massif, also known as Bhagirathi Sisters, is walled by glaciers on all sides. On the eastern side of the massif is Vasuki Glacier while on the western side is the Gangotri Glacier. On the northern side, it is flanked by Chaturangi Glacier and on the southern side by Swachhhand Glacier.

Located in the protected Gangotri National Park, one can embark on various treks to relish the views of this glorious mountain. Multiday treks of Gaumukh Tapovan and Vasuki tal are the best options.

8. Shivling (6,543 Meters):

The “Matterhorn” of India, located in Tapovan near the snout of Gangotri Glacier is a magnificent mountain in the Gangotri range. With two summits it rises like a pyramid resembling a lingam.
The sunset view of Shivling on the Gaumukh-Tapovan trek would leave you absolutely spell bounded.

9. Meru (6,660 Meters):

meru parvat — Meru as seen from ahead of Tapovan

Mt.Meru is flanked on two sides by Mt. Thalay Sagar and Mt. Shivling. Meru is a Sanskrit word which means spine. The mountain is aptly named the cause of the shape of the mountain. The three peaks of the mountain with central Shark Fin is considered one of the hardest climbs in mountaineering.

The trek to Gaumukh-Tapovan offers a stunning view of Mt. Meru along with Mt.Shivling and Bhagirathi Sisters.

10. Nilkantha (6,500 Meters):

One can enjoy the dramatic view of this peak behind the holy temple of Badrinath, one of the Char Dhams.

11. Kamet (7,756 Meters):

In the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand are the less talked about Kamet range of mountains. They are impressively taller than the Gangotri range and are remote, bordering the Tibetan plateau.

It is the second highest peak in Uttarakhand resembling a pyramid with a flattened top. Interestingly after successful scaling this mountain, Frank Smythe, Eric Shipton, R.L. Holdsworth, and Lewa Sherpa, members of a British expedition team, stumbled upon the Valley of Flowers, now a famous monsoon trek.

Neighbouring peaks of Abi Gamin (7,355m), Mana Peak (7,272m) and Mukut Parbat (7,242m) are the 4th, 5th, and 6th highest peaks of Uttarakhand respectively. Hathi Parbat (6,727 m) in the Kamet range of mountains is also known as Elephant Peak due to its obvious resemblance. A Neighbouring Peak, which resembles a horseback is called as Ghoda (6,708 m) and is always spoken about in the same breath.

12. Nanda Devi (7,816 Meters):

As we travel further east in the Chamoli district, the Nanda Devi mountain range stands tall and mighty.

nanda devi peak — Nanda Devi as seen on the trail from Kuari pass to Auli; PC: Arnab

A two-peak massif, it is the second-highest mountain in India, second to Kanchanjunga, and first highest mountain located in India in its entirety. The two peaks referred to as Nanda and Sunanada mean a “bliss-giving goddess”. Regarding the mountain and the surrounding habitat, in 1983 it was deemed closed to all climbers. The delicate ecosystem neighbouring the peak with the mountain at the core forms the Nanda Devi Biosphere, which includes Nanda Devi National Park, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its large and steep ascent from the surrounding terrain makes it comparable to scaling K2, the second-highest mountain in the world. The Nanda Devi Sanctuary in the National Park is divided into inner and outer rings.

13. Trisul (7,120 Meters):

Trisul (7,120 m) along with some of the notable mountains like Dunagiri (7,066 m), Rishi Pahar (6,992 m), Kalanka (6,931 m), Changabang (6,864 m) form the outer wall of the sanctuary.
Tirsuli (7,074 m), Nanda Khot (6,861 m), Nanda Ghunti (6,309 m) along with Hardeol (7,151 m) are connected to the outer wall of the sanctuary with high passes.

Trisul peak during Roopkund trek; PC: Abhishek Sohu

Like Lord Shiva’s trident, it is an extraordinary three-peak massif which is also the ninth highest mountain in Uttarakhand.
You will find Trisul and Nanda Ghunti as constant companions on the Roopkund trek.

14. Panchachuli (6,904 Meters):

As the name suggests, it is a peculiar five-peak snow-clad massif in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It is the 24th-highest mountain in Uttarakhand. As the legend goes the Panch Pandav cooked their last meal here on a chulha before they left for the path of liberation.

15. Adi Kailash (5,945 Meters):

This mountain located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, has a striking resemblance to Mount Kailash in Tibet. Hence it is also called as Chota Kailash. It is located near Brahma Parbat (6,321m) in the Adi Kailash range of mountains.

So, the next time you step out on the trekking trails in Uttarakhand, be prepared to blow your minds with some jaw-dropping 180° panoramas. Go chase your mountain!

FAQs:

What is the highest mountain peak in Uttarakhand?

The highest mountain peak in Uttarakhand is Nanda Devi, standing at 7,816 meters (25,643 feet) above sea level.

Which two peaks make up the famous Nanda Devi Sanctuary?

Nanda Devi Sanctuary is formed by Nanda Devi and Nanda Devi East, two magnificent peaks within the Garhwal Himalayas.

Which is the highest mountain in Uttarakhand?

The highest mountain in Uttarakhand is Nanda Devi, standing at 7,816 meters (25,643 feet) above sea level.

How many mountains are there in Uttarakhand?

Uttarakhand is home to numerous mountains, but it specifically boasts 15 peaks that soar above 7,000 meters in height.

Uttarakhand lies in which Himalayan range?

Uttarakhand lies on the Southern slope of the Himalayan range.