India’s diverse geography, with its vast mountain ranges and towering peaks, forms a crucial aspect of the UPSC Geography syllabus. As one of the major static GK topics for the UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE), understanding the highest peaks in India is essential for both Prelims and Mains examinations. This article provides a comprehensive list of the 10 highest peaks in each state, offering insights into their geographical significance and importance for the exam.
Top 10 Highest Mountain Peaks in the States of India
| Rank | Mountain Peak | Height (m) | State / Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | K2 | 8611 | Jammu & Kashmir (Karakoram Range, Baltistan region) |
| 2 | Kangchenjunga | 8586 | Sikkim (Eastern Himalayas) |
| 3 | Nanda Devi | 7816 | Uttarakhand (Garhwal Himalayas) |
| 4 | Kamet | 7756 | Uttarakhand (Garhwal Himalayas) |
| 5 | Saltoro Kangri | 7742 | Jammu & Kashmir (Siachen Region, Karakoram Range) |
| 6 | Saser Kangri | 7672 | Ladakh (Karakoram Range) |
| 7 | Mamostong Kangri | 7516 | Ladakh (Karakoram Range) |
| 8 | Rimo I | 7385 | Ladakh (Karakoram Range) |
| 9 | Hardeol | 7151 | Uttarakhand (Kumaon Himalayas) |
| 10 | Chaukhamba I | 7138 | Uttarakhand (Garhwal Himalayas) |
1. K2 – The Highest Peak in the Indian Subcontinent
K2, located in the Karakoram Range, is the highest peak in the Indian subcontinent. It is also the second-highest mountain in the world, standing tall at 8611 meters. Situated between Baltistan in Pakistan and Xinjiang in China, it is often referred to as the "Savage Mountain" due to its extreme difficulty for climbers. K2 remains a challenging summit for mountaineers due to its technical difficulty, harsh weather conditions, and avalanche-prone slopes. Although it is not located within India, it is often included in studies of Indian subcontinent's highest peaks due to its strategic proximity to the region.
Key Highlights of K2:
- Height: 8611 meters
- Location: Karakoram Range (between Baltistan and Xinjiang)
- Known as: "Savage Mountain"
- One of the hardest mountains to climb
- Second-highest mountain in the world
2. Kangchenjunga – The "Five Treasures of Snow"
Kangchenjunga, standing at 8586 meters, is the third-highest peak in the world. Located in the Eastern Himalayas, it straddles the border between India (Sikkim) and Nepal. The name "Kangchenjunga" means "Five Treasures of Snow" because of its five prominent peaks, each of which represents a treasure. It is not only famous for its grandeur but also holds immense religious significance, especially in Sikkim, where it is regarded as the abode of the gods. Mountaineering expeditions to Kangchenjunga are extremely difficult due to its treacherous terrain and severe weather conditions.
Key Highlights of Kangchenjunga:
- Height: 8586 meters
- Location: Eastern Himalayas (Sikkim, India & Nepal)
- Significance: Sacred mountain in Sikkim
- Known as: "Five Treasures of Snow"
- Third-highest peak in the world
3. Nanda Devi – The Highest Peak Located Entirely Within India
Nanda Devi, at 7816 meters, is the highest peak in India that lies entirely within its borders. Situated in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, this peak is a part of the Himalayan mountain range. Nanda Devi is not only a significant natural landmark but also holds great religious importance. It is dedicated to Nanda Devi, a revered goddess in Hinduism. The peak's surroundings are a biodiversity hotspot, home to the Nanda Devi National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The peak's climb is extremely challenging due to its steep slopes and unpredictable weather.
Key Highlights of Nanda Devi:
- Height: 7816 meters
- Location: Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand
- Significance: Sacred mountain dedicated to Goddess Nanda
- Known for: Nanda Devi National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Highest peak entirely within India
4. Kamet – A Majestic Peak Near the Tibetan Plateau
Kamet, located near the Tibetan Plateau, is the second-highest peak in India, standing at 7756 meters. It is situated in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand and forms part of the larger Himalayan range. Kamet's steep slopes and icy ridges make it a challenging climb, but its grandeur and majestic surroundings make it a rewarding ascent for mountaineers. The peak is primarily known for its role in early 20th-century mountaineering history, and it continues to attract climbers seeking adventure in the remote, high-altitude terrain.
Key Highlights of Kamet:
- Height: 7756 meters
- Location: Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand
- Proximity: Near the Tibetan Plateau
- Known for: Difficult ascent and high-altitude challenge
- Second-highest peak in India
5. Saltoro Kangri – An Important Peak in the Siachen Region
Saltoro Kangri, with a height of 7742 meters, is located in the Karakoram Range, near the Siachen Glacier, in the northernmost part of India. The peak is a significant geographical landmark due to its strategic location near the India-Pakistan border. Saltoro Kangri is known for its remote and rugged terrain, which presents a high level of difficulty for climbers. It is often associated with the Siachen conflict, as it lies close to one of the highest battlegrounds in the world. The peak is ranked 31st among the highest peaks in the world.
Key Highlights of Saltoro Kangri:
- Height: 7742 meters
- Location: Karakoram Range (near Siachen Glacier)
- Significance: Strategic location near the India-Pakistan border
- Ranked: 31st highest peak in the world
- Known for: Difficult terrain and military relevance
6. Saser Kangri – A Remote Peak in Ladakh
Saser Kangri stands at 7672 meters, located in the Saser Muztagh subrange of the Karakoram Range in Ladakh. It is the 35th highest peak in the world and is known for its remoteness and difficulty in climbing. The peak's isolated location and harsh weather conditions make it an intimidating challenge for mountaineers. Saser Kangri is an important geographical feature of Ladakh, a region known for its high-altitude plateaus and stark beauty.
Key Highlights of Saser Kangri:
- Height: 7672 meters
- Location: Saser Muztagh Range, Ladakh
- Ranked: 35th highest peak in the world
- Known for: Remoteness and difficult ascent
- Significant to: Ladakh’s geography and mountaineering history
7. Mamostong Kangri – A Hidden Gem of the Karakoram Range
Mamostong Kangri, located in the Karakoram Range, reaches a height of 7516 meters. It is one of the highest peaks in the Rimo Muztagh subrange and lies near the Siachen Glacier. This peak is lesser-known compared to others in the region but remains a coveted target for experienced mountaineers. The climb to Mamostong Kangri is extremely challenging due to the rugged terrain and unpredictable weather patterns in the Siachen area.
Key Highlights of Mamostong Kangri:
- Height: 7516 meters
- Location: Karakoram Range, Siachen region
- Known for: Rugged terrain and difficult climbing conditions
- Ranked: 48th highest peak in the world
- Part of: Rimo Muztagh subrange
8. Rimo I – The Prominent Peak in the Karakoram Range
Rimo I, with an elevation of 7385 meters, is located in the Rimo Muztagh subrange of the Karakoram Range. It is ranked 71st among the highest peaks in the world and is considered one of the significant peaks in the Karakoram. The mountain is part of a group of peaks that offer some of the most challenging climbs in the world. Despite its difficulty, it attracts mountaineers looking to explore some of the most remote and pristine regions of India.
Key Highlights of Rimo I:
- Height: 7385 meters
- Location: Karakoram Range, Rimo Muztagh
- Ranked: 71st highest peak in the world
- Known for: Challenging climbs in a remote area
- Significance: Part of the high-altitude Karakoram range
9. Hardeol – "Temple of God" in the Kumaon Himalayas
At a height of 7151 meters, Hardeol is known as the "Temple of God." Located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, it is one of the oldest and most revered summits in the Himalayas. The peak is a significant part of the Garhwal range and holds cultural and spiritual significance for locals. Its steep, rocky slopes and challenging weather conditions make it a difficult climb, but the view from the summit offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
Key Highlights of Hardeol:
- Height: 7151 meters
- Location: Kumaon Himalayas, Uttarakhand
- Known as: "Temple of God"
- Part of: Garhwal range
- Known for: Spiritual significance and difficult climb
10. Chaukhamba I – The Majestic Peak in Garhwal Himalayas
Chaukhamba I, standing at 7138 meters, is located in the Garhwal district of Uttarakhand and is part of the Gangotri Group of Garhwal Himalayas. Known for its symmetrical summit, Chaukhamba is one of the prominent peaks in the region. The peak is particularly famous for its beauty and its significance in the Hindu religion, as it is closely associated with the sacred Ganges River. Its challenging terrain and the technical difficulty of its ascent make it a favorite among experienced mountaineers.
Key Highlights of Chaukhamba I:
- Height: 7138 meters
- Location: Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand
- Part of: Gangotri Group
- Known for: Symmetrical summit and religious significance
- Popular among: Experienced mountaineers
How to Study Mountain Peaks in the States of India?
For UPSC aspirants, mastering the mountain peaks in India requires not just memorizing names and heights but also understanding their geographical significance, their location within specific mountain ranges, and their role in the environment and economy. Here are a few tips to study this topic effectively:
- Use an Atlas: Always have an atlas handy while studying the mountain ranges and peaks. Visualizing their locations on a map will help cement the knowledge.
- Understand the Mountain Ranges: Study the major mountain ranges in India such as the Himalayan Range, Karakoram Range, Western Ghats, and others. Know their locations, height, and significance.
- Current Affairs: Occasionally, some peaks make it to the news due to mountaineering expeditions or environmental concerns, so stay updated.
- Focus on the Highest Peaks: Prioritize learning the tallest peaks in each state, as these are likely to be asked in both Prelims and Mains.
FAQs on Mountain Peaks in India
Q1. Which is the highest peak in India?
The highest peak in India is Kangchenjunga, standing at 8586 meters, located in the Eastern Himalayas in Sikkim.
Q2. What is the tallest peak in the Karakoram Range?
K2 is the tallest peak in the Karakoram Range and the second-highest mountain in the world, at 8611 meters.
Q3. Which state has the highest peak entirely within its borders?
Nanda Devi, at 7816 meters, is the highest peak located entirely within India, located in Uttarakhand.
Q4. What is the significance of the Himalayan Range in India?
The Himalayan Range is the highest mountain range in India, influencing the monsoon patterns and serving as a source for many of India's major rivers.
Q5. Which mountain range is known for the highest concentration of peaks?
The Himalayan Range is known for its high concentration of peaks, including Kangchenjunga, Nanda Devi, and Kamet.