While the tallest peak in the world, Mount Everest is on the border of Nepal and China, the Indian part of the Himalayas is also home to many majestic peaks that are sure to awe you. Whether it is the Kangchenjunga in the state of Sikkim, in the northeast of the country, or Nanda Devi in the north, in the state of Uttarakhand, these majestic mountain peaks in India are not only some of the toughest treks but also some of the most stunning sights to behold. Whether you are vacationing in Almora, or experiencing peace in the monasteries in and around Gangtok, stellar views of these mountain peaks in India will blow your mind.
Apart from Mount Everest, here are most notable peaks in the Himalayan ranges, especially in India
1. Kangchenjunga
The highest of the mountain peaks in India, Kangchenjunga is a sheer visual delight. Coming quite close to Mount Everest, Kangchenjunga stands tall at 8586 metres and is the third-highest peak in the world. Situated in the state of Sikkim, Kangchenjunga is also an incredibly difficult peak to scale. Ever since 1955, when it had its first expedition, only a few hundred climbers have been able to scale it. One of the grandest mountain peaks in India, it is also considered sacred locally, and much revered.
2. Nanda Devi
Situated in Uttarakhand, this is one of the most famous mountain peaks in India. Nanda Devi is also one of the tallest at 7817 metres, and is considered a sacred mountain by the locals. The state of Uttarakhand can be divided into two local regions, Garhwal and Kumaon. Nanda Devi is on the Garhwal side of mountain peaks in India. Like Kangchenjunga, Nanda Devi is also one of the more challenging mountain peaks in India that one can attempt scaling. The area where Nanda Devi is situated is also home to Nanda Devi National Park that has a rich flora and fauna, and is in fact one of the best high altitude national parks in the world.
3. Kamet
Another tall peak in the Garhwal side of mountain peaks in India, Kamet is second only to Nanda Devi in the range. At 7756 metres, this is one of the toughest-to-scale mountain peaks in India and for a very different reason than that of Kangchenjunga and Nanda Devi. While these two are steep and simply challenging, Kamet is quite isolated as it is almost at the Tibetan border. Scaling Kamet, which is the third highest in the mountain peaks of India is not just skill but meticulous planning, and strategy.
4. Saltoro Kangri
One of the more controversial on this list of mountain peaks in India, Saltoro Kangri lies on the AGPL which is the dividing line between the territories of India and Pakistan, with both claiming the peak. Situated in the militarily sensitive Siachen sector, this peak in the Karakoram Range is near impossible to scale, simply because of the border struggle between the two countries, and its impact on the paperwork and permits.
5. Saser Kangri
A part of the Karakoram Range of mountain peaks in India, Saser Kangri is one of the highest in the union territory of Ladakh. Standing tall at 7672 metres, this peak is quite close to the Tibetan border. While the Western side of this peak is harder to scale, the south-eastern side is where the expeditions happen.
6. Abi Gamin
In the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand lies this range of mountain peaks in India, which is not only home to Kamet and Nanda Devi, as well as Abi Gamin. Though one of the more challenging to scale mountain peaks in India, Abi Gamin is perfect for smaller hikes, and cruising via beautiful Himalayan roads is your thing, you’re in luck here with Mana Pass.