Spectacular Summits: The Highest Mountains in India

The seventh largest country in the world, India has a dramatically diverse terrain that encompasses deserts, jungles, plains and – of course – mountains. In fact, the highest mountains in India are some of the biggest on the planet. So, what are these mountains and where can they be found?

Well, mountain ranges are spread throughout the country. There are the Eastern and Western Ghats along its coasts, the central Satpura and Vindhaya ranges, and the glacier-rich Karakoram in the northwest. However, the most famous and tallest mountains in India are found in its northeast, part of the world’s highest mountain system, the Himalayas. And that’s where we’re going to start.

Not only is Kangchenjunga number one of the highest mountains in India, but it’s the third-highest mountain globally, standing proudly at an approximate height of 28,169 feet. Assumed to be the highest in the world until 1852, it lies both in Nepal and India and encompasses 16 peaks over 23,000 feet. In contrast with its elevation, its topographic prominence, a measure of a mountain’s independent stature, is ranked lower at 29th. Kangchenjunga, part of the Brahmaputra River Basin, is a significant feature in the landscape of India’s highest mountains.

Moving on, we encounter the breathtaking Nanda Devi, or “Bliss-Giving Goddess,” in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Flanked by a barrier ring comprising some of the highest Himalayan peaks, this giant among the biggest mountains of India holds its own. Not just the country’s second-highest peak, but also the highest located entirely within the country and the 23rd-highest peak on the world stage.

Next in the impressive lineup of India’s highest mountains is Kamet, the second-highest mountain in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, following Nanda Devi. This pyramid-shaped giant is topped by a flat summit area with two peaks, boasting an altitude of some 25,446 feet. Nearby peaks like Mukut Parbat and Abi Gamin add to the stunning panorama, reinforcing Kamet’s place in the scenic splendour of India’s mountain ranges.

Journeying to the Saltoro Mountains, a subrange of the larger Karakorams, we meet Saltoro Kangri. Previously known as Peak 36, Saltoro Kangri stands as the highest peak within its group as well as one of the tallest mountains in India. It ranks as the 31st highest mountain globally, towering in the remote northern reaches of the Karakoram and further enriching the diverse portfolio of India’s highest mountains.

Completing our expedition, we reach Saser Kangri, the highest peak in the Saser Muztagh, the easternmost subrange of the Karakoram range. With an impressive height of approximately 25,171 feet above sea level, Saser Kangri is a testament to the majestic heights achieved by the tallest mountains in India.

It’s clear then that India’s tallest mountains stand as awe-inspiring titans of natural grandeur, with some proudly ranking among the world’s tallest mountains. From the mighty Kangchenjunga to the revered Nanda Devi, these natural wonders are a testament to the country’s diverse terrain. With their impressive heights and distinctive features, they continue to delineate the breathtaking panorama that is India’s mountainous landscape. The intricate details of their physical characteristics underscore the spectacle of India’s highest peaks, each a magnificent representation of the country’s geographical richness. As we conclude our expedition, the imposing heights, breathtaking landscapes, and geographical diversity of India’s highest mountains leave an indelible imprint, showcasing the spectacular summits that grace the vast expanse of this fascinating nation.