Mountains are on the earth like art on a canvas. They provide a good adventure, breathtaking views and have chilly winds at the top, who doesn’t like a good sunset? Sometimes it’s all about the challenge and the height of the trek. Here are the top 15 highest peaks in India. You might find one close to your next holiday destination.
The Peaks
1. Kanchenjunga, Gangtok | Height: 8586 Metres
The third highest peak in the world, the majestic Kanchenjunga, also spelt Kangchenjunga, is one of the most stunning mountains. Surrounded by Nepal, Sikkim and Tibet, Mt Kanchenjunga was first scaled in 1955 but since then has been declared sacred. Kanchenjunga’ is a Tibetan name which means ‘The Five Treasures of the High Snow’. The treasures represent the five repositories of God, namely gold, silver, gems, grain and holy books. There are a lot of trekking routes in and around Kanchenjunga which will take you through woody forests and serene countryside.
2. Nanda Devi, Mukteshwar | Height: 7816 Metres
Nanda Devi is the 2nd highest mountain peak in India and overall 23rd in the world. It stands as tall as 7,816 m above the sea level. This mountain peak is visible from Mukteswar and tourists visiting Mukteswar must have a clear look at this mesmerizing beauty.
3. Trishul Peak, Auli | Height: 7120 Metres
The three Himalayan mountain peaks of western Kumaun as a whole forms the Trishul peak which is the third highest mountain peak in India. It is having a height of 7120m. The Trishul group forms the southwest corner of the ring of peaks which encloses the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. In 1907, the main peak, Trisul I, became the first peak over 7,000 m to have ever been climbed by someone. The peak can be best viewed from Kausani or during the Roopkund Trek.
4. Gorichen Peak, Tawang | Height: 22500 Metres
Gorichen Peak is the highest peak of Arunachal Pradesh and it is located between Tawang and West Kameng districts of Arunachal Pradesh. Situated at an altitude of 22,500 feet above sea level. Being one of the top highest peaks in India, Gorichen Peak is roughly 164 kilometre from Tawang.
5. Friendship Peak, Kullu | Height: 5289 Metres
One of the trekkable summits in the Indian Himalayan region, the Friendship Peak is the 5th highest mountain peaks in India that looms at an elevation of 5,289 meters in the Pir Panjal range in Himachal Pradesh is a trekker’s heaven. Being one of the highest mountains in India, Friendship Peak is located in Pir Pinjal range in Kullu.
6. Sandakphu Peak, Darjeeling | Height: 3636 Metres
Sandakphu Peak (11,941 Feet) is the highest peak in West Bengal. The highest peak of Singalila Ridge in Darjeeling district, almost near the border of Nepal, it is located very close to Singalila National Park.
7. Hatu Peak, Narkanda | Height: 3400 Metres
Soaring at a dizzying height of nearly 12,000 feet above sea level, the Hatu Peak is the highest in the entire Shimla district, located in Narkanda and the 7th highest mountain range in India. Surrounded by majestic mountains and covered in a dense green blanket of sky-touching cedar and fir, Hatu Peak may just be paradise on earth. The forest is a mixed one, comprising a varied population of deodar, fir, spruce, cedar and blue pine; but is mostly renowned for its colourful apple orchards.
8. Dzukou Valley and Japfu Peak, Kohima | Height: 3048 Metres
Located some 25 km south of Kohima, Dzukou valley and Japfu Peak offer one of the most breathtaking landscapes of the continent. This 8th highest mountain peak in India is situated in Nagaland which is called the ‘Switzerland of the East’ and Dzukou valley and Japfu Peak provide solid proof to that moniker. Dzukou valley and Japfu Peak trek is an absolute must for all trekking enthusiasts.
9. Anamudi Peak, Munnar | Height: 2695 Metres
Anamudi, id the 9th Highest Mountains Peak in India and is the highest peak (2,695 m) of Western Ghats and South India. Lies south of the Himalayas and towers over the sanctuary. The slope of the hills is home to the Atlas moth, Nilgiri Langur, the lion-tailed macaque, leopards, and tigers.
10. Doddabetta Peak, Ooty | Height: 2637 Metres
Dodabetta, literally translating to mean – Big Peak, is located approximately 10 km away from Ooty. It towers to a staggering height of 8650 feet or 2,623 meters above the sea level and is the highest peak in the Nilgiri Hills. A treat to the eyes, this picturesque land is indeed a great sightseeing place.
11. Phawngpui Peak, Aizawl, Height: 2157 Metres
The highest point in the state, Phawngpui Peak is a revered mountain among the tribes of the state. The beautiful blue mountain located some 300 km south of Aizawl is a wonderful place to be and to bring out the adventure enthusiast in you. The peak is located within the Phawngpui National Park and oversees a wondrous landscape full of deep crevices and magnificent cliffs. Trekking to the summit of Phawngpui is an experience no adventure lover can let go of.
12. Chembra Peak, Wayanad, Height: 2000 Metres
Located close to the bumbling town of Meppady and just 8 km south of Kalpetta, stands the highest peak of the Wayanad Hill Range- the Chembra Peak at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level. The Chembra peak offers a panoramic view of not only the entire Wayanad district but also a large chunk of Kozhikode, Malappuram and Niligiri districts. The peak, its surrounding lush greenery and the famed heart-shaped lake make it a paradise for travellers to explore.
13. Shillong Peak, Shillong, Height: 1965 Metres
At the height of 6449 ft and 1965 m above sea level, Shillong Peak is the highest point of Shillong and is the 13th highest mountain peak in India. It offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city, the Himalayas, its waterfalls as well as of the Bangladesh plains. A telescope is available for tourists to get a bird’s eye view. Trekking up to this semi-circular Shillong Peak is highly recommended for the best views but it is often bounded by heavy fog.
14. Mullayanagiri, Chikmagalur, Height: 1930 Metres
Perched at an altitude of 1930 m above the sea level, Mullayanagiri peak is located in the Baba Budan Giri Range of Western Ghats. It serves as the highest peak between the Nilgiris and the Himalayas offering its visitors a relaxed environment with temperature ranging between 20 – 25 degrees Celsius. Known for its peaceful ambience and nature’s raw beauty, this peak is adorned with verdant grassland, rugged rocks, and a good trek path is also quite popular among adventure lovers. Mullayanagiri is also known for coffee plantations that are situated nearby.
15. Kudremukh Peak, Kudremukh, Height: 1894 Metres
At an altitude of 1894 m above sea level, the Kudremukh Peak is a paradise for trekkers and naturists alike, with its mountainous paths and floral and faunal diversity.
With that, we have the top 15 highest peaks in India. GK is involved in the syllabi of many exams like the IBPS exams, SBI exams, company recruitment drives, LIC AAO exam and others. Keep learning and have a nice day! 🙂