Mountain peaks are an important topic in Indian Geography for UPSC Prelims and Mains. Questions are frequently asked about the highest peaks, their locations, associated mountain ranges, and the states in which they are found.
While studying this topic, aspirants should regularly use an atlas to understand the geographical location of mountain ranges and peaks.
Major Mountain Ranges of India
Before studying mountain peaks, it is important to understand the major mountain systems of India.
1. Himalayan Range
- The Himalayas are the youngest and highest fold mountains in the world.
- They stretch for nearly 2,500 km from Jammu & Kashmir in the west to Arunachal Pradesh in the east.
- Often called the “Abode of Snow”.
Importance
- Source of major rivers
- Climatic barrier
- Rich biodiversity
- Strategic significance
2. Karakoram Range
- Located in the northernmost region of the Indian subcontinent.
- Contains some of the world’s highest peaks including K2.
- Includes extensive glaciers such as the Siachen Glacier.
3. Purvanchal or Eastern Hills
- Extension of the Himalayas in the northeast.
- Includes hills such as Patkai, Naga, Mizo, and Garo Hills.
4. Vindhya and Satpura Ranges
- Located in Central India.
- Separate northern India from the Deccan Plateau.
5. Aravalli Range
- One of the oldest fold mountain systems in the world.
- Extends across Rajasthan and nearby regions.
6. Western Ghats
- Run parallel to the western coast of India.
- Known for biodiversity and heavy rainfall.
7. Eastern Ghats
- Discontinuous mountain range along the eastern coast.
- Lower in elevation compared to the Western Ghats.
Top 10 Highest Mountain Peaks in India
1. K2
- Height: 8611 metres
- Highest peak in the Indian subcontinent.
- Located in the Karakoram Range.
- Lies between Baltistan and Xinjiang.
Key Fact
- Second highest mountain peak in the world after Mount Everest.
2. Kangchenjunga
- Height: 8586 metres
- Third highest peak in the world.
- Located in the Himalayan Range near Sikkim.
Key Fact
- Known as the “Five Treasures of Snow”.
Kangchenjunga
3. Nanda Devi
- Height: 7816 metres
- Highest peak located entirely within India.
- Located in Uttarakhand in the Garhwal Himalayas.
Importance
- Surrounded by the famous Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
Nanda Devi
4. Kamet
- Height: 7756 metres
- Located near the Tibetan Plateau.
- Part of the Garhwal Himalayas.
5. Saltoro Kangri
- Height: 7742 metres
- Located near the Siachen region.
- Part of the Saltoro Range in the Karakoram.
6. Saser Kangri
- Height: 7672 metres
- Located in Ladakh.
- Part of the Karakoram mountain system.
7. Mamostong Kangri
- Height: 7516 metres
- Located near Siachen Glacier.
- Highest peak of the Rimo Muztagh Range.
8. Rimo I
- Height: 7385 metres
- Located in the Karakoram Range.
- One of the major peaks in Ladakh.
9. Hardeol
- Height: 7151 metres
- Located in the Kumaon Himalayas.
- Known as the “Temple of God”.
10. Chaukhamba I
- Height: 7138 metres
- Located in Uttarakhand.
- Part of the Gangotri Group of peaks.
11. Trisul I
- Height: 7120 metres
- Named after Lord Shiva’s trident (Trishul).
- Located in Uttarakhand.
State-wise Highest Peaks in India
| State | Highest Peak | Mountain Range | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | Arma Konda | Eastern Ghats | 1680 m |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Kangto | Eastern Himalaya | 7060 m |
| Bihar | Someshwar Fort | West Champaran Hills | 880 m |
| Chhattisgarh | Bailadila Range | Dantewada Region | 1276 m |
| Goa | Sonsogor | Western Ghats | 1166 m |
| Gujarat | Girnar | Junagadh Hills | 1069 m |
| Haryana | Karoh Peak | Morni Hills | 1467 m |
| Himachal Pradesh | Reo Purgyil | Western Himalaya | 6816 m |
| Jharkhand | Parasnath | Parasnath Hills | 1370 m |
| Karnataka | Mullayanagiri | Western Ghats | 1930 m |
| Kerala | Anamudi | Western Ghats | 2695 m |
| Madhya Pradesh | Dhupgarh | Satpura Range | 1350 m |
| Maharashtra | Kalsubai | Western Ghats | 1646 m |
| Manipur | Mount Iso | Senapati Region | 2994 m |
| Meghalaya | Shillong Peak | Khasi Hills | 1965 m |
| Mizoram | Phawngpui | Saiha Hills | 2157 m |
| Nagaland | Mount Saramati | Naga Hills | 3826 m |
| Odisha | Deomali | Eastern Ghats | 1672 m |
| Rajasthan | Guru Shikhar | Aravalli Range | 1722 m |
| Sikkim | Kangchenjunga | Eastern Himalaya | 8586 m |
| Tamil Nadu | Doddabetta | Nilgiri Hills | 2637 m |
| Telangana | Doli Gutta | Deccan Plateau | 965 m |
| Tripura | Betalongchhip | Jampui Hills | 930 m |
| Uttar Pradesh | Amsot Peak | Shivalik Hills | 945 m |
| Uttarakhand | Nanda Devi | Garhwal Himalaya | 7816 m |
| West Bengal | Sandakphu | Eastern Himalaya | 3636 m |
Important Mountain Peaks to Remember
Anamudi
- Highest peak of South India.
- Located in Kerala.
Anamudi
Guru Shikhar
- Highest peak of the Aravalli Range.
- Located in Rajasthan.
Guru Shikhar
Kalsubai
- Highest peak of Maharashtra.
- Popular trekking destination.
Kalsubai
Doddabetta
- Highest peak in Tamil Nadu.
- Located in the Nilgiri Hills.
Doddabetta
Importance of Mountain Peaks
- Influence climate and rainfall
- Source of rivers and glaciers
- Support biodiversity and forests
- Important for tourism and adventure sports
- Strategically significant for national security
Important UPSC Facts
- K2 is the highest peak in the Indian subcontinent.
- Kangchenjunga is the highest peak in India associated with Sikkim.
- Nanda Devi is the highest peak located completely within India.
- Anamudi is the highest peak in South India.
- Guru Shikhar is the highest peak of the Aravalli Range.
- Kalsubai is the highest peak in Maharashtra.
- Western Ghats contain several important peaks including Anamudi and Mullayanagiri.
