If an adventure head is looking to satisfy his provocations being an adrenaline junkie, peak climbing in Uttarakhand is certainly a choice to have a fix. Uttarakhand is like a gateway to have innumerable euphoric experiences, as the state environs sky rising mountain peaks, abysmal valleys, striking elevated hills and elongated rivers, making it an abode to people seeking an exhilarating bliss.
But mountain climbing in Uttarakhand tops the list of such adventure activities for housing multiplicity of hills and not to mention, the majestic Himalayan Peak.
Along with experiencing an adrenaline rush, peak climbing in Uttarakhand furthermore rewards the climbers upon maximizing human potential and overcoming the obstacles faced via serving surreal landscaped vistas from the summit point, that includes snow-caped mountain peaks, alpine meadows, lushy depth valleys and beauteous lakes.
In a nutshell, from achieving bodily thresholds to having a fix of desiring something adventurous and to experiencing the feast-to-eyes views, mountaineering in Uttarakhand is utterly delightful due to such an array of enticing characteristics.
Uttarakhand is an abode of astonishing mountain peaks, but the ones that make them ideal for having a mesmeric climbing experience includes Mount Satopanth, Chaukhambh peak, Mount Kamet, Mount Shivlinga, Pangarchulla Peak, Black Peak, Mount Thalay Sagar, Mount Trishul and Kedarnath Peak. These are few of the many popular peaks in Uttarakhand that are celebrated for their uniqueness. Each significant peak has its own captivating features for which they are cherished for as well as some common characteristics. For instance, striking elevation, panoramic vistas, offering thrill and complex challenges to exceed the human limits. Such enticing peaks had gained international recognition for excelling in providing the euphoric experiences which should sure be attained from peak climbing.
Nestled in the Nanda Devi National Park of Chamoli District and being a significant part of Garhwal Himalayan range, Pangarchulla Peak is perched at a challenging altitude of approximately 15,069 feet. Such an elevation might not sound enthralling enough to the accomplished climbers, yet the difficulties of this snow covered peak and rugged mountain terrains should not be underestimated here.
A trekking expedition to Pangarchulla Peak’s summit point encompasses obstacles like struggling on the steep ridge with a blanket of snow overlaying the surface, climbing over the boulders draped in snow and passing through the dense jungles. The trek here usually lasts for a period of 5 days, irrespective of its duration, the trek has the ability to deliver equally challenging experiences to climbers as any other peak can provide.
But every difficulty is worthy of visiting the summit point of the peak where one gets rewarded with an enchanting view primarily of the Great Himalayan range, followed by the surreal backdrop of the confluence of Mt. Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba peak, Neelkanth, Gohri Parbat, Donagiri and others. Also, the majestic vistas of thick and dense forests with pine trees can be enjoyed.
No wonder that Pangarchulla Peak is cherished for providing a fine balance of physical difficulties and panoramic views that environs, through a trek.
Mt. Satopanth Peak is located in the Gangotri National Park of Garhwal Himalayan range of Uttarakhand. This substantial peak of Gangotri Group is positioned at an enormous elevation of 7075 metres. Such an enticing altitude makes this peak a good introduction to technical climbing hobbyists.
The challenging attributes of Mt. Satopanth Peak comprises of riddled surface, glacier approach, high-angled snow slopes, sharp-knife-like ridges, a continuous change in weather conditions, complex ice and boulder formations and of course the huge elevations are in the fold of many other obstacles which can be faced via trekking through the peak. Such hurdles captivate the accomplished-yet-aspiring climbers and thereby draws numerous trekking aficionados to Mt. Sathopanth Peak.
Unfortunately, surviving the trek which is followed by such an array of difficulties, thereby requires a special knowledge, a set of skills, necessary mountaineering equipment and proper climbing assistance by highly experienced porters, and that makes this peak relevant for experienced climbers and thus gets forbidden for beginner climbers.
Upon reaching the summit point of this mountain peak, the climbers get blessed with feast to the eyes vistas of surrounding peaks that includes, Mt. Shivling, Thalay Sagar as well as Gangotri Glacier and Bhagirathi II.
Mount Kamet is positioned in the Chamoli District of Garhwal Himalayan range in Uttarakhand. Mount Kamet is among the highest mountain peaks in Uttarakhand for having a striking elevation of around 7,756 meters.
Fascinatingly, being near the international border with Tibet, the peak has a great Tibetan influence as well. Like the title ‘Kamet’ has been named after Tibetan dialect called “Kang Med” which translates to Burning Mountain, as the peak gets illuminated when sunlight cast its golden hue. The shape of the peak interprets the resemblance of a huge pyramid which ironically has flat summit area with two peaks. It is renowned as the second highest peak after Nanda Devi in the entire nation.
The trekking expedition to Mount Kamet offers a fine balance of challenges as well as rewarding breathtaking vistas. As the basecamp itself is situated at Vasundhara Tal, that serves serene views. The treak takes climbers through scenic villages and upon conquering the peak, the climbers get blessed with feast to the eyes like views of the surrounding Himalayas, glaciers and alpine meadows. And surpassing an elevation of 7000 meters adds this peak in the fold of technical climb, that includes obstacles like steep slopes, crevasses, unpredictable climatic conditions and ice environing everything, thereby making it reserved only for professional trekkers.
Mount Kedar Dome is positioned in the Uttarkashi district, a revered part of Garhwal Himalayan range located within the boundaries of Gangotri National Park of Uttarakhand. This beautiful peak of Gangotri Group resting at a huge altitude of around 6,832 meters. The peak has a congruence of a dome shaped-roof. Hence the peak is named after that aspect.
Fortunately, this peak is categorised as mildly-technical, which means it doesn’t restrict the seasonal climbers but a prior experience is surely a necessity. As the peak still encompasses a handful of challenges, that includes, miles of rocky moraines, having to surpass crevassed snowfields, Kirti glacier, constant change in the weather like thinning of air and violent winds. Having to survive by facing such an array of challenges requires proper assistance, mountaineering equipment, skill set and knowledge for the same, irrespective of taking the comparatively low altitude for granted.
The trail of this climb rewards the climbers with its stunning landscaped views that envelopes lush forests, a surreal expanse of Tapovan, etc. Interestingly, Mount Kedar Dome also has a spiritual significance draped around its peak just like the snow. As this revered peak is among the holiest peaks that is worshiped by Hindu community for being a spiritual abode of Lord Shiva.
In a nutshell, Mount Kedar Dome can be a best peak for climbing in Garhwal for serving a blend of natural beauty, adventure and religious importance.
Mount Shivling is an eye-catching peak, positioned in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. This significant peak in the company of Indian Himalayas, is standing at a huge elevation of approximately 6,543 metres. Apart from being cherished for mountain climbing and other than being draped in snow, this peak has a great religious significance wrapped around it as well. As the title, Mount Shivling already reflects that it is has been named after Lord Shiva’s iconic symbol.
The beauteous expedition to Mount Shivling rewards climbers with vistas that are treat to the eyes and soul. The trek that starts from Gangotri, serves surreal landscaped views like lush green forests, alpine meadows, glacial valleys and upon reaching the summit point, the climbers get blessed with the striking mountain snow-capped peaks that stands before them offering breathtaking views.
This peak is considered to be one of the most challenging peaks in the region to climb upon. For having an amalgamation of spiritual, adventure and natural appeal, Mount Shivling is in the list of popular mountain peaks of Uttarakhand. But unfortunate it is that Mount Shivling is reserved only for the accomplished climbers due to serving itself as a technical climb. The criteria to come on board suggest of having a specific knowledge and skills in terms of mountaineering equipment and surviving at 7000+ metres of altitude.
Black Peak is truly in the fold of remarkable peaks in Uttarakhand, nestled in the Uttarkashi district that environs the Garhwal Himalayan range. It is revered as the highest peak in the Saraswati Range of mountains. This peak also goes by the name ‘Kala Nag’ in the regional dialect. Thus, the peak is named after that fact of interpreting an eerie resemblance of the head of Black Cobra.
Black peak is erected to an astonishing altitude of over 6,387 metres. Fascinatingly, the peak isn’t only cherished for its huge elevation but also for its vibrant terrain that comprises of verdant alpine meadows, iced crevasses, moraine ridges, pine forests, boulders and glacial basins. Such diversity in its landscapes along with the fine balance of beauty and obstacles, draws innumerable passionate climbers to Black Peak.
Specific knowledge and a set of skills are a needful when expected to face challenges like continuous thinning of air due to the change in climatic conditions, loosing navigation due to snow environing every direction, passing through the crevassed snowfields, and the steep slopes that stands before oneself at every step as a hurdle that can’t be skipped. Making Black Peak a yet another technical expedition which is only limited to the experience climbers.
Mount Thalay Sagar peak is said to be among the most impressive peaks to have a ball of a mountaineering experience in the northern region of Uttarakhand. The peak is positioned in the Uttarkashi district and falls under the boundaries of Gangotri National Park. Standing at a sky-rising elevation of around 6,904 metres which furthermore encompasses steep-slopes, dramatic rock faces, boulders and complexed routes for trekking, basically, it is like a paradise for passionate climbers looking for Mountaineering in Uttarakhand Himalayas. Upon setting out on the expedition, the climbers are rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding peak that primarily displays Kedar dome and Kedarnath.
This pivotal peak of Gangotri group in the Garhwal Himalayan range is renowned for its technical challenges, for instance, the unexpected weather conditions due to such an altitude, icefalls, steep rock faces and cliffs, crevassed snowfields, exposed ridges, oxygen deprivation and huge boulders, all contributing to make Mount Thalay Sagar an isolated peak reserved for accomplished climbers only. Such an array of difficulties makes the survival really challenging which moreover makes climbing Mount Thalay Sagar an arduous task and therefore requiring a special set of skills, assistance and knowledge to fulfil the want of reaching to the summit point.
Thalay Sagar mountain peak also holds an amalgamation of the by-gone challenges, tragedies and triumphs, which all suggest its historical richness.
Mount Trishul is a beauteous group of three mountain peaks nestled in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand. A company of three astounding peaks, that are Trishul I, Trishul II and Trishul III, all standing at an enormous elevation of 7120 metres, 6690 metres and 6007 metres respectively. They together resemble the shape of a trident (a Trishul) and thereby titled after the iconic weapon of Lord Shiva.
Mount Trishul is famed for its spiritual, natural and adventurous enticement. The climbing expedition to this peak is full of obstacles like change in the rocky surface to the glacial due to the ascending trail shifts, mental fatigue, oxygen deprivation and unpredictable weather conditions. Such challenging characteristics attracts passionate trekkers for its challenging appeal. Along with trekkers, skiing enthusiasts can too have a great mountaineering experience here as Mount Trishul is covered cuddled up with a blanket of snow. Although seeking proper assistance is needful.
Taking about the natural appeal, climbers and mountaineers gets blessed with the delightful of a view at the summit point as well as during the trek. During the trek, one gets to witness the surreal alpine meadows, water streams and authentic Himalayan diversity of flora and fauna species. Whereas the summit point envelopes the panoramic natural scenery of the surrounding peaks.
Bhagirathi mountain peak is a cluster of three sacred peaks, all are positioned in the Gangotri valley of the Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand. The cluster is a revered part of the Garhwal Himalayan range. Bhagirathi I being the highest peak in the Bhagirathi Massif, erected at a sky-rising altitude of around 6,856 meters, contributes in making the climbing expedition enticeful for passionate climbers.
In addition to being an ideal elevated peak for trekkers, Bhagirathi I is famed for serving beautiful vistas of Gangotri Glacier to its west flank and Vasuki Glacier to its east flank, along with the summit point that offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of the whole of Gangotri region.
During the journey of conquering the summit point of Bhagirathi I, the climbers face many challenges, from mountain sickness to feeling deprived of oxygen and from struggling the un-skippable rock climbing draped with ice to unwillingly accepting the constant change in temperatures. Such difficult characteristics among many others makes climbing expedition to Bhagirathi I forbidden for un-experienced trekkers. As the survival utterly needs specific knowledge, skill sets in term of mountaineering equipment and other survival tactics. Therefore, Bhagirathi I can be in the company of best climbing peaks in Uttarakhand but only for accomplished climbers.
Mount Bhagirathi II rests at a striking elevation of 6,512 metres, and known to be the second highest peak of Bhagirathi Massif. Nestled in the Uttarkashi district and snuggled amidst the Gangotri mountain range. Bhagirathi II is a mildly technical climb due to its comparatively less altitude, although it is still open to get only experienced climbers on board.
The reason for restricting the beginner climbers for this expedition includes physical challenges as well as environmental challenges which are more likely to arise given its huge elevation.
Irrespective of the unpredictable obstacles, the summit point is worth conquering, as it is famed for serving breathtaking vistas of the surrounding peaks that includes, Mt. Thalay Sagar, Mt. Shivling, the sister peaks Bhagirathi I and Bhagirathi III along with the utterly beauteous views of the entire Gangotri region.
Therefore, Bhagirathi II can be considered for a peak climbing expedition in Garhwal for serving the just the right-amount of enticing views and challenges.
Bhagirathi III marks as the third peak of the entire Bhagirathi-mountain peak cluster, the summit point being perched at a huge elevation of around 6,454 meters is claimed as the third highest peak that is fixed in the Uttarkashi district just like its sister peaks. The summit point of this peak still serves the mesmeric landscaped scenery that surrounds, regardless of being less elevated in comparison with the sister peaks in the Bhagirathi Massif.
Being celebrated for a comparatively less struggling peak to conquer still comes with a handful of obstacles, like rugged trail, icy terrain, steep slopes, complexed snow and rock formations which are un-skippable, along with the climatic challenges that arise out of the blue.
Upon reaching the summit point, climbers get awe-struck with the astonishing vistas of the surrounding mountain peaks and the snow-clad Himalayan range. Therefore, an amalgamation of mesmeric views and low altitude makes climbing expedition to Bhagirathi III the most preferrable.
Mount Bhanoti is a picturesque peak tucked in the Sunderdhunda Valley, which is positioned in the Bageshwar district of Kumaon region in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand. The peak stands at an impressive elevation of around 5,645 meters, which surely makes the peak climbing expedition in Kumaon beginner-friendly for Mount Bhanoti and thereby excluding the need for any special training and prior experience.
This peak is famed for not having to have expertise in climbing along with the train being filled with less obstacles comparatively, such enticing makes Mount Bhanoti the most preferable getaway for amateur climbers and thereby attracts innumerable traffic seeking a blend of scenic beauty and mild hardships.
Upon easily reaching the summit point, the climbers get to witness the blissful vistas of the surrounding snow-caped mountain peaks and a surreal snowy expanse.
In conclusion, Mount Bhanoti provides a good exposure for natural and adventure exploration via its trekking expedition.
The snow-clad Neelkanth mountain peak is located in the Chamoli district of the Garhwal Himalayan range in Uttarakhand. Perched at a huge altitude of around 6,597 meters and renowned for its pyramidical shape. Neelkanth Peak is famously known as ‘Garhwal Queen’ for its phenomenal beauty.
Other than displaying the surreal beauty of sun rays casting its golden hue and illuminating the peak, it also has a spiritual significance embedded with it just like the snow, as the peak is named after Lord Shiva. Intriguingly, Neelkanth Peak interprets the resemblance of Lord Shiva sitting and meditating from a distance. Thus, it reflects the peak’s religious prominence.
Being closed to Badrinath, this 10 Km trek starts from the town of Badrinath itself, involving the rewarding panoramic views during the journey and at the summit point as well that envelopes lush green valleys, clear rivers and of course the majestic mountain sight. Although the expedition to conquer the Neelkanth peak is considered to be the most difficult in India. Therefore, it requires a special permit from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation.
In a nutshell, the climbing expedition to Neelkanth Peak suggests a unique amalgamation of spiritual, adventure and natural appeal, which captivates an array of climbers and devotees alike.
Mount Baljuri is a beautiful peak positioned in the Bageshwar district, neighbouring to Pindari Glacier in Kumaon Himalayas of Uttarakhand. The peak has an erected elevation of around 5,922 meters, which adds this peak in the fold of moderate climb, therefore excluding the need for climbing expertise. Fascinatingly, this snow-clad mountain peak remains snugged inside a blanket of snow all year-round.
Being prepared for unpredictable change in the weather conditions is advisable regardless of housing collectively less obstacles in its trail. The peak has an exploration appeal to it that takes climbers through multiplicity of breathtaking landscapes and regions that comprises of Dhakuri, Phurkia and not to mention, Pindari Glacier.
The summit point is where the climbers get truly blessed with the feast to the eye, awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding region and the fellow mountain peaks. Basically, Mount Baljuri is an ideal peak for amateur climbers who are seeking more of a vacation than engaging in climbing passionately.
Mount Kedarnath is a spiritually significant peak positioned in the Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand. The peak is truly the holiest of the entire Garhwal Himalayan range for being celebrated for its religious aspect and for its cultural importance, as the peak is revered for housing a holy abode of Lord Shiva, the Kedarnath Temple. This mountain peak which has sacredness and snow enveloped around it is resting at a striking altitude of around 6,823 meters.
In a nutshell, Mount Kedarnath attracts innumerable climbers and devotees alike for a climbing expedition which has an impressive assortment of religious and thrilling characteristics along with a well-known natural beauty appeal.
Kedarnath Peak serves blissful rewarding vistas at the summit point as well as on the journey. During the expedition, the climbers get to witness the surrounding snow-clad mountain peaks, glaciers, and alpine meadows, and upon reaching the summit point, the climbers get greeted with the breathtaking neighbouring mountain peaks that includes Thalay Sagar, Meru and Bhagirathi Massif. Therefore, the utterly beauteous vistas, enticing elevation, survival challenges and blessings of divinity highly draws adventure aficionados from around the planet to this inexplicably tranquil mountain peak called Kedarnath Peak.
The best time for peak climbing expedition in Uttarakhand can be either from early to late summers, that is March – June, or it can be during post monsoon season to extreme winters, November – January.
Climbers can choose either of the two periods depending on their climatic preferences.
As during summers, the clear skies and mild temperatures may sound comfortable but the absence of snow-capped mountains can be seen due to melting of snow, which thereby subtracts the difficulties of expedition to a greater extent.
Winter months are preferrable for passionate climbers as well as for honeymooners who are romanticizing extreme survival challenges and wintery mountaineering experiences respectively.
There comes a handful of preparations one need to take care of when considering peak climbing. Following are the mandatory ones among others:
Physical fitness is the first of many preparations, one needs to be fit and flexible in order to get the most out of the climbing expedition. In consideration to fitness, one should highly focus on cardiovascular and strength endurance. As they both are very needful to keep up with the survival tactics. Moreover, the cardiovascular conditioning which leads to the increasement of lung capacity can help with oxygen deprivation due to high altitude.
An amalgamation of prior mind make-up, good diet and good sleep schedule need to be majorly taken care of to not to feel surprised with on-journey struggles like lack of sleep, absence of comforting amenities and unpredictable weather conditions.
Mountaineering equipment and clothing are a must, the nature of clothes may vary according to the climatic conditions but one shouldn’t compromise with the equipment which are truly the demanding thingies for a climb to carry along.
Carrying a first-aid kit can be a fortunate choice if one gets to encounter any sort of mishap.
Not every peak requires a permit for a climbing expedition in Uttarakhand, but in order to go for higher elevation than 6000 meters and the ones that are flanked by international borders, makes the idea as well as the peak restricted and hence, the need for a permit comes to light.
The most renowned and essential permit is acquired by IMF, which stands for Indian Mountaineering Foundation. IMF is a famed National Institute for mountaineering consideration. It sure grants permit but comes with some strict guidelines which are mandatory to act upon. Although the guidelines, regulations, fee and other formalities may somehow be differentiated when it comes to foreign clients but following are the usual overalls: