MUSSOORIE TOURISM : IMPORTANT PEAKS IN UTTARAKHAND | PEAKS / HILLS IN UTTARAKHAND / UTTARANCHAL
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SOME IMPORTANT PEAKS / HILLS IN UTTARAKHAND / UTTARANCHAL   Nanda Devi Altitude: 7,817 Mt. Nanda Devi, the highest of the Garhwal Peaks, which literally means 'Blessed Goddess'. It is considered the pearl of the Himalayas because of its loveliness. The grace full symmetry of its twin peaks, the main and the East, thrusting them up to the sky, is indeed a visual treat-a rare example of perfect Twin Peaks. It would perhaps be strange if a mountain of such beauty were not an object of worship. Infact, since ancient times, inhabitants of the region have revered this mountain as a dwelling place of the Gods. The names for mountains and passes in the area often have religious meanings. Like Kamet, Nanda Devi refused for years to yield to the many climbers who tried to overcome her. It is extremely difficult even to approach her foothills, the entrance to which is guarded by long, deep gorges. After several failures, one party finally succeeded in crossing these gorges and in 1934, entered the south foothills of the mountain.     Bandar Punchh West (White Peaks) Altitude: 6,316 Mts. This Peak lies to the South West of Kalanak. In June 1950 JTM Gibson with Tensing Norgay (of Everest Fame) attempted it from the south. Vertical walls of ice gullies defeated them. Once climbed, after avoiding the crevasses, and on finally reaching the corniced top one can get a view of the steep drop to the southern valley, adjoining ridge of Bander Punchh and distant Swargarohini peaks.       Devtoli Altitude: 6,788 Mts. The peak lies to the southern most point on the inner wall of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. It is on the Southwest ring of peaks in line with Maikroli & Mrigthuni (6,803 & 6855 Mts. respectively). It is at the junction where the ridge from the Devistan joins in the south, the ridge between Maikroli & Mrigthuni. So it stands overlooking the sanctuary in the east, Trishul Nala in the west & Sunderdhunga - Tharkot directly below to the south.       Panchchuli Peaks Altitude: 6,904 Mts. It is believed that this is the place 'Five Chulis' (cooking hearths) where the Pandavas cooked their last meal on the way to heaven. They are majestic and form a famous barrier between Darma and Gauri Valleys. H. Ruttledge recede it in 1929. Graaff and Snelson (1950), the Scots (1950) made an attempt from this side. H.Harrer (1952) tried from the west finally it was left to two massive Expeditions by the Indo- Tibet Border Police to open the route (1972) from the west (Gauri Valley) and make the first ascent in 1973. On the same divide, a number of fine peaks merit attention like Nagling, 6,041 Mts.     Kagbhusand Altitude: 5,830 Mts. The historic triangulated peak of Kagbhusand seems to be guarding the entrance of Deban plateau. It has graceful shoulders supporting a delicately soaring peak the top has a shape of Garud or eagle that is also referred to as Kagbhusand. This peak is seen from a little above Gamsali, from Gupt Khal and even from the Girthi gorge.

	Trimukhi Parvat Altitude: 6,422 Mts. Trimukhi Parvat stands tall proudly to the southwest. The word literally means mountain of three faces, a colloquial name Lord Shiva. It has sharp ice-pinnacle-like in shape. The possible approach can be via its eastern Col., which has to be reached via long detour from the Trimukhi Glacier's southern bifurcation. Both the duration of the approach and the technical difficulties of the final sections often rule out attempts.

	Trimukhi Parvat East Altitude: 6,280 Mts. To the east of the Trimukhi Parvat is a good shapely separate peak of Trimukhi Parvat East.

	Kamet Altitude: 7,756 Mts. Kamet taken from the word 'Kangrie' which literally means 'lower snow' in Tibet attracted the first mountaineers.Kamet Peak is the second highest in the Garhwal and was tried ten times before it fell. F.S. Smythe of Britain headed the eleventh and victorious climb. One of companions to the top, R.L. Holdsworth, wore skis up to the col. 7,025Mts. high. In 1848 Richard Strachy determined its height, followed by the Schlaginweits. In 1855 they went over the Mana pass and attempted it from the north reaching 6745 Mts. on Abi Gamin. In 1874-77 the Survey of India under E.C. Ryall and I.S. Pocock set up a plane table at 22,040 ft on the slopes of East Abi Gamin these are now identified on modern maps as Mukut Parvat, Kamet and Abi Gamin respectively. In fact in 1931, it was while returning from their successful Kamet expedition that Frank Smith and Holdsworth stumbled into the valley of Flowers.

	Neelkanth Altitude: 6,597 Mts. Neelkanth is a pyramidal snowy peak towering Above Badrinath. It is popularly known as 'Garhwal Queen' because of its dramatic sight.No history of central Garhwal would be complete without a detailed mention of this majestic peak. It is a dream of the pilgrims. It is a tough and challenging proposition for mountaineers.

	Nadakot Altitude: 6,861 Mts. This 'Fort of Nanda' is an imposing peak dividing the Gori and Pindari valleys. Dr. Longstaff in 1905 and 1936 the Japanese made the first ascent on it. An Indian team in 1956 climbed it again. In 1986 the Indo Japanese made another ascent to celebrate the fifty years of their first ascent.

	Sudarshan Parvat Altitude: 6,507 Mts. Sudarshan Parvat has beauty as well as challenge. It is a sight fit for the Gods. Situated above the Gangotri Temple it has been seen by millions of pilgrims and mountaineers through the ages. The view from the top is grand. All the Gangotri Peaks and valley, a little of Tibet and all the neighboring peaks can be seen. It gets its name from Sudarshan, the weapon which Lord Krishna or Vishnu holds in his hand. It is believed to be released in the ultimate crisis. The history of Sudarshan is brief though spread over 19 years. It was attempted by 5 expeditions. Mostly by the west ridge and once of the south ridge. The last attempt was in 1979 when the climbers reached high on the west ridge.

	Chaturbhuj Altitude: 6,655 Mts. Chaturbhuj, situated north of Sudarshan Parvat, literally means ' one with four hands'. This is the name for Lord Vishnu who has four hands and holds the Sudarshan Chakra. This peak has four distinct ridged falling in four directions, thus both mythologically as well as topographically this name is appropriate. The summit of Chaturbhuj is a conical pyramid, very steep, 15 Mts. long and 2 Mts. high.

	Yogeshwar Altitude: 6,678 Mts. Situated northeast of Sudarshan Parvat lies Yogeshwar. It takes its name from Lord Krishna, in a serene mood and thus can be aptly applied to this high snowy peak.

	Saife Altitude: 6,161 Mts. South-southeast of Sudarshan Parvat lies a gentle yet deceptive peak. Saife in local language means 'Sword' or the weapon carried by Lord Ram, who is also known as the God with the white complexion-Swetvarna. This peak lies near Koteshwar-'God of the Edges'. Thus with sword edge -like ridges, the name is appropriate.

	Chandrashila Altitude: 3,679 Mts. Chandrashila is most accessible peak of the Uttaranchal Himalayas, especially since most of the peaks are difficult to scale. A climb to this mini peak in Chamoli District is arranged by GMVN. This combines scaling, skiing and trekking through a route of rich flora and fauna, lakes, meadows full of fresh snow in the winter month. The chandrashila peaks itself provides a rare panoramic view of innumerable snow clad peaks.

	Badrinath Altitude: 3,133 Mts. Guarded on either side by the two mountain ranges known as Nar Narayan with the towering Neelkanth peak providing a splendid backdrop. Badrinath is one of the Four Dham of the country.

	Kedarnath Altitude: 3, Mts. A scenic beauty spot, situated against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath range, the Kedarnath shrine is one of the twelve 'Jyotirlingas' of Lord Shiva.

	Yamunotri Altitude: 3,235 Mts. In the shadow of the high Bandar Punchh Mountain lies the source of the sacred river Yamunotri. This shrine is of paramount religious importance for Hindus and essential pilgrimage.

	Gangotri Altitude: 3,200 Mts. Surrounded by the mountain peaks of Shivaling, Satopanth and Bhagirathi sisters, this scared shrine, is the source of river Bhagirathi.

	Vasukital Altitude: 4,150 Mts. Offering an excellent view of Chaukhamba peak, the Vasukital is surrounded by high mountains.

	Kedartal The mighty Thalsagar (Spatikling) peak forms the spectacular backdrop of the Kedar Lake, which is negotiable through a rough mountain trail. Nandanvan From here the views of Shivaling, Bhagirathi, Sudarshan, Thalu peaks and Kedar Dome are fabulous. Guptkashi From here one can get magnificent view of Chaukhamba peak. Madmaheshwar Engulfed by Chaukhamba, Kedarnath and Neelkanth peaks, the trek from Kalimath to the Madmaheshwar is distinguished by wild unparalleled scenic beauty. Gwaldham Gwaldham is a sylvan Himalayan quaint town surrounded by fruit orchards. One can have a magnificent view of Nanda Ghunti, Trishul and Nandadevi peaks.

	Valley of Bhilangna The Khatling Glacier is a lateral glacier at the source of the River Bhilangna. Shastratal and Masartal are on the west and east of it. The valley of Bhilangna offers panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks and hanging glaciers, such as Jogin Group, Kirti Stambh and Meru Parvat, which are sublime and magnificent.

	Rudranath Altitude: 2,286 Mts. Rudranath provides magnificent view of Hathi Parvat, Nandadevi, Nanda Ghunti and Trishuli peaks among others. The face of Lord Shiva is worshipped here.

	Auli Altitude: 3,050 Mts. The cable car from Joshimath to Gorson via Auli offers a picturesque view of the Himalayan ranges. 15 Kms from Joshimath Auli is an ideal venue for winter sports.

	Pauri Altitude: 1,814 Mts. Situated on the northern slopes of Kandoliya Hills, it provides a panoramic view of the snow-clad Himalayan Peaks of Bandar Punchh, Swarg-Rohini, Jonli, Gangotri Group, Jogin Group, Thalaiya-Sagar, Barte Kanta, Kedarnath, Kharcha Kund, Sumeru, Satopanth, Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Gauri Parvat, Hathi Parvat, Dronagiri, Nandadevi and Trishul.

	Chaukori Altitude: 2,010 Mts. The charming and picturesque town of Chaukori is situated in the heart of Pithoragarh district, close to the famed Jim Corbett Park. Chaukori is famous not only for the magnificent view it offers of Panchchuli, but also for its breathtaking beautiful sunsets.

	Pithoragarh Altitude: 1,650 Mts. The easternmost hill district of Uttaranchal, Pithoragarh is often referred at as "Miniature Kashmir'. From the Chandak hill located at around 2000 Mts., one gets a panoramic view of snow ranges extending from Trishul-Nanda Devi, Panchchuli Group and Mount Appi of Nepal.

	Munsiyari Altitude: 2,289 Mts. Munsiyari is the centers as well as the Gateway of Johar region, offers Panoramic view of snow capped peaks of Panchchuli.

	Kausani Nestling among thick, dense forests atop a narrow ridge and separated from the towering mountains of the Nanda Devi range by low, medium mountains; at Kausani the grandeur of the Himalayan scenery comes alive. The view of the snow covered Trishul and Nanda Devi is so clear that one gets a feeling of the snow being within touching distance.

	Binsar Binsar is one of the most scenic spots in the Kumaon Himalayas and an acclaimed hill resort. The main attraction of Binsar is the majestic view of the Himalayas. A 300 Kms. stretch of famous peaks, which includes Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and Panchchuli.

	Ranikhet A cantonment of immense charm, Ranikhet was selected as a hill station for British troops and accordingly the Cantonment was established in 1969. Ranikhet provides magnificent view of the Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, Kamet, Hathi Parvat and Panchchuli peaks.

	Almora Altitude: 1,646 Mts. Perched atop a 5 kms long saddle shaped ridge of Kashya Hill. Almora is a charming Mountain resort in the Himalayas providing magnificent views of snow capped Chaukhamba, Neelkanth and Kamet peaks.

	Champawat Altitude: 1,615 Mts. Champawat was originally the capital of Chand Rajas of Kumaon and is now the District Headquarter. Champawat is famous not only from Historical, Sculptural and archaeological point of view but also for it's abundant scenic beauty. From here the view of Panchchuli Ranges is unique.

	Sitalakhet Sitalakhet is a scenic spot commanding a view of majestic Himalayas. One can get a Panoramic and Magnificent view of Chaukhamba, Kamet, Hathi Parvat, Trishul, Nanda Devi and Nand Kot Peaks.

	NAINA PEAK Previously known as CHINA PEAK Naina Peak :- An altitude of 2,615 m (8,579 ft). The highest peak of Nainital provides a challenge to the most avid trekkers. Situated about 6 kms (4 miles) from Mallital. Naina Peak is known for its splendid Bird's eye view of the town, the Himalayas and also the vast expanses of the Terai regions of Kumaon.

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