Peak Climbing in Garhwal
A challenging peak climb between the highest and the most spectacular Himalayan peaks!
"Great things are achieved when both the Men and the Mountains meet. They are not achieved by simply jostling on the streets."
The most beautiful part of life is that you can mold it the way you want it to be. No doubt, Adventure is one of the best ways to experience the most remarkable and memorable days of your life. If an element of thrill is missing from your life, you need to fuel up yourself and take an amazing adventure trip to the extensive mountain peaks of the Indian Himalayas.
Today, peak climbing is blooming at an unbelievable pace in India. Every year, loads of tourists visit India to scale high peaks of the Himalayas, bringing back great exciting experience of peak climbing.
Undoubtedly, Garhwal is the centre stage for the formation of the Indian Himalayas. Since times immemorial, Garhwal, the land of countless forts, or Garhs, has been strongly attached to the Indian people. The Garhwal embodies a magical truth beyond the general perception of a common man, a supreme quality that has allured many pilgrims and sages for numerous centuries. The Garhwal peaks arouse a sense of eternity, awe and an inspiring great poetry. The two holy rivers - The Ganga and the Yamuna took birth here. Further, the char Dhams are also located here. Every Himalayan stone has a great sanctity, and the peaks of Garhwal are great for an amazing climbing expedition.
Dr. T.G. Longstaff, a seasoned mountaineer, and a traveler beautifully said about the huge peaks of Garhwal. He said that he still believes that Garhwal is the most beautiful country of the whole Asia. Neither the aloof domination of the Mount Everest, the primitive vastness of Karakoram, the gentler Caucasian beauties of Hindu Kush, nor many of the other regions of Himachal can ever compare with the enchanting beauty of Garhwal. Lush green valleys, huge mountains, Alps birds, forests, wildlife, budding flowers and butterflies, together combine to provide a delightful experience to the tourist.
Below are mentioned some of the great peaks for climbing expedition in Garhwal:
1. Black Peak (Bandarpunch)
Black Peak, also known as Kalanag or Black Serpent, is located at the north west of the Bandarpunch in Garhwal. This peak got its name because of the similarity to Black Cobra. The northern slope of this peak features a very steep and vertical slope. The best months to climb the Black Peak are May, June, September and October.
2. Kamet
Behind Nanda Devi, It is the second highest peak in the Garhwal region, Uttarakhand. Situated in the northern region of Garhwal, Mount Kamet is a majestic mountain peak over 25000 ft to be climbed. The best month to climb this majestic and less accessible peak is from July to September.
3. Arwa Tower
It is situated along the Arwa Spire and Arwa Crest, in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is a huge rocky peak along a steep granite wall. On the eastern ridge, the apex is a needle- type tower.
4. Neelkanth Peak
Being one of the most accessible peaks, Neelkanth is one of the most enchanting Himalayan peaks. The height differential between the Badrinath town and the peak is 3500m or 10.5 thousand feet. Also, as noticed by many mountaineers, Neelkanth is a mountain peak having formidable defences. Long heightened ridges, sharp avalanche prone faces as well as volatile weather conditions locally, together make it a difficult peak even for the very determined and persistent persons.
5. Changabang Peak
The grandeur of this impressive north facing peak is awe inspiring. Changabang peak is the world class peak climbing expedition for the adventure enthusiasts. The climbers and trekkers describe these mountains as the most awe inspiring or beautiful thing that they have ever seen. Milky- white granite like color and shape- Mount Changabang shines in the moonlight, as if veiled in a bridal lace.
6. Pangarchulla Peak
The trek to Pangarchulla peak is essentially alluring, traversing through the lush valleys, remote villages, green meadows, making the trekking trail completely unforgettable. Pangarchulla Peak is a very challenging climb, but certainly an unforgettable one. As the trekking trails, Pangarchulla Peak turns pristine snowy white; the trekkers get to see one of the highest peaks of the Garhwal region. The exclusive climbing expedition of Pangarchulla Peak caters to the diversified needs of the adventure enthusiasts.
7. Swargarohini I, II
Swargarohini consists of a group of three benign peaks- Swargarohini I situated at an altitude of 6252m and Swargarohini II situated at an altitude of 6247m and the third one at 6209m altitude. Attracting the climbers since ages, each of the peaks has challenging and technically interesting peak climbs on both ice and rock.
8. Bhagirathi I, II & III
The Bhagirathi group is one of the chief peaks of the Himalayas, near the Gangotri glacier. Surrounded by the beautiful and gigantic rocks, the Bhagirathi group reaches the height of 6454metres, giving the most enthralling expedition. They are close to other peaks of Shivling, Thalay Sagar and Meru. The soaring snow- capped mountains exhibit an enchanting scenic beauty instigating the traveler to reach the pinnacle without much wait. Further, there are many flat spots where the trekkers and the climbers can pitch in their tents and enjoy the pleasant weather.
9. Gangotri I, II & III
Mount Gangotri consists of three peaks namely, Gangotri I (6672m), Gangotri II (6590m), Gangotri III (6577m). The peak lies in between Jaonli Bamak and Rudugaira Bamak. It is a major as well as a difficult mountain expedition. The best months to visit this peak are May, June and September.
10. Jogin I, II & III
The major peaks of the Garhwal region are- Jogin I (6,465m), Jogin II (6,342m) & Jogin III (6,166m). A very inviting and prominent set of majestic peaks located at the southwest of Kedartal, a popular highly elevated lake next to Gangotri. If the traveler has the target to reach all the three peaks, Jogin II peak must be attempted first.
11. Thalay Sagar
Situated at the north of Gangotri, Mt. Thalay Sagar is a magnificent mountain in Uttarakhand, India. This majestic peak is situated at an elevation of 6900 metres, and is considered to be one of the most difficult peaks in the Garhwal region. North West is the first route of this peak, covering ice climbs of all the lower sections. However, climbing this peak is very tough and challenging. The best season to climb here is from the months of May to September.
12. Shivling peak
Mount Shivling, a 6543-meter elevated mountain, is located in the Garhwal region of the spectacular mountains of Uttarakhand. The name of the Shivling peak refers to its eminence as a religious symbol of Lord Shiva's Linga. Further, Shivling is famous because of its resemblance to the Alpine peaks.
13. Bhirgupanth
The spectacular Bhirgupanth peak offers a stunning backdrop view. Also, the panoramic view of Bhirgupanth peaks offers a rare exclusive trekking site.
14. Chaukhamba
Chaukhamba peaks are a 4 pillar shaped gigantic peaks, located in the Garhwal Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. The Chaukhamba peak offers the most difficult mountain expedition with the highest elevation of 23418m. The recommended climbing months of this spectacular peak are June, July and September. Amongst its 4 incredible climbing routes, the south face one has been never achieved and is an extremely difficult peak. Chaukhamba supreme peak climbing expedition offers, perfect weather, finest climbing persistence and of course the audacity to struggle with the impulsive Himalayan weather.
15. Kedarnath
Kedarnath is a moderate level trek in Himalayan Garhwal region. It is situated at an elevation of 3584m. The trekking expedition starts from Gaurikund, giving an immediate trance of the sulphur hot water spring. While coming close to Kedarnath, the climber or the trekker passes through stately lush green forests as well as some beautiful waterfalls. From Vasuki Tal to Kedarnath, it is a constant ascent, and an awesome trek. Mandakini Valley and Chaukhamba Peaks provide a wonderful view from here.
16. Kedardome
Kedar Dome, a 16000 foot high mountain peak base camp, is located in the Gangotri peaks which fall in the region of Western Garhwal Himalayas. It is just 2kms away from the Kedarnath Peak in northwest. The Gangotri glacier is surrounded by Kedardome and Kedarnath peaks at its both the sides. Kedardome is easier to reach from a northwest side than the eastern side, as it is a more challenging climb. Kedardome route is relatively straightforward and low- angle. The best time to climb Kedar dome is May to October.
17. Satopanth
Mount Satopanth is located in a remote Garhwal region following an intricate glacier approach. These ranges are an incredibly beautiful spot to view the majestic peaks of Shivling, Thalay Sagar and Bhagirathi III. Gaumukh, mouth of Holy River, makes it a more cultural experience.
18. Trishul I, II, III
This majestic peak located at an altitude of 23360 ft is a must climb for all the adventurers who are interested in peak climbing in Garhwal. Nanda Devi (25,645 ft) is located on the northwest side of Mt. Trishul.
More Open Peak in Uttrakhand
So, pack your rucksacks and visit these best Himalayan peaks for an enthralling and memorable experience.