Himalayas - Uttarakhand - From Nainital on

Nainital is located in the Kumaon foothills of the Jagbeer Himalayas at a distance of 285 km (177 mi) from the state capital Dehradun. The town of Nainital covers a total area of 11.73 km2 (4.53 sq mi), and is  at an average elevation of 2,084 metres (6,837 ft) above sea level. The slopes of the nearby mountains are most populated.

It is said that the left eye (Nain) of Sati fell here and this gave rise to patron deity of town Nainital . It is said that the lake is formed in the emerald eye shape . Naina Devi temple is located at the northern end of the lake . Thus name of Nainital derivated from Naina and the tal (Lake).

Naina Peak is highest hill top and one of the the famous tourist spots in Nainital. This peak is also called as China Peak and Cheena Peak by locals in Naintal. Due to high altitude and lush green forest path, Naina Peak is favourite place in Nainital for trekking among travellers.

Naina Peak offers the splendid Bird's eye view of the Nainital town, the Himalayas and also the vast expanses of the Kumaon region. It is a bliss for people who love walking. One can go for long walks, breath fresh air and enjoy the scenic beauty.

Kaladhungi is a beautiful town seated at the foothills of the Himalayas at an elevation of 500 m in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. Surrounded by forests and with River Boar flowing alongside it, Kaladhungi comprises a beautiful landscape that’s ideal for hiking, sight-seeing, and enjoying a peaceful recluse. Haldwani is 22km from here. Located in Choti Haldwani just 3 kms from Kaladhungi is Jim Corbett (JC) Museum, which is a former home of the renowned hunter, environmentalist and tiger conservationist Sir Edward James Jim Corbett.  JC - Falls, Heritage Village, National Park, Garjiya Devi Temple are places to visit here. One of the famous Shakti Shrine in Uttarakhand, is the holy temple of Garjiya Devi, presiding deity of the temple. Legends believe that Garjiya Devi is the incarnation of Goddess Parwati, daughter of King of the Mountains Himalaya also known as Giriraj. Temple is near JC National park, 13kms from Ramnagar and 75 kms from Nainital. 

Khairasain is a small village in Kotdwar Tehsil, in Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. The Kotdwar region is located alongside the bank of River Khoh and serves as the gateway to the Himalayan regions.  It is one of the main entrance points to Uttarakhand. The Kotdwar Railway Station, which was established by the Britishers in 1890 is one of the oldest railway stations in India and was used to transport timber from the Himalayan regions. Distance between Nainital and Khairasain is 6 hr 22 min (270.4 km) via NH534

Home to some of the majestic peaks and mountains Uttarakhand is a paradise for those who are in love with heights. Some of the highest peaks in Uttarakhand like Nanda Devi, Kamet, Abi Gamin, Mana Peak, Hardeol, Chaukhamba, Trishul I and others stand tall with utmost grandeur. 

1) Hardeol or 'Temple of God' is 141 kms away from Nainital and is one of the major peaks of the Kumaon Himalaya. 

It is the highest peak on the northern side of the ring of peaks guarding the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, and lies at the northeast corner of this ring. It is situated at the northern end of the Milam valley, in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, India. To its immediate north lies Trishuli, and just south is Rishi Pahar, on a north-south trending ridge leading eventually to Nanda Devi East. Hardeol is also known as Trishuli South.

2) Milam Glacier Trek 307 kms from Nainital and 58.5 kms from Hadeol is a gateway to explore the mystiques of Uttarakhand. Milam Glacier is one of the remotest yet accessible glaciers of Uttarakhand. Milam Glacier is the largest glacier of Kumaon covering an area of 37 square kilometers. The base camp for this 16km long glacier is at Munsiyari.

Some popular peaks and mountains in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand state

3) Adi Kailash - The Chota Kailash 

Situated at a fairly impressive altitude of 6,310 metres, Adi Kailash also referred to as Chota Kailash or Little Kailash is in one or the other way a replica of Mount Kailash in Tibet. 

It is situated in the Indian Territory in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand within a proximity to the Indo-Tibetan border. In the quietude of the tranquil Kumaon Himalayas, Adi Kailash is a popular pilgrimage of the Hindu devotees. One can catch a glimpse of the emerald Parvati lake and the Gauri Kund adorned on the very foot of Chota Kailash.

4) Om Parvat in Dharchula

74% in Nepal. Can reach Dharchula via Almora. Nearest railway station is Tanakpur which is 150 kms away and nearest airport is 130 kms away.     

5) Neelkantha Peak Situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Nilkanth or Neelkanth peak stands at a towering altitude of 6,596 meters over the Alaknanda valley and the town of Badrinath. Legendary mountaineer Frank Smythe described the peak as “second only to Siniolchu in Himalayan beauty.” The Satopanth Glacier lies on the northwest side of Nilkanth. This is between Kedarnath and Bhadrinath. At 21,640 feet, Neelkanth is a pyramidal-shaped peak, which is dubbed as the “Garhwal Queen“. Steeped in mythology, this dramatic peak is revered for its beauty. The sunrise and changing colour of the mountain is amazing. 

6) Swargarohini Peaks: The Herculean mountain massif of Swargarohini Peaks is tucked at the Saraswati (Bandarpunch) range of Garhwal Himalayas. Swargarohini also known as ‘The Way to Heaven’ is adorned in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, west to the Gangotri group of peaks and can be accessed from Har ki Dun.

7) The Panchchuli peaks are a group of five snow-capped Himalayan peaks lying at the end of the eastern Kumaon region, near Munsiyari, in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand state. The peaks have altitudes ranging from 6,334 metres (20,781 ft) to 6,904 metres (22,651 ft).

8) Nanda Devi is the second-highest mountain in India, after Kangchenjunga, and the highest located entirely within the country. It is the 23rd-highest peak in the world. Nanda Devi was considered the highest mountain in the world before computations in 1808 proved Dhaulagiri to be higher. You can move towards Nanda Devi from Joshimatt. Nanda Devi is a two-peaked massif, forming a 2-kilometre-long (1.2 mi) high ridge, oriented east–west. The western summit is higher, and the eastern summit, called Nanda Devi East, (locally known as Sunanda Devi) is the lower one. The main summit stands guarded by a barrier ring comprising some of the highest mountains in the Indian Himalayas, twelve of which exceed 6,400 metres (21,000 ft) in height, further elevating its sacred status as the daughter of the Himalaya in Indian folklore. The interior of this almost insurmountable ring is known as the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, and is protected as the Nanda Devi National Park. Nanda Devi East lies on the eastern edge of the ring (and of the Park), at the border of Chamoli, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar districts. Together the peaks may be referred to as the peaks of the goddesses Nanda and Sunanda. These goddesses have occurred together in ancient Sanskrit literature (Srimad Bhagvatam or Bhagavata Purana) and are worshipped together as twins in the Kumaon, Garhwal and elsewhere in India. On 7 February 2021 it was reported that a portion of the Nanda Devi glacier broke away, causing the Dhauliganga and the Rishiganga rivers to flood. The trek to Nanda Devi National Park starts from the village of Lata, located 25 kilometres upstream from the town of Joshimath on Niti-Malari highway.

9) Rudugaira  peak is seated between Gangotri and Kedarnath and offers stunning views of the majestic Gangotri Massif, Auden’s Col, and Thalaysagar. Though the usual route to Kedarnath is via Gaurikund, we can also get there through Rudugaira, if one is an expert trekker. Located in the Rudu Valley inside the Gangotri National Park, Mt. Rudugaira is a breath-taking beauty perched at an elevation of 5819 mts

10) Chandak Hills is a famous mountain range in Pithoragarh or ‘Soar Valley’ that offers a stunning view of the gorgeous landscape of this place. Situated about 8 km away from Pithoragarh, Chandak is a small valley that is stretched till Nepal border. The weather at Chandak remains pleasant with comparatively cold nights.

11) Hidimba Parvat is a lush green terrain located at a favorable distance of 5 km from Bhimtal. The hillock has been named after a demon called Hidimba, the wife of Bheema one of the Pandava brothers from the famous mythological tale called Mahabharata. 

12) Hathi Parvat sometimes called as the ‘Elephant Peak’ is a prominent peak in the Badrinathregion of Chamoli district. Hathi Ghoda is a peak with interesting nomenclatures. Hathi Parbat, which stands at an altitude of 22,070 feet is also known as Elephant Peak. And Ghoda literally translates to Horse. It is easy to see why they are named so. Up close, their resemblance to the said animals is striking.

13) Thana Danda Peak is undeveloped viewpoint near Chakrata. Thana Danda means small peak named Thana in local language. This peak offers scintillating views of Hills around and best for trekkers and campers. Located at about 16 km from Chakrata, Thana Danda Peak is best location for a day out trekking from Chakrata.

14) Dunagiri is one of the high peaks of the Chamoli District Himalayas in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. It lies at the northwest corner of the Sanctuary Wall, A ring of peaks surrounding Nanda Devi and enclosing the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. Mt Dunagiri on the Kuari Pass trek looms closer than any other peak. One can Camp at Khullara with Mt Dunagiri watching over in the background.

15) The Pangarchulla peak at 15,069 ft is right beside Kuari Pass. A good summit climb for summers, the peak looms over the landscape for a good part of your trek. Reflection of it over Taali Lake is amazing. The Kuari Pass and Pangarchulla trails share the same route for a good three days. So much so that you see the Pangarchulla Peak at 15,069 ft, up close before taking a deviation to Kuari Pass. The peak stays with you for a good part of the trek. 

16)  Chaukhamba Massif -Four Peaks - Not very often do you see a cluster of peaks that are as prominent as the Chaukambha Massif. It's imposing.  The four pillars stand tall and straddle together like brothers-in-arms. Chaukhamba I is the highest peak in the cluster, rising above the other three at an elevation of 23,419 feet. 

17) Kamet: Kamet will always hold a special place in mountaineering history. It is a landmark mountain, having been the first summit over 25,000 feet to be climbed. At 25,446 feet, it is the second highest peak in the Garhwal region, second only to Nanda Devi. Kamet peak lies in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand owing an inspiring elevation of 7,756 m above the sea level

Kuari Pass is a trail crafted for trekkers who are in love with the big mountains. More so that, you’ll be spoilt for choice all through your trek.

Located in the western fringes of Nanda Devi Sanctuary, the Kuari Pass trail doubles up as the perfect vantage point to watch some of the big mountains of our country. As you march along the trail, every known summit of Gharwal Himalayas start to pop up. It’s hard to sweep the view in one glance. There are big mountains to see everywhere — Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Hati Ghoda, Kamet — they loom over you.

18) Trisul is a group of three Himalayan mountain peaks of western Kumaun, Uttarakhand, with the highest reaching 7120m. The three peaks resemble a trident - in Sanskrit, Trishula, trident, is the weapon of Shiva. The Trishul group forms the southwest corner of the ring of peaks enclosing the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, about 15 kilometres (9 mi) west-southwest of Nanda Devi itself. The main peak, Trisul I, The three peaks are named Trisul I, Trisul II, and Trisul III. The massif is a north-south ridge, with Trisul I at the north end and Trisul III at the south. The massif runs roughly North-South, and hence appears compressed when viewed from the south (Ranikhet, Kausani), and more stretched out from the Southeast (Chamoli, Bedini Bugyal). Nanda Ghunti lies a few Kilometres to the northwest, while Mrigthuni is just to the southeast.The Trisul massif can be accessed via the following route: Almora - Kausani - Garur- Gwaldam - Debal - Bagargad - Wan - Bedini Bugyal - Kalu Vinayak - Roopkund - Trisul.

19) Bandarpunch is a mountain massif in the Garhwal Himalaya in Uttarakhand, India. The massif has 3 peaks: White Peak, also called Banderpunch II, to the west above Yamunotri; almost 5 km east is Bandarpunch main peak or Banderpunch I; and about 4 km to the north-east is Kalanag. It is part of the Sankari Range and lies within the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Sanctuary. It is a major watershed for the headwaters of the Yamuna River, whose source lies above Yamunotri, on the west end of the massif below White Peak.

20) Abi Gamin peak mostly situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state in India, 2 km (1.2 mi) northeast of Kamet. Its summit is on the border with Tibet and its northern slope is in the Ngari Prefecture of Tibet.is located in the central Himalayas and at the culminating point of the Zaskar Range. It is situated on the watershed of the upper Alaknanda and Dhauli rivers between the famous Manna and Niti passes on the Indo-Tibetan border. Abi Gamin is the second highest peak in the immediate region, after Kamet. It is also one of the fifteen seven thousand metre peaks of Uttarakhand, and as such it is a significant peak. 

21) Mukut Parbat lies in the Zaskar Range which does not receive the heavy monsoon.20th highest located entirely within India.Mukut Parbat 96th highest peak in the world. There are two summits, the first one is 7,242 m (23,760 ft) and other one is 7,130 m (23,392 ft). It falls under Kamet Zaskar Range.

22) Mana Peak is the 5th highest located entirely within the Uttarakhand. There are two known approaches to Mana peak: one is the eastern approach through East Kamet glacier and the other is the southern approach through Nagthuni and Banke Kund glacier.

Mana Peak was first climbed solo in 1937 by Frank Smythe during his famous Valley of Flowers expedition.

Mukut Parbat, Kamet and Mana. All three peaks are linked by a ridge. A ridge or a mountain ridge is a geographical feature consisting of a chain of mountains or hills that form a continuous elevated crest for an extended distance.

The Zanskar Range is a mountain range in the union territory of Ladakh that separates the Zanskar valley from Indus valley at Leh. Geologically, the Zanskar Range is part of the Tethys Himalaya, an approximately 100-km-wide synclinorium formed by strongly folded and imbricated, weakly metamorphosed sedimentary series. The average height of the Zanskar Range is about 6,000 m (19,700 ft). Its eastern part is known as Rupshu.

The Himalayas include the highest mountains in the world, and are known for their soaring heights, steep-sided jagged peaks, valleys, and alpine glaciers, deep river gorges, and a series of elevational belts that display different ecological associations of flora, fauna, and climate. The part of the Himalayas lying between Satluj and Kali rivers is known as Kumaon Himalayas.

The Garhwal Himalayas are mountain ranges forming part of Sivalik hills in  the outer most hills of the Himalaya located in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, that stretches over about 2,400 km (1,500 mi) from the Indus River eastwards close to the Brahmaputra River, spanning the northern parts of the Indian subcontinent. It is 10–50 km (6.2–31.1 mi) wide with an average elevation of 1,500–2,000 m (4,900–6,600 ft). Between the Teesta and Raidāk Rivers in Assam is a gap of about 90 km (56 mi). "Sivalik" literally means 'tresses of Shiva'.  Sivalik region is home to the Soanian archaeological culture.

Kausani is a hill station and Village situated in Bageshwar district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is famous for its scenic splendour and its spectacular 300 km-wide panoramic view of Himalayan peaks like Trisul, Nanda Devi and Panchchuli. It is called the Switzerland of India. 

This is just the outer layers of the beauty of the Himalayas.