India is home to some of the most majestic and formidable mountain ranges in the world, including a significant portion of the mighty Himalayas. These towering peaks are not just geographical wonders; they are also sources of major rivers, hubs of biodiversity, and centres of spiritual significance. For trekkers, mountaineers, and nature lovers, these peaks offer unparalleled adventure and breathtaking beauty. This 2026 guide provides a detailed list of the highest mountain peaks in India, offering essential information for anyone looking to explore these magnificent natural monuments.
Quick Answer
The highest mountain peak in India is Kangchenjunga, which stands at 8,586 meters (28,169 ft) and is the third highest in the world. It is located in Sikkim. While K2 (8,611 m) is higher, it is situated in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Nanda Devi (7,816 m) is the highest peak located entirely within undisputed Indian territory.
Understanding the Major Mountain Ranges in India
The highest peaks in India are predominantly located in the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges.
- The Himalayas: This iconic range runs along India’s northern and northeastern borders. It is divided into three parallel ranges: the Greater Himalayas (Himadri), the Lesser Himalayas (Himachal), and the Outer Himalayas (Shivaliks). The highest peaks are found in the Greater Himalayas.
- The Trans-Himalayan Ranges: Located to the north of the Himalayas, this includes the Karakoram, Ladakh, and Zaskar ranges. The Karakoram Range is home to some of the world’s highest peaks, including K2.
- Other Ranges: While not as high as the Himalayas, other significant ranges like the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, Aravallis, and Vindhyas have their own unique geographical and ecological importance.
The Top 10 Highest Mountain Peaks in India
Here is the list of the highest mountain peaks located within India’s claimed borders, updated for 2026. This list includes peaks in regions administered by India as well as those in disputed territories claimed by India.
1. Kangchenjunga
- Height: 8,586 metres (28,169 ft)
- Location: Sikkim, on the border between India and Nepal.
- Rank in World: 3rd highest
- Key Facts: Kangchenjunga is the undisputed highest peak in India. It is considered a sacred mountain by the people of Sikkim. The name means ‘The Five Treasures of Snows’ as it is a massif with five prominent peaks. The surrounding region is protected as the Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Nanda Devi
- Height: 7,816 metres (25,643 ft)
- Location: Chamoli, Uttarakhand
- Rank in World: 23rd highest
- Key Facts: Nanda Devi is the highest mountain peak located entirely within undisputed Indian territory. It is a two-peaked massif, with the main summit being the western peak. The area is highly protected as the Nanda Devi National Park, and access to the peak is restricted for ecological reasons.
3. Kamet
- Height: 7,756 metres (25,446 ft)
- Location: Uttarakhand
- Rank in World: 29th highest
- Key Facts: Kamet is the second highest peak in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, after Nanda Devi. It is a giant pyramid-shaped peak located near the border with Tibet. It is relatively accessible compared to other high peaks, making it a popular destination for mountaineering expeditions.
4. Saltoro Kangri
- Height: 7,742 metres (25,400 ft)
- Location: Siachen Glacier, Karakoram Range (Ladakh)
- Rank in World: 31st highest
- Key Facts: Located in the Saltoro Mountains, a sub-range of the Karakoram, this peak is situated in the highly militarized Siachen Glacier region. Due to its strategic location, civilian access and mountaineering are extremely rare.
5. Saser Kangri I
- Height: 7,672 metres (25,171 ft)
- Location: Ladakh, Karakoram Range
- Rank in World: 35th highest
- Key Facts: Saser Kangri is a massif with five named peaks. Saser Kangri I is the highest among them. It is located in the Saser Muztagh, a sub-range of the Karakoram, and was first climbed in 1973.
6. Mamostong Kangri
- Height: 7,516 metres (24,659 ft)
- Location: Ladakh, Karakoram Range
- Rank in World: 48th highest
- Key Facts: Situated in the remote Rimo Muztagh, a sub-range of the Karakoram near the Siachen Glacier, Mamostong Kangri is a formidable peak. It is the source of the Shyok River, one of the major rivers of the region that are part of India’s larger network of longest rivers in India.
7. Rimo I
- Height: 7,385 metres (24,229 ft)
- Location: Ladakh, Karakoram Range
- Rank in World: 71st highest
- Key Facts: Part of the Rimo Muztagh, Rimo I is one of the four peaks of the Rimo massif. It is located near the Karakoram Pass, a historic trade route between Ladakh and Central Asia.
8. Hardeol
- Height: 7,151 metres (23,461 ft)
- Location: Kumaon, Uttarakhand
- Key Facts: Known as the ‘Temple of God’, Hardeol is a major peak in the Kumaon Himalayas. It is located in the northern part of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary and is a challenging climb.
9. Chaukhamba I
- Height: 7,138 metres (23,419 ft)
- Location: Garhwal, Uttarakhand
- Key Facts: Chaukhamba, meaning ‘four-pillared’, is a massive mountain massif with four prominent summits. Chaukhamba I is the highest. It is the main peak of the Gangotri group and is the source of the Gangotri Glacier, which gives rise to the holy Ganga river.
10. Trisul I
- Height: 7,120 metres (23,359 ft)
- Location: Kumaon, Uttarakhand
- Key Facts: Trisul is a group of three Himalayan mountain peaks, with Trisul I being the highest. The three peaks resemble a trident (Trishula), the weapon of Lord Shiva. In 1907, Trisul I became the first peak over 7,000 meters to be climbed.
The K2 Controversy: Is it in India?
K2, with a height of 8,611 metres, is the second-highest mountain in the world. Geographically, it is located in the Karakoram Range. While India claims the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir, which includes K2, the peak is currently situated in and administered by Pakistan (in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, part of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir). Therefore, while K2 is part of India’s territorial claim, it is not under Indian administration. For this reason, Kangchenjunga is considered the highest peak on Indian-administered territory.
Trekking and Mountaineering in the Indian Himalayas
The Indian Himalayas offer a vast playground for adventure enthusiasts. While summiting the highest peaks is reserved for experienced mountaineers, there are countless treks that offer stunning views of these giants.
- Base Camp Treks: Popular treks like the Nanda Devi Base Camp trek or the Kangchenjunga Base Camp trek (Goecha La Trek) take you close to these massive mountains.
- Stok Kangri (6,153 m): Located in Ladakh, this is a popular peak for aspiring mountaineers as it is considered a non-technical climb, though it requires significant acclimatization.
- Friendship Peak (5,289 m): Situated in Himachal Pradesh, this is another accessible peak for beginners to experience high-altitude trekking.
Proper planning, acclimatization, and hiring certified guides are crucial for any high-altitude trek or climb in the Himalayas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest mountain peak in India?
Kangchenjunga, at 8,586 meters, is the highest mountain peak in India and the third highest in the world. It is located on the border of Sikkim and Nepal. K2 (8,611 m) is higher but is located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
What is the highest peak that is entirely within India?
Nanda Devi, standing at 7,816 meters in Uttarakhand, is the highest mountain peak that lies completely within the undisputed territory of India. It is the 23rd highest peak globally.
Why is K2 not considered the highest peak in India?
Although India claims the territory where K2 is located as part of Jammu and Kashmir, the peak is currently administered by Pakistan. It is situated in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Therefore, in practical and administrative terms, Kangchenjunga is India’s highest peak.
Which Indian state has the highest mountain peak?
The state of Sikkim has the highest mountain peak in India, which is Kangchenjunga. The state of Uttarakhand is also home to several of India’s highest peaks, including Nanda Devi and Kamet.
Are these high peaks accessible to tourists?
While the summits are only accessible to professional mountaineering expeditions, many of these peaks can be viewed from popular tourist destinations and trekking routes. For example, Kangchenjunga is visible from Darjeeling, and there are base camp treks for both Kangchenjunga and Nanda Devi that are popular among adventure tourists.