Which one of the following peaks is the highest?

1. Structural Divisions of the Himalayas (basic)

To understand the Himalayas, we must first look at their birth. These mountains weren't formed all at once; they rose in successive stages as the Indian plate collided with the Eurasian plate, squeezing sediments from the ancient Tethys Sea Geography of India, Majid Husain, Physiography, p.3. This geological history has left us with two primary ways to categorize these mountains: Latitudinal (North to South) and Regional (West to East).

The latitudinal division is the most fundamental. As you move from the Tibetan plateau down toward the Great Plains of India, you cross four distinct parallel ranges, each with its own personality and age. The Trans-Himalayas sit furthest north, housing the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges. Moving south, we hit the Greater Himalayas (Himadri), the highest and most continuous range, containing giants like Everest and Kanchenjunga. Below them lie the Lesser Himalayas (Himachal), known for beautiful hill stations and the Pir Panjal range. Finally, we reach the Shiwaliks (Outer Himalayas), the youngest and lowest range, formed from sediments brought down by rivers Geography of India, Majid Husain, Physiography, p.10.

Division	Common Name	Key Characteristic
Trans-Himalaya	Tethys Himalaya	Oldest; contains K2 (Godwin Austen).
Greater Himalaya	Himadri	Highest peaks; core is made of granite.
Lesser Himalaya	Himachal	Rugged terrain; famous for 'Duns' nearby.
Shiwaliks	Outer Himalaya	Youngest; composed of unconsolidated sediments.

Beyond this, geographers like Sir S. Burrard also divide the Himalayas regionally from West to East based on river boundaries. For instance, the area between the Indus and Satluj is the Punjab Himalaya, while the stretch between the Kali and Teesta rivers forms the Nepal Himalaya Contemporary India-I, NCERT Class IX, Physical Features of India, p.10. Understanding these grids—both north-to-south and west-to-east—is the secret to mastering any map-based question on this region.

Sources: Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.), Physiography, p.3, 10; Contemporary India-I ,Geography, Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025), Physical Features of India, p.10

2. Trans-Himalayan Ranges and Physiography (basic)

The Trans-Himalayan ranges, also known as the Tethys Himalayas, are located immediately north of the Great Himalayan range. While they are often discussed alongside the Himalayas, they are geologically older and were formed as part of the Eurasian plate before the main Himalayan uplift. This region acts as a massive physiographic bridge between the Tibetan Plateau and the Indian subcontinent. The system is primarily composed of four major ranges: the Karakoram, the Ladakh, the Zanskar, and the Kailash ranges Geography of India, Majid Husain, Physiography, p.15.

The Karakoram Range is the northernmost member and is often called the "shining crest of the Earth." It hosts some of the world's highest peaks, most notably Godwin Austen (K2), which stands at 8,611 meters and is the second-highest peak globally CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I, NCERT (Revised ed 2025), Physical Features of India, p.8. Moving south, we encounter the Ladakh Range and the Zanskar Range. The high-altitude area between these ranges is the Ladakh Cold Desert, a rain-shadow zone where the air is so thin and dry that the sun's heat is felt with extreme intensity, while temperatures can drop to –40°C at night Geography of India, Majid Husain, Physiography, p.48.

The drainage system of this region is equally iconic. The Indus River, originating from the Bokhar Glacier near Mount Kailash, enters India and flows in a nearly straight course between the Ladakh and Zanskar ranges. This illustrates a classic "trellis" drainage pattern where the river follows the structural longitudinal valleys carved between the parallel mountain folds Geography of India, Majid Husain, The Drainage System of India, p.9.

Range	Key Feature	Significance
Karakoram	Peak K2 (Godwin Austen)	Northernmost frontier; contains the largest glaciers outside polar regions.
Ladakh	Leh (Capital)	Forms the northern boundary of the Indus River valley.
Zanskar	Nanga Parbat (Western Anchor)	Acts as a climatic barrier for the Ladakh plateau.

Sources: Geography of India, Majid Husain, Physiography, p.15, 48; CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I, NCERT (Revised ed 2025), Physical Features of India, p.8; Geography of India, Majid Husain, The Drainage System of India, p.9

3. Regional Classification of the Himalayas (intermediate)

While we often study the Himalayas based on their altitude (from North to South), they are also classified longitudinally from West to East. This Regional Classification, famously proposed by Sir Sidney Burrard, uses the major Himalayan rivers as natural dividing lines to categorize the mountain chain into four distinct segments. Geography of India, Majid Husain, Physiography, p.13 Starting from the West, the sequence of these divisions is based on the rivers that cut through the range:

• Punjab Himalayas: Located between the Indus and the Satluj rivers. This section is also referred to as the Kashmir or Himachal Himalayas.
• Kumaon Himalayas: Situated between the Satluj and the Kali rivers. This region is famous for its lake districts and peaks like Nanda Devi. CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I, Chapter 2, p.10
• Nepal Himalayas: Stretching between the Kali and the Teesta rivers. This is the tallest section, housing giants like Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga.
• Assam Himalayas: Spanning from the Teesta to the Dihang (Brahmaputra) river. CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I, Chapter 2, p.10

Beyond the Dihang gorge, the Himalayas undergo a dramatic syntaxial bend, turning sharply southwards to form the Purvachal or Eastern Hills. These hills, such as the Patkai and Mizo hills, are primarily composed of strong sedimentary sandstones. CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I, Chapter 2, p.10

Feature	Western Himalayas	Eastern Himalayas
Climate	Drier and cooler	Humid with high rainfall
Vegetation	Alpine pastures (Margs), Deodar, Blue Pine	Dense evergreen forests, Bamboo, Orchids
Width	Wider (approx. 400km)	Narrower (approx. 150km)

Sources: Geography of India, Majid Husain, Physiography, p.13; CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I, Physical Features of India, p.10; Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain, BIODIVERSITY, p.25

4. Major Himalayan Glaciers and Hydrology (intermediate)

Welcome back! Now that we have a grasp of the mountain peaks, let’s dive into the frozen reservoirs that sustain our subcontinent: the Himalayan Glaciers. Often called the "Third Pole," these glaciers are remnants of the Pleistocene Age and serve as the perennial source for India’s major river systems Geography of India, Physiography, p.26. Generally, glaciers in the Karakoram Range are significantly larger and longer than those in the Greater Himalayas or the Pir Panjal range. For instance, while Karakoram glaciers like the Siachen can exceed 70 km in length, those in the Nanga Parbat massif are smaller but move faster due to steeper slopes Geography of India, Physiography, p.26.

The Karakoram region is home to some of the world's most impressive glacial systems outside the polar regions. The Siachen Glacier (approx. 76 km) is the most famous, located in the Nubra Valley and pierced through the Saltoro Range; it feeds the Nubra River, a tributary of the Shyok Geography of India, India–Political Aspects, p.39. Other giants include the Biafo and Hispar glaciers, which together form one of the longest glacial systems in the world, feeding the Shigar River, and the Rimo Glacier, which feeds the Shyok Geography of India, Physiography, p.24.

Moving to the Central and Eastern Himalayas, the glaciers become shorter but are hydrologically vital for the Indo-Gangetic plains. The Gangotri Glacier (Uttarakhand) is the most sacred, with its snout known as Gomukh serving as the source of the Bhagirathi Geography of India, Physiography, p.24. Further east in Sikkim, the Zemu Glacier stands out as the largest in the Eastern Himalayas, acting as the primary source for the Teesta River. In the Himachal region, the Bara Shigri glacier in the Lahaul valley is the second longest in the Himalayas and is a major contributor to the Chenab River Geography of India, Physiography, p.25.

Glacier	Location / Range	River Source / Hydrology
Siachen	Karakoram (Ladakh)	Nubra River (Indus Basin)
Gangotri	Uttarakhand	Bhagirathi (Ganga Basin)
Bara Shigri	Himachal Pradesh	Chenab River
Zemu	Sikkim/Nepal	Teesta River (Brahmaputra Basin)
Milam	Kumaon (Uttarakhand)	Gori Ganga

The hydrology of these glaciers culminates in the Panch Prayag (five confluences) of Uttarakhand. For example, the Satopanth Glacier feeds the Alaknanda, which meets the Bhagirathi (from Gangotri) at Devprayag to finally form the River Ganga Geography of India, The Drainage System of India, p.12.

Sources: Geography of India, Physiography, p.24; Geography of India, Physiography, p.25; Geography of India, Physiography, p.26; Geography of India, India–Political Aspects, p.39; Geography of India, The Drainage System of India, p.12

5. Strategic Mountain Passes (intermediate)

In the world of physical mapping, mountain passes (often called 'La' in the Himalayan region) are natural gaps or routes through mountain ranges. Far from being mere geographical features, these passes are the strategic 'arteries' of a nation. They dictate the flow of trade, the movement of cultures, and, most critically for the UPSC, the defense of borders. In the Western Himalayas, the Zoji La (3,528 m) is a vital link connecting Srinagar with Kargil and Leh; its strategic importance is so high that the government is constructing Asia's longest bi-directional tunnel here to ensure year-round connectivity Majid Husain, Geography of India, Physiography, p.22. Similarly, the Banihal Pass serves as a gateway between the Kashmir Valley and the outer Himalayas, housing the famous Jawahar Tunnel. Moving further into the high-altitude desert of Ladakh, we encounter passes that are among the highest in the world. Khardung La is legendary as the gateway to the Siachen Glacier, making it one of the most strategically sensitive points on the globe Majid Husain, Geography of India, Physiography, p.20. Other critical passes like Burzil Pass connect the Kashmir Valley with the Deosai Plains, while the Khunjerab Pass in the Karakoram range facilitates the connection between Ladakh and China's Xinjiang province. These routes are often seasonal, closing during the harsh winter months from November to May due to heavy snowfall Majid Husain, Geography of India, Physiography, p.20. In the Central and Eastern Himalayas, the focus shifts toward trade and pilgrimage. Lipu Lekh in Uttarakhand is the primary corridor for pilgrims heading to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar Majid Husain, Geography of India, Physiography, p.20. Further east, Nathu La in Sikkim and Bomdi La in Arunachal Pradesh represent the front lines of India's border infrastructure. Some passes, like the Diphu Pass and Likhapani in Arunachal, are unique because they remain open year-round, providing a consistent link to Myanmar and Southeast Asia Majid Husain, Geography of India, Physiography, p.20. Understanding these passes allows us to visualize the Himalayas not as an impenetrable wall, but as a complex network of corridors.

Sources: Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.), Physiography, p.22; Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.), Physiography, p.20; Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.), Contemporary Issues, p.104

6. Himalayan Ecology and Protected Areas (intermediate)

The Himalayas are not just a physical barrier; they are a vertical library of ecosystems. As you climb from the foothills to the peaks, you experience a compressed version of the journey from the Equator to the Poles. This unique 'vertical zonation'—where vegetation transitions from tropical deciduous forests to coniferous temperate zones and finally to alpine meadows and tundra—makes the region one of the world's most critical biodiversity hotspots. Protection here is vital, as these mountains regulate the climate and water supply for billions.

India has established a robust Protected Area Network in the Himalayas, including National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Biosphere Reserves. A Biosphere Reserve (BR) is a unique category that seeks to balance conservation with sustainable human development. Out of India's 18 Biosphere Reserves, several are located in the Himalayan belt, such as Nanda Devi in Uttarakhand and Kanchenjunga in Sikkim Majid Husain, Geography of India, Natural Vegetation and National Parks, p.49. These areas are so significant that they are often included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves and recognized as World Heritage Sites due to their 'outstanding universal value' Shankar IAS Academy, Environment, Protected Area Network, p.223.

Feature	Western Himalayas (e.g., Nanda Devi)	Eastern Himalayas (e.g., Namdapha)
Climate	Colder and drier; less rainfall.	Warmer and more humid; heavy rainfall.
Tree Line	Lower altitude (around 3300m-3500m).	Higher altitude (up to 4000m+).
Biodiversity	High, but specialized (Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep).	Higher species richness (Orchids, Red Panda).

Among these, the Nanda Devi National Park and Valley of Flowers is a standout UNESCO World Heritage Site in Uttarakhand Shankar IAS Academy, Environment, Environment Issues and Health Effects, p.434. It represents the pinnacle of high-altitude ecology, acting as a sanctuary for the elusive Snow Leopard and a vast array of medicinal herbs. Similarly, the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve (Pin Valley) in Himachal Pradesh represents the unique trans-Himalayan ecosystem where life survives in extreme aridity and freezing temperatures Majid Husain, Geography of India, Natural Vegetation and National Parks, p.49.

Sources: Geography of India (Majid Husain), Natural Vegetation and National Parks, p.49; Environment (Shankar IAS Academy), Protected Area Network, p.223; Environment (Shankar IAS Academy), Environment Issues and Health Effects, p.434

7. Ranking the Highest Peaks of India and the World (exam-level)

When we look at the "Roof of the World," we are essentially looking at a vertical race where every meter counts. The ranking of mountain peaks is not just about height; for a UPSC aspirant, it is about understanding the geopolitical and geological context of these giants. While Mount Everest (8,848 m) sits undisputed as the world's highest peak on the border of Nepal and China, the ranking of the subsequent peaks requires closer attention to their specific ranges and locations.

The second highest peak in the world is Godwin Austen, popularly known as K2. Standing at 8,611 meters, K2 is located in the Karakoram Range. In the context of Indian geography, it is considered the highest peak of India, though it currently lies in the Gilgit-Baltistan region Geography of India, Contemporary Issues, p.102. Following K2 is Kanchenjunga (8,598 m), which holds the title of the third-highest peak globally. Kanchenjunga is situated on the border of Sikkim and Nepal and is often cited as the highest peak currently within India's administrative control Geography of India, Physiography, p.16.

As we move down the ranking, we encounter other significant peaks that define the Indian Himalayan landscape. Nanga Parbat, located in the western Himalayas (Kashmir region), stands at 8,126 meters, making it one of the world's "eight-thousanders" CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I, Physical Features of India, p.8. Further east in the state of Uttarakhand lies Nanda Devi (7,817 m). Nanda Devi is particularly significant because it is the highest peak located entirely within India, unlike K2 or Kanchenjunga which share borders or regions with neighbors.

To help you visualize the hierarchy, consider this comparison of the major peaks relevant to the Indian subcontinent:

Peak	Height (m)	Range/Location	Global Rank
Mt. Everest	8,848	Great Himalayas (Nepal/Tibet)	1st
K2 (Godwin Austen)	8,611	Karakoram Range	2nd
Kanchenjunga	8,598	Great Himalayas (Sikkim/Nepal)	3rd
Nanga Parbat	8,126	Great Himalayas (J&K)	9th
Nanda Devi	7,817	Great Himalayas (Uttarakhand)	23rd

Sources: CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I, Geography, Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025), Chapter 2: Physical Features of India, p.8; Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.), Chapter 2: Physiography, p.16; Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.), Contemporary Issues, p.102

8. Solving the Original PYQ (exam-level)

Now that you have mastered the structural divisions of the Himalayas and the Karakoram range, this question tests your ability to apply that knowledge to the vertical hierarchy of the world's highest summits. In your previous lessons, you learned about the 'Eight-thousanders'—peaks exceeding 8,000 meters. This question requires you to distinguish between these elite summits. While Mount Everest is the global leader, the competition among the remaining peaks is fierce. By identifying Godwin Austen (also known as K2) as part of the Trans-Himalayan Karakoram Range, you connect the concept of regional geography with specific altitudinal data.

To arrive at the correct answer, we must compare the precise elevations as detailed in CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I ,Geography, Class IX . NCERT. Godwin Austen stands at 8,611 meters, making it the second-highest peak on Earth and the highest in this list. The reasoning process should involve a narrow elimination: Kanchenjunga is a very close second at approximately 8,586 meters, trailing K2 by only about 25 meters. Because these two are so close in height, UPSC uses them to test whether you have memorized the specific order of the top three global peaks.

The other options serve as common traps for the unprepared student. Nanga Parbat (8,126 meters), while an immense 8,000-meter peak anchoring the western Indus bend, is significantly lower than the top three. Nanda Devi (7,816 meters) is often a decoy because it is the highest peak situated entirely within India's current administrative borders (in Uttarakhand). However, when the question asks simply for the "highest" among the choices without regional qualifiers, Godwin Austen is the undisputed correct answer as supported by Geography of India ,Majid Husain.