Correct Option
Nanda Devi peak is situated in the Kumaon Himalayas. It is the second-highest peak in India (7,816 m) and the highest peak located entirely within India. Geographically, it lies in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, forming a part of the Greater Himalayas. The surrounding region is designated as the Nanda Devi National Park and Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Incorrect Options
The Himalayan range is traditionally divided into regional sections based on river valleys:
-
Assam Himalayas:
This section lies to the east of the Nepal Himalayas, between the Tista and Dihang rivers. It encompasses parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan, and includes ranges such as the Dafla, Miri, Abor, and Mishmi Hills. Nanda Devi is located much further west.
-
Nepal Himalayas:
Situated between the Kali and Tista rivers, this section is located to the east of the Kumaon Himalayas. It contains some of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest and Kangchenjunga. Nanda Devi is entirely within Indian territory, west of this section.
-
Punjab Himalayas:
This westernmost section of the Himalayas lies between the Indus and Satluj rivers. It primarily covers parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Uttarakhand, where Nanda Devi is located, is not part of the Punjab Himalayas.