Hathi Parbat Peak Uttarakhand
Also known as Elephant peak, Hathi Parbat is situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The peak lies within the Kamet group of mountains of Garhwal Himalayas. Though not one of the tallest peak but it has an impressive elevation of 6,727 m. The summit of this giant mountain provides the awe-inspiring views of the aesthetically pleasing Dhauliganga river. Kagbhusandi Tal and Gauri Parbat also lies close to this peak, adding more of the natural charm to the place. Thus, Hathi Parbat considered as the main attraction of the Chamoli district, also including its nearby places like Bhyunder, Jhelum, Shyama and Juma. It is also popular among the adventure enthusiasts looking for a mind blowing experience of trekking and climbing the peaks of the Uttarakhand Himalayas, obviously because of its unsurpassable natural beauty.
While being in Uttarakhand, the sight of the Hathi Parbat is best to behold from Joshimath and is also best for adventure activities like mountaineering. As per the legend, its geographical structure that has two rocks slated on the Hathi Parbat are described as a crow (Kagbhusandi) and an eagle (Garuda). And it is described in Ramayana that the crow is animatedly conversing with eagle on the affair of the universe. Another version is that a learned a learned Brahmin of Ayodhya once incurred the wrath of the sage Lomasa who lived here and was changed into the form of crow by the sage.
The trek to Hathi Parbat starts from Vishnuprayag or Ghangaria, which is close to Valley of Flowers in the Chamoli of Uttarakhand. Though the route from Ghangaria is longer but it is considered to be a lot easier. Once reached at Govindghat, there is an 18 km long bridle path which runs through the Bhyundar valley and Bhyundar village and takes up to Ghagariya.