Swargarohini is a mountain massif located in the Saraswati (Bandarpunch) Range of the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India. It is situated in the Uttarkashi District, to the west of the Gangotri group of peaks. The Swargarohini massif is known for its distinctive geographical features and challenging terrain. It is comprised of four separate peaks, with the main peak, Swargarohini I, being the most prominent and the focus of this description.
Key details about Swargarohini I:
- Location: Swargarohini I is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas, specifically in the Saraswati (Bandarpunch) Range. This range is located in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand.
- Elevation: While Swargarohini I is not among the highest peaks in the Himalayas, it is notable for its dramatic local relief. The east summit of Swargarohini I has an elevation of 6,247 meters (20,495 feet). The west summit is slightly higher, although there is some discrepancy regarding which summit is actually the highest.
- Terrain and Relief: The most striking feature of Swargarohini I is its steep and challenging terrain. The north face of the mountain drops approximately 2,000 meters (6,560 feet) in less than 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) of horizontal distance. Similarly, the south face also has a significant vertical drop of around 2,000 meters in less than 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) of distance. This rugged terrain makes climbing the peak a demanding and adventurous endeavor.
- Summits: Swargarohini I has two distinct summits: the east summit and the west summit. While the east summit has a slightly lower elevation, the first ascensionists of the west summit claim that it is the higher of the two. The west summit is the slightly higher peak and boasts a commanding view of the surrounding landscape.
- Hydrological Significance: Swargarohini I serves as the source of the Tons River, a significant tributary of the Yamuna River. Together with the Bandarpunch massif, it acts as a watershed, defining the boundary between the drainage basins of the Yamuna and the Bhagirathi Rivers. This geographical feature is of great importance in terms of hydrology and river systems in the region.
In summary, Swargarohini I is a mountain peak in the Saraswati (Bandarpunch) Range of the Garhwal Himalayas. It is characterized by its steep and challenging terrain, with dramatic vertical drops on its north and south faces. It has two distinct summits, the west summit being slightly higher, and it serves as the source of the Tons River while also contributing to the watershed between the Yamuna and Bhagirathi Rivers.