Hardeol

Hardeol is a mountain summit in the Kumaon Himalaya that rises to 7,151 meters and forms the northern boundary of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. It sits in a high alpine zone with glaciers and rugged terrain that draws mountaineers seeking a serious climbing challenge.

The summit was first successfully climbed on May 31, 1978, by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police following multiple earlier attempts that started in 1939. This pioneering expedition opened the mountain to future exploration and marked a turning point in its climbing history.

The name Hardeol means Temple of God, reflecting how local communities in the Kumaon region view this summit as a sacred place. People in the area regard the mountain with deep spiritual respect tied to their traditions.

Mountaineers typically approach this summit from the east via the Ikualari glacier, with Munsiyari serving as the nearest road connection. Expect high altitude conditions, extreme weather, and technical climbing difficulties, so proper acclimatization and preparation are essential.

Only two documented successful ascents are recorded: one in 1978 by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and another in 1991 by the Indian Border Security Force. This rarity shows how difficult and dangerous this alpine peak remains, even for experienced expeditions.