Shivling

Shivling is a mountain summit in the Garhwal Himalaya with a distinctive tooth-shaped peak rising above the western edge of the Gangotri glacier. Its height of more than 6,500 meters and steep snow-covered slopes make it a challenging destination for experienced climbers.

A team from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police led by Hukam Singh achieved the first successful summit in 1974. This pioneering climb marked the beginning of the mountain's modern climbing history.

Hindu pilgrims view this mountain's distinctive shape as a natural representation of Lord Shiva's lingam, giving it deep religious meaning. The peak serves as a spiritual destination where devotees connect the landscape itself with their faith.

Reaching the summit requires solid experience in ice climbing and technical skills such as crampons, ice axes, and rope work. Visitors should expect unpredictable weather that can make the route impassable, even during the climbing season.

The tooth-shaped structure is so distinct that it can be recognized from far away and sets this peak apart from other summits in the region. In 2012, a Russian athlete performed a wingsuit descent from here, a rare event that demonstrates the peak's appeal to adventurers seeking extreme experiences.