Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Hathi Parbat, also known as the Elephant peak, is a mountain with an elevation of 6,727 metres. This peak lies within the Kamet group of mountains.
HISTORY
Two huge rocks on a spur of Hathi Parbat are described as a crow (Kakabhushundi) and an eagle (Garuda). It is believed that the crow is animatedly conversing with eagle on the affairs of the universe as it's described in Hindu epic of Ramayana.Another version has it that 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.
CLIMBING ROUTES
Hathi Parbat can be reached from Vishnuprayag or Ghangaria, which is close to Valley of Flowers. The approach from Ghangaria is a little easier but longer. From Govindghat, there is an 18 km bridle path which runs through the Bhyundar valley up to Ghangaria. Kakbhushundi Tal & Gauri Parvat lies in the vicinity of Hathi Parbat.
HOW TO REACH
The trek to Hathi Parbat commences from the town of Ghangaria in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Ghangaria is near to the holy town of Badrinath.
- ROAD: Being a revered Hindu pilgrimage site, Badrinath has good connectivity of roads from cities like Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun. One can reach to these places from Delhi and get a bus or shared taxi to Badrinath. The buses usually leave early morning from places like Haridwar and Rishikesh.
- RAIL: Badrinath doesn’t have a railhead. Nearest railway station to Badrinath is situated in Haridwar. Haridwar is connected with major cities like Delhi, Ahmadabad and Dehradun.
- AIR: The nearest airport to Badrinath is Jolly Grant situated in Dehradun. From there, one can opt for a bus or a taxi to reach Badrinath.