Dominating the southwestern ramparts of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, Mount Trishul (7,120 meters / 23,360 feet) is one of the most recognizable and awe-inspiring mountain massifs in the Indian Himalayas. Named after the trident of Lord Shiva, the mountain features three distinct high summits—Trishul I (7,120m), Trishul II (6,690m), and Trishul III (6,007m)—forming a monumental crescent ridge that catches the golden rays of dawn and dusk across Garhwal and Kumaon.
The Iconic Trident Profile
When viewed from Kausani, Bedni Bugyal, Gwaldam, or Binsar, Trishul displays an unmistakable three-pronged silhouette. The highest apex, Trishul I, drops precipitously over 4,000 meters into the Rishi Ganga basin on its eastern flank and over 3,000 meters towards Roopkund on its western slopes.
First 7,000-Meter Summit in Human History
On June 12, 1907, Anglo-French mountaineer Dr. Tom Longstaff, accompanied by Alpine guides Alexis and Henri Brocherel and Karbir Burathoki, successfully reached the summit of Trishul I. This historic achievement marked the very first time in human history that a mountain above 7,000 meters was climbed.
The Mystery of Roopkund Lake
At the base of Trishul's western ridge lies Roopkund Lake (5,029m), also known as the "Skeleton Lake." Encircled by glaciers and moraine ridges, this high-altitude glacial tarn contains the ancient skeletal remains of hundreds of travelers who perished in a sudden catastrophic hailstorm around 850 CE.
Key Vantage Points
Unlike Nanda Devi, which is tucked behind deep ridges, Trishul is prominently visible from numerous hill stations across Uttarakhand, including Auli, Chopta, Kausani, Ranikhet, and Abbott Mount.