Explanation: Uttarakhand, a state in northern India, is renowned for its majestic mountain ranges and rich biodiversity. The state is part of the larger Himalayan region, which includes several high peaks. Among these, Nandadevi stands out as the highest peak in Uttarakhand, reaching an elevation of 7,816 meters (25,643 feet).
Nandadevi is located in the Garhwal Himalayas, a sub-range of the Himalayas that extends through the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The peak is part of the Nanda Devi National Park, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988. The park is known for its unique biodiversity and the presence of several rare and endangered species.
It is important to note that while Nandadevi is the highest peak in Uttarakhand, it is not the highest peak in the entire Himalayan range. The Himalayas include several peaks that are higher than Nandadevi, such as Mount Everest (8,848 meters) and K2 (8,611 meters). However, these peaks are located in different regions and countries, not in Uttarakhand.
K2, mentioned in option B, is the second-highest mountain in the world, but it is located in the Karakoram range on the border of Pakistan and China. Kanchenjunga, mentioned in option C, is the third-highest mountain in the world and is located on the border of Nepal and the Indian state of Sikkim. Both of these peaks are higher than Nandadevi, but they are not located in Uttarakhand.
Understanding the geographical boundaries and the location of high peaks is crucial for students studying geography, particularly those preparing for competitive examinations such as the UPSC and Uttarakhand PSC. It is essential to remember that while there are several high peaks in the Himalayan range, Nandadevi is the highest peak specifically within the state of Uttarakhand.