Tribal youths from Jashpur summit Jagatsuk-1 Peak
Context:
A group of tribal youths from Jashpur (Chhattisgarh) became the first team ever to summit Jagatsuk-1 Peak (5,340 m) in Himachal Pradesh.
The peak lies in the Pir Panjal range, part of the Lesser Himalayas.
They completed the ascent in just 12 hours.
Identified seven new climbing routes in the Duhangan Valley, near Manali.
Achieved the first ascent of a previously unclimbed 5,350-m peak, naming it “Chhupa Rustam Peak.”
The route to this peak, named ‘Curcuma’, refers to turmeric’s scientific genus, symbolising strength and resilience.
Pir Panjal Range:
Location and Orientation
Lies in the Inner / Middle Himalayas (Lesser Himalayas).
Extends east–southeast to west–northwest across:
Himachal Pradesh,
Jammu and Kashmir,
Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PoK).
Elevation generally ranges from 1,400 m to 4,100 m.
Physiographic Characteristics
It is the largest and the most continuous range of the Lesser Himalayas.
Runs parallel to the Dhauladhar Range in Himachal Pradesh.
Shows strong Himalayan advancement toward the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar belts.
Important Peaks
Manimahesh Kailash Peak – 5,653 m, the highest peak of the Pir Panjal range.
Important Passes
Haji Pir Pass – western part of Pir Panjal (PoK side).
Rohtang Pass – on the eastern side of the Pir Panjal Range; connects Kullu–Lahaul.
Connectivity and Strategic Relevance
The range connects with the road between Poonch and Uri in J&K.
Forms a significant barrier influencing climate, transport and security in J&K.
Associated Ranges in the Himachal Region
Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar, and Mahabharat (Lesser Himalayan system of Nepal) are all part of the Himachal or Lesser Himalayas.
Himachal range elevation: 3,700–4,500 m.
Himachal is known as the "Land of Snowy Mountains" due to extensive snow cover.
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q. Jagatsuk-1 Peak, recently in news, is located in:
A. Zanskar Range
B. Pir Panjal Range
C. Dhauladhar Range
D. Ladakh Range
Correct answer: B
Explanation:
Jagatsuk-1 lies in the Pir Panjal range, part of the Lesser Himalayas.
Q. The newly discovered “Chhupa Rustam Peak” and its route “Curcuma” are located near:
A. Gangotri Glacier
B. Nubra Valley
C. Duhangan Valley
D. Tawang Valley
Correct answer: C
Explanation:
Both were discovered during exploration of the Duhangan Valley near Manali.
Q. Which of the following statements about the Pir Panjal Range is correct?
A. It forms the outermost range of the Himalayas.
B. It lies in the Lesser Himalayas and runs from Himachal Pradesh into Jammu and Kashmir.
C. It contains the Rohtang Pass on its western end.
D. It has an average elevation below 1,000 m.
Correct answer: B