The Hindu Raj () is a mountain range in northern Pakistan, between the Hindu Kush and the Karakoram ranges. The peaks in the Hindu Raj mountains average between 5,000 and 6,000 metres in height. Its highest peak is the Koyo Zom, 6,872 m (22,546 ft).
Etymology The word Hindu is ultimately derived from the Sanskrit word Sindhu, which means "a large body of water", in reference to Sindhu (Indus River); the word raj means "rule" in Sanskrit. The origins of the current name is obscure; it was originally applied to the range by Colonel Tanner (Henry C. B. Tanner) in the late 19th century, who however admitted that the name was not generally known in the region, and might not even be correct.
Geography The Hindu Raj mountain range runs between Chitral and Gilgit; behind Darkot, south of the Pamir Mountains and east of the Hindu Kush. Its peaks rise to approximately 22,500 feet. The Hindu Raj mountains run largely parallel to the Hindu Kush mountains, sources disagree whether some peaks, including Buni Zom and Ghamubar Zom are in the Hindu Raj or the Hindu Kush. The notable passes in the range include Shandur Pass, Lowari Pass and Darkot Pass.
Notable peaks of the Hindu Raj PeakHeight (m)CoordinatesProminence (m)First ascentKoyo Zom6,88935°56′51″N 75°45′12″E1,8911968; 2019, west faceBuni Zom6,55136° 9′ 15″ N, 72° 19′ 39″ E2,8451957Ghamubar Zom also known as Gamugal, or Dhuli Chish6,51836° 35′ 24″ N, 73° 20′ 30″ E2,1331973Gul Lasht Zom6,65736° 21′ 10.8″ N, 71° 44′ 2.4″ E1,0601975Thui I6,66236° 43' 33'' N, 73° 10' 24'' E1,0591975Thui II6,52336° 42' 0'' N, 73° 3' 54'' E1,2721978Ghamubar V (alternatively Ghamubar II)6,4002023Shahan Dok (Shah Dok)6,32036° 26' N, 72° 52' E1,8151988Chaintar Chish6,2731968Garmush Zom I 6,2441975Karka6,22236° 43′ 45″ N, 73° 53′ 25″ E2007Garmush Zom II (Garmush Zom South)6,1802000Chikar Zom6,1101968Dashbar Zom6,0721968Chotar Zom (Dashbar Zom)6,0582007Garmush North6,048no ascents recordedShayaz6,02636° 39' N, 72° 50' E1,7971993Uddin Zom (formerly Peak 5995 m)6,0102000Matkash6,0001975Kachqiant5,99036°37'0.25"N, 73°14'35.40"E2018Shahan Dok III5,8931986Khache Brangsa5,5602001Ghonoboro5,5002001
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