In Indian mountain geography, Nanda Devi peak is located in which Indian state?

Introduction / Context:
Nanda Devi is one of the most famous peaks in the Indian Himalayas. It is the second highest mountain in India and the highest peak located entirely within Indian territory. This question checks whether the learner can identify the correct Indian state in which this important peak stands, which is a typical fact based query in Indian physical geography and environment sections of exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The peak in question is Nanda Devi.
• It is part of the Himalayan mountain system in India.
• The options list four Himalayan or hill states: Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Sikkim.
• We must choose the state where Nanda Devi lies.

Concept / Approach:
Nanda Devi lies in the Garhwal Himalaya within the state of Uttarakhand, specifically in the Chamoli district. The Nanda Devi National Park and Biosphere Reserve surrounding it are also in Uttarakhand. While Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Sikkim each contain impressive Himalayan peaks, Nanda Devi is not among them. The correct approach is therefore to connect Nanda Devi with the Garhwal region and mark Uttarakhand as the state.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Nanda Devi is a major Himalayan peak associated with the Garhwal region. Step 2: Remember that the Garhwal Himalaya lies in present day Uttarakhand. Step 3: Note that Uttarakhand hosts the Nanda Devi National Park, built around the mountain and its sanctuary area. Step 4: Compare the options and locate Uttarakhand as the one matching this description. Step 5: Eliminate Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Sikkim, as they are home to other peaks but not Nanda Devi.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard atlases and mountain geography references clearly mark Nanda Devi in Uttarakhand, between the Rishiganga valley on the west and the Goriganga valley on the east. Additionally, the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is commonly described as lying in the Chamoli and Pithoragarh districts of Uttarakhand. No authoritative source places Nanda Devi in Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, or Sikkim, so the state association with Uttarakhand is confirmed.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Arunachal Pradesh: This eastern Himalayan state has peaks like Kangto and Gorichen, not Nanda Devi.
Himachal Pradesh: Known for peaks in the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges, but Nanda Devi is not located here.
Sikkim: Contains the massive Kangchenjunga range, yet Nanda Devi lies further west in Uttarakhand.

Common Pitfalls:
A typical mistake is to assume that any high Himalayan peak might lie in any Himalayan state, especially confusing Uttarakhand with Himachal Pradesh or Sikkim. To avoid this, learners should link specific famous peaks with particular states: Nanda Devi with Uttarakhand, Kangchenjunga with Sikkim border areas, and Nanga Parbat with the region of Kashmir outside present Indian controlled territories. Making a small table of peaks and states can help in quick revision.

Final Answer:
The correct choice is Uttarakhand, because the Nanda Devi peak and its surrounding national park are located in that state.