The Himalayan Mountains

Overview

• Fold mountains on the northern border of India
• Geologically young compared to other mountain ranges
• Highest and most rugged mountain range in the world
• Extends ~2,400 km from the river Indus (West) to the premier patre (East)
• Width varies: 400 km in Kashmir, 150 km in Arunachal Pradesh

Geographic Characteristics

• Three parallel ranges: Himadri, Himachal, Shivalik
• Several valleys between these ranges
• Formed from granite
• Mostly snow-clad peaks year-round

Himadri (Great or Inner Himalayas)

• Northernmost range
• Single unbroken line, highest peaks (average height ~6,000 m)
• Important peaks: Mount Everest (Nepal) and Mount Godwin Austen (Ladakh, India)
• Peaks dip slightly away from the center
• No vegetation; home to glaciers like Gangotri and Siachen
• Zojila Pass: Link between Ladakh and Kashmir

Himachal (Lesser Himalayas)

• Located south of the Great Himalayas
• Heights between 3,700 to 4,500 meters
• Roughest terrain, composed of altered rocks
• Prominent ranges: Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar, Mahabharat
• Tourist attractions: Dalhousie, Shimla, Ranikhet, Nainital
• Famous valleys: Kashmir, Kullu, Kangra (Himachal Pradesh)

Shivalik (Outer Himalayas)

• Outermost range
• Width: 10 to 50 km
• Heights: 900 to 1,100 meters
• Formed from loose sediments
• Famous valleys: Dehradun, Kotli Dun, Patli Dun (Jim Corbett National Park)

Regional Divisions (West to East)

• Divided by river valleys

Punjab Himalayas

• Between Indus and Sutlej rivers
• Nanga Parbat (highest peak)
• Also called Kashmir Himalaya (West) and Himachal Himalaya (East)

Kumaon Himalayas

• Between Sutlej and Kali rivers
• Nanda Devi (highest peak)
• Hill stations: Nainital, Ranikhet

Nepal Himalayas

• Between Kali and Teesta rivers

Assam Himalayas

• Between Teesta and Brahmaputra rivers
• Brahmaputra forms the eastern boundary

Purvanchal (Eastern Hills and Mountains)

• Area beyond Brahmaputra
• Composed of Patkai Hills, Naga Hills, Manipur Hills, and Mizo Hills
• Thick forests, parallel ranges, and valleys

Summary

• The Himalayas consist of three parallel ranges: Himadri, Himachal, Shivalik
• Highest peaks are in the Himadri range
• Regional divisions based on river valleys from west to east