Geography

Himalayas – Definition

The Himalayas are the youngest and highest mountain range in the world, formed by the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate.

Extent of the Himalayas

The Himalayas stretch across northern India, from Jammu and Kashmir in the west to Arunachal Pradesh in the east, covering about twenty-five hundred kilometers.

Divisions of the Himalayas (Lengthwise)

The Himalayas are divided into three parallel ranges: the Himadri (Greater Himalayas), Himachal (Lesser Himalayas), and Shiwalik (Outer Himalayas).

Greater Himalayas (Himadri)

The Himadri is the northernmost and highest range of the Himalayas, with average heights over six thousand meters and permanently snow-covered peaks.

Important Peaks in Himadri

Major peaks include Mount Everest (8848 m), Kanchenjunga, Nanda Devi, and Nanga Parbat.

Lesser Himalayas (Himachal)

The Himachal lies south of the Himadri and consists of ranges with heights between three thousand to five thousand meters. It has deep valleys and popular hill stations.

Important Hill Stations in Himachal

Famous places like Shimla, Mussoorie, Nainital, and Darjeeling are located here.

Outer Himalayas (Shiwalik)

The Shiwalik is the southernmost range of the Himalayas with an average height of about one thousand meters. It is made up of loose rock material and is prone to landslides.

Longitudinal Divisions (Region-wise)

From west to east, the Himalayas are divided into: Punjab Himalayas, Kumaon Himalayas, Nepal Himalayas, and Assam Himalayas.

Duns

The valleys between the Shiwalik and Himachal ranges are called 'Duns', such as Dehradun and Patli Dun.

Purvanchal Hills

These are the eastern extension of the Himalayas, located in the northeast, covering Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura. Hills include Patkai, Naga, Mizo, and Lushai.

Importance of Himalayas

The Himalayas act as a natural barrier protecting India from cold winds, are the source of major rivers, and influence monsoon patterns.