Himalayan Mountain Ranges

• The Himalayas are a vast mountain system with several sub-ranges, glaciers, and major peaks.

Major Mountain Ranges

• The Himalayas consist of parallel and adjacent ranges.

Trans-Himalayas (Northernmost)

• Also known as the Tibetan Himalayas
• Lies north of the Great Himalayas, between the Indus and Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) Rivers
• Mostly found in Ladakh and Tibet

Trans-Himalayas Major Ranges:

• Karakoram Range: Highest peak is K2 (8,611 m) located in India/Pakistan
• Ladakh Range: Important for defense purposes with salt deposits
• Zanskar Range: Separates the Indus and Chenab rivers
• Kailash Range: Includes Mt. Kailash, a sacred mountain located in Tibet

Greater Himalayas (Himadri)

• Highest and most continuous range, featuring snow-capped peaks and perennial glaciers
• Contains the world’s tallest peaks

Greater Himalayas Major Peaks:

• Mount Everest: 8,848.86 m, located in Nepal/Tibet
• Kanchenjunga: 8,586 m, located in India/Nepal
• Nanga Parbat: 8,126 m, located in Pakistan.
• Nanda Devi: 7,817 m, located in India.
• Annapurna: 8,091 m, located in Nepal.
• Dhaulagiri: 8,167 m, located in Nepal.

Greater Himalayas Major Glaciers:

• Siachen Glacier: Largest glacier in India, located in Karakoram
• Gangotri Glacier: Source of the River Ganga, located in Uttarakhand
• Yamunotri Glacier: Source of the River Yamuna, located in Uttarakhand
• Milam Glacier: Located in the Kumaon region, Uttarakhand

Middle Himalayas (Himachal Himalayas)

• Located between the Greater Himalayas and Shiwaliks, containing hill stations and valleys
• Average elevation: 3,500 – 4,500 m

Middle Himalayas Major Ranges:

• Pir Panjal Range: Largest range of Middle Himalayas, in J&K and Himachal Pradesh
• Dhauladhar Range: Located in Himachal Pradesh
• Nag Tibba Range: Located in Uttarakhand
• Mahabharat Range: Located in Nepal

Middle Himalayas Important Valleys:

• Kangra Valley
• Kullu Valley
• Kashmir Valley

Lesser Himalayas (Shiwaliks)

• Youngest and lowest range at 900–1,200 m
• Composed of unconsolidated sediments, making it prone to erosion
• Contains Dun valleys, which are flat, fertile areas between the Lesser Himalayas and Shiwaliks

Lesser Himalayas Important Duns:

• Dehradun: Located in Uttarakhand
• Patli Dun
• Kotli Dun

Purvanchal Hills (Eastern Extension)

• Curved hills extending into northeast India, lower in height but densely forested

Purvanchal Hills Major Hills:

• Patkai Hills: Located in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Naga Hills: Located in Nagaland.
• Manipur Hills: Located in Manipur.
• Mizo Hills / Lushai Hills: Located in Mizoram.
• Dafla Hills: Located in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Jaintia, Khasi, and Garo Hills: Located in Meghalaya.

Environmental Significance

• Climatic Barrier: Stops cold winds from Central Asia
• Monsoon Influence: Helps in rainfall across northern India
• Water Source: Origin of major rivers – Ganga, Indus, Brahmaputra
• Biodiversity: Home to rare species like snow leopards, red pandas
• Glacial Reservoirs: Supplies water to millions in South Asia

Mineral Wealth

• Copper, Lead, Zinc: Found in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand
• Gold & Silver: Found in Ladakh and Nepal
• Limestone & Marble: Used for cement and construction
• Gypsum, Mica, Graphite: Found in Lesser Himalayas

Conclusion

• The Himalayas are a lifeline regulating climate, providing water resources, and supporting biodiversity but are vulnerable to natural disasters like earthquakes, landslides, and GLOFs.