Overview
- The Himalayas are the youngest and highest fold mountain system in the world, stretching across South and Central Asia.
- Length: ~2,400 km; Width: 150–400 km.
- Formed due to the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate (Cenozoic era).
Geographical Extent
- Countries: India, Nepal, Bhutan, China (Tibet), Pakistan, Afghanistan.
- Acts as a natural climatic barrier between the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia.
Major Divisions (West to East)
- Trans-Himalaya (Karakoram, Ladakh, Zaskar)
- Greater Himalaya (Himadri) – highest peaks, perpetual snow
- Lesser Himalaya (Himachal) – hill ranges, valleys
- Shiwalik Range – outermost, youngest foothills
Important Peaks
- Mount Everest (8,848.86 m) – world’s highest peak
- Kanchenjunga – highest peak in India
- Nanga Parbat, Annapurna, Makalu
Drainage Significance
- Source of major perennial rivers:
- Indus system
- Ganga system
- Brahmaputra system
- Himalayan glaciers act as natural freshwater reservoirs.
Climatic Role
- Blocks cold continental winds from Central Asia.
- Traps south-west monsoon, causing heavy rainfall in the Indian subcontinent.
- Influences the Asian monsoon system.
Ecological Importance
- One of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.
- Rich in endemic flora and fauna.
- Regulates regional climate and supports millions of livelihoods.
Strategic & Economic Importance
- Natural defense barrier for India.
- Key to hydropower, tourism, and agriculture.
- Region of geopolitical sensitivity (India–China–Pakistan).
Environmental Concerns
- Glacial retreat due to climate change
- Seismic vulnerability (earthquake-prone)
- Landslides, cloudbursts, and ecological degradation
