π Topic 02 of 6 Β· Chapter 01 Β· Location & Physiography
The Himalayas β Structure, Divisions & Passes
Greater, Lesser, Outer Himalayas; Trans-Himalayas; Purvanchal; important peaks, passes, and significance.
ποΈ The Himalayas β Overview
The Himalayas are the world’s youngest and highest mountain ranges, formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. They extend for about 2,500 km from west to east, forming a great arc. They are fold mountains β formed by folding of sedimentary rocks.
π Divisions of the Himalayas (West to East)
| Division | Also Called | Height | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trans-Himalayas | Tibetan Himalayas | 3,000β5,000m | North of main Himalayas; Karakoram, Ladakh, Zaskar ranges; K2 (8,611m) β highest in India; cold desert |
| Greater Himalayas | Himadri | 6,000m+ | Highest range; Mt. Everest (8,849m); Kanchenjunga (8,586m); permanently snow-covered; source of glaciers |
| Lesser Himalayas | Himachal | 3,700β4,500m | Hill stations (Shimla, Mussoorie, Darjeeling); Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar, Mahabharat ranges; Duns (valleys) |
| Outer Himalayas | Shivalik | 900β1,100m | Southernmost range; foothills; Duns between Shivalik and Lesser Himalayas (Dehradun, Patlidun) |
| Purvanchal | Eastern Hills | Varies | Eastern extension; Patkai, Naga, Manipur, Mizo hills; forms India’s eastern boundary |
β Key Peaks:
β’ Mt. Everest (8,849m) β world’s highest; Nepal-China border
β’ K2 / Godwin-Austen (8,611m) β 2nd highest in world; highest in India; Karakoram range
β’ Kanchenjunga (8,586m) β 3rd highest in world; India-Nepal border; Sikkim
β’ Nanda Devi (7,816m) β highest peak entirely in India; Uttarakhand
β’ Mt. Everest (8,849m) β world’s highest; Nepal-China border
β’ K2 / Godwin-Austen (8,611m) β 2nd highest in world; highest in India; Karakoram range
β’ Kanchenjunga (8,586m) β 3rd highest in world; India-Nepal border; Sikkim
β’ Nanda Devi (7,816m) β highest peak entirely in India; Uttarakhand
π» Important Himalayan Passes
| Pass | State/Region | Connects | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karakoram Pass | Ladakh (J&K) | India-China | Highest pass in India (~5,654m); ancient Silk Route |
| Zoji La | J&K | Srinagar-Leh | NH-1; strategic; connects Kashmir Valley to Ladakh |
| Rohtang Pass | Himachal Pradesh | Manali-Lahaul-Spiti | NH-3; Atal Tunnel (Rohtang) bypasses it |
| Shipki La | Himachal Pradesh | India-China (Tibet) | Sutlej river enters India through this pass |
| Nathu La | Sikkim | India-China (Tibet) | Reopened for trade in 2006; ancient Silk Route |
| Jelep La | Sikkim | India-China (Tibet) | Tista river valley route |
| Bomdi La | Arunachal Pradesh | India-China | Strategic pass; 1962 war route |
| Diphu Pass | Arunachal Pradesh | India-Myanmar | Trijunction of India, China, Myanmar |
π Significance of the Himalayas
- Climate barrier: Blocks cold Central Asian winds; forces monsoon to give heavy rainfall
- Perennial rivers: Source of Ganga, Indus, Brahmaputra β fed by glaciers and snowmelt
- Defence: Natural barrier against invasions from the north
- Biodiversity: Rich flora and fauna; unique ecosystems
- Tourism: Hill stations, trekking, pilgrimage (Char Dham)
- Hydropower: Fast-flowing rivers generate enormous hydroelectric power
π Exam Tip:
β’ Himalayas = fold mountains = youngest mountains in India
β’ K2 = highest peak in India = Karakoram range = Ladakh
β’ Nanda Devi = highest peak entirely within India = Uttarakhand
β’ Nathu La = Sikkim = India-China trade route
β’ Duns = longitudinal valleys between Shivalik and Lesser Himalayas
β’ Himalayas = fold mountains = youngest mountains in India
β’ K2 = highest peak in India = Karakoram range = Ladakh
β’ Nanda Devi = highest peak entirely within India = Uttarakhand
β’ Nathu La = Sikkim = India-China trade route
β’ Duns = longitudinal valleys between Shivalik and Lesser Himalayas