{"id":115435,"date":"2026-07-27T12:34:59","date_gmt":"2026-07-27T07:04:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=115435"},"modified":"2026-07-27T12:34:59","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T07:04:59","slug":"greater-himalayas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/greater-himalayas\/","title":{"rendered":"Greater Himalayas, Formation, Features, Peaks, Passes, Flora, Fauna"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Greater Himalayas<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, also known as the <\/span><b>Himadri<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, are the northernmost and highest mountain range of the Himalayan system. Stretching across northern India and neighbouring countries, the Greater Himalayas contain some of the <\/span><b>world&#8217;s highest peaks<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. These mountains are covered with permanent snow and glaciers, making them the primary source of many perennial rivers in the Indian subcontinent.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Greater Himalayas<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Greater Himalayas extend from the <\/span><b>Indus River Gorge<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the northwest to the <\/span><b>Brahmaputra River Gorge<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the east. In India, they pass through the Union Territories of <\/span><b>Ladakh and Jammu &amp; Kashmir<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the states of <\/span><b>Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This mountain range forms the northern boundary of the Indian subcontinent and continues through <\/span><b>Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet (China)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Formation of the Greater Himalayas<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Greater Himalayas (Himadri)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> were formed due to the collision of the <\/span><b>Indian Plate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with the <\/span><b>Eurasian Plate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, resulting in the uplift of the Earth&#8217;s crust into the world&#8217;s highest mountain range.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Started Around 50 Million Years Ago:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Formation began during the <\/span><b>Cenozoic Era<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> after the northward movement of the Indian Plate.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Plate Collision:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The <\/span><b>Indian Plate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> collided with the <\/span><b>Eurasian Plate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, compressing and uplifting sedimentary rocks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Young Fold Mountains:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The Greater Himalayas are classified as <\/span><b>young fold mountains<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> because they were formed by tectonic folding.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Tectonic Activity:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The region remains <\/span><b>geologically active<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, leading to frequent earthquakes and gradual mountain uplift.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Rock Composition:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The range mainly consists of <\/span><b>metamorphic and crystalline rocks<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including granite, gneiss, and schist.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Continuous Uplift:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The Himalayas continue to <\/span><b>rise by a few millimetres each year<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> due to ongoing plate movement.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Greater Himalayas Geographical Features<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Greater Himalayas (Himadri)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are the highest and most continuous range of the Himalayan mountain system, known for their towering snow-clad peaks, deep valleys, and extensive glaciers.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Highest Himalayan Range:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Average elevation exceeds <\/span><b>6,000 metres<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, with many peaks rising above <\/span><b>8,000 metres<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Length and Width:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Extends for about <\/span><b>2,400 km<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with an average width of <\/span><b>25-40 km<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Permanent Snow Cover:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Most peaks remain <\/span><b>snow-covered throughout the year<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, giving the range its distinctive appearance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Rugged Terrain:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Characterized by <\/span><b>steep slopes, sharp ridges, and deep river gorges<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> formed by erosion.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Extensive Glaciers:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Home to major glaciers such as <\/span><b>Gangotri, Yamunotri, Siachen, and Zemu<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which feed perennial rivers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Crystalline Rock Structure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Composed mainly of <\/span><b>granite, gneiss, schist, and other metamorphic rocks<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, making the range geologically stable yet tectonically active.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Source of Major Rivers:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Many important rivers, including the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/ganga-river-system\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Ganga<\/b><\/a><b>, <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/yamuna-river-system\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Yamuna<\/b><\/a><b>, Indus, and Brahmaputra<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, originate from glaciers in this range.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sparse Human Settlements:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Harsh climate, rugged topography, and high altitude result in <\/span><b>low population density<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and limited habitation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Seismically Active Region:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Located in an <\/span><b>active tectonic zone<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, making it prone to earthquakes, landslides, and avalanches.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Natural Barrier:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Acts as a <\/span><b>climatic and geographical barrier<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, preventing cold winds from Central Asia and influencing the Indian monsoon.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Major Peaks of the Greater Himalayas<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Greater Himalayas (Himadri)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are home to the highest mountain peaks in the world, many of which rise above 8,000 metres and are known for their geographical, ecological, and mountaineering significance.<\/span><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 81.7511%; height: 864px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"tb-color\" style=\"text-align: center;\" colspan=\"3\"><b>Major Peaks of the Greater Himalayas<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Peak<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><b>Location<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><b>Feature<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/mount-everest\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Mount Everest<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nepal-China Border<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Highest peak in the world<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Kanchenjunga<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India-Nepal Border<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Highest peak in India and third-highest in the world<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Lhotse<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nepal-China Border<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fourth-highest mountain in the world<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Makalu<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nepal-China Border<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Known for its distinctive pyramid shape<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Cho Oyu<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nepal-China Border<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sixth-highest mountain in the world<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Dhaulagiri I<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nepal<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seventh-highest mountain in the world<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Manaslu<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nepal<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eighth-highest mountain in the world<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Nanga Parbat<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pakistan<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Known as the &#8220;Killer Mountain&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Annapurna I<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nepal<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most challenging peaks to climb<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Nanda Devi<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uttarakhand, India<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Second-highest peak entirely within India<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Kamet<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uttarakhand, India<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Highest peak in the Zaskar Range<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Saltoro Kangri<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ladakh<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Highest peak of the Saltoro Range<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Saser Kangri I<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ladakh<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Highest peak of the Saser Muztagh<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Trisul I<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uttarakhand, India<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Named after Lord Shiva&#8217;s trident (Trishul)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><b>Important Mountain Passes in the Greater Himalayas<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Greater Himalayas<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> contain several <\/span><b>high-altitude mountain passes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that serve as vital links for <\/span><b>trade, pilgrimage, tourism, and strategic defence<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. These passes connect India with neighbouring countries and facilitate movement across the rugged Himalayan terrain.<\/span><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 82.0773%; height: 627px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"tb-color\" style=\"text-align: center;\" colspan=\"4\"><b>Important Mountain Passes in the Greater Himalayas<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Mountain Pass<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><b>State\/UT<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><b>Connects<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><b>Importance<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Zoji La<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ladakh<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Srinagar and Leh<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strategic pass connecting Kashmir Valley with Ladakh.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Mana Pass<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uttarakhand<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India and Tibet (China)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the <\/span><b>highest motorable passes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in India; near the source of the Saraswati River.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Niti Pass<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uttarakhand<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India and Tibet (China)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Historic trade route between India and Tibet.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Lipulekh Pass<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uttarakhand<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India, Nepal, and Tibet<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gateway for the <\/span><b>Kailash Mansarovar Yatra<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and an important strategic pass.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Shipki La<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Himachal Pradesh<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India and Tibet (China)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Traditional trade route and border crossing point.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Jelep La<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sikkim<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India and Tibet (China)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Historic trade route connecting Sikkim with the Chumbi Valley.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Nathu La<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sikkim<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India and Tibet (China)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Important border trade route and strategically significant pass.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Bara-Lacha La<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Himachal Pradesh<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lahaul and Ladakh<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Connects the <\/span><b>Manali\u2013Leh Highway<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and is the source region of several rivers.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Khardung La<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ladakh<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leh with Nubra Valley<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the world&#8217;s <\/span><b>highest motorable roads<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and strategically important.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Chang La<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ladakh<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leh and Pangong Tso<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key route providing access to <\/span><b>Pangong Lake<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and forward military areas.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><b>Rivers Originating from the Greater Himalayas<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Greater Himalayas<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are the source of several <\/span><b>perennial rivers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that originate from glaciers and snowfields, providing water for agriculture, drinking, hydropower, and ecosystems across the Indian subcontinent.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ganga:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Originates from the <\/span><b>Gangotri Glacier<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Uttarakhand and is India&#8217;s most sacred river.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Yamuna:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Rises from the <\/span><b>Yamunotri Glacier<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Uttarakhand and is the largest tributary of the Ganga.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Indus:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Originates near <\/span><b>Lake Manasarovar<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Tibet and flows through Ladakh before entering Pakistan.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Brahmaputra:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Originates from the <\/span><b>Angsi Glacier<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Tibet, enters India through Arunachal Pradesh, and flows into Bangladesh.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Satluj:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Rises near <\/span><b>Lake Rakshastal<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Tibet and enters India through Himachal Pradesh.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Chenab:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Formed by the confluence of the <\/span><b>Chandra<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>Bhaga<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> rivers in Himachal Pradesh.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Beas:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Originates from <\/span><b>Beas Kund<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> near Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ravi:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Rises in the <\/span><b>Chamba region<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of Himachal Pradesh and flows into Pakistan.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Flora of the Greater Himalayas<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Greater Himalayas<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> support diverse <\/span><b>high-altitude vegetation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, with plant life varying according to elevation, temperature, and rainfall. The region is known for its <\/span><b>alpine meadows, coniferous forests, and medicinal plants<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Alpine Meadows (Bugyals):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> High-altitude grasslands that bloom with colourful wildflowers during summer.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Coniferous Forests:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Dominated by <\/span><b>fir, spruce, pine, and deodar<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> trees at lower elevations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Rhododendron:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Found in temperate zones, these flowering shrubs add vibrant colours to the Himalayan landscape.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Birch Forests:<\/b> <b>Silver birch<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> grows near the tree line and is adapted to cold climatic conditions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Juniper Shrubs:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Hardy shrubs commonly found in rocky and dry alpine regions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Medicinal Plants:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Rich in herbs such as <\/span><b>Kutki, Jatamansi, Atis, Kuth, and Yarsagumba<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, widely used in traditional medicine.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mosses and <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/lichen\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Lichens<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Thrive on rocks and tree trunks, helping maintain ecological balance in harsh environments.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dwarf Shrubs:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Species like <\/span><b>willow and dwarf rhododendron<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> grow in the higher alpine zone.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sparse Vegetation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Areas above the snow line have very limited plant growth due to extreme cold and permanent snow cover.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Fauna of the Greater Himalayas<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Greater Himalayas<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are home to a rich diversity of <\/span><b>high-altitude wildlife<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including several <\/span><b>rare, endemic, and endangered species<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that have adapted to the region&#8217;s cold climate and rugged terrain.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Snow Leopard:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The iconic apex predator of the Himalayas, adapted to rocky and snow-covered habitats.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Red Panda:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> An endangered mammal found in the temperate forests of the eastern Himalayas.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Himalayan Tahr:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A wild mountain goat with strong hooves for climbing steep cliffs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bharal (Blue Sheep):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Commonly found on alpine slopes and an important prey species for the Snow Leopard.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Musk Deer:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> An endangered species valued for its musk gland and found in alpine forests.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Himalayan Black Bear:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Inhabits temperate and sub-alpine forests, feeding on fruits, insects, and small animals.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Himalayan Brown Bear:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A rare bear species found in the high-altitude regions of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Tibetan Wolf:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A high-altitude predator distributed across the trans-Himalayan region.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Himalayan Marmot:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A large burrowing rodent commonly seen in alpine meadows and grasslands.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Himalayan Monal:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The colourful state bird of Uttarakhand, known for its iridescent plumage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Himalayan Griffon Vulture:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A large scavenging bird that helps maintain ecological balance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Golden Eagle:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A powerful bird of prey found soaring over the Himalayan valleys and cliffs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Difference Between Greater, Lesser, and Shiwalik Himalayas<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Greater, Lesser, and Shiwalik Himalayas are the three parallel ranges of the Himalayan mountain system. The difference between these three have been tabulated below.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Basis of Comparison<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><b>Greater Himalayas (Himadri)<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><b>Lesser Himalayas (Himachal)<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><b>Shiwalik Himalayas (Outer Himalayas)<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Position<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Northernmost Himalayan range<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Located south of the Greater Himalayas<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Southernmost Himalayan range<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Average Height<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Above <\/span><b>6,000 m<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><b>3,500-4,500 m<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><b>600-1,500 m<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Nature of Relief<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rugged, snow-covered peaks and glaciers<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Forested mountains with deep valleys<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low hills with gentle slopes<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Snow Cover<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Permanent snow throughout the year<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seasonal snowfall at higher elevations<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rare or no permanent snow<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Rock Composition<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crystalline and metamorphic rocks (granite, gneiss, schist)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metamorphic and sedimentary rocks<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unconsolidated sediments, sand, gravel, and clay<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Major Landforms<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High peaks, glaciers, and deep gorges<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valleys, hill stations, and mountain ranges<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Foothills and broad valleys (Duns)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Vegetation<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alpine meadows, coniferous forests, and shrubs<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dense temperate and coniferous forests<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tropical deciduous forests and scrub vegetation<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Agriculture<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Limited because of steep terrain and cold climate<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Terrace farming and horticulture are common<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agriculture is practised in valleys and foothills<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Major Peaks<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Nanda Devi, Kamet<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No major high peaks<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Important Valleys<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deep river gorges<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kashmir Valley, Kangra Valley, Kullu Valley<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dehradun, Kotli Dun, Patli Dun<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Geological Age<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Young fold mountains<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Young fold mountains<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Youngest and still developing foothill range<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Greater Himalayas, or Himadri, are the highest Himalayan range, known for Everest, Kanchenjunga, glaciers, major rivers, mountain passes, biodiversity, and unique geography.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":27,"featured_media":115187,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[786],"tags":[8996,8999],"class_list":["post-115435","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-general-studies","tag-greater-himalayas","tag-himalayas","no-featured-image-padding"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/115435","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/27"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=115435"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/115435\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":115446,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/115435\/revisions\/115446"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/115187"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=115435"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=115435"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=115435"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}