Division of the Himalayas: Shiwaliks, Lesser Himalayas, Greater Himalayas, Trans-Himalayas, Eastern Hills Overview

Division of the Himalayas

• The Himalayas are divided into distinct geographical regions, each with unique characteristics.
  • This division helps in understanding their formation, climate, and ecological significance.

  

1. Shiwaliks or Outer Himalayas

• Description: The Shiwaliks, also known as the Outer Himalayas, are the youngest and the southernmost range in the Himalayan chain.
  • They lie between the Great Plains of India and the Lesser Himalayas.
• Elevation:
  • Ranges from 600 to 1500 meters above sea level.
• Extent:
  • Stretch approximately 2,400 km from the Potwar Plateau in Pakistan to the Brahmaputra valley in Assam.

  

• Topography:
  • Characterized by a series of low hills with a steep southern slope and a gentler northern slope.
  • Valleys are part of synclines and hills are part of anticlines or antisynclines.

  

  • The range narrows from 50 km in Himachal Pradesh to less than 15 km in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Geology:
  • Formed primarily by conglomerates of sand, stone, silt, and gravel.
  • Initially, these conglomerates obstructed river courses, forming temporary lakes that eventually became duns or doons.
  • Dehra Dun in Uttarakhand is a notable example of such formations.
• Flora and Fauna:
  • The eastern parts of the Shiwaliks are densely forested, but forest cover decreases westward.
  • The southern slopes in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh are sparsely forested and heavily dissected by seasonal streams called Chos.
• Regional Names:
  • Jammu Hills: Known locally as Jammu Hills.
  • Arunachal Pradesh: Includes Dafla, Miri, Abor, and Mishmi Hills.
  • Uttarakhand: Features the Dhang Range and Dundwa Range.
  • Nepal: Includes the Churia Ghat Hills.

2. Lesser or Middle Himalayas

• Description: Also referred to as the Himachal or Lower Himalayas, this range lies between the Shiwaliks and the Greater Himalayas.
  • It runs almost parallel to both.
• Elevation:
  • Varies between 3,500 to 4,500 meters, with some peaks exceeding 5,050 meters.
• Extent:
  • About 2,400 km in length and 60-80 km wide.
• Topography:
  • The southern slopes are steep and barren, which inhibits soil formation.
  • The northern slopes are more gradual and covered in forests.
• Notable Peaks:
  • Includes prominent peaks such as those in the Mussoorie and Nag Tibba ranges.
• Significance:
  • The region is notable for its hospitable climate, making it popular for hill stations and resorts like Shimla, Mussoorie, Ranikhet, and Darjeeling.
• Important Ranges:
  • Pir Panjal Range: The longest and most significant range in Kashmir, extending over 300 km from the Jhelum River to the Beas River.
    • Key passes include Pir Panjal Pass, Bidil, Golabghar Pass, and Banihal Pass.

    

  • Dhaola Dhar Range: Located in Himachal Pradesh, south of the Pir Panjal.
  • Mussoorie Range: Includes the Mahabharat Lekh in southern Nepal and the eastern extension of the Mussoorie Range.
  • Nag Tibba Range: Significant for its high elevations and scenic beauty.

3. The Greater Himalayas

• Description: Also known as the Inner Himalayas or Himadri, this range represents the core of the Himalayas with the highest peaks.
  • Average elevation of 6,100 meters above sea level, with a width of about 25 km.
• Geology:
  • Composed of central crystallines like granites and gneisses, overlain by metamorphosed sediments such as limestone.
• Topography:
  • Characterized by asymmetrical folds with a steep southern slope and a gentle northern slope.
  • Creates a hogback topography.
• Significance:
  • Home to some of the tallest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest (Sagarmatha in Nepal, Chomlungma in China), which stands at 8,848 meters.
• Important Passes:
  • Burzil Pass: Located in Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Zoji La: Connecting Srinagar to Ladakh.
  • Bara Lacha La: Connecting Himachal Pradesh to Leh.
  • Lipu Lekh: Linking Kumaon to Tibet.
  • Nathu La: Connecting Sikkim to Tibet.

4. The Trans-Himalayas – Tibetan Himalayas

• Description: Lies immediately north of the Great Himalayas and is primarily located in Tibet.
  • Includes ranges such as Zaskar, Ladakh, Kailas, and Karakoram.
• Elevation:
  • Average of 3,000 meters above sea level.
• Extent:
  • Stretches approximately 1,000 km from east to west.
• Significance:
  • Features some of the world's highest peaks and largest glaciers.
• Important Ranges:
  • Zaskar Range: Includes Nanga Parbat (8,126 meters).
  • Ladakh Range: Known for its high peaks and low precipitation.
  • Kailas Range: Includes Mount Kailas (6,714 meters), the source of the River Indus.
  • Karakoram Range: Extends about 800 km and contains some of the highest peaks in the world, including K2 (8,611 meters).

5. The Eastern Hills – Purvanchal

• Description: These are the southward extensions of the Himalayas along the northeastern edge of India.
  • Includes a series of low hills and is convex to the west.
• Elevation:
  • Ranges from less than 1,500 meters in the Mizo Hills to about 3,826 meters in the Naga Hills.
• Topography:
  • Includes a series of low hills and is convex to the west.



• Significance:
  • Acts as a watershed between India and Myanmar.
  • Features diverse flora and fauna.
• Major Ranges:
  • Patkai Bum Hills: Characterized by strong sandstone formations.
  • Naga Hills: Includes Saramati, the highest peak in the region.
  • Barail Range: Separates the Naga Hills from the Manipur Hills.
  • Jaintia, Khasi, and Garo Hills: Extend into the Indian peninsular block and are separated by the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers.
  • Mizo Hills: Includes Blue Mountain (2,157 meters).