Longitudinal Division of the Himalayas: Kashmir, Kumaun, Central, Assam, Purvanchal, and Trans-Himalayas Overview

Longitudinal Division of the Himalayas : 1. The Kashmir / Punjab / Himachal Himalayas

• Location and Extent:
  • Geography: Situated between the Indus Gorge and the Satluj Gorge.
  • Dimensions: Approximately 560 km in length and 320 km in width.
  • 
• Key Features:
  • Boundaries: The Zaskar Range forms the northern boundary, while the Shiwaliks mark the southern edge.
  • Topography: Characterized by ridge and valley topography with the Kashmir Valley as a notable syncline basin.
  • Notable Lakes: Includes Wular Lake and Dal Lake.
  • Karewas: Lacustrine deposits known as Karewas support saffron cultivation.
  • Climate: Receives around 100 cm of rainfall and snowfall during winters.
  • Flora: Alpine grasslands called Bugyals or Marg, found in Sonmarg and Gulmarg.
  • Significance: Known as the "Heaven on Earth" for its stunning landscapes.
• Major Passes and Connections:
  • Banihal Pass: Features the Jawahar Tunnel, the second largest in India.
  • Other Passes: Burzil Pass and Zozila Pass connect the Kashmir Valley to Ladakh.

2. The Kumaun Himalayas

• Location and Extent:
  • Geography: Lies between the Satluj and Kali Gorges.
  • Dimensions: Extends approximately 320 km.
• Key Features:
  • Major Ranges: Includes Nagtiba, Dhaula Dhar, Mussourie, and parts of the Greater Himalayas.
  • Notable Peaks: Home to Nanda Devi, Kamet, Badrinath, and Kedarnath.
  • Glaciers and Rivers: Gives rise to rivers like Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Pindari.
  • Climate: Receives around 200 cm of rainfall; covered with coniferous forests and Deodar forests.
  • Topographical Features: Includes basins like the Bhagirathi Plain and tectonic valleys such as Kulu, Manali, and Kangra.
  • Ecological Significance: Renowned hill stations with pleasant climates.
• Seismic Activity: Prone to seismicity and landslides due to fractured and fragile rocks.

3. The Central / Nepal Himalayas

• Location and Extent:
  • Geography: Situated between the Kali River in the west and the Tista River in the east.
  • Dimensions: Spans approximately 800 km.
  • 
• Key Features:
  • Notable Peaks: Includes Mt. Everest (Sagarmatha), Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Annapurna, Gosainthan, and Dhaulagiri.
  • Topography: Features an orthoclinal plan and includes Kathmandu Valley.
  • Rivers and Valleys: Crossed by rivers like Ghaghara, Gandak, and Kosi; includes former lakes like Kathmandu and Pokhara valleys.
  • Shiwalik Range: Approaches the Lesser Himalaya towards the east and is nearly absent beyond Narayani (Gandak).

4. The Assam / Eastern Himalayas

• Location and Extent:
  • Geography: Positioned between the Tista River in the west and the Brahmaputra River (Dihang Gorges) in the east.
  • Dimensions: About 750 km long.
  • 
• Key Features:
  • Geographical Spread: Primarily covers Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan.
  • Topography: Greater Himalayas blend with the Lesser Himalayas and Shiwaliks.
  • Climate and Erosion: Characterized by narrow longitudinal valleys with heavy rainfall; dominated by fluvial erosion.
  • Seismicity: Prone to earthquakes due to fractured rocks.
• Ecological and Cultural Aspects:
  • Inhabitation: Home to various tribes with mountains often named after them.
  • Dissected Terrain: Heavily dissected by numerous rivers.

5. Purvanchal

• Geological Context:
  • Distinct Structure: Features structural differences and lies south of the Brahmaputra Valley.
  • 
• Key Features:
  • Major Ranges: Includes Naga Hills, Manipur Hills, and Mizo Hills.
  • 
  • Geological Composition: Composed of loose, fragmented sedimentary rocks like shale, mudstone, sandstone, and quartzite.
  • Seismic Activity: Prone to earthquakes and landslides due to fractured rocks.
• Climate and Ecology:
  • Rainfall: Receives 150-200 cm of rainfall; densely forested but faces ecological challenges due to shifting cultivation.

6. Trans-Himalayan Ranges

• Location and Geology:
  • Geographical Spread: Located north of the Great Himalayas, comprising Karakoram, Ladakh, Zaskar, and Kailash ranges.
  • Formation: Emerged between the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods from the Pamir Knot.
  • 
• Key Features:
  • Major Peaks: Includes K2 (Godwin-Austen), Siachen Glacier, Rakaposhi, and Nanga Parbat.
  • Significant Passes: Karakoram Pass connects Aksai Chin.
  • Ladakh Range: Includes Rakaposhi; Kailash Range as the source of the Indus and Brahmaputra rivers.
  • Zaskar Range: Includes Nanga Parbat, separated by Ladakh and Zaskar Basin.
  • Ladakh Plateau: Cold desert region with the Deosai Mountains marking the end of the Trans-Himalayan region.
• Climate: Generally receives winter rainfall; mostly barren and cold desert.

Summary of Major Peaks in India

Mountain Peak	Height (meters)
K2 (Godwin-Austen)	8611
Kangchenjunga	8586
Nanda Devi	7816
Kamet	7756
Santoro Kangri	7742
Saser Kangri	7672
Mamostrong Kangri	7516
Rimo	7385
Hardeol	7151
Chaukamba	7138
Trisul	7120