Himalaje

Himalaje (Himalayas in English) is a vast mountain system in Asia. It spans about 2,400 kilometers along the northern edge of the Indian subcontinent, crossing five countries: Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China (Tibet). The highest peak is Mount Everest, at 8,848 meters above sea level.

The range formed through the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate since about 50 million years ago, resulting in uplift and crustal shortening. The Himalaje continue to rise by a few millimeters per year and experience frequent seismic activity.

Geography and climate: The Himalaje comprise several parallel ranges, including the Greater, Lesser, and Outer Himalaya, with high-altitude climates and extensive glaciation. The climate is strongly influenced by the South Asian monsoon; southern slopes receive heavy rainfall, while northern exposures are drier.

Biodiversity and hydrology: The region supports diverse ecosystems from temperate forests to alpine zones. Notable species include the snow leopard and red panda in eastern parts. The Himalaje serve as a major water source for South Asia, giving rise to the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra river basins through glacial melt and rainfall.

Human dimension and challenges: The range is home to hundreds of millions of people and a mosaic of cultures. It is a focal point for trekking and mountaineering and holds religious significance in Hinduism and Buddhism. The region faces environmental pressures such as glacial retreat, deforestation, and landslides linked to climate change.