Himalayas

The Himalayas are a vast mountain system in Asia, extending about 2,400 kilometers across the northern edge of the Indian subcontinent. They traverse Nepal, northern India, Bhutan, Tibet (China), and Pakistan, and contain many of the world’s highest peaks. The highest point is Mount Everest, at 8,848 meters, followed by a group of 8,000-meter peaks.

Geology and structure: Formation from the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate beginning around 50 million years ago; ongoing uplift; the range is composed of several parallel belts including the Outer Himalaya (Shiwalik), the Lesser Himalaya, and the Great Himalaya (Main Himalayan Range).

Climate and ecology: The Himalayas influence the monsoon, creating varied climates from subtropical foothills to alpine and permanent snow. They harbor rich biodiversity, including snow leopard, Himalayan blue sheep, red panda, and many alpine plant species. Numerous protected areas and parks, such as Sagarmatha National Park in Nepal, preserve ecosystems and cultural landscapes.

Human dimension and significance: The range is the source of major rivers—Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra. It is home to diverse cultures, languages, and spiritual traditions; sacred mountains are central in Hinduism and Buddhism. Tourism, trekking, and mountaineering are important to local economies, though the region faces environmental pressures, including deforestation, glacial retreat, and development.