Himalayan

The Himalayas or Himalaya is a vast mountain range in Asia, separating the plains of the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau. The range has many of the Earth's highest peaks, including the highest, Mount Everest. The Himalayas include over fifty mountains exceeding 7,200 meters in elevation, including ten of the fourteen 8,000-meter peaks. Geologically, the origin of the Himalayas is the impact of the Indian tectonic plate traveling northward at 15 cm per year to impact the Eurasian continent, with no signs of slowing. This continental collision has caused the uplift of the Himalayan peaks.

Geography

The Himalayan range is bordered on the northwest by the Karakoram and the Hindu Kush ranges. To the north, the chain is separated from the Tibetan Plateau by a 50–60 km wide tectonic valley called the Indus-Tsangpo Suture. Towards the south, the arc of the range is bounded by the great valleys of the Indus River, the Sutlej River, the Brahmaputra River, and the Ganges River.

Ecology

The Himalayas have a profound effect on the climate of the region, helping to keep the monsoon rains on the Indian plain and limiting rainfall on the Tibetan plateau. The range is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, from tropical forests at the lower elevations, through temperate forests to alpine meadows and tundra at higher elevations. The forests are home to several flora and fauna species that are endemic to the region.

Culture

The Himalayas have been inhabited by humans since prehistoric times, with many diverse ethnic groups, cultures, and religions. It is sacred in both Hinduism and Buddhism with many sacred mountains and sites.

Mountaineering and trekking

The Himalayas have attracted mountaineers from all over the world. Trekking and mountaineering in the Himalayas are popular adventure sports. The region offers a wide range of trekking trails and climbing opportunities from the well-known peaks like Mount Everest and K2, to lesser-known peaks.

Conservation

Several parts of the Himalayas are protected as national parks and wildlife reserves. Conservation efforts are aimed at preserving the natural environment and the diverse wildlife. However, the region faces challenges such as deforestation, melting glaciers, and impacts from tourism.

See also

• Geography of Nepal
• Flora of the Himalayas
• Fauna of the Himalayas