Himalayas: the highest mountains in the world. Where are the Himalayas located? Absolute height of the Himalayas

Translated from the very ancient language planets, Sanskrit, the Himalayas mean “stronghold of snow.” To know where the Himalayas are, just look at the map of the Hindustan Peninsula.

The Himalayas are the highest mountain system on our planet; there are 10 peaks with a height of more than 8 km (there are 14 in total in the world) and 96 mountains with a height of 7.3 km (there are 109 in total on Earth!). Unlike the South American Andes, they do not form the longest mountain range (almost 7550 km), but are rightfully considered the “top of the planet.”

It is important to know that the Himalayas are located between the Indo-Gangetic Plain and the Tibetan Plateau. This mountain range passes through the territory of several states at once: China, India, Nepal, Pakistan and the Kingdom of Bhutan, and in the east the mountain range touches the northern borders of Bangladesh. The highest mountain system in the world attracts not only professional climbers, but also many fans of extreme tourism.

It is worth noting that the Himalayas began to be explored not by the indigenous inhabitants, but by Europeans in the 19th century, at the peak of the popularity of mountaineering.

When did the development of the highest mountain range begin?

Beginning in 1849, the Indian colonial government, represented by the Department of Land Management, carried out enormous work to develop detailed maps of the region. Thus, a huge amount of work involving theodolite and leveling surveys produced a lot of data, the processing of which was completed only by 1856. Based on the results of the topographical information obtained, it became known that Peak XV, located on the Tibetan-Nepalese border, has a height of 8840 m, which meant the highest mountain on the planet!

The peak was named after the English colonel Sir George Everest, who served as the chief surveyor to the Queen of Great Britain in India. After the publication of the survey results, climbers around the world had a new task - highest mountain in the world must be conquered!

Those who don’t even know where the Himalayas are will probably be interested to know that only after World War II did a person climb to the top of Everest. Before this, starting from the 20s of the last century, climbers tried to conquer this peak only from the Tibetan slopes. The reason was the stubbornness of the Nepalese government, which did not allow access to expeditions on its territory. Only after World War II were researchers allowed to work on the southern slopes of the mountain.

New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Nepalese Sherpa Tenzing Norgay conquered Everest (Nepali name - Chomolungma) on May 29, 1953.

Where is the best place to experience the Himalayas?

Having looked at where the Himalayas are on the map and what they look like, you understand that what amazes and attracts is not the peak itself or the fact that the highest mountains are here, but the scale, the grandeur of nature, because this mountain range occupies vast territories. You can see all the beauty of the top of the world, as the Himalayas are also called, only with your own eyes, and not sitting near a computer screen or old topographic maps.

No country in the world can offer such service and convenience in exploring the Himalayas as India. Only through this country can you see the highest mountains on the planet, see strange animals, and experience the healing properties of the mountain climate.

Tourists often go to see Shimla - best resort foothills of the Himalayas (altitude 2 km above sea level). This city was once the summer residence of the British colonial government, which moved here from the summer, hot Delhi. After India gained independence, this city became the tourist center of the country. It is here that representatives of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhs make pilgrimages. On the banks of this reservoir are several of the most famous Tibetan temples. In addition, along the mountain slopes you can find a lot of beautiful waterfalls. This is where the amazing is located Mountain Lake Revalsar.

By visiting this area, you can not only admire the mountain scenery, but also climb mountains, go skiing, swimming, and fishing.

When is it nice to be in the Himalayas?

Extraordinarily worth mentioning beautiful nature of this mountain range, which simply cannot be accurately described in words - it needs to be seen. So, in the summer months (from April to June) all the slopes are dotted with wild flowers, the air is filled with their smell, mixed with the aromas of pine needles, it is clean and cool.

If you wanted to find a mountainous region with lush greenery and a temperate climate, then you should visit the Himalayas during the monsoon season. From June to August, an amazing picture awaits you: slopes full of greenery in a light fog, sunsets with stunning colors that are difficult to even describe.

During all the autumn months it is very comfortable and pleasant to stay here; from September to November it is warm here, but in winter, with bright, snowy and frosty weather, there are the least number of tourists in the Himalayas. Unless winter sports lovers come to ski or snowboard.

I cannot boast that I have climbed one of the peaks of this great mountain system. But I was able to visit its foot. The feeling is simply indescribable.

The Himalayas are located in five countries at once

I was able to see the Himalayas in India, but in addition to this country, this mountain system “found its home” in Pakistan, Bhutan, China and Nepal. These great rivers are fed by Himalayan glaciers:

• Ganges;
• Brahmaputra.

Not only curious tourists, but also professional climbers come here in droves, most of whom want to conquer the peaks of Chomolungma or Everest (they belong to this mountain system). But with ski resorts Everything is bad here, or rather there are very few of them. The most famous one is called Gulmarg.

Just think, the area of ​​this mountain system is 650,000 kilometers. It's bigger than anyone European country.

There are a lot of interesting parks here, some of them are under UNESCO protection. If possible, visit the Nanda Devi National Park. I also had the opportunity to spend one day in the Ladakh region. It was opened to tourists quite recently. Simply amazing people live here who honor Tibetan traditions and wear national clothes.

A little about tours to these places

The so-called high season in the Himalayas lasts from the beginning of May to the end of October. The rest of the time it’s cold here and tourists don’t really want to come here. If we talk about classic tours, which include visiting all the iconic attractions, then the price tag starts from $1,200. Air tickets are not included in this price.

Nepal

This state is called the heart of the Himalayas. It is in this Federal Republic that the snow-capped peak of Chomolungma is located. To “climb” to the highest point on the planet, thousands of extreme sports enthusiasts and daredevils flock here every year like moths.

This peak was first conquered more than half a century ago. Of course, not all climbers manage to climb here safely; many people die here every year. But recently, one climber even skied down from here.

The Himalayas are undoubtedly the highest mountain structure in the world. It stretches over a distance of 2,400 meters from the northwest towards the southeast. Its western part reaches a width of 400 kilometers, and the eastern part is approximately 150 kilometers wide.

In the article we will look at where the Himalayas are located, on the territory of which states it is located mountain range and who lives in the area.

Kingdom of the Snows

The pictures of the Himalayan peaks are mesmerizing. Many can easily answer the question of where on our planet these giants are located.

The map shows that they are located over a vast territory: starting from the northern hemisphere and ending they cross along the way South Asia and the Indo-Gangetic plain. Then they gradually develop into other mountain systems.

The unusual location of the mountains lies in the fact that they are located on the territory of 5 countries. The Himalayas can be boasted by the Indians, the Nepalese, the Chinese, the residents of Bhutan, and Pakistan, and the northern side of Bangladesh.

How the Himalayas appeared and developed

This mountain system, from a geological point of view, is quite young. It was assigned to the Himalaya coordinates: 27°59′17″ N latitude and 86°55′31″ E longitude

There are two phenomena that influenced the appearance of mountains:

1. The system was formed mainly from sediments and rocks interacting in the earth's crust. At first they folded into peculiar folds, and then rose to a certain height.
2. The formation of the Himalayas was influenced by the merger of two lithospheric plates, which began about 50 million years ago. Because of this, the ancient Tethys ocean disappeared.

Dimensions of the Himalayan peaks

This mountain system includes 10 of the 14 highest mountains on Earth, which have exceeded the 8 km mark. The highest of them is Mount Chomolungma (Everest) - 8,848 meters up. On average everything Himalayan mountains exceed 6 km.

In the table you can see which peaks the mountain system includes, their height and the location of the Himalayas by country.

Three main steps

The Himalaya mountains have formed 3 main levels, each of which is higher than the previous one.

Description of the Himalayan steps, starting with the lowest height:

1. The Siwalik Range is the southernmost, lowest and youngest level. Its length is 1 km 700 meters between the lowlands of the Indus and Brahmaputra, and its width is from 10 to 50 km. The height of the Siwalik hill does not exceed 2 km. This mountain range is located mainly on the soil of Nepal, capturing the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
2. The Lesser Himalayas are the second stage, going in the same direction as the Siwalik, only closer to the north. On average, their height is approximately 2.5 km and only in the west they reach 4 km. These two Himalayan steps have many river valleys that divide the massif into isolated areas.
3. The Greater Himalayas are the third level, which is much further north and higher than the previous two. Some peaks here are much more than 8 km in height. And the depressions in the mountain ridges are more than 4 km. Multiple glacial accumulations are located over an area of ​​more than 33 thousand km 2. They contain fresh water in a volume of about 12 thousand km 3. The largest and most famous glacier is Gangotri - the beginning of the Indian Ganges River.

Himalayan water system

The three largest South Asian rivers - the Indus, Brahmaputra and Ganges - begin their journey in the Himalayas. The western Himalayan rivers are part of the Indus River catchment, while all others are adjacent to the Brahmaputra-Gangetic basin. The most east side The Himalayas belong to the system. Also in this mountain structure there are many naturally occurring reservoirs that do not have connections with other rivers, seas and oceans. For example, lakes Bangong Tso and Yamjoyum Tso (700 and 621 km 2, respectively). And then there is Lake Tilicho, which is located very high in the mountains - at 1919 m, and is considered one of the highest in the world.

Extensive glaciers are another feature of the mountain system. They cover an area of ​​33 thousand km 2 and store about 7 km 3 of snow. The largest and longest glaciers are Zema, Gangotri and Rongbuk.

Weather

The weather in the mountains is changeable, it is influenced by the geographical location of the Himalayas and their vast territory.

• On the southern side, under the influence of the monsoon, a lot of precipitation falls in summer - up to 4 meters in the east, up to 1 meter per year in the west, and almost none in winter.
• In the north, on the contrary, there is almost no rain at all; a continental climate, cold and dry, prevails here. High in the mountains there are severe frosts and strong winds. The air temperature is below -40 o C.

Temperature in summer time reaches -25 °C, and in winter - up to -40 °C. In mountainous areas, wind speeds of up to 150 km/h are often encountered. In the Himalayas, the weather changes quite often.

The Himalayan mountain structure also influences the weather of the entire region. The mountains act as protection from the freezing dry gusts of wind that blow from the north, so the climate in India is warmer than in Asian countries, which, by the way, are located in the same latitudes.

The weather in Tibet is very dry because all the monsoon winds that blow from the south and bring a lot of rain cannot cross the high mountains. All moisture-containing air volumes settle in them.

There is an assumption that the Himalayas also took part in the formation of the deserts of Asia, since they prevented the passage of rainfall.

Flora and fauna

Flora directly depends on the height of the Himalayas.

• The base of the Siwalik range is covered with swampy forests and terai (a kind of undergrowth).
• A little higher up, green, dense forests with tall stands begin; there are deciduous and coniferous plants. Further on there are mountain meadows covered with thick grass.
• Forests, which consist of deciduous trees and small shrubs, predominate at altitudes greater than 2 km. And coniferous forests are more than 2 km 600 meters.
• Above 3 km 500 meters the kingdom of bushes begins.
• On the northern slopes the weather is drier, so there is much less vegetation. Mostly mountainous deserts and steppes predominate.

The fauna is very diverse and depends on where the Himalayas are located and their position above sea level.

• The southern tropics are home to wild elephants, antelopes, tigers, rhinoceroses and leopards, and a very large number of monkeys.
• A little higher live the famous Himalayan bears, mountain sheep and goats, and yaks.
• And even higher up, snow leopards are sometimes found.

There are many nature reserves in the Himalayas. For example, national park Sagarmatha.

Population

A significant part of people live in the southern Himalayas, whose height does not reach 5 km. For example, in the Kashirskaya and Kathmandu basins. These areas are quite densely populated, land almost all are cultivated

In the Himalayas, the population is divided into ethnic groups. It so happened that it was difficult to get to these places; people lived for a long time in isolated tribes with little contact with their neighbors. Often in winter, the inhabitants of a certain basin found themselves completely isolated from others, because it was impossible to get to their neighbors due to snow piles in the mountains.

It is known where the Himalayas are located - on the territory of five countries. Residents of the region communicate in two languages: Indo-Aryan and Tibeto-Burman.

Religious views also vary: some extol Buddha, while others worship Hinduism.

The Himalayan Sherpas live high in the mountains of Eastern Nepal, including the Everest region. They often work as assistants on expeditions: they show the way and carry things. They have adapted perfectly to the altitude, so even at the highest points of this mountain system they do not suffer from a lack of oxygen. Apparently, this is inherited at the genetic level.

The inhabitants of the Himalayas are mainly engaged in agricultural work. If the land is relatively flat and there is a sufficient amount of water in reserve, then peasants successfully grow potatoes, rice, peas, oats and barley. Where the climate is warmer, for example in depressions, lemons, oranges, apricots, tea and grapes grow. High in the mountains, residents keep yaks, sheep and goats. Yaks carry cargo, but they are also kept for meat, wool and milk.

Special values ​​of the Himalayas

There are many attractions in the Himalayas: Buddhist and Hindu monasteries, temples, relics. At the foot of the mountains is the city of Rishikesh - sacred place for Hindus. It was in this city that yoga was born; this city is considered the capital of harmony of body and soul.

The town of Hardwar or the "Gateway to God" is another sacred place for the locals. It is located on the descent from the mountain of the Ganges River, which flows out onto the plain.

You can take a walk through the Valley of Flowers National Park, which is located on the western side of the Himalayas. This area strewn with beautiful flowers is a UNESCO national heritage site.

Tourist travel

In the Himalaya mountain system, sports such as climbing peaks and hiking along mountain trails are very popular.

The most popular tracks include:

1. The famous Annapurna Path passes the slopes of the mountain range of the same name in northern Nepal. The length of the journey is about 211 km. In height it varies from 800 m to 5 km 416 meters. Along the way, tourists can admire the high-mountain Lake Tilicho.
2. You can see the area near Manaslu, which is located around the Mansiri Himal mountains. It partially coincides with the first route.

The travel time of these routes is influenced by the tourist’s preparation, time of year and weather. It is dangerous for an unprepared person to immediately climb to a height, as “mountain sickness” may begin. Besides, it's not safe. You need to be well prepared and purchase special equipment for mountaineering.

Almost every person knows where the Himalayas are and dreams of visiting there. Travel to the mountains attracts tourists from different countries, including from Russia. Remember that it is better to climb in the warm season, preferably in autumn or spring. In the Himalayas it rains in summer, and in winter it is very cold and impassable.

The majestic Himalayas... A harsh land of pristine beauty, where a person can be alone with the whole world. Thousands of square kilometers of mountains and amazing wildlife, evoking thoughts about the eternal mysteries of existence - all this can be found by a wanderer in the Himalayas. The top of the world is here and we invite you to learn more about it.

Where are the Himalayas located?

About 70 million years ago, two giant tectonic plates collided - the Indo-American and Eurasian plates. A powerful shock laid the foundation for the largest mountain system on our planet. Just imagine: it occupies 0.4% of the total area of ​​the planet, which is incredibly large in relation to other geographical objects.

The Himalayas are located on the Eurasian continent, in the Asian part. They border on the Tibetan Plateau in the north and the Indo-Gangetic Plain in the south. The length of the system is more than 2400 km, the width reaches 350 km. Adjacent to the southern part of the Himalayas are the so-called Pre-Himalayas - the smaller Siwalik Mountains. This mountain system contains many of the highest peaks in the world. Average height The mountain ridges of the Himalayas are 6000 meters. The tallest - famous mountain Everest (otherwise - Chomolungma, 8848 meters). And this, as we probably remember, is the highest point on our planet.

The Himalayan ranges give rise to the most big rivers in southern Asia: Indus, Ganges and Brahmaputra.

We already have the first data, namely, where the Himalayas are located. More specifically about countries with mountainous landscapes below.

Countries whose territories cover the Himalayas

Since the borders of countries are divided almost regardless of relief features, the Himalayan mountain ranges are located in several. These countries are India, Nepal, China (the area known as Tibet), Bhutan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Myanmar, Tajikistan. Each of them got a piece of beautiful natural formation.

The area of ​​the entire mountain system is about 650 thousand square kilometers. At a distance from one another, many peoples live here. Natural conditions The conditions here are extremely harsh: cold at high altitudes, dangerous terrain. However local residents happy about our magnificent home.

The first secrets have already been revealed to us by the Himalayas: where they are, a country (even several) that has mountainous areas on its territory. More about climatic conditions in the territories of the Himalayas.

Climate Features

The Himalayas are a particularly large landform. The mountains themselves on their southern side are swampy jungles, lush rainforests, coniferous and deciduous, as well as a variety of shrub plants and meadows. The northern slopes are not so rich and diverse. Their surfaces are semi-deserts and mountain steppes. The ridges of the Himalayan ranges are of the Alpine type - sharp, steep. They lie on them huge glaciers in unlimited quantities.

It is noteworthy that the coordinates where the Himalayas are located are such that the mountain system serves as a natural climatic boundary between the tropics of the south and the desert lands north of the Himalayas. The colossal areas and high altitudes of the mountains greatly influenced the climate of the surrounding countries. So, south of the Himalayas, at their very foot, there is a city with the most rainfall on the planet. This happens because the mountains trap precipitation moving with air masses from the Indian Ocean, and it falls at their feet. At an altitude of 4500 meters above sea level in the Himalayas lies a zone of eternal snow.

The Himalayas, where there are huge glaciers, impressed us. What about the inhabitants of the mountain system?

Residents of the mountain system

Surprisingly, many people live in such harsh conditions as in the Himalayas. According to scientists, records of the first settlements of the mountain system date back to 8000 BC. e. People came from the south (peoples from the Hindustan Peninsula) and from northeast direction(Tibetans), and from the west (Turkic peoples).
People built their settlements in the valleys. Their remoteness from one another contributed to the separate development of these ethnic groups.

Readers must have wondered: how can one survive in such inhospitable places? Those communities that led a sedentary lifestyle engaged in subsistence farming where there were all the conditions for this: horizontal surface, water, more or less fertile soil, suitable climate. Modern inhabitants of the Himalayan valleys also provide for themselves with their own labor. Here is another phenomenon that amazed us in the Himalayas, where some of the oldest natural farming is located.

In higher areas the key occupation local population- transhumance cattle breeding. There is an opportunity to practice it almost everywhere up to the edge of the snow.

And we will look at some more facts that will be interesting to know about the Himalayas.

Apart from knowing where the Himalayas are, several other features of this corner of the planet will also be interesting. We know about the Himalayas that this is the most inaccessible, highest (on average) mountain system in the world. But what does their name mean?

The word "Himalaya" means "Abode of Snow". And indeed: after all, already at an altitude of 4.5 kilometers, the snow here never melts. In terms of the amount of snow, this natural form is in third place on the planet. Only the Arctic and Antarctic have overtaken the Himalayas.
It is also interesting to know that with such a cold climate in most mountain areas, Hindus are sure that they are the refuge of their god Shiva.

Mount Everest (Qomolungma) is the highest in the world (above sea level). She is associated with triumph. Extreme sports enthusiasts from all over the world are literally trying to climb Everest. This first happened in 1953, when Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit. Mountaineering in the Himalayas is very popular. The mountain system contains ten of the fourteen eight-thousander mountains (in fact, their height is even slightly higher). Conquering them all is the dream of professional mountaineers.

This concludes our article about where the Himalayas are and what this mountain system is.

Conclusion

“The Abode of Snows”, the Himalayas are the mountains to which the prefix “most” is firmly attached. The highest, the most inaccessible... And people strive to get here in order to experience the power of nature, which created such a miracle. But the Himalayas do not invite guests. They are unshakable and stern. However, brave travelers should try to become friends with the “heavenly Empire”. Yes, truly “under heaven”, because the sky is so close here!

Since our school days, we all know that the highest mountain on the planet is Everest, and it is located in the Himalayas. But not everyone clearly understands where the Himalayas actually are? In recent years it has become very popular mountain tourism, and if you are interested in it, then this miracle of nature - the Himalayas, is definitely worth a visit!

And these mountains are located on the territory of five countries: India, China, Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistan. The total length of the largest mountain system on our planet is 2,400 kilometers, and its width is 350 kilometers. In terms of height, many peaks of the Himalayas are record holders. Here are the ten highest peaks on the planet, more than eight thousand meters high.

– Everest or Chomolungma, 8848 meters above sea level. The highest mountain in the Himalayas was conquered by man only in 1953. All the ascents that had taken place before were unsuccessful, because the slopes of the mountain are very steep and dangerous. Strong winds blow at the summit, which, combined with very low night temperatures, present a difficult challenge for those who dare to conquer this inaccessible peak. Everest itself is located on the border of two states - China and Nepal.

In India, the Himalayas, thanks to their gentler slopes, which are not so dangerous, have become a refuge for monks preaching Buddhism and Hinduism. Their monasteries in large quantities located in the Himalayas in India and Nepal. Pilgrims, followers of these religions and just tourists flock here from all over the world. Due to this, the Himalayas in these regions are highly visited.

But ski tourism in the Himalayas is not popular, since there are no suitable flat slopes for skiing that could attract tourists en masse. All states where the Himalayas are located are popular mainly among climbers and pilgrims.

Traveling through the Himalayas is not such an easy adventure, it is only possible with endurance and a strong spirit. And if you have these powers in reserve, then you should definitely go to India or Nepal. Here you can visit the most beautiful temples and monasteries located on picturesque slopes, take part in the evening prayer of Buddhist monks, and at dawn indulge in relaxing meditation and hatha yoga classes conducted by Indian gurus. Traveling through the mountains, you will see with your own eyes where such great rivers as the Ganges, Indus and Brahmaputra originate

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One of the most famous miraculous wonders of the world are the Himalayan mountains. The point is not only in the scale of this creation of nature, but also in the huge amount of the unknown that these gigantic peaks conceal within themselves.

Where are the Himalayas located?

The Himalayan mountain range passes through the territory of five states - this is India, China, Pakistan, Nepal and the Kingdom of Bhutan. The eastern foothills of the range touch the northern borders of the Republic of Bangladesh.

Mountain ranges rise in the north, completing the Tibetan Plateau, and separate from it vast areas of the Hindustan Peninsula - the Indo-Gangetic Plain.

Even the average height of the entire mountain system reaches 6 thousand meters. It is in the Himalayas that the bulk of the “eight-thousanders” are located - mountain peaks whose height exceeds the 8-kilometer mark. Of the 14 similar peaks on the surface of the planet, 10 are located in the Himalayas.

Himalaya mountains on the map

Himalayas on the world map

The highest and most inaccessible mountains on the planet are the Himalayas. The name comes from ancient Indian Sanskrit, and literally means "Snow Abode". They are located in a giant loop on the continent, serving as a kind of border between Central and South Asia. The length of the mountain ranges from west to east is just under 3 thousand km, and total area the entire mountain system - about 650 thousand square meters. km.

The entire Himalayan mountain range consists of three distinctive steps:

• First - Pre-Himalayas(local name - Shivalik Range) is the lowest of all, the mountain peaks of which do not rise more than 2000 meters.
• The second stage - the Dhaoladhar, Pir Panjal and several other smaller ridges is called Lesser Himalayas. The name is quite arbitrary, since the peaks already rise to respectable heights - up to 4 kilometers.
• Behind them are several fertile valleys (Kashmir, Kathmandu and others), serving as a transition to the highest points of the planet - Greater Himalayas. The two great South Asian rivers - the Brahmaputra from the east and the Indus from the west - seem to embrace this majestic mountain range, originating on its slopes. In addition, the Himalayas give life to the sacred Indian river - the Ganges.

Mount Chomolungma, aka Everest

The highest point in the world, located on the border of Nepal and China - Mount Chomolungma. However, it has several names and some variation in the estimate of its height. The names of this mountain peak in local dialects have always been associated with the divinity of its origin: Chomolungma in Tibetan, literally “Divine”, in Nepal it is called “Mother of the Gods” - Sagarmatha. There is another beautiful Tibetan name - “Mother - Queen of Snow-White Snows” - Chomo-Kankar. For Europeans, these names were too complicated, and in 1856 they gave the mountain an anglicized name Everest, in honor of the head of the British colonial survey, Sir George Everest.

Official today Everest height - 8848 meters including ice cap, and 8844 meters is the top of solid rock. But these indicators changed several times in one direction or another. Thus, the first measurement, carried out in the middle of the 19th century, showed 29,000 feet (8839 meters). However, scientific surveyors did not like the too round number, and they freely added another 2 feet, which gave a value of 8840 m. Measurements continued a century later, when the height was determined at 8848 m. However, several geographers made their own calculations, using the most modern means of radio direction finding and navigation. This is how two more values ​​appeared - 8850 and even 8872 meters. However, these values ​​were not officially recognized.

Records of the Himalayas

The Himalayas are a place of pilgrimage for the strongest climbers in the world, for whom conquering their peaks is a cherished goal in life. Chomolungma did not conquer immediately - since the beginning of the last century, many attempts have been made to climb to the “roof of the world.” The first person to achieve this goal was in 1953 New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary accompanied by a local guide - Sherpa Norgay Tenzing. The first successful Soviet expedition took place in 1982. In total, Everest has been conquered about 3,700 times.

Unfortunately, the Himalayas set sad records - 572 climbers died when trying to conquer their eight-kilometer heights. But the number of brave athletes does not decrease, because “taking” all 14 “eight-thousanders” and receiving the “Crown of the Earth” is the cherished dream of each of them. The total number of “crowned” winners to date is 30 people, including 3 women.

Ski resorts in India

Northern mountainous areas India is a completely unique world, with its own philosophy and spirituality, ancient shrines and historical monuments, colorful population and diversity natural landscapes. Any traveler will always find a lot of interesting things here.

Gulmarg (Valley of Flowers)

This resort is located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The height of the slopes is 1400-4138 m. Gulmarg was built in 1927 by the British, when they were “staying” in India, so it practically meets European standards. The season here starts from the end of December and ends at the end of March. The appropriate equipment is provided here, so beginners should be quite comfortable, unless, of course, they are afraid of steep descents.

Narkanda

A small ski tourist center located near Shimla city at an altitude of about 2400 meters surrounded by relict pine forest. Its snowy slopes are quite suitable for both beginner skiers and experienced skiers.

Solang

A fairly well-known place for extreme recreation in skiing circles. Famous well developed infrastructure, both sports and tourism. Everyone who has visited these places always leaves excellent reviews about the level of training of the resort's coaching and service staff.

Kufri

One of the most famous Indian ski tourist centers. It is located just two dozen kilometers from Shimla city, which for many years was the residence of the English Viceroy of India. Kufri is also remarkable because in its immediate vicinity there is a huge natural Himalayan Nature National Park, where the wide variety of wild flora and fauna of these places is carefully preserved. Climbing up the slopes of the mountains, tourists manage to visit several climatic zones- from the wildly blooming tropics to the harsh conditions of the northern latitudes.

Historical and cultural attractions of the Himalayas

For those who prefer to devote their time to getting to know historical places and cultural values, the Indian Himalayan region will provide these opportunities.

First of all, in these places, as already mentioned, there was a summer residence of the English governor in India - the Viceroy. That's why the little village Shimla turned into a city - capital of Himchal Pradesh. The famous museum, located in the Royal Palace, is replete with exhibits showing the cultural diversity of the region. Shimla is famous for its bazaar with traditional woolen products, national Indian clothing, handmade jewelry, ancient technology. As a rule, a horseback excursion through the surrounding picturesque mountains leaves no one indifferent.

Tourists love India. Read - Russians most often go there for the winter.

The discovery of India is the merit of the Portuguese. in another article.

Dharamsala for Buddhists it is probably the same as Mecca for Muslims. Travelers here encounter the hospitality of the local population, unprecedented anywhere else in the world. In that small town The residence of the Dalai Lama himself is located, who brought his Tibetan people here after many years of exile.

Visit the Indian Himalayas and not visit estate of Nicholas Roerich- unforgivable for a Russian! It is located in the town of Naggar, near the city of Manali. In addition to the environment in which the painter’s family lived, visitors will see a large collection of original works by this great author.

Capital of Jammu and Kashmir state, Shinagan city- another center of tourist pilgrimage. According to some theories, it was here that Jesus Christ found his final refuge. Travelers will definitely be shown the tomb of Yuz Asuf - a man identified with the Son of God. In the same city you can see unique floating houses - houseboats. No one probably left here without purchasing products made from the famous Kashmir wool as a souvenir.

Spiritual and health tourism

Spiritual principles and the cult of a healthy body are so closely intertwined in various directions of Indian philosophical schools that it is impossible to draw any visible division between them. Every year thousands of tourists come to Indian Himalayas just to get acquainted with Vedic sciences, ancient postulates Yoga teachings, healing your body by Ayurvedic canons Panchakarma.

The pilgrim program must include visiting caves for deep meditation, waterfalls, ancient temples, bathing in the Ganges- a sacred river for Hindus. Those suffering can have conversations with spiritual mentors, receive from them parting words and recommendations for spiritual and physical cleansing. However, this topic is so broad and versatile that it requires a separate detailed presentation.

The natural grandeur and highly spiritual atmosphere of the Himalayas captivate the human imagination. Anyone who has at least once come into contact with the splendor of these places will always be obsessed with the dream of returning here at least once more.

Enchanting time-lapse video of the unshakable Himalayas

This video was shot frame by frame on a Nikon D800 camera over 50 days over 5000 km. Places in India: Spiti Valley, Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Leh, Zanskar, Kashmir.

Globe, in Asia, in China, Pakistan, India, Bhutan and Nepal. They stretch in an arc about 2500 km long and 200-350 km wide. The area is about 650 thousand km 2. Height up to 8848 m (Mount Chomolungma is the highest peak globe). 10 peaks exceed 8000 m, more than 100 - 7000 m.

In the north they are limited by the tectonic valleys of the upper reaches of the Indus and Brahmaputra rivers (Matsang, Tsangpo), in the west by the Hinduraj ridge, in the east by the Dihang gorge of the Brahmaputra river, in the south by the Indo-Gangetic plain. The Himalayas are an important orographic, climatic and biotic barrier between the deserts of Central Asia and the monsoon tropics landscapes of South Asia.

Relief. The Himalayas are characterized by a clear trend of orographic elements from northwest to southeast. They include several parallel mountain ranges, rising from south to north in three gigantic steps, dissected by river gorges into separate massifs and blocks. The first stage (above the Indo-Gangetic plain) is formed by the Siwalik ridge (Pre-Himalayas) with a height of up to 3647 m (Mount Chaur). It reaches its greatest width (up to 120 km) in the western and central parts; east of 88° east longitude it narrows to 5-10 km. It is strongly dissected by deeply incised river valleys. The second stage - the Small (Low) Himalayas - is separated from Siwalik by a tectonic fault, along which there is a series of intermountain basins (dunes), formerly occupied by lakes. It consists of a system of massifs and ridges. The ridges are strongly dissected, the southern slopes are steep, the northern ones are flatter. In the west rises the Pir Panjal range (up to 6632 m), in the central part there are the Dhaoladhar (up to 5067 m) and Mahabharat ranges (up to 2891 m) with sharp ridges and deep valleys. A chain of intermountain depressions and ancient glacial basins (Kashmir, Kathmandu, etc.) separates the Lesser Himalayas from the highest level - the Greater (High) Himalayas with the highest massifs and peaks covered with glaciers. This part of the Himalayas forms a powerful alpine ridge 50-90 km wide, with passes lying above 4500 m. The northern slopes have soft outlines, the southern slopes are steep, dissected by deep gorges. Glacial landforms are typical (karas, troughs, gouge forms, terminal moraines). The Greater Himalayas begin in the northwest of the Nanga Parbat massif, where they are widest (over 300 km). There are also highlands (over 5000 m) and the Zaskar mountain range (up to 7756 m). East of the Teesta River valley, the Greater Himalayas decline significantly. This part is characterized by deeply incised river valleys, relatively poorly dissected massifs with dome-shaped peaks. In the Himalayas, the intensity of erosion processes is high, landslides and mudflows are frequent, and avalanches occur in the middle and high mountains. From west to east, the Himalayas are usually divided into Punjab (from the Indus River gorge in the northwest to the Sutlej River valley), Kumaon (between the Sutlej and Kali river valleys), Nepal (in Nepal), Sikkim (within the Indian state of Sikkim) and Assamese (west of Bhutan).

Siwalik Range.

Geological structure and minerals. Tectonically, the Himalayas are a fold-cover mountain system of the same name, which is a link in the Cenozoic Alpine-Himalayan mobile belt. In their structure, three zones are distinguished, corresponding to the steps of the relief; In addition, the High Himalayas are divided into two zones. The northern zone of the High Himalayas, called the Tethyan Himalayas, or Tethys-Himalayas, is composed of a thickness of Middle Proterozoic - Eocene marine sediments of enormous thickness (up to 17 km), accumulated on the gently sloping continental shelf of the Indian subcontinent (on the southern edge of the Tethys paleoocean). In the north, the Tethyan Himalayas are bounded by the Indus-Tsangpo tectonic depression, which marks the tectonic suture of the same name (suture), which is considered as a relic of the surface of the subduction zone, along which the Tethys crust subsided northward under the southern margin of Eurasia with the formation of the Trans-Himalayan volcanoplutonic belt (see article by Gandhisishan ). In the suture zone, ophiolites (their covers are established in the Tethyan Himalayas), metamorphic formations, sedimentary and igneous complexes come to the surface. In the south, the Tethyan Himalayas are separated by a gently sloping fault to the north from the Central Crystalline Zone of the High Himalayas. This zone is composed of repeatedly metamorphosed, mainly Precambrian complexes - mica schists, quartzites, gneisses, migmatites, which are intruded by Miocene leucogranites. The last metamorphic event in the zone meets the conditions very high temperatures and relatively low pressures. Metamorphic formations of the Central Crystalline Zone are thrust (along the Main Central Thrust) and partially overlap the complexes of the Low Himalayas, forming many isolated tectonic remnants. The Low Himalaya zone is formed by sedimentary strata of the Upper Proterozoic - Lower Eocene (sandstones, clays, limestones, tillites), similar to the cover of the Hindustan Platform. The deposits have undergone greenschist metamorphism and have a nappe-thrust structure. In the south, the Low Himalaya zone is thrust (along the Main Boundary Thrust) onto the Pre-Himalayan (or Outer Himalaya) zone, which is tectonically a foredeep that arose in modern times in front of the front of the growing Himalayan orogen and filled with Miocene sandy-clayey and Pliocene coarse molasse with a total thickness of up to 7 km. The folded molasse complexes of the Pre-Himalayas are separated by a system of gentle faults of the Frontal Himalayan thrust from the undeformed molasse of the Indo-Gangetic basin, which was not involved in uplift.

The formation of the Himalayas as a folded mountain structure is associated with the collision (collision) of the Hindustan block with Eurasia, which began about 55 million years ago (at the end of the Paleocene). Maximum deformations occurred: at the beginning of the Miocene (20-25 million years ago), when the Main Central Thrust was formed; in the late Miocene (15-10 million years ago) - the Main Boundary Thrust; at the end of the Pliocene - the Main Frontal Thrust. The modern uplift of the Himalayas is accompanied by intense seismicity, concentrated mainly along thrust zones.

There are a few known deposits of copper and gold ores; chromites, precious stones (sapphire, etc.) associated with metamorphic and igneous rocks of the Low and High Himalayas. Oil and natural combustible gas deposits have been discovered in the Pre-Himalayas.

Climate. The southern slopes of the Himalayas are heavily influenced by the Indian summer monsoon. The amount of precipitation decreases from the east (4000-5500 mm per year) to the west (1000-2000 mm). The inland areas receive about 400-750 mm of precipitation per year. Everywhere on the southern slope up to an altitude of 3000 m the average annual temperatures are positive, above 4500 m there is an area of ​​negative summer temperatures. The climate of the western Himalayas is characterized by sharp temperature fluctuations, strong winds. Average temperatures in July are about 18 °C, in January from -10 to -18 °C. The influence of the monsoon occurs in July - August south of the Pir Panjal range. Winter precipitation is associated with cyclones that bring rain and snowfall. The main passes are cleared of snow at the end of May. The climate of the eastern part is hotter, with a clearly defined monsoon moisture regime. Summer temperatures at an altitude of 1500 m reach 35 °C, in the valleys they rise to 45 °C. In winter at an altitude of 1800 m average temperature January 4 °C. Snowfalls occur annually above 2200-2500 m, and there is dense fog in the valleys. Above 5000 m precipitation all year round falls in the form of snow. The climate of the northern slopes of the Himalayas is cold, high-altitude desert. Daily temperature ranges reach 45 °C, precipitation is about 100 mm per year. In summer, at an altitude of 5000-6000 m, there are positive temperatures only during the day. In winter, snow often evaporates without melting.

Glaciation. On the southern slopes of the Punjab Himalayas, the snow line runs at an altitude of 4400-4600 m, in the Nepal Himalayas (on the slopes of Chomolungma) - 4700-4800 m, in the Assam Himalayas - 4600 m. On the northern, drier slopes of the Himalayas, it rises to 5800-6100 m. The high position of the snow line and the significant steepness of the slopes do not contribute to the formation large glaciers. The area of ​​modern glaciation in the Himalayas is small - about 33 thousand km 2. Most glaciers are grouped around the highest massifs. The largest glaciers in the Punjab Himalayas are Gangri (length 21 km), Shaffat (16 km), Milang (16 km), in the Kumaon Himalayas - Milam (20 km) and Gangotri (32 km, the largest in the Himalayas). In the Nepal Himalayas, in the Qomolungma region, there are about 600 glaciers, including the Western Rongbuk and Khumbu glaciers, 22 km long; in the Sikkim Himalayas, in the Kanchenjunga massif region, there are the Zemu (31 km) and Kanchenjunga (24 km) glaciers. Most of glaciers are retreating from average speed 10-15 m per year. The valley glaciers are predominantly dendritic, of the Himalayan type, descending 1300-1600 m below the snow line. In the western part of the Himalayas, valley glaciers of the Turkestan type predominate, fed mainly by avalanches and collapses of hanging glaciers. On steep slopes there are hanging and cirque glaciers. The northern slopes are characterized by giant curtains of corrugated ice that cover many of the peaks to their summits. The tongues of some glaciers are covered over a considerable distance by a cover of moraine.

Rivers and lakes. Despite its high altitude, the Himalayas are not the watershed of the rivers of the Indian Ocean basins and the drainless region of Central Asia. Due to the presence of through antecedent gorges, the sources of the Indus, Sutlej, Karnali, and Arun rivers are located in the Karakoram and on the Tibetan Plateau. Originate on the slopes of the Himalayas largest rivers South Asia - Ganges and Brahmaputra. The river network is more developed on the southern slope. In the upper reaches of the river they are fed by snow and glaciers; in the middle and lower areas it is rainy, with maximum water flow in summer. The valleys are narrow and deep. The rivers have enormous hydropower resources that are practically not used. Large hydroelectric power stations and reservoirs have been created on the Sutlej and Beas rivers. Lakes ( tectonic origin and glacial) are located mainly in the western part of the Himalayas below 5000 m (Wular, Tso-Morari, etc.); large alpine lakes - Bangong, Mapam-Yumtso. When glacial lakes break out, glacial mudflows can occur.

Soils, flora and fauna. The landscapes of the Himalayas are very diverse, especially on the southern slopes. The maximum number of altitudinal zones is typical for the most humid slopes of the eastern part of the Himalayas. The foot of the mountains is bordered by a strip of terai - swampy trees and shrubs (jungles) on meadow-swamp tropical soils. Higher up the slope, moist evergreen tropical forests grow on mountain red soils. The predominant species are dipterocarp, palm, pandanus, and tree ferns intertwined with lianas (up to 400 species). At an altitude of 1200-1500 m, mountain evergreen subtropical forests of oaks, laurel, magnolia, and tea trees (castanopsis, phoebe) dominate. Above 2000-2200 m they give way to mixed deciduous forests on brown forest soils, in the forest stand of which species of temperate latitudes appear - maples, alder, hazel, birch and conifers (Himalayan pine, Himalayan spruce, dense fir). At an altitude of 3000 m, the belt of mountain coniferous forests of pine, fir, hemlock, yew, and juniper begins. At an altitude of 3700-3900 m, it gives way to a subalpine belt - a crooked forest of huge rhododendrons and junipers with the participation of ferns; above 4000 m - a belt of alpine meadows, the upper border of which passes at an altitude of about 5000 m, individual plants (arenaria, edelweiss) rise to an altitude of 6100 m. In the central part of the Himalayas, in the spectrum of altitudinal zones, there is no belt of moist evergreen tropical forests, and up to an altitude of 600-1000 m, deciduous forests of tallow with the participation of terminalia, albizia, etc. dominate.

In the drier western part of the Himalayas, the lower parts of the slopes (up to 600 m) are occupied by sparse xerophytic forests and shrubs with wild olive, an admixture of acacias, pomegranate, and oleander on mountain brown soils. Higher up (up to 1200-1500 m) monsoon deciduous forests grow with the dominance of tall on mountain red soils, which are replaced by mountain subtropical mixed forests of holm oak and mountain pines with evergreen undergrowth. From an altitude of 2000-2500 m, mountain mixed subboreal forests of long-leaved pine (chir), fir, Himalayan cedar (deodar) with the participation of oaks, maples on low-humus brown forest soils dominate. The belt of 3000-3500 m is dominated by mountain coniferous forests of fir with an admixture of birch on podzolized brown soils. Above 3500 m there is a subalpine birch forest, thickets of juniper and rhododendrons, giving way to a belt of alpine meadows and shrubs on mountain meadow soils. The upper limit of distribution of vascular plants is 6300 m. The northern slope is characterized by desert-steppe landscapes with cushion plants and xerophytic grasses on thin rocky mountain-desert soils. Woody vegetation (willows, poplars) is found along river valleys.

The Himalayas are home to about 300 species of mammals, more than 10 of them are endemic (golden langur, Himalayan tahr, pygmy pig, etc.), 175 species of reptiles (about 50 species are endemic), 105 species of amphibians. The avifauna has about 1000 species (15 species are endemic). The fauna of the Terai and low-mountain Himalayas belongs to the Indo-Malayan faunal region. Large mammals live here - elephants, rhinoceroses, gaurs, wild boars, several species of deer (muntjac, sambar), among predators - tigers and leopards, red wolf; of birds - peacocks, pheasants, parrots. In the eastern part of the Himalayas, the binturong (the civet family) is found. The fauna of the middle and high mountains belongs to the Chinese-Himalayan subregion of the Holarctic region. The forest and alpine zones are inhabited by wild yak, musk deer, red deer (hangul), mountain sheep (argali, blue sheep), marking goat, goral, takin, and black Himalayan bear. The clouded leopard and snow leopard (irbis) are endangered. The most common birds are the Himalayan snowcock, Himalayan crested pheasant, and tragopans.

The most famous protected areas of the Himalayas are the Corbett, Greater Himalaya, Namdapha, Kanchenjunga national parks (India); to the list World Heritage included the Manas Nature Reserve, Nandadevi and Valley of Flowers national parks (India), Kathmandu Valley, Chitwan and Sagarmatha national parks (Nepal). Mountaineering is widely developed in the Himalayas, mainly in Nepal. Climatic resorts - Shimla, Macypi, Darjeeling, etc. (India).

The main occupation of the population is agriculture. On the northern slope of the Greater Himalayas (the vicinity of Lake Tangra-Yumtso) are the upper limits of agriculture in the world. Excessive grazing of livestock in alpine meadows and forests has led to increased erosion and mudflow processes.

Lit.: Singh G. Geography of India. M., 1980; Senkovskaya N. F. Land resources of the Himalayas and problems of their use // Bulletin of Moscow State University. Ser. 5. Geography. 1982. No. 6; she is the same. Features of the distribution of mudflow phenomena in the Himalayas // Ibid. 1984. No. 6; Kononov Yu. V. Country of subtropics and snow-capped mountains. M., 1985; Bedi R. Animal world India. M., 1987; Dolgushin L. D., Osinova G. B. Glaciers. M., 1989; Golubchikov Yu. N. Geography of mountain and polar countries. M., 1996; State of Nepal's environment. Kathmandu, 2000; Khain V. E. Tectonics of continents and oceans (year 2000). M., 2001; Inventory of glaciers, glacial lakes and glacial lake outburst floods monitoring and early warning systems in Hindu Kush - Himalayan region. Kathmandu, 2002.

N. N. Alekseeva; Arc. V. Tevelev (geological structure and minerals).

Translated into Russian, the word “Himalayas” means “kingdom of snow.” This highest mountain system in the world rises on the border between Central and South Asia and separates the Tibetan Plateau from the Indus and Ganges lowlands (see the map of the physical and geographical zoning of Eurasia with links to photographs of the nature of this region). It was formed during the Cenozoic within that part of ancient Tethys, where the convergence of the marginal zones of Eurasia and the Hindustan block, which separated from Gondwana, took place.

Relief. The Himalayas are the most important geomorphological, climatic and floristic boundary. The physical-geographical and geomorphological boundaries of the mountain system itself are clearly expressed. In the north these are the longitudinal intermountain valleys of the Indus and Brahmaputra, in the south - the edge of the Indo-Gangetic Plain, in the northwest and southeast - the transverse valleys of the Indus and Brahmaputra. In the north-west, the Himalayas border on the Hindu Kush, in the south-east - on the Sino-Tibetan mountains. The total length of the mountain system is more than 2400 km, width - 200-350 km. The Himalayas are part of China, India, Nepal, and Pakistan.

Dozens of peaks in the Himalayas reach 7000 m, 11 peaks exceed 8000 m, and the passes average 5000 m, which exceeds the maximum altitude of the Alps (Fig. 50).

Rice. 50. Comparative profile of the Alps and Himalayas

The highest peak of the Himalayas and the whole world - Chomolungma (Everest), (8848 m) - was conquered only in 1953. The rise of the Himalayas has not ended at the present time, as evidenced by frequent earthquakes and the high position of early Quaternary sediments above sea level.

Geological structure. The structure of the mountains involves crystalline, metamorphic, sedimentary and volcanic rocks of various ages, from Archean to Quaternary, crushed into intense folds, complicated in the central parts by powerful thrusts and splits.

Features of the geological structure - the predominance of Precambrian rocks similar to the complexes of the Indian Platform, the very limited distribution of marine sedimentary strata and the presence of continental sediments close to Gondwanan - give reason to consider the Himalayas as a mountain system that arose on the site of the edge of the Indian Platform, which underwent tectonic activation in the Neogene -Quaternary time in connection with the attachment of the Hindustan Plate to the rest of Eurasia and the closure of Tethys.

The Himalayas do not form ridges stretching over long distances, but break up into separate massifs, separated from one another by deep transverse river valleys. This is due to the fact that the valleys of the largest rivers - the Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra - were formed before the start of the general grandiose uplift of the mountains. The uplift was accompanied by the incision of rivers and the formation of epigenetic valleys of the Himalayas.

The foothills of the Himalayas are composed of young sediments folded in the middle of the Quaternary period. They are known collectively as the Siwalik Mountains; their height on the territory of Nepal is about 1000 m. In some places they are closely pressed against the ridges of the Himalayas proper, in others they are separated by a strip of wide tectonic valleys - dunes. The Siwalik Mountains fall steeply to the north and south.

The next highest step of the Himalayas is the Lesser Himalayas; they are composed of crystalline Precambrian rocks, as well as highly metamorphosed sedimentary deposits of the Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Paleogene. This strip is characterized by intense folding, faulting and volcanism. The height of the ridges reaches an average of 3500-4500 m, and individual peaks rise up to 6000 m. In the northwest, the Pir Panjal ridge with a height of more than 6000 m stretches, then to the southeast it is replaced by the Lesser Himalayas proper, which join the Greater Himalayas (Main Himalayas). Himalayan ridge) high-mountainous powerful massif Dhaulagiri (8221 m). Further to the east, the entire system of the Himalayas narrows, the zone of the Lesser Himalayas presses against the Main Range, forming the medium-high Mahabharata Mountains, and even further east - the high and highly dissected Duar Mountains.

Between the Small and Great Himalayas stretches a strip of tectonic basins, which in the recent past were occupied by lakes and processed by glaciers. The most famous in the west is the Kashmir Basin at an altitude of 1600 m, with the main city of Kashmir being Srinagar. The existence of a lake that formerly filled the basin is evidenced by terraces well defined on the slopes. Several residual lakes remain on the surface of the flat bottom. The second large basin of the central part of the Himalayas - Kathmandu in Nepal - is located at an altitude of about 1400 m; it contains the majority of the population of this highland country.

To the north of the basins rise the Great Himalayas, reaching an average height of 6000 m. This is a well-defined alpine ridge, above which the highest peaks of the world rise. At the western end of the Main Range this is the grandiose Nangaparbat massif (8126 m), then there is a series of peaks exceeding 6000 and 7000 m, then eight-thousandth giants rise, covered with snow and ice: Dhaulagiri (8167), Kutang (8126 m), Gosaintan (8013 m) ) etc. Among them, the highest peak of the world, Chomolungma (Everest), with a height of 8848 m, does not even particularly stand out. Kanchenjunga (8598 m), which is only slightly inferior to it, is magnificent and majestic.

The northern slope of the Greater Himalayas is flatter and more accessible than the southern one. The Ladakh ridge with a height of up to 7728 m stretches along it. Many rivers originate on its slopes, which then cross the Main Range. To the north of Ladakh, behind the wide longitudinal valleys of the Indus and Brahmaputra, the marginal ridges of the Tibetan Plateau (Trans-Himalaya) rise.

Useful fossils. The Himalayas are rich in mineral resources. In the axial crystalline zone there are deposits of copper ore, placer gold, arsenic and chromium ores. The foothills and intermountain basins contain oil, flammable gases, brown coal, potassium and rock salts.

Climatic conditions. The Himalayas are the largest climate division in Asia. To the north of them, continental air of temperate latitudes predominates, to the south - tropical air masses. The summer equatorial monsoon penetrates all the way to the southern slope of the Himalayas. The winds reach such strength there that they make it difficult to climb the highest peaks. Therefore, you can climb Chomolungma only in the spring, during a short period of calm before the onset of the summer monsoon. On the northern slope, winds from the northern or western directions blow throughout the year, coming from the continent, which is supercooled in winter or very warm in summer, but is always dry. From northwest to southeast, the Himalayas extend approximately between 35 and 28° N, and the summer monsoon almost does not penetrate into the northwestern sector of the mountain system. All this creates large climatic differences within the Himalayas. The most precipitation falls in the eastern part of the southern slope (from 2000 to 3000 mm). In the west, their annual amounts do not exceed 1000 mm. Less than 1000 mm falls in the zone of internal tectonic basins and in internal river valleys. On the northern slope, especially in the valleys, the amount of precipitation decreases sharply. In some places, annual amounts are less than 100 mm. Above 1800 m, winter precipitation falls in the form of snow, and above 4500 m snow occurs throughout the year.

On the southern slopes up to an altitude of 2000 m, the average temperature in January is 6...7 °C, in July 18...19 °C; up to an altitude of 3000 m, the average temperature of the winter months does not fall below 0 ° C, and only above 4500 m the average July temperature becomes negative. The snow line in the eastern part of the Himalayas passes at an altitude of 4500 m, in the western, less humidified part - 5100-5300 m. On the northern slopes, the height of the nival belt is 700-1000 m higher than on the southern ones.

Natural water. High altitude and heavy precipitation contribute to the formation of powerful glaciers and a dense river network. Glaciers and snow cover all the high peaks of the Himalayas, but the ends of the glacial tongues have a significant absolute height. Most of the Himalayan glaciers belong to the valley type and reach no more than 5 km in length. But the further east you go and the more precipitation there is, the longer and lower the glaciers go down the slopes. The most powerful glaciation is on Chomolungma and Kanchenjunga, and the largest glaciers of the Himalayas are formed. These are dendritic type glaciers with several feeding areas and one main trunk. The Zemu glacier on Kanchenjunga reaches 25 km in length and ends at an altitude of about 4000 m. The Rongbuk glacier, 19 km long, slides down from Qomolungma and ends at an altitude of 5000 m. The Gangotri glacier in the Kumaon Himalayas reaches 26 km; one of the sources of the Ganges originates from it.

Especially many rivers flow from the southern slope of the mountains. They begin in the glaciers of the Greater Himalayas and, crossing the Lesser Himalayas and the foothills, reach the plain. Some large rivers originate from the northern slope and, heading towards the Indo-Gangetic Plain, cut through the Himalayas with deep through valleys. These are the Indus, its tributary the Sutlej and the Brahmaputra (Tsangpo).

The Himalayan rivers are fed by rain, glaciers and snow, so the main maximum flow occurs in the summer. In the eastern part, the role of monsoon rains in nutrition is great, in the west - snow and ice of the high mountain zone. The narrow gorges or canyon-like valleys of the Himalayas are replete with waterfalls and rapids. From May, when the most rapid melting of snow begins, until October, when the summer monsoon ends, rivers rush down from the mountains in rapid streams, carrying away masses of debris that they deposit when leaving the Himalayan foothills. Monsoon rains often cause severe floods on mountain rivers, during which bridges are washed away, roads are destroyed and landslides occur.

There are many lakes in the Himalayas, but among them there are none that can be compared in size and beauty with the Alpine ones. Some lakes, for example in the Kashmir Basin, occupy only part of those tectonic depressions that were previously filled entirely. The Pir Panjal range is known for numerous glacial lakes formed in ancient cirques or in river valleys as a result of their damming by moraine.

Vegetation. On the abundantly moistened southern slope of the Himalayas, altitudinal zones from tropical forests to high-mountain tundras are exceptionally pronounced. At the same time, the southern slope is characterized by significant differences in the vegetation cover of the humid and hot eastern part and the drier and colder western part. Along the foot of the mountains from their eastern extremity to the course of the Jamna River stretches a peculiar swampy strip with black silty soils, called the Terai. The Terai are characterized by jungles - dense thickets of trees and shrubs, almost impenetrable in places due to vines and consisting of soap trees, mimosa, bananas, low-growing palm trees, and bamboos. Among the terai there are cleared and drained areas that are used for the cultivation of various tropical crops.

Above the terai, on the damp slopes of the mountains and along river valleys up to an altitude of 1000-1200 m, evergreen tropical forests grow of tall palms, laurels, tree ferns and gigantic bamboos, with many vines (including the rattan palm) and epiphytes. Drier areas are dominated by thinner forests of salwood, which loses its leaves during the dry season, with rich undergrowth and grass cover.

At altitudes above 1000 m, subtropical species of evergreen and deciduous trees begin to mix with the heat-loving forms of the tropical forest: pines, evergreen oaks, magnolias, maples, chestnuts. At an altitude of 2000 m, subtropical forests give way to temperate forests of deciduous and coniferous trees, among which only occasionally are representatives of subtropical flora, for example, magnificently flowering magnolias found. The upper border of the forest is dominated by conifers, including silver fir, larch, and juniper. The undergrowth is formed by dense thickets of tree-like rhododendrons. There are many mosses and lichens covering the soil and tree trunks. The subalpine belt replacing forests consists of tall grass meadows and thickets of shrubs, the vegetation of which gradually becomes lower and sparse as it moves to the alpine belt. The high-altitude meadow vegetation of the Himalayas is unusually rich in species, including primroses, anemones, poppies and other brightly flowering perennial herbs. The upper limit of the alpine belt in the east reaches an altitude of about 5000 m, but individual plants are found much higher. When climbing Chomolungma, plants were discovered at an altitude of 6218 m.

In the western part of the southern slope of the Himalayas, due to lower humidity, there is no such richness and diversity of vegetation; the flora is much poorer than in the east. There is a complete absence of the Terai strip, the lower parts of the mountain slopes are covered with sparse xerophytic forests and bushes, higher up there are some subtropical Mediterranean species like evergreen holm oak and golden olive, and even higher up coniferous forests of pine trees and magnificent Himalayan cedar (Cedrus deodara) predominate. The shrub undergrowth in these forests is poorer than in the east, but the meadow alpine vegetation is more diverse.

The landscapes of the northern ranges of the Himalayas, facing Tibet, are approaching the desert mountain landscapes of Central Asia. The change in vegetation with height is less pronounced than on the southern slopes. From the bottoms of large river valleys up to the snow-covered peaks, sparse thickets of dry grasses and xerophytic shrubs spread. Woody vegetation is found only in some river valleys in the form of thickets of low-growing poplars.

Animal world. The landscape differences of the Himalayas are also reflected in the composition of the wild fauna. The diverse and rich fauna of the southern slopes has a distinct tropical character. Many large mammals, reptiles, and insects are common in the forests of the lower slopes and in the terai. Elephants, rhinoceroses, buffalos, wild boars, and antelopes are still found there. The jungle is literally teeming with various monkeys. Particularly characteristic are macaques and thin-bodied animals. Of the predators, the most dangerous to the population are tigers and leopards - spotted and black (black panthers). Among the birds, peacocks, pheasants, parrots, and wild chickens stand out for their beauty and brightness of plumage.

In the upper mountain belt and on the northern slopes, the fauna is close in composition to that of Tibet. The black Himalayan bear, wild goats and sheep, and yaks live there. Especially a lot of rodents.

Population and environmental problems. Most of the population is concentrated in the middle zone of the southern slope and in intramountain tectonic basins. There is a lot of cultivated land there. Rice is sown on the irrigated flat bottoms of the basins; tea bushes, citrus fruits, and grapevines are grown on the terraced slopes. Alpine pastures are used for grazing sheep, yaks and other livestock.

Due to the high altitude of the passes in the Himalayas, communication between the countries of the northern and southern slopes is significantly complicated. Some passes are crossed by dirt roads or caravan trails; there are very few highways in the Himalayas. The passes are accessible only in summer. In winter they are covered with snow and completely impassable.

The inaccessibility of the territory has played a favorable role in preserving the unique mountain landscapes of the Himalayas. Despite the significant agricultural development of low mountains and basins, intensive grazing of livestock on mountain slopes and the ever-increasing influx of climbers from around the world, the Himalayas remain a refuge for valuable species of plants and animals. The real “treasures” are the national parks of India and Nepal - Nandadevi, Sagarmatha and Chitwan - included in the World Cultural and Natural Heritage List.

Solarshakti / flickr.com View of the snow-capped Himalayas (Saurabh Kumar_ / flickr.com) The Great Himalayas - view on the way to Leh from Delhi (Karunakar Rayker / flickr.com) You will have to cross this bridge if you are going to Everest Base Camp (ilker ender / flickr.com) The Great Himalayas (Christopher Michel / flickr.com) Christopher Michel / flickr.com Christopher Michel / flickr.com Sunset on Everest (旅者河童 / flickr.com) The Himalayas from a plane (Partha S. Sahana / flickr.com) Lukla Airport, Patan, Kathmandu. (Chris Marquardt / flickr.com) Valley of Flowers, Himalayas (Alosh Bennett / flickr.com) Himalayan Landscape (Jan / flickr.com) Bridge over the Ganges (Asis K. Chatterjee / flickr.com) Kanchenjunga, Indian Himalayas (A.Ostrovsky / flickr.com) Climber at sunset, Nepal Himalayas (Dmitry Sumin / flickr.com) Manaslu - 26,758 feet (David Wilkinson / flickr.com) Himalayan wildlife (Chris Walker / flickr.com) Annapurna (Mike Behnken / flickr.com) ) On the India-Tibet border in Kinnaur Himachal Pradesh (Partha Chowdhury / flickr.com) A nice place in Kashmir (Kashmir Pictures / flickr.com) Abhishek Shirali / flickr.com Parfen Rogozhin / flickr.com Koshy Koshy / flickr.com valcker / flickr.com Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal (Matt Zimmerman / flickr.com) Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal (Matt Zimmerman / flickr.com)

Where are the Himalaya mountains, the photos of which are so amazing? For most people, this question is unlikely to cause difficulty, at least they will answer exactly on which continent these mountains stretch.

If you look at a geographical map, you can see that they are located in the northern hemisphere, in South Asia, between the Indo-Gangetic Plain (in the south) and the Tibetan Plateau (in the north).

In the west they pass into the Karakoram and Hindu Kush mountain systems.

The peculiarity of the geographical location of the Himalayas is that they are located on the territory of five countries: India, Nepal, China (Tibet Autonomous Region), Bhutan and Pakistan. The foothills also cross the northern edge of Bangladesh. The name of the mountain system can be translated from Sanskrit as “abode of snow.”

Height of the Himalayas

9 out of 10 are found in the Himalayas highest peaks on our planet, including the highest point in the world - Chomolungma, whose height reaches 8848 m above sea level. Its geographical coordinates: 27°59′17″ north latitude 86°55′31″ east longitude. The average height of the entire mountain system exceeds 6000 meters.

Highest peaks of the Himalayas

Geographical description: 3 main stages

The Himalayas form three main stages: the Siwalik Range, the Lesser Himalayas and the Greater Himalayas, each higher than the previous one.

1. Siwalik Range– the southernmost, lowest and geologically youngest step. It stretches for approximately 1,700 km from the Indus Valley to the Brahmaputra Valley with a width ranging from 10 to 50 km. The height of the ridge does not exceed 2000 m. Siwalik is located mainly in Nepal, as well as in the Indian states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
2. The next step is the Lesser Himalayas, they run north of the Siwalik ridge, parallel to it. The average height of the ridge is about 2500 m, and in the western part it reaches 4000 m. The Siwalik Range and the Lesser Himalayas are strongly cut by river valleys, breaking up into separate massifs.
3. Greater Himalayas- the northernmost and highest step. The height of individual peaks here exceeds 8000 m, and the height of the passes is more than 4000 m. Glaciers are widely developed. Their total area exceeds 33,000 square kilometers, and their total reserves fresh water they contain about 12,000 cubic kilometers. One of the largest and most famous glaciers, Gangotri, is the source of the Ganges River.

Rivers and lakes of the Himalayas

The three largest rivers of South Asia - the Indus, Ganges and Brahmaputra - begin in the Himalayas. The rivers of the western tip of the Himalayas belong to the Indus basin, and almost all other rivers belong to the Ganges-Brahmaputra basin. The easternmost edge of the mountain system belongs to the Irrawaddy basin.

There are many lakes in the Himalayas. The largest of them are Lake Bangong Tso (700 km²) and Yamjo-Yumtso (621 km²). Lake Tilicho is located at an absolute elevation of 4919 m, which makes it one of the highest in the world.

Climate

The climate in the Himalayas is quite varied. The southern slopes are strongly influenced by the monsoons. The amount of precipitation here increases from west to east from less than 1000 mm to more than 4000 mm.

On the India-Tibet border in Kinnaur Himachal Pradesh (Partha Chowdhury / flickr.com)

The northern slopes, on the contrary, are in the rain shadow. The climate here is arid and cold.

In the highlands there are severe frosts and winds. In winter, temperatures can drop to minus 40 °C or even lower.

The Himalayas have a strong influence on the climate of the entire region. They act as a barrier to cold, dry winds blowing from the north, making the climate of the Indian subcontinent much warmer than neighboring regions of Asia at the same latitudes. In addition, the Himalayas are a barrier to the monsoons, which blow from the south and bring great amount precipitation.

High mountains prevent these moist air masses from flowing further north, making Tibet's climate very dry.

It is believed that the Himalayas played a significant role in the formation of the deserts of Central Asia, such as the Taklamakan and Gobi, which is also explained by the rain shadow effect.

Origin and geology

Geologically, the Himalayas are one of the youngest mountain systems peace; refers to the Alpine folding. It is composed mainly of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, folded and raised to a considerable height.

The Himalayas were formed as a result of the collision of the Indian and Eurasian lithospheric plates, which began approximately 50-55 million years ago. This collision closed the ancient Tethys Ocean and formed an orogenic belt.

Flora and fauna

The flora of the Himalayas is subject to altitudinal zonation. At the foot of the Siwalik range, the vegetation consists of swampy forests and thickets, locally known as “terai”.

Himalayan Landscape (Jan / flickr.com)

Higher up they are replaced by evergreen tropical, deciduous and coniferous forests, and even higher by alpine meadows.

Deciduous forests begin to prevail at absolute elevations of more than 2000 m, and coniferous forests – above 2600 m.

At an altitude of more than 3500 m, shrubby vegetation predominates.

On the northern slopes, where the climate is much drier, the vegetation is much poorer. Mountain deserts and steppes are common here. The height of the snow line varies from 4500 (southern slopes) to 6000 m (northern slopes).

Wildlife of the Himalayas (Chris Walker / flickr.com)

The local fauna is quite diverse and, like vegetation, depends mainly on the altitude above sea level. The fauna of tropical forests on the southern slopes is characteristic of the tropics. Elephants, rhinoceroses, tigers, leopards, and antelopes are still found here in the wild; monkeys are numerous.

Higher up you can find Himalayan bears, mountain goats and sheep, yaks, etc. In the highlands you can also find such a rare animal as the snow leopard.

There are many different protected areas located in the Himalayas. Among them, it is worth noting the Sagarmatha National Park, within which Everest is partially located.

Population

Most of the population of the Himalayas lives in the southern foothills and intermountain basins. The largest basins are Kashmir and Kathmandu; these regions are very densely populated, and almost all the land here is cultivated.

Bridge over the Ganges (Asis K. Chatterjee / flickr.com)

Like many other mountain regions, the Himalayas have great ethnic and linguistic diversity.

This is explained by the inaccessibility of these places, due to which the population of almost every valley or basin lived very separately.

Contacts even with neighboring areas were minimal, since in order to get to them, it is necessary to overcome high mountain passes, which in winter are often covered with snow, and they become completely impassable. In this case, some intermountain basin could be completely isolated until next summer.

Almost the entire population of the region speaks either Indo-Aryan languages, which belong to the Indo-European family, or Tibeto-Burman languages, which belong to the Sino-Tibetan family. Most of the population professes Buddhism or Hinduism.

The most famous people of the Himalayas are the Sherpas, who live in the highlands of Eastern Nepal, including the Everest region. They often work as guides and porters on expeditions to Chomolungma and other peaks.

Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal (Matt Zimmerman / flickr.com)

Sherpas have hereditary high-altitude adaptation, thanks to which even at very high altitudes they do not suffer from altitude sickness and do not need additional oxygen.

Most of the population of the Himalayas is engaged in agriculture. If there is a sufficiently flat surface and water, people cultivate rice, barley, oats, potatoes, peas, etc.

In the foothills and in some intermountain basins, more heat-loving crops are grown - citrus fruits, apricots, grapes, tea, etc. In the highlands, breeding of goats, sheep and yaks is common. The latter are used as a beast of burden, as well as for meat, milk and wool.

Sights of the Himalayas

The Himalayas are home to a wide variety of attractions. This region has a huge amount Buddhist monasteries And Hindu temples, as well as simply places considered sacred in Buddhism and Hinduism.

Valley of Flowers, Himalayas (Alosh Bennett / flickr.com)

In the foothills of the Himalayas is the Indian city of Rishikesh, which is sacred to Hindus and is also widely known as world capital yoga

Another sacred Hindu city is Hardwar, located at the point where the Ganges descends from the Himalayas to the plain. In Hindi, its name can be translated as “gateway to God.”

Among the natural attractions, it is worth mentioning the Valley of Flowers National Park, located in the Western Himalayas, in the Indian state of Uttarkhand.

The valley fully lives up to its name: it is a continuous carpet of flowers, completely different from ordinary alpine meadows. Together with the Nanda Devi National Park, it is a UNESCO heritage site.

Tourism

Mountaineering and mountaineering are popular in the Himalayas. hiking over the mountains. From walking routes The best known trek is the Annapurna Circuit, which runs along the slopes of the mountain range of the same name in north-central Nepal.

Climber at sunset, Nepal Himalayas (Dmitry Sumin / flickr.com)

The length of the route is 211 km, and its altitude varies from 800 to 5416 m.

Sometimes tourists combine this trek with a hike to Lake Tilicho, located at an absolute elevation of 4919 m.

To others popular route is the route around Manaslu, which goes around the Mansiri Himal mountain range and partially coincides with the route around Annapurna.

How long it will take to complete these routes depends on the person’s physical fitness, time of year, weather conditions and other factors. In high altitude areas, you should not gain altitude too quickly to avoid symptoms of altitude sickness.

Conquering the Himalayan peaks is quite difficult and dangerous. It requires good preparation, equipment and requires mountaineering experience.