Himalayas

Among the mountain ranges in the world, the youngest is the Himalayas. The origin of this mighty mountain range is traced back to about 80 million years. This mountain range was formed due to collision of plates. The great Himalaya is also considered to be world's highest mountain range. The geographical extent of Himalayan range is along Nepal, India, Burma, Bhutan and frontiers of Pakistan.

Jammu and Kashmir topography has been influenced by Himalaya mountain range extending through this state. In the geography of Jammu and Kashmir Himalayan range occupies a very significant position. Himalaya can be divided into three distinct mountain ranges:

Greater Himalayas

Outer Himalayas

Lesser Himalayas

The average height of the Greater Himalayas is about 6000 meter. This range consist of three mountains, namely Mount Godwin-Austen or K2, Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. The Outer Himalaya has an average altitude of 900 to 1200 meter. This mountain range is situated between the Indo-Gangetic Plain and the Lesser Himalayas. In the north western part of India, the Lesser Himalayas is situated. The approximate height of Lesser Himalayas is about 1500 to 5000 meter. Many of the important hill stations like Darjiling and Simla are located in the Lesser Himalayas. These hill stations are favorite tourist destinations in India.

Himalaya range has been an ever favorite with the trekkers from all over the world. Many tourist destinations are located in this mountain range. Himalayas has been a place of origin for innumerable rivers. The mountain passes located in the Himalayan mountain range are

• Zoji la
• Boktol pass
• Shingo la
• Pin Parbati