At the lower elevations reaching towards mid-elevation is classified as a humid, subtropical climate with dry winters. These climates range from subtropical in the foothills to dry, desert conditions on the Tibetan side of the range. Due to its vast size, huge altitude range and complex topography the Himalayas has a wide range of climates. The belt, which has a length of 2400 m, has the highest rate of uplift at 1 cm/year at Nanga Parbat as well as the highest peak above sea-level (Mount Everest) at 8848 m. Although the first expedition was primarily for reconnaissance of the peak, the second and third expeditions saw 2 serious attempts on the mountain’s summit. From that point forward, expeditions in the region became a fairly popular pastime for well-to-do British surveyors and adventurers. Moreover, the status of Nepal as a closed kingdom until the mid 20th century made travel in the highest elevation parts of the range exceptionally difficult or off-limits. Survey work was slow going in the range due to the ruggedness of the terrain and the need to haul theodolites into high elevation locales. Due to the range’s proximity to some of the world’s largest rivers, it comes as no surprise that the region in and around the Himalaya has been continuously inhabited for thousands of years. What are the biggest threats to the Himalayan Mountains? While treks to the region’s many high-elevation basecamps remain popular, other options, including circuit hikes are fan-favorites among tourists, particularly in Nepal.The city also has Nepal’s largest airport, which includes international and domestic terminals that offer great connections to the country’s most popular trekking areas.In contemporary times the Himalayas have offered the greatest attraction and the greatest challenge to mountaineers throughout the world.The Himalayas are one of the most spectacular mountain ranges on Earth, forming the iconic backbone of Asia.The region in and around Mount Everest within the Solukhumbu District is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal for international travelers.Mount Cho Oyu is the westernmost peak of the Khumbu sub-section of the Mahalangur Himalayas, and it lies 20km west of Mount Everest.Very few tourists trek this route and a special permit is needed to enter the area. Wildlife throughout the low and the mid elevations of the Himalaya is truly exceptional, with a number of endemic species calling the region home. Meanwhile, the Lesser Himalaya between about 2,000m and 3,000m (6,600 to 9,800ft) are home to mixed temperate forests, including the eastern Himalayan broadleaf forests and the western Himalayan broadleaf forests ecoregions. The lowest elevations in the region around the Indo-Gangetic plain are home to lowland forests that are a mix of scrub and deciduous trees, as well as some small stands of mixed coniferous forests. Indeed, the range contains a number of different ecoregions as well as an assortment of different endemic flora and fauna.Most visitors launch their trip in the Annapurna region by flying from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then catching a bumpy jeep ride into the foothills.It is located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas, and it was first summited by the Europeans in 1953.Although the area is accessible by a multi-day road journey, most visitors to the region start with a flight from Kathmandu to the Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla.In the early 20th century the number of mountaineering expeditions increased markedly to the Karakoram Range and to the Kumaun and Sikkim Himalayas.Forming a massive barrier between the Indian subcontinent to the south and the Tibetan Plateau to the north, the Himalayas (technically the Himalaya) is a major mountain range in India, Nepal, Pakistan, Tibet (China), and Bhutan.Getting to the region is a bit more involved than the Annapurna or Mount Everest regions, but it is possible to fly to Bagdogra and arrange for a private jeep transfer toward the start of many of the area’s popular treks.Easier access to the mountains brought increasingly large numbers of climbers and hikers into the region—hundreds alone trying to summit Everest each year. The city also has Nepal’s largest airport, which includes international and domestic terminals that offer great connections to the country’s most popular trekking areas. Located on the far eastern end of Nepal, straddling India’s Sikkim region, the Kanchenjunga area is a solid trekking location if you’re looking to escape the crowds. With thousands of peaks to check out, there’s no shortage of adventure in the Himalayas. Moreover, the Himalayas have become increasingly popular among trekkers in the last few decades. Throughout the Golden Age of British Mountaineering in the mid-20th century, all 14 of the world’s 8,000 meter peaks saw their first ascent, with the final peak, Shishapangma, being summited in 1964. Covering a vast swath of south-central Asia, the Himalayas contain 3,411 named peaks, the highest and most prominent of which is the mighty Mount Everest (Sagarmāthā/Chomolungma/珠穆朗玛) at 8,848m (29,032ft). Boasting jagged summits, massive glaciers, stunning mountain vistas, and the highest peak on Earth, the Himalayas are the loftiest mountain range in the world. The trek offers almost continuous views of the tallest peaks in the world and the trail ends at the Everest Base Camp. This peak is known as one of the easiest mountains to climb and was first summitted in 1954. China administers some 14,000 square miles (36,000 square km) in the Ladakh region and has claimed territory at the eastern end of the Himalayas within the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. The width of the Himalayas from south to north varies between 125 and 250 miles (200 and 400 km). In contemporary times the Himalayas have offered the greatest attraction and the greatest challenge to mountaineers throughout the world. Since ancient times the vast glaciated heights have attracted the attention of the pilgrim mountaineers of India, who coined the Sanskrit name Himalaya—from hima (“snow”) and alaya (“abode”)—for that great mountain system. Mount Everest was first successfully scaled in May 1953 by the New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary and his Tibetan partner Tenzing Norgay. Where Are the Himalayas Located Geographically? This range contains the greatest portion of the highest peaks in the world. The mountain range is also home to some of the greatest rivers and the highest concentration of glaciers outside of the polar region. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about this famous mountain range in Asia, as well as the most notable Himalayan mountains and hikes. The Himalayas range is home to the top 10 world’s tallest moutains, including the Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world above sea-level. While less accessible than Nepal, Tibet offers remote and mystical views of the world’s highest peaks. About 75% of Nepal is mountainous, making it the most accessible and popular country for Himalayan adventures. This vast range influences regional climates, river systems, and cultural traditions. Www.nepalhimalayastrekking.com. Bhutan’s mountains are quieter and more meditative, offering a peaceful alternative to busy trekking trails. Bhutan’s Himalayas form part of the eastern range, with pristine mountains and a deeply spiritual landscape. They separate the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau and contain Earth’s tallest peaks, including Mount Everest (8,848 meters / 29,029 feet). Which Country Has the Most Himalayas? Additionally, the range is located to the northeast of the Naga Hills in India and Myanmar and to the south of the Tibet Plateau in Tibet and the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan, Tibet, Afghanistan, and Kyrgyzstan. He founded Mountain IQ in 2014 with the sole aim to be the best online information portal to some of the most popular mountain destinations around the world. They are a massive mountain range with a length of approximately 1,500 miles (2,400 km). In some parts, the range is a mere 16km wide, only reaching an elevation of between 900-1,200m above sea-level. The range has an average elevation of 3,700-4,500m above sea-level and includes portions of the western, Kumaun, Nepal and Assam Himalayas ranges. This range extends northwest-southeast across the northern limit of the Indian subcontinent. These peaks rise in Nepal and India, near the Tibetan border. These regions offer sacred rivers, pilgrimage routes, and popular hill stations like Shimla, Manali, Rishikesh, and Gangtok. On a topographic map, the Himalayas form a white arc of snow-clad peaks tracing India’s northern border, cutting through Nepal, and curving into Bhutan, China (Tibet), and Pakistan. After he and his team made a number of measurements of the peak from nearly 200km (124mi) away, Waugh believed that Peak b was actually the tallest in the world. By the 1840s, however, British Surveyor General of India, Andrew Waugh sited a peak - then called Peak b - from the eastern Himalayas which appeared to be exceptionally large. In fact, by the mid-1800s, it was widely believed that Kangchenjunga was the tallest peak on Earth, partially because the British surveyors weren’t able to access Nepal. The region is very ethnically, culturally, and religiously diverse, with Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, Islam, Sikhism, and Jainism being the major religions in the area. The Himalayas stretch uninterruptedly for about 1,550 miles (2,500 km) in Asia, forming a barrier between the Plateau of Tibet to the north and the alluvial plains of the Indian subcontinent to the south. It makes up a great line of snowy peaks with an average height exceeding 6,100m. It also boasts incredible heights, steep-sided jagged peaks and valleys. This mountain range has been sculpted by unceasing denudation processes of weathering and erosion. The Himalayan mountain range spans five countries—Nepal, India, Bhutan, China, and Pakistan—and forms the natural backbone of South and Central Asia. Regardless of where you go in the Himalaya, stunning mountain views and a landscape like no other are sure to impress. Moreover, the 1950 ascent of Annapurna was the first time that an 8,000 meter peak had been summited on its first attempt. Waugh eventually called the peak Mount Everest, naming it after Sir George Everest, who was his predecessor as the Surveyor General of India. In the English language world, the peak was called Peak XV and it was estimated to be around 8,839.8m (29,002ft) tall - a surprisingly close estimate based on survey distances. The mountain-building process is still active and as bedrock is lifted, significant stream erosion and gigantic landslides occur.The highlights of this trek are camping near the base of Kang-Yutze Peak and getting a glimpse of authentic Tibetan Culture.Pakistan contains the westernmost section of the Himalayan range, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan.Shimla contains some truly remarkable cultural and historical sites , which makes it a hub for tourism in the region.However, to get from one to the other you have to travel more than 24 hours by bus through the bad mountain serpentines of Nepal, which I personally did not dare to do on my trip to India.Encompassing both the central part of the Himalayas and some of the easternmost part of the range, India is home to some of the most stunning parts of the world’s highest mountain system.Mount Kanchenjunga is the world’s third highest mountain at 8,586m above sea-level.This includes ecoregions such as the western and eastern Himalayan subalpine conifer forests, and the northeastern Himalayan subalpine conifer forests. Kathmandu, Nepal Himalayan mountaineering began in the 1880s with the Briton W.W. Graham, who claimed to have climbed several peaks in 1883. By 1862 more than 40 peaks with elevations exceeding 18,000 feet (5,500 meters) had been climbed for surveying purposes. The Great Himalayas contain many of the world’s tallest peaks, including (from west to east) Nanga Parbat, Annapurna, Mount Everest, and Kanchenjunga. Despite being the highest mountain range in the world, well over 50 million people live in and around the Himalayas, including thousands of people who live in villages that are above 3,400m (11,150ft). Some of the most popular treks in the Annapurna region include hikes to Annapurna Base Camp and the Annapurna Sanctuary, as well as the longer Annapurna Circuit trek. These regions are not part of the central Himalayas but are geologically connected. Though often overshadowed by the Karakoram, Pakistan's Himalayan region is rugged and wild. Pakistan contains the westernmost section of the Himalayan range, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan. Nepal’s Himalayas attract trekkers, climbers, and pilgrims from around the world. Additionally, Bhutan has a number of protected regions, including Jigme Dorji National Park and Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary. The Kingdom of Bhutan is a small landlocked country that contains 29 named mountains - all of which are part of the Himalayas. Moreover, Tibet is home to quite a few popular trekking areas for those who manage to acquire a permit. As far as hiking and trekking areas go, Nepal is no stranger to beautiful national parks and conservation areas. Shimla contains some truly remarkable cultural and historical sites , which makes it a hub for tourism in the region. It is connected by the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the Qinghai-tibet Highway, and the Lhasa Gonggar Airport to other parts of China as well as occasional international flights to Kathmandu. Within Kathmandu, there are plenty of amazing cultural and historical sites to check out, including the city’s many world heritage sites. In addition to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, other great hiking options in the area include the Goecha La trek, the Varsey Trek, the Dzongri Trek, and the Sandakphu, though many of these treks require camping rather than staying in tea houses. If you’re planning on trekking to Poon Hill, make sure to get up early on your summit day so you can catch the sunrise from the top. The route is 206km (round trip) long and reaches a maximum elevation of 5416m above sea-level.The snow leopard lives throughout the mountains of central Asia, including within the Himalaya, the Tibetan Plateau, and in various high-elevation regions of China, Mongolia, and Russia.The ranges, which form the northern border of the Indian subcontinent and an almost impassable barrier between it and the lands to the north, are part of a vast mountain belt that stretches halfway around the world from North Africa to the Pacific Ocean coast of Southeast Asia.The Annapurna Circuit Trek is certainly popular, with over trekkers visiting from around the world.Regardless of where you go in the Himalaya, stunning mountain views and a landscape like no other are sure to impress.These regions are not part of the central Himalayas but are geologically connected.Of course, the type of vegetation depends on the elevation and precipitation.Boasting jagged summits, massive glaciers, stunning mountain vistas, and the highest peak on Earth, the Himalayas are the loftiest mountain range in the world.Throughout the Golden Age of British Mountaineering in the mid-20th century, all 14 of the world’s 8,000 meter peaks saw their first ascent, with the final peak, Shishapangma, being summited in 1964. Moreover, Pakistan’s Himalayas contain a handful of protected areas, including Deosai National Park. Home to the easternmost extent of the Himalayas, Pakistan includes just a small section of this lofty range. Due to the sheer size of the Himalayas, it’s easiest to categorize the range by country. Indeed, the range contains a number of different ecoregions as well as an assortment of different endemic flora and fauna. In a mountain range as large as the Himalayas, a substantial amount of biodiversity is to be expected. Although the Himalaya are currently the highest mountains on Earth, they weren’t always as lofty as they are today. Challenges facing the Himalayan Mountains Not until 1852 were the computations sufficiently advanced for it to be realized that Peak XV was higher than any other mountain in the world. In 1733 a French geographer, Jean-Baptiste Bourguignon d’Arville, compiled the first map of Tibet and the Himalayan range based on systematic exploration. However, to get from one to the other you have to travel more than 24 hours by bus through the bad mountain serpentines of Nepal, which I personally did not dare to do on my trip to India. Mount Dhaulagiri is the seventh highest mountain in the world and lie in the north of central Nepal. It is the sixth highest mountain in the world and stands at 8,201m above sea-level. Mount Cho Oyu is the westernmost peak of the Khumbu sub-section of the Mahalangur Himalayas, and it lies 20km west of Mount Everest. Mount Lhotse which is located on the border of Nepal and Tibet is the fourth highest mountain in the world and is connected to Mount Everest. Mount Kanchenjunga is the world’s third highest mountain at 8,586m above sea-level. Alternatively, many visitors opt for a shorter trek to Poon Hill from Ghorepani, which offers views of the Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, and even Mount Everest on a particularly sunny day. Most visitors launch their trip in the Annapurna region by flying from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then catching a bumpy jeep ride into the foothills. Or, if you’re interested in experiencing the region’s beautiful culture, a trip to Namche Bazaar can’t be beat. From there, many visitors set out on treks toward Everest Base Camp, though there are plenty of other treks to consider if you’re looking to get off the beaten path. Although the area is accessible by a multi-day road journey, most visitors to the region start with a flight from Kathmandu to the Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. The route is 206km (round trip) long and reaches a maximum elevation of 5416m above sea-level. This trek follows an ancient Himalayan Trade route and should take between 8-25 days to complete, with the average completion time being 14-days. Very few tourists trek this route and a special permit is needed to enter the area. The highlights of the trek are the ancient “Forbidden City” and the ancient monasteries and caves. The trek which is between days long and has a distance of 29km-89km, is truly like traveling back in time. The Himalayas include the highest mountains in the world, and are known for their soaring heights, steep-sided jagged peaks, valleys, and alpine glaciers, deep river gorges, and a series of elevational belts that display different ecological associations of flora, fauna, and climate.After he and his team made a number of measurements of the peak from nearly 200km (124mi) away, Waugh believed that Peak b was actually the tallest in the world.In the English language world, the peak was called Peak XV and it was estimated to be around 8,839.8m (29,002ft) tall - a surprisingly close estimate based on survey distances.As the high peaks were conquered one by one, climbers began to look for greater challenges to test their skills and equipment.The Himalayas are bordered to the northwest by the mountain ranges of the Hindu Kush and the Karakoram and to the north by the high and vast Plateau of Tibet.As far as mountain climbing in the Himalayas goes, interest in the region’s mountains from people of European descent began around the time of the Great Trigonometric Survey, which was conducted in India by the UK in the 19th century.Perhaps the most exciting change in elevation caused by the Himalayas’ tectonic activity was the official increase in height of Mount Everest.Some of the most notable animals in the range include the Himalayan tahr, the Himalayan horal, the Himalayan musk deer, the bharal, the Asian black bear, the red panda, the golden langur, and the Kashmir gray langur.Or, if you’re interested in experiencing the region’s beautiful culture, a trip to Namche Bazaar can’t be beat. Rishikesh is the most famous city in the state of Uttarakhand south of the Himalayas, situated on the sacred Indian Ganges River. Manali is the last of a series of the largest and most popular towns and resorts in the state of Himachal Pradesh and the starting point of the aforementioned Leh-Manali Highway. Leh is quite a small town by Indian standards, with a population of over 30,000, but a metropolitan community in the high mountainous state of Ladakh, characterized by cosmic scenery. Shimla also contains some truly remarkable cultural and historical sites such as, for example, Kali Bari Temple, dedicated to Shyamala Mata, an incarnation of goddess Kali, which makes it a hub for tourism in the region. It is located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas, and it was first summited by the Europeans in 1953. At 8,848m above sea-level, it is the earth’s highest mountain above sea-level. Mount Everest locally known as Chomolungma is perhaps the world’s most famous mountain. The Himalayan Range has an average elevation of 6,100m. The Greater Himalaya is the highest and northernmost range. However, the specific species and ecosystems that you’ll encounter depends greatly on your geographic location and elevation. Perhaps the most exciting change in elevation caused by the Himalayas’ tectonic activity was the official increase in height of Mount Everest. Not long after, during the Late Cretaceous, the Indian plate started drifting northward at a relatively rapid speed leading to a collision with the Asian plate and the start of a major mountain building event that continues to this day. Indeed, the range is among the youngest on Earth and it’s quite likely that many of the world’s other major ranges, such as the Appalachians in the United States and Canada, were once higher than the Himalaya. The region also contains a few designated parks, such as the Qomolangma National Nature Preserve, and it is believed that there are plans for the designation of more national parks and nature reserves in Tibet in the coming years. What Are the Three Major Ranges of the Himalayas? These regions offer sacred rivers, pilgrimage routes, and popular hill stations like Shimla, Manali, Rishikesh, and Gangtok.Not long after, during the Late Cretaceous, the Indian plate started drifting northward at a relatively rapid speed leading to a collision with the Asian plate and the start of a major mountain building event that continues to this day.By the turn of the century, some of the range’s highest peaks saw their first organized climbing attempts, though many ended without a successful summit and many well-known climbers, such as Albert Mummery, died along the way.The Himalayas range is home to the top 10 world’s tallest moutains, including the Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world above sea-level.From there, many visitors set out on treks toward Everest Base Camp, though there are plenty of other treks to consider if you’re looking to get off the beaten path.Some of the most popular treks in the Annapurna region include hikes to Annapurna Base Camp and the Annapurna Sanctuary, as well as the longer Annapurna Circuit trek.By 1862 more than 40 peaks with elevations exceeding 18,000 feet (5,500 meters) had been climbed for surveying purposes. As a result, Bhutan’s highest peak Gangkhar Puensum is likely the highest unclimbed mountain in the world, though this is difficult to validate due to the sheer number of unnamed peaks with less than 100m (330ft) of prominence around the world. That being said, it’s important to note that mountain climbing is forbidden in Bhutan on peaks over 6,000m (19,685ft) for spiritual reasons. Despite its small size, Bhutan does contain 3 ultra-prominent peaks - Gangkhar Puensum (གངས་དཀར་སྤུན་གསུམ་), Jomolhari (ཇོ་མོ་ལྷ་རི/绰莫拉日峰), and Tongshanjiabu (同山加布峰) - as well as a small Himalyan sub-range known as the Black Mountains. Due to its prominence, the range is home to the headwaters of the watersheds of many of south-central Asia’s major rivers, including the Indus, Brahmaputra, Ganges, and Irrawaddy. Forming a massive barrier between the Indian subcontinent to the south and the Tibetan Plateau to the north, the Himalayas (technically the Himalaya) is a major mountain range in India, Nepal, Pakistan, Tibet (China), and Bhutan. Some of the most notable animals in the range include the Himalayan tahr, the Himalayan horal, the Himalayan musk deer, the bharal, the Asian black bear, the red panda, the golden langur, and the Kashmir gray langur. Above 4,000m (13,100ft), the land is dominated by sprawling alpine meadows that eventually give way to true alpine regions that contain little else besides rock, snow, and ice. Some of the most common tree species at these elevations include rhododendrons, Himalayan hemlock, west Himalayan spruce, and east Himalayan fir. This includes ecoregions such as the western and eastern Himalayan subalpine conifer forests, and the northeastern Himalayan subalpine conifer forests. In addition, more people in such a highly dangerous environment invited disaster, as was the case in 2014, when more than 40 foreign trekkers perished in a snowstorm near Annapurna. Some attempted to reach the summits by increasingly difficult routes, while others climbed with minimal amounts of gear or without the use of supplemental oxygen at the highest elevations. Attempts at scaling Everest began in 1921, and about a dozen of them were undertaken before it was first successfully scaled in May 1953 by the New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary and his Tibetan partner Tenzing Norgay. In the early 20th century the number of mountaineering expeditions increased markedly to the Karakoram Range and to the Kumaun and Sikkim Himalayas. As the high peaks were conquered one by one, climbers began to look for greater challenges to test their skills and equipment. He was followed by numerous others, including (in the early 20th century) the British naturalist Richard W.G. Hingston, who wrote valuable accounts of the natural history of animals living at high elevations in the Himalayas. The surveyors did not assign individual names to the innumerable peaks observed but designated them by letters and Roman numerals. Since then, the Himalayas’ tallest peaks have become incredibly popular among mountain climbers, thousands of whom flock to the region each year for a chance to climb in this stunning range. That being said, while many of the peaks in the Himalayas are ultra prominent, the region is also surrounded by other mountain ranges and high points to the west, north, east, and southeast. While treks to the region’s many high-elevation basecamps remain popular, other options, including circuit hikes are fan-favorites among tourists, particularly in Nepal. The snow leopard lives throughout the mountains of central Asia, including within the Himalaya, the Tibetan Plateau, and in various high-elevation regions of China, Mongolia, and Russia. The Himalayas include the highest mountains in the world, with more than 110 peaks rising to elevations of 24,000 feet (7,300 meters) or more above sea level. Climate If you have a love for history and dream of trekking the Himalayas, the Upper Mustang trek is a fantastic choice for you. This is an all-time favorite trek in the Himalayas and one of the most amazing and picturesque hiking destinations in the world. If you’re looking to experience Mount Everest without having to endure the cost and risk of summiting the highest mountain in the world, the Everest Base Camp Trek is ideal. The range itself covers a span of some 2,4000km (1,500mi), stretching from Nanga Parbat in Pakistan to the west all the way to Namcha Barwa in Tibet to the east. Mark has trekked extensively in Asia, Europe, South America and Africa. The highlights of this trek are camping near the base of Kang-Yutze Peak and getting a glimpse of authentic Tibetan Culture. This trek, which is 75km long and takes between 6-8 days to complete, follows the scenic Markha River Valley and traverses 3 passes. The Markha Valley Trek is one of the most famous treks in Ladakh, India and is one of the most diverse treks in the Himalayas. The Himalayas are bordered to the northwest by the mountain ranges of the Hindu Kush and the Karakoram and to the north by the high and vast Plateau of Tibet. The ranges, which form the northern border of the Indian subcontinent and an almost impassable barrier between it and the lands to the north, are part of a vast mountain belt that stretches halfway around the world from North Africa to the Pacific Ocean coast of Southeast Asia. Himalayas, great mountain system of Asia forming a barrier between the Plateau of Tibet to the north and the alluvial plains of the Indian subcontinent to the south. The Himalayas are drained by 19 major rivers, of which the Indus and the Brahmaputra are the largest, each having catchment basins in the mountains of about 100,000 square miles (260,000 square km) in extent. The Himalayas Mountain range is located in multiple different countries, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, China and Afghanistan. The Annapurna Circuit Trek is certainly popular, with over trekkers visiting from around the world. The trek is approximately 129km long (round trip) and reaches a maximum elevation of 5364m above sea-level and you can expect to be trekking for around 14-days. The name Dhaulagiri means “White Mountain” and got its name by being one of the mountains that exceeds 8,000m. It is an isolated peak and at 8,463m is the fifth highest mountain in the world. See below for a more detailed overview of each region. The Himalayas are made up of three parallel ranges; the Great Himalaya, the Lesser Himalaya and the Outer Himalaya. Of course, the type of vegetation depends on the elevation and precipitation. Temperatures usually fall by 6.5 degrees Celsius for every 1000 m of elevation gained. Many Himalayan treks in Nepal, Tibet and Pakistan have established accommodation for trekkers such as hostels, home-stays, tea houses or hotels. The best time to trek is in the months of September and October when the weather is most favorable. The decision to trek in the Himalayas is by no means an easy one. It is a popular destination for tourists and climbers and was first climbed in 1960. The Himalayas are one of the most spectacular mountain ranges on Earth, forming the iconic backbone of Asia. The Himalayan Mountains are the highest and one of the youngest mountain ranges in the world, stretching about 2,400 kilometers (1,500 miles) across South Asia. The Himalayan Mountains are the highest mountain range in the world, home to Mount Everest and some of Earth's most dramatic landscapes. In the disputed Kashmir region, Pakistan has administrative control of some 32,400 square miles (83,900 square km) of the range lying north and west of the “line of control” established between India and Pakistan in 1972. Leading the Mount Everest Region in terms of popularity among international travelers, the Annapurna region is a sure bet for enthusiastic trekkers. The region in and around Mount Everest within the Solukhumbu District is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal for international travelers. By the turn of the century, some of the range’s highest peaks saw their first organized climbing attempts, though many ended without a successful summit and many well-known climbers, such as Albert Mummery, died along the way. As far as mountain climbing in the Himalayas goes, interest in the region’s mountains from people of European descent began around the time of the Great Trigonometric Survey, which was conducted in India by the UK in the 19th century. Within the Himalaya, there are a number of major valley glaciers, as well as glaciers on almost all of the range’s highest mountains. China (Tibet) – The Northern Flank of the Himalayas The Himalayas include the highest mountains in the world, and are known for their soaring heights, steep-sided jagged peaks, valleys, and alpine glaciers, deep river gorges, and a series of elevational belts that display different ecological associations of flora, fauna, and climate. Getting to the region is a bit more involved than the Annapurna or Mount Everest regions, but it is possible to fly to Bagdogra and arrange for a private jeep transfer toward the start of many of the area’s popular treks. As one might imagine, the lofty slopes of Mount Everest see much of the region’s climber traffic, though other peaks, such as Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, and Baruntse, remain popular among both guided groups and independent climbing parties. Easier access to the mountains brought increasingly large numbers of climbers and hikers into the region—hundreds alone trying to summit Everest each year. Parts of all but six of the world’s fourteen 8,000m peaks are located in Nepal or on its borders. One of the world’s most mountainous countries, almost all of Nepal is dominated by the Himalaya and its foothills, with the exception of the low-lying Terai Region to the south. Encompassing both the central part of the Himalayas and some of the easternmost part of the range, India is home to some of the most stunning parts of the world’s highest mountain system. That being said, within the small part of Pakistan, there are some very tall peaks, such as Nanga Parbat. The mountain-building process is still active and as bedrock is lifted, significant stream erosion and gigantic landslides occur. Whether you’re a traveler, trekker, geographer, or simply curious, knowing where the Himalayas are located opens up a world of wonder—both physical and spiritual. The range plays a crucial role in shaping South Asia’s monsoon system and river networks. At 8,848m above sea-level, it is the earth’s highest mountain above sea-level.Due to its prominence, the range is home to the headwaters of the watersheds of many of south-central Asia’s major rivers, including the Indus, Brahmaputra, Ganges, and Irrawaddy.In 1733 a French geographer, Jean-Baptiste Bourguignon d’Arville, compiled the first map of Tibet and the Himalayan range based on systematic exploration.The width of the Himalayas from south to north varies between 125 and 250 miles (200 and 400 km).Mount Lhotse which is located on the border of Nepal and Tibet is the fourth highest mountain in the world and is connected to Mount Everest.The region is very ethnically, culturally, and religiously diverse, with Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, Islam, Sikhism, and Jainism being the major religions in the area. Nanga Parbat, as well as the peaks of the Karakoram Range to the north, were surveyed between 1855 and 1859. In the mid-19th century the Survey of India organized a systematic program to measure correctly the heights of the Himalayan peaks. The range’s total length is some 1,400 miles (2,300 km), and it has an average elevation of more than 20,000 feet (6,100 metres). The city is known also for its connection to the mainland by the scenic railroad of the same name, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, running through the mountains, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. Most trekkers in Tibet start in Lhasa, though it’s important to point out that getting a visa for the region is essential to avoid any issues at the border. Nepal hosts the most prominent and central section of the Himalayan range. Known for their breathtaking scenery, spiritual significance, and extreme altitudes, the Himalayas stretch across multiple countries and regions, earning the title “Roof of the World.” The range extends through Nepal, India, Bhutan, Pakistan, and China (Tibet). Stretching across South Asia, the Himalayas shape the climate, culture, and history of the region. Those disputes accentuate the boundary problems faced by India and its neighbors in the Himalayan region.