1. Location and Extent
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The Trans-Himalayas, also known as the Tibetan Himalayas, form the northernmost mountain system of India.
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Stretching in an east–west alignment, they run parallel to the Greater Himalayas, covering:
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Ladakh (Jammu & Kashmir, UT)
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Himachal Pradesh (north parts)
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Tibet (China)
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They mark the southern boundary of the Tibetan Plateau and act as a transition zone between the Indian Subcontinent and Central Asia.
2. Major Ranges within the Trans-Himalayas
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Karakoram Range
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World's second highest peak: K2 (8,611 m).
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Contains Siachen Glacier and Baltoro Glacier.
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Geopolitical importance: forms part of India–Pakistan–China border.
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Ladakh Range
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Separates the Indus Valley from the Tibetan Plateau.
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Known for rugged barren mountains and cold desert conditions.
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Zanskar Range
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Lies south of the Ladakh Range, cut deeply by the Zanskar River.
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Famous for trekking and frozen river expeditions (Chadar Trek).
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Kailash Range
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Sacred Mount Kailash (6,638 m) and Lake Mansarovar.
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A pilgrimage site for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers.
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3. Geological Background
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Formation: The Trans-Himalayas were uplifted due to the collision between the Indian Plate and Eurasian Plate ~50 million years ago.
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Rock Types: Mostly granitic intrusions, volcanic basalts, and sedimentary rocks (limestone, shale).
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Tectonics: The region is still tectonically active, prone to earthquakes, folding, and faulting.
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Processes:
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Orogenesis (mountain-building) shaped the high peaks.
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Glacial erosion carved U-shaped valleys and moraines.
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4. Elevation and Relief Features
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Average Elevation: 3,500 – 6,000 m (much higher than Lesser Himalayas).
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Highest Peaks: K2, Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II, Broad Peak.
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Passes (La):
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Khardung La (5,359 m) – among the highest motorable roads.
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Zoji La – links Srinagar with Ladakh.
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Chang La – gateway to Pangong Tso.
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Valleys: Wide, arid valleys due to glacial and river erosion.
5. Glaciers and Permafrost
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The Karakoram Range has some of the largest glaciers outside the polar regions:
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Siachen Glacier (76 km)
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Baltoro Glacier (63 km)
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Biafo–Hispar Glacier System (~120 km combined)
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Glacial Landforms:
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Moraines (lateral, medial, terminal).
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Cirques (amphitheatre-like hollows).
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Aretes and horns (sharp ridges and peaks).
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Permafrost: Large parts remain permanently frozen, influencing vegetation and settlement patterns.
6. Rivers and Hydrology
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The Trans-Himalayas act as a water tower of Asia.
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Major Rivers Originating Here:
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Indus River – from Lake Mansarovar, flows through Ladakh.
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Brahmaputra (Tsangpo) – originates from Angsi Glacier (near Kailash).
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Sutlej River – from Rakshas Tal near Mansarovar.
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These rivers sustain millions downstream, especially in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
7. Climate and Desert Features
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Climate:
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Cold desert climate, very low precipitation (<100 mm in some areas).
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Harsh winters, temperature often below −30 °C.
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Rain-shadow effect: The Greater Himalayas block monsoon winds, creating arid conditions in Ladakh and Tibet.
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Dunes:
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Found in Nubra Valley, where wind action forms aeolian dunes along the Shyok and Nubra rivers.
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Unusual phenomenon: sand dunes at 3,000+ m altitude.
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8. Tourist and Cultural Geography
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Leh & Ladakh – monasteries, adventure tourism, cold desert landscape.
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Nubra Valley – dunes, Bactrian camels (two-humped), and confluence of Shyok & Nubra rivers.
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Pangong Tso & Tso Moriri – saline high-altitude lakes.
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Mount Kailash–Mansarovar – pilgrimage for multiple religions.
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Zanskar Valley – famous for frozen river treks.
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Siachen Base Camp – world's highest battlefield, geopolitically important.
9. Geographical Features (Key Terms)
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Cold Desert – high-altitude, arid region with sparse vegetation.
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U-shaped Valley – formed by glacial erosion.
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Moraines – glacial deposits of debris.
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Cirque – bowl-shaped depression at glacier head.
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Pass (La) – low point in a mountain ridge, used for crossing.
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Aeolian Processes – wind-driven landform creation (dunes).
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Periglacial Landscape – influenced by freeze–thaw processes.
10. Geopolitical and Strategic Importance
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The Karakoram Range and Ladakh are at the junction of India, China, and Pakistan.
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Siachen Glacier is strategically important for India.
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The region has ancient trade routes (e.g., Silk Road via Karakoram Pass).
The Trans-Himalayas are a unique mountain system of high peaks, vast glaciers, cold deserts, aeolian dunes, sacred sites, and river origins. Geologically, they reveal the power of plate tectonics; physically, they show the extremes of glacial and desert landscapes; culturally, they host ancient monasteries and sacred peaks; geopolitically, they are of immense strategic value.
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