The name Himalaya means " home of snow" in the ancient language of Sanskrit. Its a fitting name. The Himalayas are the highest mountains on Earth.Snow and ice cover much of this impressive mountain range year round.
Where Are the Himalayas?
The Himalayas rise in southern Asia-the World's biggest continent. They form a chain that stretches nearly 1,600 miles (2,600 Kilometers). The mountains separate the plains of northern India from the high plateau of Tibet,in China.
World's Highest peaks
The Himalayas contain nine of the world's ten highest peaks. One of these, Mount Everest, is the highest mountain on Earth. It rises to a height of 29,035 feet (8,850 meters).The world's second highest mountain, K2 ( also called Mount Godwin Austen), also stands in the Himalayas. So does the world's third highest peak, Mount Kanchenjunga. Other noted Himalayan peaks include Dhaulagiri, Nanga Parbat, and Annapurana 1. The rugged Himalayan lure mountain climbers and tourists from around the world. The step mountain slopes are very dangerous. Many climbers have died trying to reach the top of Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks.
Three Zones
Himalayan range is made up of three mountains zones that run side by side.The highest zone is to north. Its called the Great Himalayas, and it holds many of the Himalayas, tallest peaks, including Mount Everest. The Himalayas form a great natural barrier. The high mountains are difficult to cross. There are few developed roads, and many trails are open only during summer months. Some parts of the range are up to 250 miles (400 Kilometers) wide!Several kinds of animals live or travel high on the mountains, where only shrubs and grasses grow. Some Himalayan people keep yaks as pack animals and for their milk and meat.Most of the people who live in the Himalayas settle in high valleys. There they farm and graze animals. Some Himalayan people, Such as the Sherpa of Nepal, serve as guides for mountaineers and tourists.
