The Northern Mountain ranges of India can be broadly divided into three categories based on their location and characteristics:
- The Himalayan Range: This is the highest mountain range in the world and stretches for about 2,500 kilometers from the Indus River in the west to the Brahmaputra River in the east. The Himalayas are divided into three ranges – the Great Himalayas, the Lesser Himalayas, and the Outer Himalayas. The Great Himalayas or the Himadri is the highest range, while the Lesser Himalayas or the Himachal are located south of the Great Himalayas. The Outer Himalayas or the Shivalik Hills are the southernmost range and are located at the foothills of the Himalayas.
- The Karakoram and the Trans-Himalayan Ranges: These ranges are located to the northwest of the Himalayas and are known for their high peaks, including K2, the second highest peak in the world. The Karakoram Range extends for about 500 kilometers from the Gilgit-Baltistan region in Pakistan to Ladakh in India. The Trans-Himalayan Range is a vast arid region that includes the Ladakh region in India and the Tibet Autonomous Region in China.
- The Purvanchal Range: This range is located in the northeastern part of India and runs parallel to the Bay of Bengal. It includes the Patkai Range, the Naga Hills, the Manipur Hills, and the Mizo Hills. The Purvanchal Range is known for its biodiversity and is home to several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
