Geography of Himachal Pradesh

1. Introduction

• Location: Himachal Pradesh is a mountainous state in the northern part of India.
• Meaning of Name: “Hima” means snow in Sanskrit; the name signifies the “land of snowy mountains.”
• Capital: Shimla (Summer), Dharamshala (Winter).
• Neighboring States: Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir (Union Territory); also shares an international border with Tibet (China).

2. Physiographical Divisions

Himachal Pradesh can be broadly divided into distinct physical regions based on altitude, climate, and topography.

1. Shivalik (Outer Himalayas)
   
   • Also known as the foothills.
   • Elevation ranges from 600 to 1500 meters.
   • Notable areas: Bilaspur, Hamirpur, parts of Kangra, and Una districts.
   • Known for lower hills, mild winters, and hot summers.
2. Middle or Lesser Himalayas
   
   • Elevation ranges from 1,500 to 4,500 meters.
   • Includes districts like Shimla, parts of Mandi, Solan, and Sirmaur.
   • Characterized by moderate climate conditions, fertile valleys, and famous hill stations like Shimla and Kullu.
3. Greater Himalayas
   
   • Elevation ranges from 4,500 to 6,500 meters.
   • Known for towering mountain peaks, glaciers, and high mountain passes.
   • Includes regions of Kullu, Kinnaur, Lahaul, and Spiti.
4. Trans-Himalayas
   
   • Include the northern and eastern parts like Spiti Valley.
   • Extremely cold, arid region with scarce vegetation.
   • High-altitude deserts and rugged terrains.

3. Major Rivers and Drainage System

Himachal Pradesh is often called the “Land of Rivers and Valleys” because of its abundant rivers originating from the Himalayan glaciers.

1. Ravi
   
   • Originates from Bara Banghal in Kangra.
   • Flows through Chamba district.
   • Part of the Indus river system.
2. Beas
   
   • Originates from Beas Kund near Rohtang Pass in Kullu.
   • Major tributaries: Parvati, Manalsu, Binwa, Uhl.
   • Forms fertile valleys in Kullu and Kangra.
3. Chenab (Chandrabhaga)
   
   • Formed by the confluence of Chandra and Bhaga rivers in Lahaul valley.
   • Largest river of the state in terms of volume.
4. Sutlej
   
   • Originates from Rakshas Tal in Tibet.
   • Enters India through Shipki La pass in Kinnaur.
   • Known for famous Bhakra and Nathpa Jhakri dams.
5. Yamuna
   
   • Originates from Yamunotri in Uttarakhand.
   • Flows along the southeastern boundary of Himachal Pradesh (Sirmaur district).

4. Climate

The climate of Himachal Pradesh varies significantly with altitude.

1. Tropical to Subtropical (Foothills)
   
   • Hot summers and mild winters.
   • Average temperatures can go up to 38°C in summer.
2. Temperate (Middle Himalayas)
   
   • Pleasant summers (avg. 20°C – 25°C).
   • Cold winters with moderate snowfall.
3. Alpine (Greater Himalayas & Trans-Himalayas)
   
   • Very cold climate with heavy snowfall.
   • Dry, arid conditions in some high-altitude areas (Lahaul-Spiti).

5. Natural Vegetation and Wildlife

1. Vegetation Zones
   
   • Tropical Deciduous Forests (lower elevations).
   • Chir Pine, Oaks, Deodar, Blue Pine (middle elevations).
   • Alpine Pastures, Juniper, Birch (higher elevations).
2. Wildlife
   
   • Home to Snow Leopard, Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Monal, Musk Deer in higher regions.
   • Lower regions: Leopard, Langur, Black Bear and various bird species.
3. Protected Areas
   
   • Great Himalayan National Park (Kullu).
   • Pin Valley National Park (Lahaul & Spiti).
   • Khirganga National Park (Kullu).
   • Simbalbara National Park (Sirmaur).
   • Multiple wildlife sanctuaries across the state.

6. Important Passes

Himachal Pradesh has several high-altitude passes that connect remote valleys:

• Rohtang Pass (3,978 m): Connects Kullu with Lahaul & Spiti.
• Kunzum Pass (4,551 m): Connects Lahaul valley with Spiti valley.
• Baralacha La (4,890 m): On the Leh–Manali highway.
• Shipki La (4,720 m): Entry point of Sutlej from Tibet.

7. Important Valleys

• Kullu Valley: Known as the “Valley of Gods,” famous for apple orchards and Dussehra festival.
• Kangra Valley: Fertile region known for tea gardens (Kangra Tea).
• Spiti Valley: Cold desert area known for monasteries and unique Tibetan culture.
• Chamba Valley: Renowned for ancient temples, miniature paintings, and fairs.

8. Agriculture and Horticulture

1. Main Crops: Wheat, Maize, Rice, Barley in lower and middle hills.
2. Cash Crops and Horticulture:
   • Apple, Plum, Peach, Pear, Apricot in temperate regions.
   • Floriculture (flowers) is also gaining importance.
3. Livestock: Sheep, goats, and cattle are common in high-altitude areas.

9. Economic Importance

1. Hydropower: The state has high potential due to perennial rivers. Major projects include Bhakra Dam, Nathpa Jhakri, Pong Dam, etc.
2. Tourism: Hill stations like Shimla, Manali, Dalhousie, religious tourism (temples and monasteries), and adventure sports attract tourists.
3. Handicrafts: Woolen shawls (Kullu shawls), Chamba rumals, Kangra paintings.