Geography of Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh has an area of 55,673 square kilometers, located in northern India. It shares borders with Jammu and Kashmir to the north, Tibet to the northeast, Uttarakhand to the southeast, Haryana to the south and Punjab to the west. The state’s elevation ranges from 350 to 7,000 meters, with elevation increasing from west to east.
In ancient India, Himachal Pradesh was known as Jallandhara. The name is derived from Jalam (water) and Dhara (containing), denoting its importance as four major rivers flow through the area. According to Padma Purana, Jallandhara is the son of Sagara (ocean) and Ganga.
The state is divided into three regions:
1). Shivaliks (Farthest Channel):
Also known as “Manak Parbat” or Shiva braid. Altitude varies from 350 m to 1,500 m. Rainfall varies from 150 cm to 180 cm. Includes parts of Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Una, Mandi, Solan and Sirmaur.
2). Inner Himalayas:
Altitude varies from 1,500 m to 4,500 m. The main ranges include Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal. The important places in this range are Renuka tehsil, Chachiot, Karsog of Mandi, Dalhousie, Shimla, Choordhar and Kullu valley.
Dhauladhar (White Peak): Also known as “Maulak Parbat”. Extends from near Badrinath in Uttarakhand to Satluj in Rampur, Beas in Larji and Ravi. The northern flank meets the southern flank of Pir Panjal at Bara Banghal.
Pir Panjal: Separated from the great Himalayas near the banks of Satluj. Forming a dividing line between Chenab on one side and Ravi and Beas on the other.
3). The Great Himalayas:
Separation of drainage of Spiti and Beas rivers. The Zanskar Range is a branch separating Spiti and Kinnaur from Tibet. Includes Kinnaur, Pangi, Lahual and Spiti. Low rainfall, suitable for dried fruit. Various passes like Sach, Chini, Chabla, Kugti, Hamta and Chandarkherni are found in this range.
Himachal Pradesh can be divided geographically into five regions based on climate:
Humid subtropics: Palampur, Joginder Nagar, Dalhousie, Dharmashala. Humid sub-temperate zone: Kullu, Shimla, parts of Mandi, Solan, Chamba, Kangra and Sirmaur. Dry temperate zone: highlands of Lahaul Spiti, Pangi, Kinnaur Alps. Humid subtropics: Mandi, Nahan, Nalagarh, Nurpur, etc. Sub-humid tropics: Una, Paonta Sahib, Indora region of Kangra. The average rainfall in Himachal is 152 cm, with Dharamshala being the wettest (340 cm) and Spiti being the driest.
Himachal Pradesh experiences various climatic phenomena related to its terrain:
Gravitational wind: The downward movement of wind from the top of a ridge to the bottom of a valley after sunset. Western Disturbances: Mid-latitude westerly winds affecting the western Himalayas. Jet stream: High-speed winds at very high altitudes. Lee Wave: Strong winds cause erosion on the leeward side of a mountain. Southwest Monsoon: Causes maximum rainfall in the Himalayas. Winter monsoon: Similar to the northeast trade winds.
BRIEF SUMMARY
Geography
• Himachal Pradesh is located in northern India and covers an area of 55,673 square kilometers.
• Bordered by Jammu and Kashmir, Tibet, Uttarakhand, Haryana and Punjab.
• Altitude ranges from 350 to 7,000 meters, increasing gradually from West to East.
Historical significance:
• In ancient India it was called Jallandhara, which means “water reservoir”.
• Four main rivers flow there, connecting with Jallandhara of Padma Purana, son of Sagara and Ganga.
Geographic division:
• Shivaliks (furthest channel):
• Altitude: 350 m to 1,500 m.
• Rainfall: 150 cm to 180 cm.
• Includes parts of Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Una, Mandi, Solan and Sirmaur.
Inner Himalayas:
• Altitude: 1,500 m to 4,500 m.
• Main Ranges: Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal.
• Notable places: Renuka tehsil, Chachiot, Karsog, Dalhousie, Shimla, Choordhar and Kullu valley.
The Great Himalayas:
• Separation of drainage of Spiti and Beas rivers.
• Includes Kinnaur, Pangi, Lahaul and Spiti.
• Low rainfall, suitable for dried fruit.
• Various passes like Sach, Chini, Chabla, Kugti, Hamta and Chandarkherni.
Climate zones:
• Humid subtropics: Palampur, Joginder Nagar, Dalhousie, Dharmashala.
• Humid sub-temperate zone: Kullu, Shimla, parts of Mandi, Solan, Chamba, Kangra and Sirmaur.
• Dry temperate zone: Lahaul Spiti Plateau, Pangi, Kinnaur Alps.
• Humid subtropics: Mandi, Nahan, Nalagarh, Nurpur, etc.
• Sub-humid tropics: Una, Paonta Sahib, Indora region of Kangra.
Rainfall and climate phenomena:
• Average rainfall: 152 cm, Dharamshala (wettest – 340 cm), Spiti (driest).
• Climatic phenomena include gravitational winds, westerly disturbances, jet streams, lee waves, southwest monsoons, and winter monsoons.