Three Ranges

http://www.twodollarclick.com/index.php?ref=anjum36ibr


The North-Western Mountains of three major ranges: The Himalayas, The Karakoram, and The Hindu Kush.

1.    The Himalayas run across 2500 km from east to west, and form a significant part of the mountain range in Pakistan. The comprise of the Siwaliks (600-1800m), the Pir Panjal Range/The Lesser or Outer Himalayas (1800-4500m), and the Central Himalayas (over 4500m). The Pir Panjal Range is where some of the more popular hill stations like Murree and Bhurban are located.

2.    The topography of the Himalayas consists of snowcapped, and steep-sided peaks with valleys rich in natural vegetation. The highest peak of this range in Pakistan is the Nanga Parbat (8,126m).

3.    The Karakoram mountain range has an average height of 6000m, and it is located above the Central Himalayas. The highest peak of the Karakoram range in Pakistan is the Godwin Austin (K-2) which stands at 8,610m. The Karakoram mountains are very inhospitable, and the population in these mountains is very sporadic, and a nomadic lifestyle is seen. Some agriculture takes place in the valleys, but mostly, the Karakoram range comprises of steep peaks, and narrow valleys often with a fast flowing river taking up most of the space. The Karakoram Highway that links Pakistan with China has been a major development in the Karakoram range.

4.    The Hindu Kush mountain range runs from north to south, and is located in the region where the border of Pakistan meets the borders of Afghanistan and China. The topography of the area is very similar to the Karakoram range. Hindu Kush is famous for mountain peaks like Tirich Mir. The Hindu Kush is also popular in culture because many of the greatest invaders in history (Alexander the Great, Mahmud of Ghazni etc) crossed the mountain passes of the Hindu Kush.