Elaborately describe the longitudinal and latitudinal divisions of the Himalayas

The Himalayas, a massive mountain range in Asia, are divided both longitudinally and latitudinally.

1. Longitudinal Divisions:

The longitudinal divisions of the Himalayas are primarily based on the river systems that flow through the range. From west to east, the Himalayas are divided into four sections:

a. Punjab Himalayas: This section lies between the Indus and Sutlej rivers. It is also known as the Kashmir or Northwestern Himalayas.

b. Kumaon Himalayas: This section lies between the Sutlej and Kali rivers.

c. Central Himalayas: This section lies between the Kali and Tista rivers. It includes Nepal Himalayas and is known for Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world.

d. Assam Himalayas: This section lies between the Tista and Brahmaputra rivers. It is also known as the Eastern Himalayas.

2. Latitudinal Divisions:

The latitudinal divisions of the Himalayas are based on the altitude and the nature of the terrain. From north to south, the Himalayas are divided into three parallel ranges:

a. Greater or Inner Himalayas (Himadri): This is the northernmost range and the most continuous. It contains the highest peaks, including Mount Everest and K2. The average height is about 6,000 meters.

b. Lesser or Middle Himalayas (Himachal): This range lies to the south of the Greater Himalayas. It has an average height of 3,700 to 4,500 meters. The range includes popular hill stations like Shimla, Mussoorie, and Darjeeling.

c. Outer Himalayas (Shiwaliks): This is the southernmost range, with an average height of 900 to 1,200 meters. The Shiwaliks are known for their rich fossil deposits.

These divisions help in understanding the complex geographical and geological structure of the Himalayas.