Describe the regional division of the Himalaya.

Introduction: Renowned geographer Sir Sidney Burrard demarcated the vast 2,400 km Himalayan mountain arc into Four Distinct Regional Divisions based on transverse river gorges slicing through the ranges from west to east.

1. Four Regional Divisions of the Himalayas (Sir Sidney Burrard):

• 1. Punjab / Kashmir Himalayas (Indus to Satluj River - ~560 km):
  • Extends across Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh between the Indus and Satluj rivers.
  • Ranges: Zanskar, Ladakh, Pir Panjal, and Dhauladhar.
  • Features: Famous Karewa lacustrine deposits in Kashmir Valley (Zafran / Saffron cultivation), high-altitude passes (Zoji La, Rohtang, Banihal), and Siachen Glacier.
• 2. Kumaon Himalayas (Satluj to Kali River - ~320 km):
  • Situated in Uttarakhand between the Satluj and Kali (Sharda) rivers.
  • Prominent Peaks: Nanda Devi (7,816 m - highest peak), Kamet, Trishul, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri.
  • Features: Origin of sacred rivers Ganga and Yamuna; picturesque scenic lakes (Nainital, Bhimtal).
• 3. Nepal Himalayas (Kali to Teesta River - ~800 km - Longest & Highest):
  • Extends across Nepal and northern West Bengal/Sikkim between the Kali and Teesta rivers.
  • Houses the world's highest towering peaks: Mount Everest (8,848.86 m - Sagarmatha), Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Lhotse, Makalu, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna.
• 4. Assam Himalayas (Teesta to Brahmaputra River - ~720 km):
  • Stretches across Sikkim, Bhutan, and Arunachal Pradesh between the Teesta and Dihang (Brahmaputra) gorge.
  • Prominent Peaks: Namcha Barwa (7,756 m), Kula Kangri, and Gyala Peri. Characterized by dense subtropical rainforests and sudden sharp eastward hair-pin bend (Syntaxial Bend).

Conclusion: Burrard's regional riverine demarcation beautifully integrates Himalayan geomorphology, drainage networks, and bio-climatic zones.