The Himalayan Mountain Range: Abode of Snow and Natural Barrier

Introduction
The Himalayan Mountain Range derives its name from the Sanskrit word Himalaya, where hima means “snow” and alaya means “abode.” Thus, Himalaya translates to “the abode of snow.” Celebrated in ancient literature, Kalidasa described the Himalayas as the “King of Mountains.” Stretching across six countries India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan—the Himalayas extend for about 2,400 kilometers from the Pamirs in Pakistan to the eastern bend of the Brahmaputra in Assam. With nearly 100 peaks rising above 7,200 meters, including Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, the Himalayas are home to vast glaciers such as the Siachen Glacier in the Karakoram Range. Despite their location near the tropics, the higher regions remain snowbound throughout the year. The rivers originating here sustain nearly 750 million people across South Asia, including Bangladesh.