The Himalayan range consists of 3 parallel sub ranges. These ranges are :

Himadri(Greater Himalayas)

It is the most continuous range.

It consists of loftiest peaks with an average height of 6,000 metres.

It contains prominent peaks like Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Nanga Parbat and many more.

This range remains snow covered throughout the year, resulting in the formation of glaciers and some perennial rivers.

The core of this part of the himalayas is composed of granite.

Himachal(Lesser Himalayas)

It lies to the south of Himadri and forms the most rugged mountain system.

Average height is between 3,700 to 4,500 metres.

It has some famous valleys like Kullu, Kangra and Kashmir.

This range is famous for it’s hill stations.

The Pir Panjal range forms the longest and the most important range. The Dhaula Dhar and the Mahabharat ranges are also prominent ones.

Shiwalik(Outer Himalayas)

It is the outermost range of Himalayas.

The altitude in this range varies from 900 to 1000m.

These ranges are composed of loose river deposits brought down by rivers from the main Himalayan ranges located for north.

The longitudinal valley lying between lesser himalaya and shiwaliks are known asduns. Dehra Dun, Kotli Dun and Patli Dun are some of the well known duns.