International Encyclopaedia Of Himalayas (5 Vols. Set)

Book excerpt: The highest mountain range on Earth, the Himalayas from the northern border of the Indian subcontinent in Asia. The mountains extend in a massive arc for about 1,550 miles from west to east with more than 30 peaks rising to heights greater than 24,000 feet above sea level. Together the Himalayan mountain system is the planet's highest and home to all fourteen of the word's highest peaks. One of the high biodiversity regions of the world, it provides shelter to a large variety of flora and fauna. The Himalayan region has a rich and unique cultural heritage, and has managed to preserve its established traditions throughout history whilst absorbing customs, traditions and ideas from both invaders and immgirants. Many cultural practices, languages, customs and monuments are examples of this co-mingling over centuries.