Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab , Haryana and Uttarakhand - Physical | Geography for UPSC CSE PDF Download

 Page 1


Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and 
Uttrakhand- Physical
Physical	map	of	Ladakh
Page 2


Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and 
Uttrakhand- Physical
Physical	map	of	Ladakh
  
 
 
Ladakh
 
Introduction
 
Ladakh, situated in the northern and eastern Kashmir region of the northwestern 
Indian subcontinent, is a vast area divided between Pakistan and India. Pakistan 
administers its northwest as part of Gilgit-Baltistan, while India governs the 
southeast as part of Ladakh union territory. Additionally, China holds control over 
parts of northeastern Ladakh. Spanning approximately 45,000 square miles 
(117,000 square km), Ladakh encompasses the Ladakh Range, an extension of the 
Karakoram Range, as well as the upper Indus River valley. Renowned for its 
impressive height, Ladakh stands as one of the highest regions in the world, 
characterized by high plains and deep valleys.
 
Geography and Topography
 
?
 
Ladakh's natural landscape predominantly features vast high plains and 
deep valleys. The eastern part of Ladakh is dominated by a high plain that 
gradually diminishes towards the west. In the southeastern region lies 
Rupshu, an area distinguished by large, brackish lakes situated at an 
elevation of approximately 13,500 feet (4,100 meters). To the northwest of 
Rupshu lies the Zaskar Range, a remote and inaccessible region where 
extreme cold forces both the local inhabitants and cattle to remain indoors 
for a significant portion of the year. The Zaskar River flows northward 
through this region and eventually joins the Indus River below Leh, which is 
the most accessible town in Ladakh located about 160 miles (260 km) east 
of Srinagar.
 
?
 
In the heart of Ladakh, further to the north, valley villages exist where 
farmers practice cultivation with the aid of manuring and irrigation. These 
villages, situated at elevations ranging from approximately 9,000 to 15,000 
feet (2,750 to 4,550 meters), engage in agricultural activities. Meanwhile, in 
the upland valleys that are too high for cultivation, shepherds tend to their 
flocks.
 
Page 3


Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and 
Uttrakhand- Physical
Physical	map	of	Ladakh
  
 
 
Ladakh
 
Introduction
 
Ladakh, situated in the northern and eastern Kashmir region of the northwestern 
Indian subcontinent, is a vast area divided between Pakistan and India. Pakistan 
administers its northwest as part of Gilgit-Baltistan, while India governs the 
southeast as part of Ladakh union territory. Additionally, China holds control over 
parts of northeastern Ladakh. Spanning approximately 45,000 square miles 
(117,000 square km), Ladakh encompasses the Ladakh Range, an extension of the 
Karakoram Range, as well as the upper Indus River valley. Renowned for its 
impressive height, Ladakh stands as one of the highest regions in the world, 
characterized by high plains and deep valleys.
 
Geography and Topography
 
?
 
Ladakh's natural landscape predominantly features vast high plains and 
deep valleys. The eastern part of Ladakh is dominated by a high plain that 
gradually diminishes towards the west. In the southeastern region lies 
Rupshu, an area distinguished by large, brackish lakes situated at an 
elevation of approximately 13,500 feet (4,100 meters). To the northwest of 
Rupshu lies the Zaskar Range, a remote and inaccessible region where 
extreme cold forces both the local inhabitants and cattle to remain indoors 
for a significant portion of the year. The Zaskar River flows northward 
through this region and eventually joins the Indus River below Leh, which is 
the most accessible town in Ladakh located about 160 miles (260 km) east 
of Srinagar.
 
?
 
In the heart of Ladakh, further to the north, valley villages exist where 
farmers practice cultivation with the aid of manuring and irrigation. These 
villages, situated at elevations ranging from approximately 9,000 to 15,000 
feet (2,750 to 4,550 meters), engage in agricultural activities. Meanwhile, in 
the upland valleys that are too high for cultivation, shepherds tend to their 
flocks.
 
Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab , 
Haryana and Uttrakhand- Physical 
 
 
Climate and Vegetation 
Ladakh experiences a cold and dry climate. The average annual precipitation 
amounts to approximately 3 inches (80 mm). The region frequently encounters 
fine, dry, flaked snow, which at times falls heavily. Vegetation in Ladakh is 
primarily found in valleys and sheltered areas, where stunted growths of tamarisk 
shrubs (genus Tamarix), furze (also known as gorse, which are spiny plants 
belonging to the legume family), and other plants provide much-needed 
firewood. The main agricultural products cultivated in Ladakh include wheat, 
barley, millet, buckwheat, peas, beans, and turnips. Woolen cloth and other 
textiles form the primary manufacturing sector. 
Historical Significance and Contested Territory 
Ladakh has been a subject of dispute between India and Pakistan since the 
partition of British India in 1947. Following the cease-fire agreement of 1949, 
India acquired control over the southeastern portion of Ladakh, while the 
remaining area went to Pakistan. In the early 1960s, China gained control over its 
share of Ladakh through military intervention. 
Conclusion 
Ladakh, with its awe-inspiring heights and diverse topography, captivates visitors 
with its unique natural features. The region's cold and dry climate, combined with 
limited vegetation, poses challenges to its inhabitants. Nonetheless, Ladakh 
sustains agricultural activities, with valley villages serving as centers of cultivation. 
The historical complexities surrounding Ladakh's territorial control add another 
layer to its rich tapestry. 
 
 
 
 
Page 4


Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and 
Uttrakhand- Physical
Physical	map	of	Ladakh
  
 
 
Ladakh
 
Introduction
 
Ladakh, situated in the northern and eastern Kashmir region of the northwestern 
Indian subcontinent, is a vast area divided between Pakistan and India. Pakistan 
administers its northwest as part of Gilgit-Baltistan, while India governs the 
southeast as part of Ladakh union territory. Additionally, China holds control over 
parts of northeastern Ladakh. Spanning approximately 45,000 square miles 
(117,000 square km), Ladakh encompasses the Ladakh Range, an extension of the 
Karakoram Range, as well as the upper Indus River valley. Renowned for its 
impressive height, Ladakh stands as one of the highest regions in the world, 
characterized by high plains and deep valleys.
 
Geography and Topography
 
?
 
Ladakh's natural landscape predominantly features vast high plains and 
deep valleys. The eastern part of Ladakh is dominated by a high plain that 
gradually diminishes towards the west. In the southeastern region lies 
Rupshu, an area distinguished by large, brackish lakes situated at an 
elevation of approximately 13,500 feet (4,100 meters). To the northwest of 
Rupshu lies the Zaskar Range, a remote and inaccessible region where 
extreme cold forces both the local inhabitants and cattle to remain indoors 
for a significant portion of the year. The Zaskar River flows northward 
through this region and eventually joins the Indus River below Leh, which is 
the most accessible town in Ladakh located about 160 miles (260 km) east 
of Srinagar.
 
?
 
In the heart of Ladakh, further to the north, valley villages exist where 
farmers practice cultivation with the aid of manuring and irrigation. These 
villages, situated at elevations ranging from approximately 9,000 to 15,000 
feet (2,750 to 4,550 meters), engage in agricultural activities. Meanwhile, in 
the upland valleys that are too high for cultivation, shepherds tend to their 
flocks.
 
Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab , 
Haryana and Uttrakhand- Physical 
 
 
Climate and Vegetation 
Ladakh experiences a cold and dry climate. The average annual precipitation 
amounts to approximately 3 inches (80 mm). The region frequently encounters 
fine, dry, flaked snow, which at times falls heavily. Vegetation in Ladakh is 
primarily found in valleys and sheltered areas, where stunted growths of tamarisk 
shrubs (genus Tamarix), furze (also known as gorse, which are spiny plants 
belonging to the legume family), and other plants provide much-needed 
firewood. The main agricultural products cultivated in Ladakh include wheat, 
barley, millet, buckwheat, peas, beans, and turnips. Woolen cloth and other 
textiles form the primary manufacturing sector. 
Historical Significance and Contested Territory 
Ladakh has been a subject of dispute between India and Pakistan since the 
partition of British India in 1947. Following the cease-fire agreement of 1949, 
India acquired control over the southeastern portion of Ladakh, while the 
remaining area went to Pakistan. In the early 1960s, China gained control over its 
share of Ladakh through military intervention. 
Conclusion 
Ladakh, with its awe-inspiring heights and diverse topography, captivates visitors 
with its unique natural features. The region's cold and dry climate, combined with 
limited vegetation, poses challenges to its inhabitants. Nonetheless, Ladakh 
sustains agricultural activities, with valley villages serving as centers of cultivation. 
The historical complexities surrounding Ladakh's territorial control add another 
layer to its rich tapestry. 
 
 
 
 
Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Uttrakhand-
Physical
Physical	map	of	Himachal	Pradesh
Page 5


Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and 
Uttrakhand- Physical
Physical	map	of	Ladakh
  
 
 
Ladakh
 
Introduction
 
Ladakh, situated in the northern and eastern Kashmir region of the northwestern 
Indian subcontinent, is a vast area divided between Pakistan and India. Pakistan 
administers its northwest as part of Gilgit-Baltistan, while India governs the 
southeast as part of Ladakh union territory. Additionally, China holds control over 
parts of northeastern Ladakh. Spanning approximately 45,000 square miles 
(117,000 square km), Ladakh encompasses the Ladakh Range, an extension of the 
Karakoram Range, as well as the upper Indus River valley. Renowned for its 
impressive height, Ladakh stands as one of the highest regions in the world, 
characterized by high plains and deep valleys.
 
Geography and Topography
 
?
 
Ladakh's natural landscape predominantly features vast high plains and 
deep valleys. The eastern part of Ladakh is dominated by a high plain that 
gradually diminishes towards the west. In the southeastern region lies 
Rupshu, an area distinguished by large, brackish lakes situated at an 
elevation of approximately 13,500 feet (4,100 meters). To the northwest of 
Rupshu lies the Zaskar Range, a remote and inaccessible region where 
extreme cold forces both the local inhabitants and cattle to remain indoors 
for a significant portion of the year. The Zaskar River flows northward 
through this region and eventually joins the Indus River below Leh, which is 
the most accessible town in Ladakh located about 160 miles (260 km) east 
of Srinagar.
 
?
 
In the heart of Ladakh, further to the north, valley villages exist where 
farmers practice cultivation with the aid of manuring and irrigation. These 
villages, situated at elevations ranging from approximately 9,000 to 15,000 
feet (2,750 to 4,550 meters), engage in agricultural activities. Meanwhile, in 
the upland valleys that are too high for cultivation, shepherds tend to their 
flocks.
 
Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab , 
Haryana and Uttrakhand- Physical 
 
 
Climate and Vegetation 
Ladakh experiences a cold and dry climate. The average annual precipitation 
amounts to approximately 3 inches (80 mm). The region frequently encounters 
fine, dry, flaked snow, which at times falls heavily. Vegetation in Ladakh is 
primarily found in valleys and sheltered areas, where stunted growths of tamarisk 
shrubs (genus Tamarix), furze (also known as gorse, which are spiny plants 
belonging to the legume family), and other plants provide much-needed 
firewood. The main agricultural products cultivated in Ladakh include wheat, 
barley, millet, buckwheat, peas, beans, and turnips. Woolen cloth and other 
textiles form the primary manufacturing sector. 
Historical Significance and Contested Territory 
Ladakh has been a subject of dispute between India and Pakistan since the 
partition of British India in 1947. Following the cease-fire agreement of 1949, 
India acquired control over the southeastern portion of Ladakh, while the 
remaining area went to Pakistan. In the early 1960s, China gained control over its 
share of Ladakh through military intervention. 
Conclusion 
Ladakh, with its awe-inspiring heights and diverse topography, captivates visitors 
with its unique natural features. The region's cold and dry climate, combined with 
limited vegetation, poses challenges to its inhabitants. Nonetheless, Ladakh 
sustains agricultural activities, with valley villages serving as centers of cultivation. 
The historical complexities surrounding Ladakh's territorial control add another 
layer to its rich tapestry. 
 
 
 
 
Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Uttrakhand-
Physical
Physical	map	of	Himachal	Pradesh
  
 
 
Himachal Pradesh
 
Introduction
 
Himachal Pradesh, situated in the extreme northern part of the Asian 
subcontinent, is a state of India. It shares its borders with Jammu and Kashmir 
union territory to the northwest, Ladakh union territory to the northeast, Tibet 
Autonomous Region of China to the east, Uttarakhand to the southeast, Haryana 
to the south, and Punjab to the west. Known for its breathtaking beauty, 
Himachal Pradesh is nestled in the western Himalayas, offering a diverse 
landscape of snow-clad mountains, deep gorges, lush valleys, picturesque lakes, 
terraced fields, and cascading streams. The name "Himachal" itself signifies its 
characteristic feature of "snowy slopes" (derived from the Sanskrit words hima 
meaning "snow" and
 
acal meaning "slopes"), while "Pradesh" means "state." 
Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, was once the summer headquarters 
for British viceroys before India gained independence. Today, it stands as a 
popular mountain resort, attracting visitors
 
from far and wide. On January 25, 
1971, Himachal Pradesh attained statehood, transitioning from a union territory 
to a full-fledged state. With an area of 21,495 square miles (55,673 square km) 
and a population of 6,856,509 as of 2011, Himachal Pradesh holds a significant 
place on India's map.
 
Geography and Drainage
 
?
 
Himachal Pradesh's diverse terrain is characterized by several parallel 
physiographic regions aligned in a northwest-southeast direction, following 
the ranges of the Himalayan mountain system.
 
Along its southern border 
with Punjab and Haryana, the state consists of two stretches of the Siwalik 
Range, also known as the Outer Himalayas. These stretches are separated 
by long, narrow valleys. The elevations in the southern tract average 
around 1,600 feet (500 meters), while in the northern tract, they range 
between 3,000 and 5,000 feet (900 and 1,500 meters).