Brief Geography of District Chamba | HPPSC HPAS Preparation - HPPSC HPAS (Himachal Pardesh) PDF Download

Introduction

The district of Chamba in Himachal Pradesh is renowned for its diverse and picturesque mountain ranges and river systems. This region showcases a blend of natural beauty and geological complexity, with its mountain ranges, rivers, and lakes contributing to its unique landscape. Below is a detailed description of the major geographical features in Chamba.

Mountain Ranges in District Chamba

Hathi Dhar (Snowless Range)

• Hathi Dhar is a low mountain range that runs parallel to the southern side of the Dhauladhar range. It forms part of the inner ridge of the Shivalik range.
• Unlike some of the higher ranges in the area, Hathi Dhar does not receive significant snowfall, which is why it's referred to as the "Snowless Range."

The Pangi Range

• Commonly known as the Pangi Range among locals and referred to as the Pir Panjal range by geologists, this range is an extension of the main Himalayan axis.
• It enters the Himachal region to the east of Bushahr and serves as a natural divider between Kullu and Lahaul & Spiti before entering Chamba.
• Within Chamba, the Pangi Range divides the district into two uneven parts. The southern branch of this range is known as Manimahesh, which separates Chamba from Bara Banghal.

The Dagani Dhar

• This range is an offshoot of the Pangi Range and forms the boundary between Chamba and Bhadarwah in Jammu.
• Key passes in this range include Padri and Chatar Dhar.
• Both the Pangi and Dagani ranges are composed of various geological formations including Silurian rocks, schists, slates, and Blaini conglomerates.

The Zaskar Range

• The Zaskar Range is a direct continuation of the Himalayan axis and extends from the northeastern part of Himachal Pradesh in a northwest direction.
• It separates Ladakh from Lahaul and Spiti before entering Chamba briefly.

River System of District Chamba

River Chenab (Chandrabhaga)

• The Chenab River is formed by the confluence of two streams: Chandra and Bhaga. These streams originate from opposite sides of Baralacha Pass (4,890 meters) and merge at Tandi (2,286 meters).
• The Chenab River flows into the Pangi Valley in Chamba and exits the district at Sansari Mullah, continuing into Podar Valley in Kashmir.
• Significant tributaries of the Chenab include the Miyar Nullah, which joins the Chenab at Udaipur, and the Saichu Nullah, which meets the river at Sach.

River Ravi

• The Ravi River begins in Bara Banghal (part of district Kangra) from a joint stream fed by glaciers called ‘Badal’ and ‘Tant Gari.’
• It leaves the Chamba district at Kheri, entering Jammu & Kashmir, and eventually merges with the Chenab River in Pakistan.

Lakes in District Chamba

• Ghadasaru Lake
• Khajjiar Lake
• Lama Dal Lake
• Manimahesh Lake
• Chamera Lake (Artificial Lake)
• Mahakali Lake

Also known as Chaurasi Ka Dal or Khundi Maral Lake.

• Chanderkup Lake
• Chamunda Lake
• Khajund Lake
• Chakund Lake

Additionally, several smaller lakes are located in the Dhauladhar range:

• Nagara Lake
• Kali Kund
• Dham Godi
• Kali Dal
• Nag Dal

These lakes vary in size and origin, with some being natural and others, like Chamera Lake, being artificially created. In summary, the district of Chamba is a region of varied and rich geological features. From its snowless ranges and offshoots to its significant river systems and diverse lakes, Chamba offers a fascinating study of natural landscapes and water systems.