The Himalaya

This chapter provides a broad overview of both the physical and cultural environments of the region, including the topographic and biotic systems, and a description of the cultural geography and cultural landscapes of the region. Its aim is to set the geographical, cultural, and tourism contexts for the concepts and cases that will follow throughout the book. The Himalaya are the highest mountains on the planet, home to more than 110 peaks that extend higher than 7,300 meters (24,000 feet) in elevation. The Himalayan glaciered landscapes are remarkable and one of their most notable features. The most obvious natural feature of the region is the mountain peaks. The Himalaya are home to numerous ethnic and cultural groups, defined largely by the languages they speak. The Himalaya Mountains are home to some of the most dramatic montane topograpry on the earth and some of the most fascinating living cultures. Nepal and India control most of the southern part of Himalaya.