Discovering the Himalaya
About the Book
Stretching in an arcuate shape for about 2400 kms from Kashmir in the north-west to Arunachal Pradesh in the north-east, the Himalayan mountain chain is the most fascinating feature on the face of the earth.
The Himalayan mountains encompass a variety of eco-physiographic terrains ranging from the hot and dry tropical/sub-tropical lands occurring in its southern fringe to the temperate and arctic areas of the snow-bound higher slopes and finally to the cold deserts of the Tibetan plateau in the north.
This region has a complex ecology, geology, physiography, drainage, forest wealth and wildlife. It is inhabited by millions of people belonging to different religins, communities and races with rick and diverse art and culture.
This encyclopaedic handbook set in two volumes contains a vast wealth of information on all major aspects of the Himalaya and the people inhabiting this mountain chain. The book will serve as an invaluable reference for scholars, researchers, tourists, mountaineers, and all those who have love and inquisitiveness for the Himalaya.
The Contents
Preface
1. Geographical Profile
2. Climatic Conditions
3. Mountains and Valleys
4. Soil Types
5. Drainage System
6. Forests
7. Important Himalayan Trees
8. Wildlife
9. National Parks, Sanctuaries and Biosphere Reserves
10. Geology and Structure
11. Historical Profile
12. People and Communities
13. Languages
14. Temples and Monasteries
15. Religion and Culture
16. Environmental Problems and Conservation
17. Administration and Polity
18. Economic Scene: Present and Future
19. Places of Interest
Appendices
Index
About the Author(s)
belongs to the H.P. cadre of the Indian Forest Service. He has written more than 80 books on forestry, wildlife, Himalayan studies and nature conservation. He has travelled widely in India and abroad. His previous assignments include Associate Professor, I.G. National Forest Academy, Dehradun; Assistant Director General, ICFRE; and Guest Scientist, Munich University; Presently he heads the World Bank-assisted Integrated Watershed Development Project in Himachal Pradesh.
An IT professional for 17 years, based in the US since the last 12 years. Founded NGO My Himachal and then Himachal Media Pvt. Ltd.. A Himachali forever. Always trying to bring together people whose hearts beat for the state.
