Himalaya And Tibetan Plateau

The roof of the world, from subtropical foothills to ice.

The Himalaya and the high Tibetan Plateau form the highest landscape on Earth. Within a short distance, habitats change from warm forest in the foothills to rhododendron woods, alpine meadow and permanent ice.

Many of Asia's great rivers begin here.

The Landscape

Monsoon rains water the southern slopes, while the Tibetan Plateau to the north is cold, dry and windswept. Altitude creates distinct belts of vegetation, each with its own animals.

Who Lives Here

Snow Leopards haunt the high rock, Himalayan Tahr and Bharal graze steep slopes, and Red Pandas live in bamboo forest. Himalayan Monal pheasants flash iridescent colour, and rhododendrons blaze in spring.

Through The Year

The summer monsoon from June to September brings rain to the south side, while spring and autumn are usually clearest for trekking. Winter is severe at altitude, and many animals move down.

Pressures And Care

Melting glaciers, overgrazing, road-building, hunting and trade in wildlife products threaten this region. Community conservation has helped some Snow Leopard populations.

Visiting Well

Acclimatise slowly, hire local guides, carry out your rubbish, and respect local customs and sacred places.

Look for

Snow Leopard
Red Panda
Himalayan Monal
Bharal
Rhododendron

Often a good time to visit: April, May, October. Conditions vary from year to year and place to place.

Related habitats

Upland

More in Asia

Southeast Asian Rainforests And Mangroves · Western Ghats And The Terai · East Asian Temperate Forests