Unveiling the Assam Himalayas: Essential Passes & Classification

Introduction 

The Eastern Himalayas, often known as the Assam Himalayas, stretch over 720 kilometres between the rivers Teesta river and Dihang (Tsangpo-Brahmaputra).

This split exists between the Teesta and the Brahmaputra rivers (Dihang). It stretches over the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh and into Bhutan.

Read a complete guide on other Himalayas here.

Important Passes

Nathu la pass and Jelep la Pass in Sikkim

Bumla pass, Bomdi la Pass, Tawang pass, Tunga pass, Diphu pass and Yangyap pass in Arunachal Pradesh.

Classification of Assam Himalayas

Assam Himalayas are further divided into 

• Purvanchal
• Shivalik

Purvanchal

Purvanchal is formed by a southerly curve on the southern boundary of Arunachal Pradesh, and mountains arranged in a north-south orientation through Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.

The Purvanchal Plateau joins the Meghalaya Plateau in the west, and the Myanmar mountain range extends all the way to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Indonesian Archipelago.

It consists of mountain ranges arranged from north to south direction.

Major hills in the eastern Himalayas include Patkai Bum, Manipur Hills, Blue Mountain, Tripura Range, and Brail Range. 

It includes the following ranges 

Patkai Bhum :- These hills separate Arunachal Pradesh from Myanmar.

Naga Hills :- These hills separate Nagaland from Myanmar. The highest peak here is Mt Saramati.

Manipur Hills :- These are low lying hills which exhibit centripetal drainage system. The largest freshwater lake here is Loktak Lake. Keibul Lamjao national park located in Loktak Lake is the only floating national park in India.

Mizo Hills :- They are also called as lushai ranges. The tallest peak here is The Blue Mountain.

Tripura hills :- Important lake here is Rudrasagar lake.

Garo Hills :- It is named after Garo tribe residing here. The important biosphere reserve hair is Nokrek biosphere reserve.

Khasi Hills :- Shillong is headquarter for Khasi Hills. The wettest places on Earth – Cherrapunji and Mawsynram are located here.

Jaintia Hills :- These are eastern most hills of  Meghalaya Plateau. In these hills, tertiary iron and coal deposits are traced.

Rengma and Mikir Hills :- these are located in Central Assam and they are continuous hill range of Meghalaya plateau.

Barail Ranges :- They are arranged in North South order from Northern Assam to Southern Assam. In the south Surma valley is located and in the north Karbi anglong valley is located.

Shivaliks 

The Himalayas rise fast in Assam’s lowlands and then narrow as they approach the Shivalik foothills. Among the various hills in this area are the Aka hills, Dafla hills, Miri hills, Abor hills, Mishmi hills, and Namcha Barwa.

Hills in shivalik are named after the tribes residing there.

Other Information

Beyond the essential passes and classification, the Assam Himalayas offer a plethora of experiences for visitors. Lush valleys teeming with diverse flora and fauna, cascading waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks create a breathtaking backdrop for adventure.

This region is also home to various indigenous communities who have thrived in harmony with the mountains for centuries. Their rich cultural heritage, from traditional music and dance to unique culinary traditions, adds another layer of depth to the experience of exploring the Assam Himalayas.