Geography of Uttarakhand

Overview

Uttarakhand, carved out of Uttar Pradesh on 9 November 2000, is a Himalayan state with extraordinary geographical diversity. Understanding its physical geography is essential for UTET Paper II because questions frequently test knowledge of Himalayan zones, major glaciers, river systems and the state's rich biodiversity. This topic also connects to Environmental Studies, conservation movements (Chipko) and the cultural identity of the region.

For exam purposes, you must be able to distinguish the three Himalayan zones, name the glaciers that feed sacred rivers, trace river courses and recall key facts about national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Map-based and factual MCQs are common, so memorise locations, elevations and protected areas.

Key Concepts

• **Three Himalayan Zones**: Uttarakhand is divided into the Greater Himalayas (Himadri), Lesser Himalayas (Himachal) and Outer Himalayas (Shivaliks), each with distinct elevation, climate and land use.

• **Glaciers as River Sources**: Gangotri and Yamunotri glaciers are the origin points of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers respectively; glaciers act as frozen reservoirs feeding perennial rivers.

• **Drainage Pattern**: The state has two major river systems — the Ganga system (Bhagirathi, Alaknanda and tributaries) and the Yamuna system; rivers flow south or south-west towards the plains.