The Kumaon region consists of a large Himalayan
tract, together with two submontane strips called the Terai and the Bhabhar.
The submontane strips were up to 1850 an almost impenetrable forest, given up
to wild animals; but after 1850 the numerous clearings attracted a large
population from the hills, who cultivated the rich soil during the hot and cold
seasons, returning to the hills in the rains. The rest of Kumaon is a maze of
mountains, part of the Himalaya range, some of which are among the loftiest known. In
a tract not more than 225 km in length and 65 km in breadth there are
over thirty peaks rising to elevations exceeding 5500 m.
The rivers like Gori, Dhauli, and Kali rise
chiefly in the southern slope of the Tibetan watershed north of
the loftiest peaks, amongst which they make their way down valleys of rapid
declivity and extraordinary depth. The principal are the Sharda (Kali), the
Pindari and Kailganga, whose waters join the Alaknanda. The river Sharda (Kali)
forms the international boundary between India and Nepal. The pilgrim route
currently used to visit Kailash-Mansarovar, goes along this river and crosses
into Tibet at Lipu Lekh pass.
The chief trees are the Chir Pine,
Himalayan
Cypress, Pindrow Fir,
alder,
sal
or iron-wood, and saindan. Limestone, sandstone, slate,
gneiss and granite constitute the principal geological formations. Mines of
iron, copper, gypsum, lead and asbestos exist; but they are not thoroughly
worked. Except in the submontane strips and deep valleys the climate is mild.
The rainfall of the outer Himalayan range, which is first struck by the
monsoon, is double that of the central hills, in the average proportion of
2000 mm to 1000 mm. No winter passes without snow on the higher
ridges, and in some years it is universal throughout the mountain tract.
Frosts, especially in the valleys, are often severe.
