Page 97 - Social Studies 5

this region. This region is situated between
3,000 to 8,848 metres above sea level. It
occupies about 15% of the total land area of
Nepal. Few of the districts such as Manang,
Mustang, Mugu, Humla, Jumla and Dolpa lie
north of the mountain ranges too.

In the Himalaya region, the soil is formed by
different rocks, sand and stone. These types
of soil are also called ‘Debris soil’. It is not considered suitable for growing
crops. However, potatoes, phaphar, jau and fruits are grown here.

The Himalayan region remains cold and dry throughout the year. It has
both tundra and alpine type of vegetations. Tundra vegetation is found in
the higher Himalayan range above 5000 meters which is always covered

with snow. Only moss and lichen are the vegetations found here.

Alpine vegetation belt extends approximately between 4,000 -5000
meters. Rhododendrons, willows, primroses and junipers grow here.
Alpine meadows with herbaceous vegetation and short duration flowers
are found around this belt. Likewise, coniferous forest belt spreads
between 3000 metres and 4,000 metres. The trees are silver fir, pine,
spruce and deodar.

The Hilly Region – This region extends from east to west and lies in the
middle part of Nepal. It lies between 300 to 3,000 metres above sea
level. The two ranges, the Mahabharat

and the Chure are in this region. Hills,
Valleys and the inner Tarai are the major
landforms of this region. It covers about
68% of the total land area of Nepal.

Different soil forms are found in the Hilly
region of Nepal. Generally red soil, dry
soil, sandy soil, etc. are found. However, most of the soils are formed by
pieces of rocks, stones and sand. This type of soil is called Rocky-sandy

Megha's Integrated Social Studies - 5 93