Mussoorie, Mahabharat & Nag Tibba Ranges: Map & Facts
These mountain ranges are part of the Lesser Himalayas. They lie between the Great Himalayas in the north and the Shivalik Hills in the south. This belt stretches across Uttarakhand and parts of Nepal, forming the middle section of the Himalayan chain.
In our previous article, we discussed the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar Ranges of the Lesser Himalayas, which are found mainly in Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. As we move east from those ranges, the land rises again to form the Mussoorie, Mahabharat, and Nag Tibba Ranges.
- Mussoorie Range lies in Uttarakhand, overlooking the Doon Valley.
- Mahabharat Range runs through central and eastern Nepal.
- Nag Tibba Range stands near Mussoorie in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand.
Table of Contents
1. Mussoorie Range
The Mussoorie Range lies in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. It runs parallel to the Doon Valley and acts as a natural barrier between the Shiwalik Hills and the higher Himalayas.
Key Facts:
- The famous Mussoorie hill station stands on this ridge.
- Average elevation – around 2,000 metres.
- Known for panoramic views of snow peaks and plains.
- The slopes are covered with oak and pine forests.
2. Mahabharat Range
The Mahabharat Range lies mostly in Nepal and extends into parts of India.
It runs east–west, parallel to the Siwalik Hills, and separates the Terai plains from the Inner Himalayas.
Its height varies between 1,500 and 2,700 metres.
Key Facts:
- Covered with dense forest and terrace farming.
- Important for rainfall catchment and slope farming in Nepal.
- Acts as a weather barrier that blocks monsoon winds.
3. Nag Tibba Range
The Nag Tibba Range lies near Mussoorie in Uttarakhand.
It is the highest peak in the Lesser Himalayas of Garhwal, about 3,022 metres high.
The name Nag Tibba means “Serpent’s Peak.”
Key Facts:
- Famous trekking site near Dehradun.
- Offers clear views of Bandarpunch, Kedarnath, and Gangotri peaks.
- Rich in oak and deodar forests.
Rivers in Brief
| Range | Main Rivers / Tributaries | River System |
|---|---|---|
| Mussoorie | Song, Suswa | Ganga |
| Mahabharat | Bagmati, Koshi, Gandaki | Ganga (via Nepal) |
| Nag Tibba | Yamuna tributaries | Yamuna |
Significance
- These ranges form a transition zone between the Great Himalayas and the foothills.
- They help in rainfall distribution and river formation.
- Forests reduce soil erosion and maintain ecological balance.
- Tourism spots like Mussoorie and Nag Tibba add economic value.
- Rivers from these ranges support agriculture and daily life in nearby valleys.
Overall, these mountain ranges link geography, ecology, and water systems — forming an important part of the Himalayan landscape.
