Himalayas System of mountains in s Asia, extending c.2400km (1500mi) n–s in an arc between Tibet and India-Pakistan. The mountains are divided into three ranges: the Greater Himalayas (n), which include Mount Everest and K2; the Lesser Himalayas; and the Outer Himalayas (s).

Himālaya. (‘abode of snow’). A vast mountain range on the northern border of India, regarded as sacred by Tibetans and Hindus alike. According to the Mahābhārata, the gods sacrifice on the summits, and Mount Meru, the axis of the world and the source of its vitality, lies at its centre.