This children’s article, A kids’ guide to the Himalayas: home of the world’s tallest mountains, has been written for native English speakers and for learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children practise reading and comprehension, learn useful vocabulary, and explore one of the most famous mountain ranges in the world. Written by Sinead O’Carroll, an experienced teacher and writer.
Where are the Himalayas?
The Himalayas are one of the most impressive mountain ranges on Earth. They stretch across five countries: India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Pakistan. Altogether, the range is about 2,400 kilometres long.
The name “Himalaya” comes from the ancient language Sanskrit and means “abode of snow.” It is easy to see why, as many of the peaks are covered in ice and snow all year round.
The tallest mountains on Earth
The Himalayas are home to 9 of the 10 highest mountains in the world. The most famous is Mount Everest, which rises 8,849 metres above sea level. Climbers travel from all over the globe to attempt the summit, although the climb is extremely difficult and dangerous.
Other important peaks include K2, which is even harder to climb, and Kangchenjunga, the third-highest mountain.
People and cultures of the Himalayas
Millions of people live in the Himalayan region, even in high valleys and steep mountain villages. They grow crops on narrow terraces, herd yaks, and trade across mountain passes. The Sherpa people of Nepal are especially famous for guiding climbers and carrying heavy loads at high altitudes.
The Himalayas are also rich in culture and religion. They are home to Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries, and many legends. Some people believe the yeti, a mysterious snow creature, wanders the highest slopes.
Wildlife in the mountains
The Himalayas may look cold and empty, but they are full of life. Snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan black bears, and blue sheep roam the mountains.
Brightly coloured birds, such as the Himalayan monal, add flashes of colour to the forests. At lower levels, rhododendron trees bloom with pink and red flowers. Higher up, only hardy plants and moss can survive.
Why the Himalayas matter
The Himalayas are sometimes called the “water towers of Asia.” Melting snow and glaciers feed great rivers, including the Ganges, Indus, and Brahmaputra. These rivers provide drinking water, farming irrigation, and electricity for hundreds of millions of people.
Article vocabulary list
- Himalayas: A mountain range in Asia, home to the world’s highest peaks.
- Abode: A word meaning home or place where something lives.
- Summit: The very top of a mountain.
- Sherpa: A group of people from Nepal known for guiding climbers in the Himalayas.
- Glacier: A large, slow-moving river of ice.
- Climate change: Long-term changes in Earth’s temperature and weather.
- Tectonic plate: A giant piece of the Earth’s surface that moves very slowly over time.
- Legend: An old story, sometimes mixed with myth, passed down through generations.
- Yak: A long-haired animal that lives in the high mountains.
- Rhododendron: A flowering plant that grows in Himalayan forests.
Comprehension questions
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1. What does the word “Himalaya” mean in Sanskrit?
a) Place of mountains
b) Abode of snow
c) Land of giants
Answer: b) Abode of snow
2. Which is the tallest mountain in the world?
a) K2
b) Kangchenjunga
c) Mount Everest
Answer: c) Mount Everest
3. Who are the Sherpa people?
a) Farmers who grow rice on flat land
b) Guides who help climbers in the Himalayas
c) Traders who sell goods in big cities
Answer: b) Guides who help climbers in the Himalayas
4. Which rare animal lives in the Himalayas?
a) Snow leopard
b) Polar bear
c) Kangaroo
Answer: a) Snow leopard
5. Why are the Himalayas called the “water towers of Asia”?
a) They store water in huge lakes
b) Their snow and glaciers feed important rivers
c) They are covered with waterfalls
Answer: b) Their snow and glaciers feed important rivers
6. What causes the Himalayas to keep growing taller?
a) Rainfall on the mountains
b) Tectonic plates pushing together
c) Wind blowing from the ocean
Answer: b) Tectonic plates pushing together
Sinead is a writer and EFL teacher with eight years’ experience. She’s a native English speaker who loves making news stories fun and easy to understand for children around the world. Her passions include travel, animals, and helping to make the world a kinder, more sustainable place.
