Himachal Pradesh, being a Himalayan state, is known for its majestic mountain ranges, picturesque valleys, and important mountain passes that have historical, cultural, and strategic significance. These physical features form an essential part of the static GK section in state-level exams.
In this section, you’ll find exam-focused MCQs covering the locations, importance, and geographical features of Himachal’s ranges, valleys, and mountain passes.
Major Mountain Ranges in Himachal Pradesh:
Shivalik Hills: Outer Himalayas, low altitude range
Dhauladhar Range: Steep range running through Kangra and Chamba
Pir Panjal Range: Lies between Ravi and Chenab rivers
Zanskar Range: High-altitude range in Lahaul-Spiti
Great Himalayan Range: Highest range; home to glaciers and major peaks
Famous Valleys of Himachal Pradesh:
Kullu Valley: Also called the “Valley of Gods”
Chamba Valley: Rich in history and surrounded by Dhauladhar
Spiti Valley: Cold desert valley known for monasteries and rugged terrain
Lahaul Valley: Glacial rivers, scenic beauty, and tribal culture
Baspa Valley (Sangla): A lush valley in Kinnaur, rich in apple orchards
Important Passes in Himachal Pradesh:
Rohtang Pass: Connects Kullu with Lahaul-Spiti
Kunzum Pass: Gateway to Spiti from Lahaul
Baralacha La: Connects Lahaul to Ladakh via Leh
Jalori Pass: Scenic pass between Kullu and Shimla regions
Shipki La: Indo-China border pass in Kinnaur district
Sach Pass: Connects Chamba with Pangi Valley
Mountain Ranges, Valleys and Passes Practice MCQ Question and Answer
1
The Chamba Valley is also known as which other valley?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The Chamba Valley is also known as Ravi valley.
2
What types of trees are commonly found in the lower parts of the Chamba Valley?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
In the lower parts, the trees grown are wild olive, pomegranate and fig trees.
3
What is a common agricultural practice on the mountain slopes of Chamba Valley?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
On the mountain slopes, the fields are usually small in size and are arranged in terraces.
4
Approximately how many crops are typically reaped per year in most parts of the Chamba valley under 2,550 meters?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
In most part of the Chamba valley, under 2,550 meters, only two crops are reaped per year.
5
Which of the following is a characteristic of the northern mountain slopes of Chamba Valley?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Northern mountain slopes are covered with forests, while Southern are often quite bare.
6
Which river is Pangi Valley associated with?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Adjoining to the Chamba valley is the Pangi valley, extending along the Chenab river.
7
Between which ranges is the Kangra Valley located?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
This is an extensive dun-type valley located between the Dhauladhar range in the North and the Shivalik hills in the South.
8
Kangra paintings are known for their representation of what?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
In this valley, we do find the Kangra paintings known for their ageless beauty, in which human love has been represented in line and colour with great delicacy.
9
What has been discovered in the Kangra Valley, indicating its historical significance?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The Kangra valley has also been found important from historical point of view, with the discovery of Palaeolithic hand tools in the area.
10
Which of the following is a prominent town in the Kangra Valley?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The important towns of this valley are Baijnath, Palampur, Kangra and world famous Dharamshala.
11
The Kullu Valley is primarily formed by which river?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
This is a broad open valley formed by the Beas river between Mandi and Larji.
12
What type of trees are commonly found in the Kullu Valley?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The Kullu valley is famous for the beauty of its majestic hills, covered with pine and deodar forests and sprawling apple orchards.
13
Near which famous pass does the Kullu Valley end?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
It ends near the famous Rohtang Pass.
14
What is a characteristic of the climate in Kullu?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
It has a delightful and healthy climate and gets no snowfall.
15
Which town across the Beas river is known to be cooler than Kullu?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Across the Beas river, lies the pretty town of Naggar which is cooler than Kullu.
16
Hadimba Devi temple, a significant attraction, is located in which town?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Manali at an altitude of almost 2,000 meters, situated at the head of the Kullu valley is an important Himalayan resort and trade centre, particularly in Manali are Hadimba Devi temple.
17
In which valley are the hot springs of Manikaran located?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
In the Parvati valley lie the hot springs of Manikaran.
18
During festivals, what is a notable feature of the women of Kullu?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The women folk come out with bright multicoloured clothes and heavy jewellery on festival times.
19
The Baspa Valley is also known as?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The Baspa, also known as Sangla valley is the most beautiful and romantic in Kinnaur district.
20
What is the altitude range of the Baspa Valley?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The altitude of this valley varies from 1,830 meters at the confluence of the Baspa river with the Satluj and 3,475 meters at the highest village of Chitkul.
21
What type of vegetation is NOT found in the Baspa Valley?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The prominent vegetation found in the Baspa valley is Deodars, blue pines, firs and silver birch in the upper zones.
22
The Baspa Valley opens into which other valley?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
It opens into Satluj valley down stream of Tshong-Tong.
23
What are the rivers of Kinnaur known for?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The gushing rivers of Kinnaur abound in Trout-the angler's prize catch.
24
According to local tradition, what is said about Kinnaur and its beauty?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
It is no wonder that a local tradition maintains that Kinnaur with all its beauty fell from the clouds as a gift from the gods.
25
The Satluj Valley is formed by which river?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option D
It is a long valley has been formed by the Satluj river from Shipki to Bilaspur.
26
Which mountain ranges has the Satluj river cut across?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
This river has cut across the Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal, main Himalaya and Zanskar ranges.
27
The Pabbar or Rohru Valley is drained by which river?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The Pabbar or Rohru valley consists of the area drained by the river Pabbar.
28
From where does the Pabbar river originate?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The valley extends from Hatkoti upto Tikri at the base of Chansal.
29
What are 'Khads'?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
There are a great number of small Khads (streams) passing through this valley.
30
What is the altitude range of the peaks in the Pabbar Valley?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The altitude of the peaks in this valley varies from 1,500 meters to 5,000 meters.