Hills & Mountain Ranges of Northeast India: Map, Major Ranges & Peaks
The major hills and mountain ranges of Northeast India include the Eastern Himalaya in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh; the Patkai, Naga, Manipur, Mizo and Tripura hills to the east and south; the Barail Range; and the Garo, Khasi, Jaintia and Karbi Anglong hills of the plateau region. The map and tables below show where these systems lie and how they differ.
The hills and mountain ranges of Northeast India are not part of a single geological system. Broadly, the northern and eastern highlands are associated with the Eastern Himalaya and the Indo-Myanmar mountain system, while the Meghalaya–Karbi Anglong highlands represent an ancient plateau block geologically related to the Indian Peninsular Shield. Assam's Geological and Mining authorities describe the Karbi-Anglong plateau as an extension of the Shillong Plateau, while the North Cachar/Dima Hasao hills are associated with the younger folded ranges to the south and east.
This remarkable geological diversity has produced numerous hills, ridges, plateaus, valleys and mountain passes, making Northeast India an important region for the study of physical geography, geology, biodiversity and river systems.
Map of Hills and Mountain Ranges of Northeast India
Major Mountain Ranges and Hill Regions of Northeast India
For geographical study, the major hill and mountain systems of Northeast India can be grouped into the following regions:
| Mountain or hill region | Principal hills and ranges | Physiographic setting |
|---|---|---|
| Darjeeling–Sikkim Himalaya | Singalila Range, Dongkya Range, Great Himalayan Range | Eastern Himalaya |
| Arunachal Himalaya | Great/Higher Himalaya, Dafla Hills, Miri Hills, Mishmi Hills | Eastern Himalaya |
| Patkai–Purvanchal System | Patkai Hills, Naga Hills, Manipur Hills, Mizo/Lushai Hills, Tripura Hills | Indo-Myanmar mountain system |
| Barail Range | Barail Hills, Dima Hasao / North Cachar Hills | Tertiary folded hills |
| Karbi Anglong–Meghalaya Plateau | Mikir Hills, Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills | Ancient plateau block |
The boundaries between these systems are not always sharp because Northeast India contains a complex transition between the Eastern Himalayas, Indo-Myanmar ranges and Peninsular Indian plateau.
1. Darjeeling–Sikkim Himalaya
The Darjeeling–Sikkim Himalaya forms an important section of the Eastern Himalaya. Sikkim is dominated by high Himalayan mountains and includes Khangchendzonga (Kanchenjunga), while the southern part contains the Singalila Ridge and the northern portion includes the Dongkya Range. The Government of Sikkim describes the Great Himalayan Range along the western side, Singalila Ridge to the south and Dongkia Range to the north.
The region has extremely steep relief, deep river valleys and strong altitudinal variation. The Teesta River system is one of the principal drainage systems associated with the Sikkim Himalaya.
1.1 Singalila Range
The Singalila Range is a prominent north–south ridge forming part of the Eastern Himalaya. It extends through the mountainous region of northern West Bengal and Sikkim and continues towards Nepal.
The ridge forms an important highland boundary and contains some of the best-known high-elevation landscapes of the eastern Himalayan region.
Sandakphu, in the Singalila area of the Darjeeling Himalaya, is particularly famous for its panoramic views of some of the highest Himalayan peaks.
1.2 Dongkya Range
The Dongkya (Dongkia) Range occupies northern Sikkim and forms part of the high mountain landscape near the Tibetan Plateau. It is an important physiographic feature of northern Sikkim and contributes to the rugged relief and high-altitude environment of the region.
2. Arunachal Himalaya
The Arunachal Himalaya forms the easternmost major sector of the Eastern Himalaya in India. Arunachal Pradesh extends from the Assam plains and Himalayan foothills in the south to extremely high mountains along the international boundary with China in the north.
The state's terrain is characterized by parallel and intersecting ridges, deep valleys and major transverse rivers. The Botanical Survey of India describes Arunachal Pradesh as a rugged mountainous region in which elevations rise from the foothills to several thousand metres near the northern border.
Historically, parts of the Assam Himalaya were identified using names associated with communities living in different mountain sectors, including the Daphla, Miri, Abor and Mishmi Hills. Modern geographical descriptions generally place these within the broader Himalayan physiographic framework.
2.1 Great or Higher Himalaya
The Great or Higher Himalaya occupies the highest northern part of Arunachal Pradesh. It contains some of the most dramatic mountain landscapes in Northeast India, with very high peaks, snowfields, steep slopes and deeply incised valleys.
The rugged terrain gradually descends southward through the Lesser Himalaya and foothill zones towards the Assam plains.
2.2 Daphla Hills
The Daphla Hills occupy the western-central part of the Arunachal Himalayan region and historically formed part of the geographical subdivisions of the Assam Himalaya.
They are characterized by rugged terrain, forested slopes and numerous valleys. The term remains important in historical geographical literature, although modern administrative and geographical descriptions generally use the names of present-day districts and ethnic communities rather than older regional terminology.
2.3 Miri Hills
The Miri Hills form another traditional subdivision of the Assam Himalaya in the region of present-day central Arunachal Pradesh.
They are part of a highly dissected landscape dominated by ridges, valleys and mountain rivers. Like the Daphla Hills, the term has historical geographical significance and is useful when studying the evolution of descriptions of the Arunachal Himalaya.
2.4 Mishmi Hills
The Mishmi Hills occupy the northeastern part of Arunachal Pradesh near the international boundary with China and Myanmar.
This is one of the most rugged and biologically diverse mountain regions of Northeast India. The terrain contains deep valleys and very high ridges, and the Himalayan mountain system approaches the Indo-Myanmar ranges in this sector.
The eastern Himalayan arc makes a major structural turn in this region, giving the Mishmi Hills particular importance in the physical geography of Northeast India.
3. Patkai–Purvanchal Mountain System
The Patkai–Purvanchal ranges form one of the most important mountain systems of eastern and southeastern Northeast India.
The mountains curve southward from the eastern Himalaya and continue towards the Indo-Myanmar mountain system and the Arakan Yoma. Unlike the high, snow-clad Himalayan ranges, the Purvanchal hills are generally lower and are characterized by parallel ridges, steep slopes, narrow valleys and heavy monsoon rainfall.
The system includes the Patkai Hills, Naga Hills, Manipur Hills and Mizo Hills, with related hill systems continuing into Tripura.
3.1 Patkai Hills
The Patkai Hills, also known as Patkai Bum, form an important mountain belt along the India–Myanmar frontier.
They are structurally associated with the Indo-Myanmar mountain system, rather than being a Himalayan range in the strict physiographic sense. The mountains are deeply dissected and contain steep slopes and narrow valleys.
In Nagaland, the Patkai mountains reach their highest elevation at Mount Saramati, which rises to about 3,840 metres. The Nagaland government identifies Saramati as the state's highest peak and notes that the Patkai range forms part of the mountain system along the Myanmar border.
The Patkai system also has major drainage significance because several rivers flow westward towards the Brahmaputra basin, while others on the eastern side are associated with the Chindwin drainage system.
3.2 Naga Hills
The Naga Hills extend across Nagaland and continue into Myanmar. They form a major part of the Purvanchal mountain system and occupy much of the mountainous landscape of Nagaland.
Nagaland is predominantly mountainous. The hills rise from the Brahmaputra Valley in the north and become considerably higher towards the southeast, where they merge with the Patkai Range.
The Naga Hills are characterized by:
Long north–south and northeast–southwest ridges
Deeply dissected valleys
Steep slopes
Dense forest cover
High rainfall
Strongly developed mountain drainage
The Doyang, Dikhu and Tizu are among the important rivers associated with Nagaland's mountainous terrain.
3.3 Manipur Hills
The Manipur Hills surround the central Imphal Valley and occupy most of the state's territory.
Manipur can broadly be divided into two major physical regions: the surrounding hill region and the central valley. Government sources describe rows of hills extending mainly from north to south, with many of the hills reaching elevations above 1,500 metres and some northern peaks approaching 3,000 metres.
The hills are separated by numerous valleys and river courses. They play an important role in the climate, drainage, biodiversity and settlement pattern of Manipur.
The central Imphal Valley is enclosed by mountain ranges, while the surrounding hills extend towards Nagaland, Mizoram, Assam and Myanmar.
3.4 Mizo Hills or Lushai Hills
The Mizo Hills, historically known as the Lushai Hills, constitute the principal mountainous region of Mizoram.
These hills form part of the Indo-Myanmar or Purvanchal mountain system and are characterized by long, almost parallel ridges running predominantly from north to south.
The landscape consists of:
Narrow valleys
Steep slopes
Parallel ridges
Dense forests
Numerous streams and rivers
The highest point of Mizoram is Phawngpui (Blue Mountain), which reaches approximately 2,157 metres.
Traditional shifting cultivation, locally known as jhum cultivation, has historically been practiced in many parts of the hill region, alongside settled agriculture and modern land-use systems.
3.5 Tripura Hills
The Tripura Hills form a series of roughly parallel ridges extending mainly from north to south. The major hill ranges include:
Jampui Range
Sakhantang Range
Longtharai Range
Atharamura Range
Baramura Range
Deotamura Range
Belkhum Range
Kalajari Range
The Government of Tripura identifies Betlingchhip (about 939 metres) in the Jampui Range as the highest peak of the state.
Jampui Hills
The Jampui Hills are the highest hill range in Tripura and lie along the state's northeastern boundary with Mizoram.
Jampui is known for its forested hills, pleasant climate, panoramic views and orange-growing areas. The hills also have considerable tourism significance and have been identified by the Tripura government for adventure and village tourism development.
The long, parallel ridges of Tripura gradually decrease in elevation southward towards the plains of Bangladesh and the surrounding lowlands.
4. Barail Range
The Barail Range is one of the most important mountain systems of southern Assam and adjoining parts of Nagaland and Manipur.
It has major watershed significance, particularly because the Barail Range separates drainage associated with the Brahmaputra basin from the Barak basin.
The Government of Assam identifies the North Cachar/Dima Hasao hills as part of the folded tertiary mountain region and notes that the Barail Range is the highest major range in Assam's hilly region.
Government water-resources information also describes the Barail Range as the northern boundary of the Barak sub-basin, separating it from the Brahmaputra sub-basin.
Dima Hasao and the Barail Hills
The Barail system is particularly prominent in Dima Hasao district of Assam. The terrain consists of rugged ridges, steep slopes and deeply incised valleys.
The range has important geographical relationships with:
Brahmaputra Valley
Barak Valley
Naga Hills
Meghalaya Plateau
Dima Hasao Hills
The Barail Range therefore represents an important transition zone between the ancient plateau of Meghalaya–Karbi Anglong and the younger folded mountain systems farther east and southeast.
Barail Range as a Watershed
One of the most important geographical characteristics of the Barail Range is its role as a drainage divide.
The Barak sub-basin lies south of the Barail Range, while the Brahmaputra drainage system occupies the northern side.
This makes the Barail Range especially important when studying the river systems of Assam and Northeast India.
5. Karbi Anglong–Meghalaya Plateau and Its Hills
The Karbi Anglong–Meghalaya highland region is geologically different from the young folded mountain systems of the Himalaya and Purvanchal.
The Shillong Plateau is an ancient elevated block related to the Indian Peninsular Shield, while the Karbi Anglong Plateau is regarded by the Government of Assam as a north-eastern extension of the Shillong Plateau.
The major hill regions associated with this plateau are:
Mikir Hills
Khasi Hills
Jaintia Hills
Garo Hills
5.1 Mikir Hills
The Mikir Hills, now largely associated with Karbi Anglong, form the northeastern extension of the Meghalaya/Shillong Plateau.
They lie between the Brahmaputra Valley and the hill regions of southern Assam. The Mikir Hills are characterized by rolling and rugged terrain, forested slopes and dissected uplands.
Because the hills lie to the east of the main Meghalaya Plateau, parts of the region experience different rainfall conditions from the wetter Khasi and Jaintia uplands.
The Mikir Hills are therefore important for understanding the physical geography of Karbi Anglong and central Assam.
5.2 Khasi Hills
The Khasi Hills occupy the central part of Meghalaya and form one of the best-known divisions of the Shillong Plateau.
The region contains extensive uplands, deeply cut valleys, waterfalls, caves and steep escarpments. Meghalaya's government describes the state as a land of high plateaus, forests, waterfalls and rivers, while traditional geographical classifications divide Meghalaya into the Garo Hills, Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills.
The Khasi Hills are also globally famous for their exceptionally high rainfall, particularly in the southern escarpment region.
Cherrapunji (Sohra) and surrounding areas are among the best-known high-rainfall localities in the world.
5.3 Garo Hills
The Garo Hills occupy western Meghalaya and form the westernmost major hill division of the state.
The region consists of forested hills, ridges and valleys and is an important centre of biodiversity.
The hills extend towards the Brahmaputra Valley in the north and the Bangladesh plains in the south. They are an important component of the larger Meghalaya Plateau landscape.
The Garo Hills are also culturally significant because they are traditionally inhabited by the Garo people, whose distinctive social organization, traditions and festivals form an important part of Meghalaya's cultural geography.
5.4 Jaintia Hills
The Jaintia Hills occupy eastern Meghalaya and form the eastern section of the Meghalaya hill region.
They are characterized by:
Rolling and rugged uplands
Limestone formations
Valleys and caves
Forested hills
High-rainfall environments
The Jaintia Hills also have significant mineral resources and are historically associated with limestone and coal mining.
Physiographically, the Jaintia Hills form an important eastern sector of the Meghalaya Plateau and provide a transition towards the hill systems of southern Assam and the Barail region.
Geological and Physiographic Significance of Northeast India's Hills
The hills and mountains of Northeast India can broadly be understood through three major geological and physiographic settings.
Eastern Himalaya
The northern part of the region, particularly Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, contains the high-relief mountains of the Eastern Himalaya.
These mountains are young, tectonically active and characterized by very high elevations, deep gorges, steep slopes and major river valleys.
Patkai–Purvanchal and Indo-Myanmar Hills
The Patkai, Naga, Manipur and Mizo Hills form part of the complex mountain belt extending southward from the eastern Himalaya towards Myanmar.
These ranges generally have lower elevations than the Greater Himalaya but possess extremely rugged terrain, narrow valleys and dense forest cover.
Meghalaya–Karbi Anglong Plateau
The Shillong Plateau and Karbi Anglong highlands are structurally distinct from the young Himalayan and Indo-Myanmar fold mountains.
The Karbi-Anglong plateau is recognized by the Government of Assam as an extension of the Shillong Plateau.
Why Are the Hills of Northeast India Important?
The mountain ranges of Northeast India are important not only because of their spectacular landscapes but also because they influence nearly every aspect of the region's geography.
1. River Systems
The mountains provide the source and catchment areas for numerous rivers, including the Brahmaputra's tributaries, Barak and several rivers flowing towards Myanmar and Bangladesh.
The Barail Range, for example, forms a major divide between the Brahmaputra and Barak drainage systems.
2. Climate
The hills strongly influence the Southwest Monsoon. Moisture-laden air is forced to rise over mountain slopes, producing heavy rainfall in several parts of Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.
3. Biodiversity
Northeast India's complex altitudinal variation creates numerous ecological zones ranging from tropical forests to alpine environments.
4. Agriculture
Mountain terrain has influenced traditional agricultural systems, including terrace cultivation, shifting cultivation and valley agriculture.
5. Human Geography
The mountains have played a major role in shaping settlement patterns, ethnic diversity, transportation networks and cultural landscapes.
6. Tourism
The Himalayas, Purvanchal hills, Meghalaya Plateau and associated valleys support important tourism destinations such as Sikkim, Tawang, Shillong, Cherrapunji, Jampui Hills, Mizoram and Nagaland.
Major Hills and Mountain Ranges of Northeast India at a Glance
| Region | Principal hills and ranges | Landscape features |
|---|---|---|
| Sikkim–Darjeeling Himalaya | Great Himalayan Range, Singalila, Dongkya | Very high Himalayan peaks, glaciers, deep valleys |
| Arunachal Himalaya | Higher Himalaya, Dafla, Miri, Mishmi | Snow-clad mountains, deep river gorges, extreme relief |
| Patkai–Purvanchal | Patkai, Naga, Manipur, Mizo | Parallel ridges, narrow valleys, forested mountains |
| Tripura Hills | Jampui, Longtharai, Atharamura, Baramura, Deotamura | Low to medium-height folded ridges |
| Barail Range | Barail and Dima Hasao Hills | Important Brahmaputra–Barak watershed |
| Meghalaya Plateau | Khasi, Garo, Jaintia | Ancient plateau, escarpments, caves and waterfalls |
| Karbi Anglong | Mikir Hills | Extension of Shillong Plateau |
Conclusion
The hills and mountain ranges of Northeast India form a highly complex physiographic mosaic created by the interaction of different geological structures, tectonic processes, rivers and climate.
From the snow-covered Eastern Himalayas of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh to the Patkai–Purvanchal ranges, the Barail watershed and the ancient Meghalaya–Karbi Anglong Plateau, each mountain system has its own geological origin, relief characteristics and geographical importance.
Understanding these mountain regions is essential for studying the physiography of Northeast India, because they control the region's river systems, climate, forests, biodiversity, agriculture, settlements and tourism.
In particular, the Himalayas provide the highest mountain terrain, the Purvanchal ranges form the great eastern and southeastern hill belt, the Barail Range acts as an important drainage divide, and the Meghalaya–Karbi Anglong highlands represent an ancient plateau landscape. Together, these landforms give Northeast India its distinctive geographical character.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which are the major mountain ranges of Northeast India?
The major mountain systems include the Eastern Himalaya, Patkai–Purvanchal ranges, Barail Range and Meghalaya–Karbi Anglong Plateau hills.
Which mountain range separates the Brahmaputra and Barak valleys?
The Barail Range is an important watershed separating the Barak sub-basin from the Brahmaputra drainage system.
Which is the highest peak in Nagaland?
Mount Saramati, at about 3,840 metres, is the highest peak of Nagaland.
Which is the highest peak of Mizoram?
Phawngpui (Blue Mountain) is the highest peak of Mizoram, reaching approximately 2,157 metres.
Which is the highest peak of Tripura?
Betlingchhip, located in the Jampui Range, is the highest peak of Tripura at approximately 939 metres.
What are the major hills of Meghalaya?
The principal hill regions of Meghalaya are the Garo Hills, Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills.
Are the Meghalaya Hills part of the Himalayas?
No. The Meghalaya–Shillong Plateau is geologically distinct from the young Himalayan mountain system. The Karbi-Anglong Plateau is regarded as an extension of the Shillong Plateau.