Location of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | India |
| Union Territories (after 2019) | Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh |
| Location (Latitude) | 32°17′N to 37°06′N |
| Location (Longitude) | 73°26′E to 80°30′E |
| Neighbouring Countries | Pakistan (W), China (NE), Afghanistan (NW - via PoK) |
| Neighbouring Indian States | Himachal Pradesh, Punjab |
🗺️ Longitudinal and Latitudinal Extent
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Latitudinal Extent: 32°17′N to 37°06′N
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Longitudinal Extent: 73°26′E to 80°30′E
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North-South Length: ~640 km
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East-West Breadth: ~480 km
🧭 Geographical Divisions of Jammu & Kashmir
The Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir is divided into three major regions:
1. Jammu Region
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Located in south-western part
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Terrain: Foothills of Shivalik, Middle Himalayas
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Climate: Sub-tropical, hot summers, moderate winters
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Major Rivers: Chenab, Tawi, Ujh
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Important Cities: Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur
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Economy: Agriculture (wheat, rice), pilgrimage tourism (Vaishno Devi)
2. Kashmir Valley
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Located between Pir Panjal and Greater Himalayas
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Famous for: Beautiful valleys, lakes, gardens
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Terrain: Alluvial valley, flat basin (~1,500–1,600 m elevation)
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Climate: Temperate (cold winters, pleasant summers)
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Major Rivers: Jhelum, Lidder
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Important Cities: Srinagar, Anantnag, Baramulla
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Economy: Horticulture (apples, saffron), tourism, handicrafts
3. Ladakh Region
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Became a separate UT in 2019
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Located in north-easternmost part
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Terrain: Cold desert, rugged mountains (Greater Himalayas, Karakoram)
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Climate: Arid, extreme cold, low precipitation
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Rivers: Indus, Zanskar, Shyok, Nubra
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Major Areas: Leh, Kargil, Nubra Valley, Zanskar
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Economy: Tourism (trekking, monasteries), livestock, apricots, army presence
📌 Physical Divisions of J&K & Ladakh (Summary Table)
| Region | Key Features | Climate Type | Main River |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jammu | Foothills, Shivalik, middle Himalayas | Sub-tropical | Chenab, Tawi |
| Kashmir | Alluvial basin, in-between mountains | Temperate | Jhelum |
| Ladakh | Cold desert, high altitude, barren mountains | Cold desert (arid) | Indus |
🌍 Important Mountains in J&K & Ladakh
| Mountain Range | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shivalik Hills | Jammu | Outer Himalayas |
| Pir Panjal Range | Kashmir | Separates Kashmir Valley from Jammu |
| Greater Himalayas | Ladakh & North J&K | Contains Nun Kun (highest peak in J&K UT) |
| Zanskar Range | Ladakh | Sub-range of the Himalayas |
| Karakoram Range | Ladakh (NE) | Contains Siachen Glacier, K2 nearby (PoK) |
🌊 Important Rivers
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Jhelum – Main river of Kashmir
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Chenab – Originates in Himachal, flows through Jammu
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Tawi – Tributary of Chenab, flows near Jammu city
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Indus – Lifeline of Ladakh, originates in Tibet
📚 Exam-Oriented Points
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Highest Peak in J&K UT: Nun (7,135 m), in Zanskar Range
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Main River of Kashmir Valley: Jhelum
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Ladakh is called: "Cold Desert of India"
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Pir Panjal Range separates: Kashmir Valley from Jammu
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Siachen Glacier is located in: Karakoram Range, Ladakh
✅ Sample MCQs
1. What is the longitudinal extent of Jammu and Kashmir?
a) 32°N to 37°N
b) 73°E to 80°E ✅
c) 30°E to 78°E
d) 70°E to 75°E
2. Which river is the main source of water in the Kashmir Valley?
a) Chenab
b) Tawi
c) Indus
d) Jhelum ✅
3. Which region of J&K is a cold desert?
a) Jammu
b) Kashmir
c) Ladakh ✅
d) Kargil
4. The Pir Panjal range lies between which two regions?
a) Jammu and Ladakh
b) Kashmir and Ladakh
c) Jammu and Kashmir ✅
d) Kashmir and Tibet
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