The Himalayas blocks southwest monsoon winds and causes heavy rainfall in north India. It forms a natural barrier to the subcontinent and is the source of many perennial rivers like the Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra, etc. The Northern Mountains are described as the paradise of tourists due to their natural beauty.
Many hill stations and pilgrim centres like Amarnath, Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Vaishnavidevi temples are situated here. It provides the raw material for many forest-based industries. It prevents the cold winds blowing from Central Asia and protects India from severe cold and it is renowned for its rich biodiversity.