Himalaya

The high Himalaya of eastern Bhutan rises above steep valleys that descend towards the Brahmaputra. Snow and ice cover the highest mountains, while forests occupy lower slopes and rivers cut narrow gorges through the ridges. Much of eastern Bhutan drains into the Manas river system, whose tributaries gather water from these mountains. The rugged terrain separates valleys from one another and makes the passes between them important routes through the high country.