Major Physical Features of South Asia: Himalayas, Rivers, Plateau, Desert

1. Himalayas: World's highest range (Everest 8,848 m); spans N. India, Nepal, Bhutan.
2. Indus River: ~3,180 km from Tibetan Plateau through India/Pakistan to Arabian Sea; cradle of civilization.
3. Ganges River: ~2,500 km from Himalayas through India/Bangladesh to Bay of Bengal; sacred to Hindus.
4. Deccan Plateau: Central/southern India; avg elevation 600 m; bordered by Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Vindhyas.
5. Thar Desert: NW India/SE Pakistan; vast arid expanse with sand dunes, sparse rain.

These features drive biodiversity and cultural heritage.