How Much of the Himalayas Lies in China?

The Himalayas span ~2,400 km (1,500 mi) west–east and 200–300 km (120–180 mi) wide, covering ~594,400 km² (229,500 sq mi).

• Total area: ~594,400 km²
• Portion in China (Tibet Autonomous Region): ~25% → ~148,600 km² (57,400 sq mi)

Geographic Context

• The range forms the southern edge of the Tibetan Plateau.
• China's share includes the north faces of Everest (Qomolangma), Cho Oyu, Shishapangma, and vast trans-Himalayan valleys.
• Remaining 75%: Nepal, India (Uttarakhand, Himachal, Sikkim, Arunachal), Bhutan, Pakistan (Gilgit-Baltistan).

Significance

China's Himalayan zone is the source of major rivers (Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra/Yarlung Tsangpo, Karnali/Ghaghara) feeding hundreds of millions downstream. Glacial retreat here threatens water security across Asia.