Why Do Oak and Rhododendron Forests Protect Himalayan Life
When most people picture the Himalayas, they think of ice-draped peaks stabbing the sky. But the real heartbeat of these mountains lies lower, in forests of oak and rhododendron. They aren’t just trees, they’re survival machines, keeping entire ecosystems alive. The kuari pass trek takes you straight through these green fortresses, and you start to see their true weight. Without them, the Himalayas would unravel, piece by piece, like a rope losing its fibers. Let’s dig into why these woods matter more than most people ever realize.

Keeping the climate steady
Up high, the weather is brutal—burning sun by day, freezing by night. Oaks and rhododendrons smooth those swings, creating stable pockets of air and moisture. They hold humidity, block howling winds, and make space for smaller life to exist. Without them, the ground plants would crisp and die, breaking the food web entirely...







