Alpine Forests of India
Found above 2900 m, these are cold-tolerant, high-altitude forests that lie just below the permanent snowline. They transition from sub-alpine forests to alpine scrubs.
🧭 Altitudinal Zonation
| Zone | Altitude (m) | Forest Type |
| 🌲 Sub-Alpine Forest | 2900–3100 | Coniferous + Broadleaf |
| 🌿 Moist Alpine Scrub | 3000–3500 | Dense low evergreen shrubs |
| 🪴 Dry Alpine Scrub | >3500 | Xerophytic dwarf shrubs |
1. Sub-Alpine Forests
- Altitude: 2900–3100 m
- Vegetation: Mix of conifers (up to 30 m) and broad-leaved trees (up to 10 m)
- Species: Fir, Spruce, Rhododendron
- Features: Transition zone from temperate forest to alpine scrub
- Found in: Upper Himalayas (Kashmir to Arunachal)
2. Moist Alpine Scrub
- Altitude: 3000 m to snowline (~3500 m)
- Vegetation: Dense evergreen shrubs
- Species: Rhododendron, Birch
- Features: Grows where moisture is still present; just below the snowline
- Appears as: Green carpets on steep slopes
3. Dry Alpine Scrub
- Altitude: Above 3500 m
- Climate: Cold + dry (rain shadow areas)
- Vegetation: Dwarf xerophytic shrubs
- Species: Juniper, Honeysuckle, Artemisia
- Location: Ladakh, Lahul-Spiti, dry inner Himalayas
✅ Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Sub-Alpine Forest | Moist Alpine Scrub | Dry Alpine Scrub |
| Altitude (m) | 2900–3100 | 3000–3500 | >3500 |
| Vegetation | Tall conifers + broadleaf | Dense evergreen shrubs | Dwarf xerophytic shrubs |
| Dominant Species | Fir, Spruce, Rhododendron | Rhododendron, Birch | Juniper, Honeysuckle, Artemisia |
| Moisture Availability | Moderate | High | Very Low (Dry) |
| Region | Himalayan belt | Near snowline | Inner dry Himalayas |
