• Enhances the effects of circulation pattern during both monsoon and non-monsoon seasons

• Large variations in Rainfalll and temperature distribution - more diverse socio-economic activities

• Impacts of the weather events enhanced by topography - more prone to cloud bursts, flash floods and landslides

• Source of many perennial river systems - distant effect up to the plains

• Large hydro-electric potential

• Diverse and fragile ecology

• Socio-economic sectors more weather dependent than in the plains