Himachal takes its name from the Himalayas. Himachal literally means Land of snowy mountains. Himalayas, the great mountain system extends almost 2,500 Km., from North-West to South-East and width of Himalayas is between 250 to 300 Km. The Himalayas are one of the youngest among the mountain system in India and these are believed to be 40 million years old. The Himalayas are also the highest mountain system in the world.