| High mountain regions like the Himalayas in Asia,the Alps of Europe,the Rockies in North America and the Andes in South America cover extensive areas. In these regions, climatic conditions and natural vegetation vary with altitude. In the Andes mountains, while Equatorial rain forest may be seen in the foot hill region, the peaks may have permanent snow cover. Climate and vegetation also vary according to exposure to winds.While the southern slopes of the Himalayas exposed to the monsoon winds get heavy rainfall and have a cover of forest vegetation, the northern slopes facing Tibetian plateau are dry and barren. Different climatic and vegetation types may vary within a short distance owing to change in height and aspect of the slope.