Claim: Alpine shrublands, characterized by rhododendrons which is quite varied with species composition changing as one moves from west to east along the range, predominate at lower elevations, close to the treeline.
Evidence: The Western Himalayan alpine shrub and meadows is a montane grasslands and shrublands ecoregion of Nepal, India, and Tibet, which lies between the tree line and snow line in the western portion of the Himalaya Range. Alpine shrublands, dominated by rhododendrons, predominate at lower elevations close to the treeline. The Eastern Himalayan alpine shrub and meadows lie east of the Kali Gandaki gorge, while the Northwestern Himalayan alpine shrub and meadows lies west of the Sutlej.