Rainwater chemistry in the North Western Himalayan Region, India

► We characterize and assess the major ions in rainwater samples collected during June to October in 2006 and in 2007 at Kothi, in the Western Himalayas, India and identify the possible sources. ► The volume weighted rainwater pH ranged from 5.16 to 6.36 with a mean 5.68 ± 0.26. ► Ca2+ (19%) and Na+ (14%) found dominant among cations and Cl- (17%), SO42- (16%) and NO3- (12%) were major among anions. ► Enrichment factors indicate that Ca2+, SO42− and K+ were originated from non-marine sources.