Himalayas meaning the 'Abode of Snow' have been a sight
to behold for ages. No one might have ever imagined that the Tethys Sea
would give rise to such huge massifs of the Himalayas. Scientists and
researchers believe that it took five to seven million years for the
mountain ranges to come into being. The Himalayas, that are the world's
mightiest mountain ranges, boast 14 peaks and hundreds of summits of 7,000
m/ 23,000 ft elevation. The huge range spans over a stretch of 2,700 km from
Assam to Kashmir. While on the one hand adventure seekers have attempted to
scale the heights, on the other, poets and lyricists have sung praises of
the snow-crested peaks and the stunning sights of nature.
The
Himalayas have found mentions as earlier as in the Rig Veda. The poet sages
have referred the massifs as glistening divinity, noble soul and the expanse
of the two arms of the great being. Even the ancient Hindu epics like the
Ramayana and the Mahabharata have described the Himalayas as the region
where Gods dwell. The Himalayas have given birth to a number of rivers
flowing into the Indian subcontinent. Besides the Indus and the Brahamputra,
there are rivers like the Ganges and the Yamuna that find themselves
associated with countless myths and legends and further give rise to a
number of tributaries that are known by different names in different zones
of the country.
The Himalayan region have been a source of rejuvenation and peace for
devotees and worshippers. Though many have given up their lives to climb up
the mountains, the tough and determined souls still trek up to great heights
to gratify their spiritual thirsts. An eclectic mix of cultures, races and
religions, the Himalayas houses some of the chief pilgrimage centres in its
foothills. While you make a trip to Sikkim and Bhutan, you experience the
real splendour and majesty of the mountains. The Kanchenjunga peak (8,682 m)
towers everything else in Sikkim. Both the Buddhists and the Hindus alike
hold the mountain in great esteem.
Planing a trip to the enchanting valley of Kashmir could prove to be a
worthy experience for all. Verdant valleys, lush meadows, landscaped gardens
and stunning sights can capture one's imagination at the very first instant.
A pilgrimage to Pahalgam is an auspicious occasion for the Hindus all over
the country and the world. Shikara rides along the Dal Lake are a craze
among tourists. Kashmir also flaunts such famous Mughal gardens as the
Nishat Bagh and the Shalimar Bagh.
The
Kumaon and the Garhwal regions in the state of Uttaranchal rope in hundreds
of thousands of tourists from across the world. From adventure and wildlife
to pilgrimage, the Himalayan region provides it all. Snow crested peaks and
stunning sights of nature magnetise myriads of city dwellers from all parts
of the country and the world.
State like Himachal Pradesh lying in the further west sets forth a lot of
tourist attractions. Camping in the Himalays is the one most popular
activity that brings people here. From enjoying natural beauty to
experiencing the lifestyle in the hills and the culture of the folks have a
great to offer.
Advancing towards the Trans Himalayan region, one comes across the
attractively rugged landscapes of Ladakh that is also known as the 'Little
Tibet'. Before the formation of Kargil, Ladakh had the eminence of being the
largest district in India. Bounded by the mighty Karakoram and the Zanskar
ranges, Ladakh sets up a whole panorama of Buddhist culture with its
abundant possession of Buddhist monasteries. Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet also
lie in the Trans Himalayan region and are great tourist destinations today.
The Himalayas, in a nutshell, are a storehouse of knowledge, wisdom, peace,
adventure and culture!
