Himalayan Books
As one of the highest mountain ranges in the world, and in fact containing three of the highest peaks, The Himalayas are a mountain range that needs no introduction. The range was formed through a geological plate collision between Asia and the Indian Sub-Continent, and now houses the countries of India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Kashmir, Nepal, Burma, Bangladesh, and other towns/villages within its boundaries.
Visitors will also find the famous peaks of Mount Everest and K2 here, along with the slightly lower, but equally imposing sight of Kanchenjunga. These are just a few of the hundreds of mountain peaks here; there are also major rivers rising here too, such as the Ganges and Yangtze rivers. All in all, The Himalayas provide an interesting natural habitat, with Flora and Fauna changing with the climate/altitude. This varies from tropical at the base of the mountains, to permanent ice and snow at the tops.
As the Himalayan landscape isn’t easy to pass, it has in some ways helped shape the culture of the region, with different languages and religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism being an important part of life for people across the different mountain ranges (Greater Himalayas, Lesser Himalayas, Outer Himalayas). Important religious places or settlements in the region include Badrinath Temple, which is dedicated to Vishnu, Rishikesh which has a temple dedicated to Lakshmana, and the Vaishno Devi, a popular Durga Shrine. The Himalayas are also home to the famous Dalai Lama.
The Himalayas, it’s culture, and people, have inspired many who work in the fields of art, literature, and film, with works including the novel Kim by Rudyard Kipling, the Tin Tin In Tibet Comic Strip, movie Vertical Limit, and the film/travel book Seven Years In Tibet, all set in/around the mountain range.
Visiting the Himalayas could prove to be an unforgettable experience, with tour packages and trekking available that takes in sports and adventure, culture, wildlife, religion, and many of the main mountain ranges that dot the landscape. Mountain Biking and Rafting, and Skiing in the hills of Kumaon, Himachal Pradesh, and North Eastern India, are available for the more adventurous, while animal lovers can experience Jeep Safaris, Elephant Rides, and the areas National Parks. Along with Mountain trekking in different regions of the Himalayas, there’s also ample opportunity for sightseeing too, with trips available to experience the Buddhist culture, Palaces, and Monasteries of Bhutan, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durbar Square in Kathmandu, and the natural beauty of Phewa Lake.
This is just a snapshot of what you could experience on a trip to The Himalayas. For more information take a look at the many Himalayan Books on the market, which will contain further details of the different countries, cultures, and religions that make up this impressive Mountain Range, maps, suggested itineraries, and other suggestions for places to visit. This region is nothing short of fascinating, so it’s well worth finding out more.
