It is a natural barrier, it is a geological wonder and it is a pride of Asia! Yes, the gigantic Himalayas is world renowned. Hima means frost and alaya means abode; it is called as 'abode of snow' as upper portions of many peaks are always covered in snow. From world's highest peak Mount Everest (Nepal) to many other tallest peaks are a part of the Himalayas. Though it is spread across many countries, most portions of the Himalayan ranges lie in the Indian Subcontinent. Hence, the Himalayas are also the pride of India.
Large snow-capped mountains, glacial rivers and lakes, unique flora and fauna, rapid climatic conditions characterise these ranges. Eventhough it is full of dangerous trails, trekking in the Himalayan peaks is a dream for many travellers.
The curious tales of the Himalayas are just wonderful to know. Did you know that Himalayas were below the sea level some 500 million years ago? No, it is not a myth but a scientific study. Yes, the limestone formations found at the base of Mount Everest were similar to the formations in the coastal line. This International Mountain Day 2021, let's learn many more interesting facts about the Himalayas in India that are surprising to know.
Tales of Yeti
Tales of missing people and deaths in the Himalayan trails are often connected with Yeti. The legend has it that he is a wild snowman who creates a lot of disturbances and also kills people. However, Yeti has more or less become like a ghost without any scientific evidence.
PC: A.Ostrovsky
Natural Wall
The Himalayas serve as the natural barrier and separate the Indian Continent and Tibet. Majority of the Himalayan regions form a part of India.
PC: Ssteaj
Moving Towards Other Part of Asia
Scientific studies say that the Himalayas are moving towards Tibetian regions because of the tectonic plates.
PC: Skywayman9
Below Sea Level
Scientific research says that the Himalayas were formed out of the separation of Indo-Australian tectonic plate. Interestingly, the marine limestone at the base of Mount Everest proved that the Himalayas were below the sea level some 50 million years ago.
PC: AjitK332
Covers Many Countries
Though major part of the Himalayan ranges lie in India, it is spread across other countries namely Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Tibet Autonmous Region and People's Republic of China.
PC: gkrishna63
Shiva's Home
According to Hindu mythology, the Himalayas are the abode of Lord Shiva. It is said the Mount Kailash is the place where his palace is situated. The stories of Mount Kailash can be seen in texts like Shiva Purana.
PC: Gktambe
Sacred to Many Religions
The Himalayas plays an integral role in Buddhism, Islam and Christianity apart from Hinduism. It is given a divine status in all these religions.
PC: Ksuryawanshi
Top-Notch Destinations in India
Most of the destinations in foothills of the Himalayas are the top tourist places in India. Places like Manali, Almora, Tawang, Shimla, Nainital, etc. are bordered by the foothills of the Himalayas in India.
PC: Sair18791
Highest Himalayan Peaks of India
Indian Himalayan Ranges also have highest mountain peaks. The Kanchenjunga Peak is the highest mountain peak in India and 3rd highest in the world. Nanda Devi, Saltoro Kangri, Rimo, Kamet are some other important Indian Himalayan peaks.
PC: Benoy
Hotspot For Adventure Junkies
Trekking in the Indian Himalayas is a great challenge. In fact, it is a dream of many adventure junkies to trek in these trails. Rookund Trek, Chadar Trek, Har Ki Doon Valley Trek, Hampta Pass Trek, Kedar Kantha Trek, Chopta Chandrashila Trek are some of the top Himalayan Treks in India.
PC: Djds4rce
Mighty Rivers
The Himalayas are the birthplace of many rivers of India. Even the sacred Ganga, Indus River, Brahmaputra, Yamuna, Gomti River are some of the prominent rivers that originate in the Himalayas.
PC: Guptaele
Unique Flora and Fauna
The Himalayas have different vegetations, it differs from the Upper Himalayas to Lower Himalayas. Oak Forests, Pine Forests, Grasslands, etc. Are some of the vegetations found here. Animals like Snow Leopard, Himalayan Thar, Himalayan Yak, etc. are the indegenous animals found in these regions.
PC: Sankara Subramanian