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 f there were no Himalayas, there could be no India that we know. India owes not only its geographical entity but
also its complete distinct
cultural identity to the Himalayas. Since time immortal the fables and mysteries about the land at the other side (South) of the mighty range attracted
sc ores of explorers and invaders. The land that is fed
by beautiful rivers, has salubrious (warm) climate all through the year and has people living peacefully with each other. All this could
not be possible had there been no Himalayas that acted as the great climatic factor, barrier and
protector.
For Indians the mighty Himalayas has always remained as the source of inspiration. It is always used in
superlatives for height, strength, might and courage. For Hindus it is the land of Gods, its peaks reaching divine heights where only Gods are said to live. For
centuries the pilgrims have been trekking to temples located on high altitudes and to the sources of holy rivers. Saints prefer to meditate here due to
its divine serenity. For Buddhist monks, Himalayas are the abode for building beautiful monasteries. During the
coloni al era, cool climes of Himalayas were the only respite for the
British from the heat
of Indian plains. They developed some very lovely hill retreats and sanitariums which are now
paradise to holidaying travelers.
Factually, Himalayas is the mountain range that is truly awe-inspiring. Every other mountain in the world seems tiny in comparison. The mountain range has some of the worlds largest glaciers, mightiest rivers, highest passes and all of the worlds tallest sky-piercing snow capped
peaks. Himalayas has its own unique and diverse flora and fauna. The scenery is spectacular where tree line changes rapidly. At most of the places within a horizontal span of 80 to 150 kms, the
altitude amazingly rises from 200 meters to more than 6000 meters above sea level! The steep and frightening
heights of its mountains has left many of its areas still unexplored. This is the reason why it is the ultimate favorite for any adventure tourists. Trekking trips to the
peaks, glaciers, meadows and lakes of Himalayas are most popular as well as most adventurous.
Walks, hikes, mountaineering, rock-climbing, river rafting, para-gliding and
several other adventure activities entice
every traveler of the world with some wanderlust.
Himalayas mean differently to different peoples- honeymooners, adventurers, pilgrims, saints, geologists,
naturalists and its silent innocent indigenous population. But
for India, it is its glowing crown.
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