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About Himalayas
Himalayas is known for its historical, religious, and geographical significance. Historically it has a lot of relevance it served as a guard from various invasions, a border and a meeting ground for different races, culture and religion. It formed a divide between India and Tibet. But that barrier didn't stopped individuals from pursuing adventurous journeys to explore the unknown side of the mountains. People traveled for religious and trade purposes.
The Himalayas is one of the youngest mountain ranges in the world. Its revolution can be traced to the Jurassic Era (80 million years ago) when the world’s landmasses were split into two: Laurasia in the Northern hemisphere, and Gondwanaland in the southern hemisphere. The landmass which is now India broke away from Gondwanaland and floated across the earth’s surface until it collided with asia. The hard volcanic rocks of India were thrust against the soft sedimentary crust of Asia, creating the highest mountain range in the world.
The Himalayas influences the climate of the Indian subcontinent by sheltering it from the cold air mass of Central Asia. The range also exerts a major influence on monsoon and rainfall patterns. Within the Himalayas climate varies depending on elevation and location.
History tells us that the original inhabitants of the Himalayas were the Kinnars, Kilinds, and Kiratas. Our Hindu epics and Puranas give reference of their existence in the Himalayan regions. History also mentions the names of Khasas and the Darads. But today only three different ethnic groups form the Himalayan population.
Garhwal The land of infinite mountain lakes, blessed with snow-bound peaks, crystal glaciers, rolling meadows, jagged rock faces, scenic valleys, meandering rivers, cascading waterfalls, dense forest. Garhwal Himalayas always held a charm for the travelers from the world over.
The mountain range of the Himalayas, meaning 'Abode of Snow', stretches from Jammu & Kashmir in north India to Arunachal Pradesh in extreme northeast India. This mountain range divides India from the rest of Asia by its invincible mountain ranges. Even if the mountain range of the Himalayas does not cover the entire northeast India, its smaller ranges reaches up to the remote parts of northeastern states of the country.
Himalayan range covers the entire northern part of India, nestling five major states of the country within it. The ancient Indian pilgrims who have travelled in these mountains since time immemorial coined a Sanskrit word for the Himalayas meaning
“Abode of Snow”.
Himalayas are the longest as well as the highest mountain ranges of the world. One third of all mountain animals, including some of the most endangered species, have been found to inhabit the Himalayan ranges. Himalayan region of India serves as the natural habitat to a wide variety of wildlife. The sheer diversity of the Himalayan topography makes it one of the best places to spot some of the rarest wild animals and birds.
The Trans Himalayan Indus River rises near the Mansarovar Lake on the Tibetan plateau. It enters the Himalayas in southeastern Ladakh near its confluence with the River Gurtang at an elevation of 4,200m. Thereafter it follows a north by northwest course between the towering Ladakh range in the north and the Zanskar Range in the south. There are a number of human settlements that lie along the Indus River in Ladakh, namely Leh, Marol, Skardu and Bunji.
It is just impossible to describe Shimla in words. The valley is blessed with nature's beauty. The hilly town is surrounded by snow capped peaks and green pastures on all side. The touch of colonial era in its architecture gives a different dimension from the other hill stations.
The people living in the inner dry valleys of Garhwal are mainly Hindus, although followers of other religions such as Buddhism and Christianity are also present.
These people worship the local or village deity along with Durga and Shiva. They celebrate all religious occasions that are followed by Hindus living in other parts of India. The population living in this region is also superstitious and has a firm belief in spirits and other supernatural powers.
Trekking & Mountaineering in TeamBecause of the vastness of the terrain and altitude difference, trekking trips can be undertaken the whole year round. Treks range from low altitude treks in winter to the crossing of high passes in summer when the snow line recedes. It is also possible to combine all three-river running, trekking and mountaineering. The conventional trekking periods preferred are mid-April to May-June before the monsoon and after the rains in the months of September - November.
