The Himalaya are a range of mountains in Asia, most correctly defined as stretching from the Indus river in Pakistan, through India, Nepal, Bhutan, ending at the Bramaputra River in India. It is the land, where India's holiest rivers begin and pilgrims end, the temples of the Lord soar in to the cosmic blue, and surrounded by the dizzy beauty of externally frozen lakes, majestic waterfalls, meandering rivers, undulating meadows, incredible lush green mountain valleys and a large variety of exotic flora and fauna. This is often extended to include the Karakoram, the Hindu Kush, and other minor ranges extending from the Pamir Knot, as these mountains are continuous with the Himalaya proper, and the geographical difference makes no difference for the traveller, we follow this convention here. This region includes the 14 highest mountains in the world, and over 100 peaks over 7200m. The hill stations at the Himalayas are gateways to bewitching beauty and exotic experience. The place attracts numerous tourists for diverse activities. The Himalaya are a home to a diverse number of people, languages, and religions. Generally speaking Islam is prevalent in the west, Hinduism in the southern ranges of the eastern Himalaya, and Buddhism in the northern ranges of the western Himalaya. Himalayas tourism offer the highest mountain trails, roads and bridges for the adventurer; highest wildlife reserves which abound with the most exotic birds, animals, flowers and herbs for the naturalist; age old temples, exquisite villages, traditional architecture still in its pristine beauty and the tribal lifestyles of its inhabitants.
The diversity of wildlife in the Himalayas is huge. In the lower ranges, tigers, leopards, and the one horned rhinoceros can be found while the higher altitudes support a smaller but more unique group of animals. These include the snow leopard, Markhor goat, argali, and red panda. There are a plethora of adventure options including trekking, mountaineering, skiing, rock climbing, camping and mountain biking among others. River rafting in the Himalayan rivers is yet another adrenaline pumping option. Once in the lap of the Himalayas, tourists and adrenaline junkies will find themselves spoilt for choices. So visit Himalaya to explore these amazing adventures. Make your holidays a memorable event with Himalayan tours. There are numerous languages spoken, Hindi/Urdu (when written, they are two totally different languages, when spoken they are nearly interchangeable) will take you very far, as it is understood by the majority in the Pakistani, and Indian Himalaya. In Nepal it's not very useful, but it does have significant overlap with Nepali, and as such gives you a head start with that language.
Himalayan Adventure :
1) Skiing : Skiing in Himalayas is done from Jan- March only.Presently only one ski slope has electric lifts. i.e in Auli in Gharwal Himalayas. Some of the world's most popular winter playgrounds are here, known for their interesting undulations and fine gradients. The vast open spaces above the snowline have flung open to the skiing enthusiasts. Much of the skiing is done in Auli, Gulmarg, Kufri, Gulmarg, Manali and Nepal. What makes Skiing so adventurous in Himalayas is the, perennial presence of snow and the steep slope. Himalayas, with its vastness and ranges of different heights has added variety to the sport.
2) Mountaineering : The lure of Himalayas is irresistible for the mountaineers, as the Himalayas are the greatest range of mountains on earth, their beauty, vastness, fascination and mystery will always have an everlasting appeal for those who venture in this region. This a mountaineer's delight yielding every kind of challenge a climber could look for, unparalleled in scope for high adventure. Mountaineering is best here. Mountaineering accentuates and exercises the quality of self-reliance, leadership and discipline and determination amongst adventure sports lovers.
3) Campaing : Himachal Pradesh offers many places and very serene camping places. High altitude camping is preferred at Laka Glacier (Dhauladhar Range -it is near Triund-Macleod Ganj area ) , Glacier of ladakhi-Manali, it is easy and safe. Wild camps have become the ultimate focus of wildlife conservation in the whole world. Since the days when natural wilderness and wildlife of the the world cam under threat, the wildlife authorities of forests preservation societies, started of a new kind of awareness programme, which will educate the people about nature and its preservation in a better way and that's how, wild camps came into being.
Get IN : Most parts of the Himalaya are connected to the plains to the south, by bus and airplane.
