The Himalayas

Himalayas, the magnificent monument of "Mother nature", is the dream destination for every adventure enthusiast and nature lover. Himalayas which literally means "abode of snow" is the crown of Indian sub- continent. These mountain ranges are characterized by some of the highest snow-capped mountain peaks, massive glaciers, large deep rivers and unique vegetation.

Himalayas are the most young and fragile mountain ranges of the world. This mountain ranges can be divided into several mountain ranges such as sub-Himalayas, lower Himalayas, Great Himalayas, Tibetan Himalayas and the Karakoram mountain range. Himalayan mountain ranges passes through five nations of Indian sub-continent namely Nepal, Indian (5 States: Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim), China (Tibet), Bhutan and Pakistan.

Himalayan mountain ranges housed some of the world's greatest mountain peaks like Mt. Everest( Nepal), K2 and Kanchenjunga (India) and nine of the 14 highest mountain peaks of the world. These mountain peaks are the greatest attraction of Himalayas. Each and every adventure enthusiasts of this world has a hidden desire to conquer these high snow-capped peaks.

These mountain ranges has a significant influence over the climate, environment and population density of the sub-continent. These mountain ranges are really helpful for the people of this region. They work as a barrier and protect us from the icy cold waves which comes from the west. They had made the upper region of our country very salubrious. Due to which thousands of tourists throng here to get some relief from the scorching heat of summers. Some of the excellent hill resorts of India are nestled in this region of India such as Srinagar, Gul marg, Aulii, Kullu, Manali, Naintal, Dalhousie, Moussorie, Rishikesh and many more. These hill stations are not only renowned for their panoramic view but also as an exciting zone for adventure sports like skiing, heli-skiing, white water rafting, trekking, mountaineering, para gliding etc.

Some of greatest rivers of Indian sub-continent Ganges, Brahmaputra, Indus, Jhelum, Ravi, Baes etc originates from the glaciers and lakes available in these mountain ranges. Density of population near the banks of these rivers are very high as they made the area fertile. But at the upper Himalayan terrains population distribution is very less due to marginal vegetation and excessive cold. Upper Himalayan regions are mostly barren land due to harsh climate. Himalaya is also known as the abode of God. It has some pilgrimage site for Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists such as Badrinath, Kedarnath, Mukteshewar, Dharamshala, and many more.

Himalayan mountain ranges are also known as the repository of diverse vegetation and wildlife which are unmatched to other part of the world. Himalayas can be classified into three main zones namely tropical zone, subtropical zone and alpine zone. These three zone comprises of various kinds of flora such as Alder, Alpine Chestnut, Bamboo, Pine, Palm, Laurel, Sal, Oak, Juniper, Rose, Mosses, Lichens, Rhododendron, and many more. Even it has excellent collection of wildlife such as Yak, Rhinoceros, Elephant, Bison, Black Bear, Snow Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Brown Bear, Red Panda, Languor Monkey, Goat Antelope, Musk Deer, Kashmir Stag. Even some Himalayan streams have Cattfish also. Visit India and enjoy a vacation of lifetime in the lap of mighty Himalayas that will linger into your memory for rest of the life.

The Himalayas
Travel himalayas.com talks about very aspects of the mighty Himalayan mountain ranges.