The Great Himalayas - Main Range in the Indian Himalayas

The northern Great mountain wall or the Himalayas are some of the oldest mountain ranges of the world. These acts as a natural barrier for the cold winds coming from Siberia, and thus protect Indian subcontinent from chilling winds as well as acts as a natural guard against the bordering countries like Nepal, China , Bhutan and Pakistan. They are composed of crystalline rocks and old marine sedimentary formations. There are several fertile longitudinal valleys between the mountain ranges. The largest valley is of Kashmir which is often called as “Paradise on Earth”. It has always remain a challenge in front of mountaineers because of its invincible peaks ranging from Mount Everest – the highest peak in the world (8848 metres) on the northern border of Nepal with Kanchenjunga – the second most highest peak in India (28,208 ft), Nanda devi (25,646 feet), Kamet (25,446 feet), and Trisul (23,359 feet).

The Great Himalayan range, about 2400 km in length and varying in width from 240 to 330 kms is made up of three parallel ranges – The Greater Himalayas, the lesser Himalayas, and the outer Himalayas. There are some most visited hill stations in lesser Himalayas like Shimla, Darjeeling and several beautiful valleys around these towns. The eastern Himalayas in Arunachal Pradesh, the Naga Hills, the mizo hills are the important part of the northeastern ranges in India. The Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia hills are centered in the state of Mehgalaya and isolated from the northeastern ranges, divide the Assam Valley from Bangladesh to the south and west.

The Himalayas offer a series of adventure treks to the visitors who are nature lovers and adventure seekers. Its beautiful snow clad peaks attracts every visitor and provide ample adventure both in trekking or river rafting. It is a land of contrasts to vast emptiness and harsh heat of Lahaul, spiti and Kinnaur to crowded Manali and Shimla with their heavy monsoon showers. They offer every kind of feast to the visitor from dominant hindu culture to Buddhist Lahaul and Spiti bordering Tibet. The Alpine meadows with lush green grass beds, apple orchards, hot springs and fields of cannabis – Himachal offers an escape to all.

Tourism is flourishing in the area, the people in their colourful attire give an everlasting charm and warmth which makes you their own, for ever. Hindu population dominates Shimla and Manali. Villages like Mcleodganj, Dharamshala, Chamba proclaim Buddhist domination. Himachal has lot to offer adventure seekers with variety of treks from moderate to strenuous, skiing in winter, paragliding and biking. The route from Shimla to kaza is considered one of the most incredible routes cutting across mountains of solid rocks, with Kargil – Leh highway – The highest roadway in the world.