Visiting The Himalayas? Here are some facts you should know about:

Nepal is known as the land of the Himalayas the world over. There are 1,310 peaks above 6000 meters, of which 238 are open for climbing. However, of the fourteen 8000 meters or above peaks, eight of them (greater than half), which includes the highest peak in the world (Mount Everest), lie in Nepal. So then, what do you mean by the Himalayas? The Himalayas are a mountain range in South Asia….The word Himalaya means House of Snow in Sanskrit, an old Nepali language. The Himalayas are so high that they kept the Indian and Chinese people separate from each other most of the time. India is a peninsula that is cut off from the rest of Asia by the mountains.

This mountain range in Asia separates the plains of the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau, and it is known as the Himalayas. The Himalayas are well known for their towering heights, steep-sided and jagged peaks, the valley and alpine glaciers, and most are usually of phenomenal size. The topography is sliced deeply by erosion, where profound river gorges are found. The Earth’s physical structure demonstrates the display of varying plants and animals associated with areas and the different climate conditions. How long are the Himalayas, was my question? I was curious since they do spread across five countries. Research led me to this answer, and it was quite a surprise and so impressive as this mountain range is to its visitors!

Durbar Square Kathmandu Nepal

Himalayan Facts

The Great Himalaya Range forms the cornerstone of Nepal, but welcome to Kathmandu, where it is the start of every extraordinary experience in Nepal surrounded by the Himalayan mountain range. The country of Nepal features in addition to the outstanding Himalayans, the plains, rivers, and jungle in the south. While about 25 percent of the visitors come from neighboring India (from a study done ten years ago), but thousands of tourists visit from North America. Kathmandu is a city of historical monuments, temples, palaces, and treasures scattered throughout Kathmandu valley to the mountain views or trekking challenges. To the jungles, Nepal offers many opportunities for all vacationers. Explore the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites that sit in the valley. Be sure to include with your plans to visit the three Durbar Squares or palace squares. It’s also refreshing to just casually roam through the narrow medieval streets, with no schedule at all, allowing yourself to follow unexpected trails. If you are interested in history, you may enjoy visiting the area where the Nepalese royal families lived until 1886.

Nepal attracts many visitors for trekking the varying trails through the countryside where the Nepalese live in small villages and farms in the Himalayan foothills. Here, you can experience a culture that is unchanged for generations. Many types of trekking tours are available, should you want to hire an organized and guided expedition that begins .in Pokhara, about 125 miles west of Kathmandu.

Hindu Kush, Mountain Range – Himalayans

Is Mount Everest In The Himalayas?

You may be wondering why the Himalayas are essential to so many countries? The Buddha Air Mountain Himalayas is the highest mountain range globally and has 9 out of 10 of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest. These mountains, referred to as the Third Pole, are the source of some of Asia’s major rivers and help regulate our planet’s climate. What are your thoughts about life in the mountains, not humans but that of the mountain itself? Scientific studies have proven that the Himalayan mountains are growing. They continue to rise more than 1 cm a year, which is a growth rate of 10 km (6 plus miles or 10,936 approximately yards) in a million years! If that is so, why aren’t the Himalayas even higher? Scientists believe that the Eurasian Plate may now be stretching out rather than thrusting up, and such stretching would result in some subsidence due to gravity.

What Countries Are The Himalayas In?

This mountain range spans India, Pakistan, and China’s borders, with the northwest extremity of the range extending to Afghanistan and Tajikistan.

The mountain ranges of the Hindu Kush and the Karakoram are bordered to the northwest by the Himalayas. The vast Plateau of Tibet is bordered to the north by the Himalayas too. 

The mountain ranges of the Hindu Kush and the Karakoram are bordered to the northwest by the Himalayas. The vast Plateau of Tibet is bordered to the north by the Himalayas too.

The Hindu Kush in Persian means’ Hindu Slaughter’ or ‘Hindu Killer.’ More likely, the mountain range was deliberately named ‘Hindu Slaughter’ by the Muslim conquerors, as a lesson to the future generations of Indians. Moreover, the Hindu name of the Hindu Kush mountains was ‘Paariyaatra Parvat’ .@quora

Passu glacier against snow-capped mountains in 

Karakoram Mountain range

Where Are The Himalayas Located?

The width of the Himalayas from south to north varies between 125 and 250 miles (200 and 400 km) and stretches uninterruptedly for about 1,550 miles (2,500 km) from West to East. Their total area amounts to about 230,000 square miles (595,000 square km) @ britannica.com. 

How Many Mountains Are In The Himalayas?

It’s Home To The Highest Peaks In The World. There are 25 peaks in the Himalayas that exceed 8,000 meters. Rivers that flow from the Himalayas are older than the Himalayan mountains. The Ganges, Indus, Brahmaputra, and Yarlung rivers originate from the Himalayas to form the three major rivers in the Asian continent. The Himalayas include over fifty mountains exceeding 7,200 m (23,600 ft) in elevation.

Can You Climb The Himalayas?

The costs of a full expedition to the Himalayas are quite expensive due to physically treacherous conditions. If wanting to trek the highest mountain above sea level, you will pay out $20,000 to the Nepalese government in fees alone. But for the rest of the trek through the Himalayas could run between $40k to $100,000.

How High Are The Himalayas?

We now have established the size, but its elevation of 29,029 feet is its mammoth height, which offers many of Earth’s highest peaks their home. An example is the magical Mount Everest.

After researching, I discovered that the Himalayas have a profound effect on the Indian subcontinent and the Tibetan Plateau climate. They prevent frigid, dry winds from blowing south into the subcontinent, which keeps South Asia much warmer than corresponding temperate regions in the other continents. The Himalayan mountain range dramatically influences the climate of India by its length, altitude, and direction. The summer monsoons are intercepted from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, causing precipitation in the form of rain or snow.

Depending on how you view the Himalayas, you will observe characteristics that the magnificent mountain range has to offer. For example, if viewed from the south, this mountain range appears as a gargantuan moon-shape with its center sloping upward above the snow line. It’s where all the avalanches feed lower-valley glaciers that turn in to most of the Himalayan rivers. However, most of the Himalayas lie below the snow line, but the mountain building process creating this range still exists. When the bedrock lifts, stream erosion, and substantial landslides occur.

They are grouped into four parallel longitudinal mountain belts of diverse widths, and all with their distinct features. They are western, central, and eastern. Now, farther north lies the Trans-Himalayas in Tibet. 

The Himalayas are outstanding in magical, beautiful sharing six different countries. Still, they provide a thriving tourism industry with significant economic benefits to countries that host visitors to the mountain range. The GDP (the gross domestic product), in Nepal from 1984 to 2019, with projections up until 2021, is 10% from tourism due to the Nepal Himalayas, accounts for ten percent of Kathmandu’s economic strength.

GDP refers to the total market value of all goods and services produced within a country per year. It is an essential indicator of economic strength. This growth had created jobs in the capital city that they did not have before the tourism developed. It now meant for Kathmandu’s citizens that those who were once dependent on the farming industry can now work as tour guides or in hospitality. As a result, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, and Bhutan have benefitted from the economic diversification.

Where are the Himalayas in Nepal?

In Nepal, the highest peaks are found and are a part of the Himalayas. Nepal Himalayas, the east-central section, is the most upper part of the Himalayan mountain ranges. In south-central Asia, they extend some 500 miles (800 km) from the Kali River east to the Tista River.

A glance of the Himalayas and their hosting borders that lay across five countries. Still majestic in appearance, yet with its unique traits.

The Himalayas in Nepal

The Himalayas have a physical and cultural divide between South and Central Asia and form the subcontinent’s northern parapet. The formation and location in Asia’s Indo-Gangetic Plain are where you will find eight of the world’s ten tallest mountains, hosting pilgrims, trekkers, and holiday planners from around the world. The mountains are known as the Himalaya or Himal in Nepali.

The area lying between the rivers Kali and Teesta is known as Nepal Himalayas, a part of the Himalayas. In Nepal, to the north and east, the highest mountains are located. This small Nepal country incorporates eight of the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest and the world’s tallest and also, respectively, the third tallest.

Kathmandu, Capital City of Nepal

There are several ways to see this area, but one of the most spell-binding without the training and expense of trekking is by air. An option to see the Himalayas is to take the Buddha Air Mountain flight, which is also another great option to see Mount Everest as well as the other Himalayan peaks of Nepal. Buddha Air Mountain flight offers flights every day from 5:30 AM. The last reported airfare was $220 per person, with other airlines listed at the same airfare. However, Buddha Air Mountain Flight is listed as the preferred and safest flight offered.

Buddha Air Mountain

Offered are several fixed-wing flights, helicopter charter flights, Ultralight aircraft, and even paragliding, all located in Nepal. It is well known as the mountain flight or the Everest sightseeing Flight.

These flights are from Tribhuvan’s (Nepal) International Airport. It connects Kathmandu (the capital city of Nepal) to the highest mountain in the world – Mount Everest. It also helps you to understand the geography of Nepal. But, don’t expect to find an airport with signs for direction and clarity. The airport has no frills or even much direction. However, the way I see it, the airport provides you with the gateway to heaven as when in Nepal, beauty surrounds you.

On a clear day, you can see a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges and Mount Everest from the Chandragiri Hills in Kathmandu. The flight is from 50 minutes to an hour in duration. Taking off from Kathmandu to the East of Nepal, you will see 20 of the highest peaks. They start from the Langtang Lirung peak, which is the closest peak to Kathmandu, then move towards Mt. Everest in the East and finally fly to Chamlang peak. The plane then takes a turn where passengers have a second opportunity to see the same sights on the way back to Kathmandu.

The Everest Experience, with Buddha Air Mountain, is a close-encounter mountain flight-sight-seeing tour. If visiting Nepal, it would be remiss not to understand what makes this area so beautiful.

What Is The Best Time To Visit Himalayas?

Wintertime has the best months to catch scintillating views of the peak. September to April is when the white snow reflects brilliantly off the mountains, revealing the clear, pure lakes and glaciers flowing down from the Himalayas. An exception is Ladakh, where tourist facilities are only open between May and September. The weather remains dry until about April.

Garden of Dreams

Photograph By Krish Dulal – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16925497

Be sure also to take in Kathmandu areas as this city is filled with history and even a Garden of Dreams. This garden is where you can escape the doldrums of city life. 

Skyline of Kathmandu

Courtesy of: Sarscov2020 / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0) (Below)

Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, and the largest city of Nepal, with a population of around 2.5 million. FYI: Nepal Airlines started flying to Tokyo-Narita from March 2, 2020, which is a significant advancement in growth. Kathmandu offers every opportunity as a destination vacation and the gateway to Mount Everest and the Himalayas. If its culture, adventure, or merely a holiday you are looking for offers a wide range of opportunities to see almost anything, you should make your plans for that extended vacation.

The Himalayas impact tourism in Kathmandu, and combined with the attractions of historical sites to visit; they are an essential factor in the overall economic growth of Nepal. Perhaps those that would enjoy an easier trek across the Himalayas should consider a combination of Nepalese village culture, where many tour trips begin in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital city, where you can immerse yourself into the history of the capital city. 

After taking in Kathmandu’s sites and culture, you will meet up at a Trek departure point, where Sherpa guides known for their mountain-climbing skills, and native inhabitants of the Himalayas will greet you. A porter will transport your luggage and trekking supplies for the group.

These one-day treks are between four to five hours and based on your skill levels. However, these treks do not involve strenuous climbing.

Your overnight accommodations are in a local home or tent pitched near a village. Whichever you choose, they all include meals. For those not so inclined to rough it, this is an ideal trekkers vacation. These awe-inspiring and breath-taking snow-capped mountain peaks, villages, and local people are happy to greet trekkers traversing the Himalayan foothills.

Nepal ranks amongst the poorest countries in the world depends on tourism as an economic lifeline. Tourism represents approximately 4% of the country’s gross national product, with around half a billion dollars in revenue. Tourism presents many fashions in Nepal. Trekking is at the top of favorites due to Mount Everest Base Camp and Mount Everest itself. But, Nepal offers other sought after trails for exploring and parks for your enjoyment. A jungle park, with rare opportunities to capture on camera. The Chitwan National Park is one such area that offers exquisite territory for such a tour.

Chitwan National Park

Located just south of Kathmandu lies the Chitwan National Park and the 100-mile overland trip to the park, which crosses the plains, rivers, and jungle. Chitwan means the heart of the jungle. The grasslands only take up 20% of the area while tropical forests. This area is impressive hosting a variety of wildlife, including the rare one-horned rhinoceros and Bengal tiger. The Leopard, sloth bear, and wild boar also roam the area while crocodiles navigate the rivers, so beware! Tours encourage visitors to see these animals while seated atop an elephant, a canoe, or a jungle trek. 

Nepal offers many choices for several sporting options, which you will read about in my future blogs. However, to name a few, you will find mountain climbing, rock climbing, kayaking, rafting, mountain biking, and paragliding. Be sure to bear in mind the sports activity when deciding to visit Nepal. There are seasons for monsoonal rains, hot temperatures, and the very cold, all of which are influenced by the Himalayan mountain range. Accommodations are from tents to luxury hotels.

Are you looking for culture and history?

Swayambhunath

Swayambhunath is among the oldest religious sites in Nepal. This historical site and many others are part of Kathmandu’s sites for you to visit as a beginning or end of your trek across the magnificent Himalayas.

Some More Facts About Himalayan Mountain:

• It Is One Of The Youngest Mountain Ranges In The World

Have you ever wondered how old are the Himalayas? It is difficult to imagine, but they are approximately 25 million years old, yet the Himalayas came into existence and stood as the youngest mountains in the world. The mountain range is created when it is a result that occurs from a collision between Indo-Australian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Presently moving at 67 mm per year, are the Indo-Australian plate. Over the next 10 million years, it will travel about 1,500 km into Asia.

• It’s Also The Most Restless Set Of Mountains

The Himalayas are named when joining two Sanskrit words:’ Hima’and’ Alaya,’ which means’ Abode of Snow’ with a final interpretation.

• The Himalayas, If Translated, in parts means:

The people in Nepal call the highest peak Sagarmatha, which means Goddess of the Universe. The Tibetans call it Chomolungma, which means Goddess Mother of Mountains. The highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, was named in honor of Sir George Everest, the predecessor of Sir Andrew Waugh, the Surveyor General of India, in 1865.

• The Only Mountain Range That Stretches Across 5 Different Countries

The Himalayas are the only mountain range in the world that covers five different countries. It is also one of the few places on Earth where the snow never melts.

• They’re Getting Higher!
• Did you know that the Himalayan’s according to the scientific test, are geographically alive? Indeed, it is accurate, and evidence shows that the Indo-Australian plate moves about 20 mm per year, causing the mountains to grow in size.
• Yetis and Other Legends
• The Himalayan mountains stretch across different countries and therefore collect folklore and mythology revolving around the mountain range.
  As examples:
  Hindu mythology, the God Shiva, is said to reside in the Himalayas.
  The Nepalese name for the mountains is Sagarmatha, which means Goddess of the Universe or Forehead of the Sky.
  A Sherpa legend has become known in Western pop culture, that speaks of the Yeti. The Yeti is said to be an ape-like monster that roams the Himalayas.
• Danger on Mount Everest
• Reports have it that 150 people have lost their lives on their expedition to the peaks of Mount Everest. While the trek is exciting, it is also dangerous due to the bone-chilling climate and unstable terrain, with a death rate of 9%. This trek is not for the novice and inexperienced.
• Exotic Wildlife
  The Himalayas’ unique conditions and geography are home to some of the rarest species in the animal kingdom. Snow leopards, wild goats, Tibetan sheep, musk deer, giant pandas, and mountain goats are stalking, jumping, and leaping through the mountains. @Wikipedia. Yaks are an exciting animal, living in high altitudes, providing many services. They are used for transport, their milk, protein, fur, hoof, bone, skin, and even tail. The dried dung is useful for fuel for the fire!

Tilicho Lake in Nepal

Courtesy of: Kogo / GFDL

The Himalayan region hosts hundreds of lakes. Most lakes are found at altitudes less than 16,404 feet, but the size of the lakes decreases in size with the altitude. One of the highest lakes in the world is the Tilicho Lake in Nepal, located in the Annapurna massif. This incredible lake was the site where Andrei Andryushin, Denis Bakin, and Maxim Gresko, a Russian diving team, conducted a scuba dive in the lake in 2000. It was the highest ever altitude scuba dive.

Tilicho Lake Trekking is located at an altitude of 16,138 feet and undoubtedly provides some of the world’s most exceptional views. Trek to Tilicho lake trek route has a great variety of culture and diversity, most exquisite deep valley and high mountains encircling the giant Annapurna family. 

Handsome Himalaya mountains in Pakistan

Their western ranges occupy the entire northern end of Pakistan. The Himalayas extend approximately 200 miles into Pakistan. Although Nepal, India, and Bhutan have sovereignty over most of the Himalayas, Pakistan also occupies them.

This is part of the Himalayan mountains, as seen in Pakistan. The Coronavirus turns out to have at least give us back some of our natural beauty in this world. The Himalayas are visible for the first time in 30 years, from the plains of India and Pakistan. A significant reduction in pollution levels is a direct result of the COVID-19 virus. It goes to illustrate that we can improve our environment worldwide with better air to breathe by paying attention to what we do in life. A combined effort of a mandatory lockdown in India, Pakistan, and many other countries has made a difference. The worlds reduction in fuel emissions gained visibility of countless natural wonders, and what a gift we have all received, despite this tragic sickness! As seen in Pakistan, the Himalayan mountains are a reminder of the extraordinary magnificence at their doorsteps!

HIMALAYAN SALT PAKISTAN

Photograph courtesy of

Erwin Rigl from Pixabay

Have you ever seen or used Himalayan salt and wondered where it comes from? 

The Himalayan salt is, for the most part, mined at the Khewra Salt Mine in Khewra. Pakistan’s Pink Himalayan Salt has become a matter of National Pride due to its different uses, health, and beauty. Most of the pink Himalayan salt comes from Pakistan, and the country proudly boasts of its originality. It is used to season food, in spa treatments, and even made into lovely lamps. It is believed to have health benefits. 

Pakistan workers gathering the salt for products

While in Pakistan, be sure to revel in the powerful influences that the Himalayas play in the lives of Pakistani. The Karakoram Highway offers breath-taking wilderness views of the rugged mountains, glaciers, and miles of rivers, untouched by human influences in the Pakistan Himalayas. In the summer, try visiting in the first part of July if you are interested in watching a tournament of the highest polo festival in the world! Its played with no rules due to the altitude!

The Kalasha people live in the valleys of northwest Pakistan. There are three such valleys; Bumboret, Rumbur, and Birir. The women are beautiful in their colorful attires, adding vibrant images amongst the population. It is a very different way of life from Pakistan but worth the time to enjoy. The Tibetan Plateau, the Deosai plains stretch into northeastern Pakistan at some 4,000 meters. A road trip would fill your heart from its beauty of the land and these majestic mountains. Have you ever trekked across a glacier? Here in Pakistan, you do not have to travel far to do so. 

Beautiful scenic Himalayas in Pakistan

A beautiful sight after the  Coronavirus indirectly brought back the visibility

Image by Subhajit Ghosh from Pixabay

Three of the Pakistan provinces have the Himalayan Mountains spread across them, with the northern area encompassing the Nanga Parbat massif and surrounding valleys. On the extreme south-east corner of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Azad Jammu & Kashmir, include the Middle Himalayas. This area has a strong Muslim identity speaking mostly Shina, Pashto, Hindko, and Kohistani, but almost everyone speaks Urdu. South of the Gilgit, people, contrast in ethnicity and culture, drawing visitors just for that reason.

As you can see, the massive Himalayas presence across the five countries has impacted many essential values. Tourism has boosted the economy in five countries, providing a great benefit to the visitors as a vacation destination, and easing financially struggling areas so that they can live better lives. 

Stately Himalaya mountains in India

The Himalayas, do indeed rescue the citizens from the harsh cold, dry winds of Central Asia. The monsoon rain and wind are prevented from the Indian Ocean crossing over to Northern countries and causing severe rainfall in Northern India. The Himalayas are not only beautiful but a protective mountain range to several areas and the primary source for most great rivers. These rivers carry fertile soil from the mountains to the plains, and aid in generating hydroelectricity.

Himachal Pradesh Spiti

Himachal Pradesh Spiti is a northern Indian state in the Himalayas. This extraordinary area is known for the home of resorts and mountain towns. Dalhousie is one of the elegant resorts in this area of strong Tibetan influence, hosting the Dalai Lama. Besides these, it is an area known for its trekking, climbing, and skiing areas. The Tibetan culture is a significant influence in this area amongst the people in the Himalayas. After the Chinese occupation of Tibet, the culture came to life with a vibrant and authentic presence of Tibetan culture in India. The Dalai Lama (spiritual leader), and the Tibetan government-while in-exile, can be found in the north Indian city of Dharamsala; and Tibet heavily influences the culture of Ladakh. It’s said that the influence is so strong that you feel like you are traveling in Tibet, rather than India. These regions are preserving the traditional Tibetan culture, which is primarily suppressed in China.

Himachal Pradesh is known as the state of apples all over India. This area is also known for its outstanding scenic landscapes, culture, adventurous sports, and fairs. Festivals and celebrations are held throughout the year. McLeod Ganj, the abode of the 14th Dalai Lama, is worth visiting. 

Himalayan Zanskar River-India

One of the largest tributaries of the Indus River is the Zanskar River, another benefit of the Himalayas, and originates from the snows on the north-facing slopes of the central Himalaya.

The Himalayas in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. It is a landlocked country at the crossroads of Central ad South Asia. To the East and South, lies Pakistan and Iran to the West, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan to the north; and China to the northeast. Afghanistan is a multiethnic and mostly-tribal society, whose population is 37.17 million (census in 2018). Afghanistan is divided into Pakistan to the east and The Himalayas spread over Kashmir and northern Pakistan, where the Himalayas splits into three districts: the Pir Panjal Range, the Zaskar Range, and the Ladakh Range. Traveling to any part of Afghanistan is not safe. They are noted for high levels of kidnapping, hostage-taking, suicide bombing, military combat operations, landmines, and terrorist and insurgent attacks, to include attacks using vehicle-borne, magnetic, or other improvised explosive devices (IEDs), suicide vests.

Afghanistan is not a country where you want to visit if you need to drink as it is illegal there for most of its citizens. It is one of 16 countries where it is banned, but the penalty in Afghanistan carries a stiff punishment. If you are a citizen, the penalty by the government includes a fine, imprisonment, and/or 60 lashes by a whip. It is unclear if this law also includes tourist visiting as well.

The population in this uninviting northern region is in general very sparse, but in more favored places the population is dense. However, in most of the smaller settlements region, especially apricots, holds special importance. Otherwise, the crop is barley, fruit cultivation to include Orange, Mango, Apple, Apricot, Banana, Cherry, Dates, Guava, Peach, Lemon, Litchi, Papaya, Olive, mulberry, Plums, Pear, Pomegranate, Strawberry, Sweet lime, and a lot of dry fruits such as Almonds, Pistachios, and Walnuts.

Looking closer at family lives, and the effects of the pandemic, the citizens of Afghanistan and its markets were devastated.

Shoppers and Merchants in Afghanistan

Afghanistan really suffered from the Covid-19 worldwide outbreak. It has improved the quality of air as many other countries, but their markets hit harder times as the food supplies became higher priced. 

But, while agitations over a hike in commodity prices increased across the globe, the farmers in Afghanistan face off a different foe (e.g. deflation). during the initial days of the spread of the pandemic in Afghanistan, inflation ramped up, which doubled both customers’ and brands’ vulnerabilities in terms of customer loss and price hike. On the contrary farmers and vendors of fresh fruits are currently suffering the absence of local markets for their agricultural products (i.e. watermelon)

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Himalayas in Bhutan

Bhutan is officially known as the Kingdom of Bhutan, which was romanized as a landlocked country in South Asia. It’s where another magnificent area where the Himalayas surround Bhutan, located in the Eastern Himalayas bordered by the Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the north. Bhutan is more prosperous than its neighboring country of India. Still, they have been traditionally close, and both countries share a special relationship, making Bhutan a protected state, but not a protectorate, of India. However, India remains influential over Bhutan’s foreign policy, defense, and commerce. 

While Bhutan is geopolitically in South Asia, it is the region’s second least populous nation. Thimphu is its capital and the largest city. It is located on the ancient Silk Road between Tibet, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia. The Silk Road, also called Silk Route, old trade route, linking China with the West that carried goods and ideas between the two great civilizations of Rome and China. Silk went westward, and wools, gold, and silver went east. China also received Nestorian Christianity and Buddhism (from India) via the Silk Road. @Wikipedia

It is a magnificent and sacred site which is located near Paro. It is where Bhutan. Guru Rinpoche first meditated in the cave, and they introduced Buddhism into Bhutan. It was constructed around that cave in 1692. The monastery consists of four temples and includes residential quarters for the monks. Bhutan is mostly a Buddhism country, with 75% of its population. The King guarantees freedom of religion.

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery Bhutan

Its population is 771,608. It is located in the eastern region of the Himalayan Mountains. Although it is landlocked, it’s known for its being one of the foremost rich cultures and its immense national pride. The best time to visit is from October through December.

The only way to reach this monastery is by foot, horseback, or 25-minute car ride. Interesting facts about Bhutan are around alcohol and cigarettes. While it is abundant with no issues, you will pay 100% tax if taking cigarettes to Bhutan, with a 200 per person limit. Liquor is not allowed in this country. It is recommended you do not drink the water, but instead, you drink only bottled mineral water. The visit to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery takes a full day. Tiger Nest entry fee is 500 Ngultrum ($6.69) for all non-Bhutanese visitors, except those who are traveling on the daily package rate. The Tiger timings for the public are 8 AM to 4 PM..

The Himalayas are to the south and southwest of China. They provide a nearly impassable border for Ancient China, keeping the area isolated from many other civilizations. The Chinese religion considers the Himalayas significant and considers them sacred. In Chinese, they are known as the Ximalaya Mountain Range ( Ximalāya Shammai).

HIMALAYAS IN CHINA

Inside the Himalayas, you will find Mount Kailash, also known in Tibetan as the most sacred peak in Tibet. Its location is far western Tibet, more than 765 miles from the Tibetan capital city of Lhasa. In comparison, it is not as high as the other peaks in the Himalayas. Although rising 22,027 feet, no other mountain peak in Tibet is as holy as the Kailash. Every year thousands of Buddhists and Hindus travel the 32-mile pilgrimage around the Himalaya.

Mount Kailash

There are a few ways to get to Mount Kailash. The most common way to travel is overland from the Tibetan capital of Lhasa to Mount Kailash. Approximately 90 to 95% of foreign v visitors travel this way, excluding Indian pilgrims. However, you can also get there from the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu to Lhasa Gonggar International Airport in Tibet, and then follow the overland route from Lhasa to Kailash. For individuals, the cost of journeying to Kailash is approximately $7,000 USD if traveling during peak season. That does not include the fares for travel (air, train, or otherwise). If however, you are traveling in a small group of 6 to 10 persons, the cost would be more affordable.

I have elected to write only about this sacred region for China as much mystery surrounds this location encompassed inside the Himalayan Mountain Range.

Mount Kailash trekking, for pilgrims, is the most challenging treks in the world. The average altitude of this trekking is more than 16,000 feet and requires tenacity to complete the trek. Many people have tried but have never scaled Mount Kailash. However, it is said that many have died in the attempt to trek this mountain. Alpinists have been banned from trekking this mountain by the Chinese government. Those that would attempt to do so must have a passport and be between the ages 18 to 70 yeas old. Those who hold foreign nationalities are not eligible. Due to its religious significance of Kailash, it remains an unclimbed mountain. However, a legend says that only one person has ever reached the holy peak who was a Tibetan Buddhist Yogi, Milarepa, in the 11th century. 

Inside Mount Kailash tucked away in the Himalayas area two beautiful lakes, namely Mansarovar and Rakshas Tal, which are located at the base of Mount Kailash. Of the two, Mansarovar, is considered the highest freshwater body in the world, at 14,950 feet. The Himalayas are a range that keeps intriguing visitors from all over the world due to its extraordinary characteristics, influencing benefits, and financial value to each country to surrounds.

Known as a sacred and spiritual mountain, it is also known as the Stairway to Heaven. It is also referred to as the ultimate journey to the centre of the universe, surrounded by five monasteries and to the Hindus, Mount Kailash is a supremely sacred site.

One of the reasons people cannot reach the top of the mountain is that it keeps on changing positions, causing trekkers to change direction and many who never return. A true mystery! Mansarovar, the Good lake and the Rakshas Tal, the Devil Lake surround Mount Kailash and are spoken about in myths of ancient times.. The myths say that one lake is evil 

Lake Manasarovar lies 15,060 feet above mean sea level. It is a freshwater lake located in Mount Kailash, encompassed in the Himalayan Mountain Range.

 

 

Mansarovar, the Good Lake

Photograph Courtesy of Jean-Marie Hullot / CC BY-SA 

(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

 

 

Rakshas Tal Lake, the Devil Lake, is a lake in Tibet, China that lies just west of Lake Manasarovar and south of Mount Kailash located inside of the Himalayan Mountain Range. Lake Rakshastal is close to Lake Manasarovar (2.3 miles), from Lake Rakshastal but it does not share the historic religious significance of its eastern neighbor. The name of the lake literally means the lake of the demon. This lake is a saltwater lake, the only saltwater lake in Tibet. It is so salty that plants or fish in the lake are considered poisonous by the locals, although it is only pure salt. Mount Kailash. is considered holy to over a billion people.

 

 

In closing, I would like to brief]y recap:

The Himalayan Mountains represent and stretch along a corridor from Bhutan in the east to the Pakistan-India border region in the west. The northern peaks sit in Tibetan China, while the southern slopes lie mostly in India and Nepal. From trekking and white water rafting to rock climbing and mountain biking, the Himalayas offer adventurers many options.

Pack your bags, and head for Kathmandu, making your way around to all of the countries that border on the Himalayas, beginning at Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the Himalayan Mountain Range. Plan your vacation with several days in Kathmandu to rest from the long flight and jet lag. Try different foods and soak up the history and culture of Kathmandu, Nepal. After making your way to parts of the Himalayas, you want to visit, be sure to return to Kathmandu for welfare to Nepal celebration! The photographs below are just a few locations you will enjoy in Kathmandu, Nepal, where your journey through the Himalayan Mountain Range can begin!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indra Chowk, a well- known street area in Kathmandu

Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Casino Royale of Kathmandu

How Mount Everest Got its Name?

You may be wondering where you should go for the best views from Nepal or more about the man who Mount Everest was named after. I have provided you with these answers.

Introducing you to Colonel Sir George Everest whose name was used to rename Mount Everest.

Colonel Sir George Everest, was a young man when he joined the East India Company at the age of sixteen. In time, he became an assistant to William Lambton for the Great Trigonometric Survey. Later, he replaced his superior and became Superintendent of the survey in 1823. Colonel Sir George Everest had a remarkable and brilliant career from the beginning with his first assignment. From 1830 to 1843, as a British surveyor and geographer, he served as Surveyor General of India, and when he retired, he returned to England. It was 1865 when the Royal Geographical Society renamed Peak XV (now Everest) due to having discovered it identified as the world’s highest peak. It was initially known as Peak B, and later as Peak XV. It was renamed again in honor of Colonel Sir George Everest. Everest’s successor, as surveyor-general, had been responsible for putting his name forward in 1856. Although Everest had nothing to do with the discovery of Mount Everest, and he objected at first to this honor, it was felt he had earned this right for his dedicated work. So, in the end, Everest is best known for having Mount Everest, the highest mountain on Earth, named in his honor, even though he had never worked or even seen it. Other scholars of India put forward native names that they believed to be correct, such as Brian Houghton Hodgson’s Deva-dhunga and Hermann Schlagintweit’s Gaurisankar. There were several native names among the Nepalese and Tibetans, but at the time, those areas were closed off to the British. @Wikipedia

 

The discovery of Mount Everest has been an economic boost to the countries it surrounds. Nepal celebrates its existence.

Where Are The Best Views of The Himalayas In Nepal?

I have listed them for you below. I hope you have enjoyed your journey and history with me in both the Himalayas and their bordering countries, and Nepal, my birth home.

Views from Nepal that will take your breath away:

Nepal has the most specular views of the Himalayas, and because Nepal is home to the 8 of the 14 highest peaks in the world, it offers the most exceptional views. There are countless reasons to visit Nepal, from its friendly people, the cultural heritage sites, and world-class treks. But, perhaps the most significant attraction is the extraordinary views of the Himalayan giants. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna. Other resources list Annapurna, Ama Dablam, and Machapuchare, Gokyo RI, and Pikey also, as sites not to miss.

If you visit the area to observe those giant peaks, be sure to contact a local guide for a specialized tour. The Himalayan giant peaks are one of the key reasons for visiting Nepal. Here are some of the top viewpoints, with instructions on how to visit them.

Mount Everest:

Mount Everest is the highest peak in the world.

It is known by the Tibetan Name Chomolungma (Goddess Mother of the Snow), as well, and by the Nepali name Sagarmatha (Mother of the Universe).

The photograph is Provided by: DC Assam / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

 

 

 

Kanchenjunga

The third highest mountain in the world, with a colossal mountain mass.

Photograph courtesy of DC Assam / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

Although not successfully climbed until 1955, it was first attempted in 1905. Four members of that international party died in an avalanche. As inspiring as Kanchenjunga beauty is that at least the first three parties to ascent the mountain never attempted the last few feet to the summit out of voluntary respect for the Sikkimese, who consider the summit sacred. 

Following many attempts, a successful British expedition of 1955 set the standard by stopping a few feet from the actual summit, in honor of the local religion. However, that tradition began with the first three parties to ascent the mountain. They never attempted the last few feet to the summit out of voluntary respect for the Sikkimese, who consider the summit sacred.

This mountain is the fourth highest mountain in the world. In 1956, Lhotse was first climbed by two Swiss. In addition to the main summit, there are two subsidiary peaks.

Lhotse Shar, which is immediately east of the main summit, and Nuptse, a high peak on the Mountain’s West Ridge. Photograph courtesy of: Image by <a href=”https://pixabay.com/users/5350755-5350755/?utm_source=link–attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=2328381″>5350755</a> from <a href=”https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=2328381″>Pixabay</a>

Makalu

Makalu (8,463m) is the fifth highest mountain in the world. It is an isolated peak, located just 14 miles east of Mount Everest. Its size alone is impressive, but its structure is that of a perfect pyramid with four sharp ridges that make this the 5th highest mountain in the world. It is on the border between Nepal and Tibet Autonomous Region, China. A French group climbed Makalu in the year 1955 after the summit of Everest had been attained in 1954.

Photograph courtesy of Indra Rai / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)Ben Tubby / CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)

Cho Oyu

Cho Oyu is the sixth highest mountain in the world at 8,188 meters (26,864 ft) above sea level. Cho Oyu means Turquoise Goddess in Tibetan. The mountain stands on the China–Nepal border. It is a glaciated pass that serves as the main trading route between

the Tibetans and the Khumbu’s Sherpas. Cho Oyu is considered the most accessible 8,000-meter peak to climb. The mountain was first climbed on October 19, 1954, via the north-west ridge. Cho Oyu means Turquoise Goddess in Tibetan. Cho Oyu is considered the most accessible 8,000-meter peak to climb.

Dhaulagiri

The Dhaulagiri massif in Nepal is the seventh highest mountain in the world at 8,167 (26,795 ft) above sea level, and the highest peak within the borders of a single country (Nepal).

The Dhaulagiri massif in Nepal extends 120 km from the Kaligandaki River west to the Bheri. This massif is bounded on the north and southwest by tributaries of the Bheri River. The south-east by the Myagdi Khola. @Wikipedia The first attempt to climb it was on May 13, 1960, by a Swiss/Austrian/Nepali expedition.

The difficulty and fitness levels for this mountain are rated as very high. At 26K plus elevation, resources report it as the seventh highest mountain peak in the world. 

Mount Manaslu

This mountain is the eighth highest mountain in the world. It is also known as the Killer Mountain. It was first ascended by two Japanese on May 9, 1956, and is a popular destination by the Japanese trekkers. Mount Manaslu is one of the slowest mountains in the Himalayas. At 5,072 miles above sea level, (26,660 ft), a trekker can make this journey in 4 to 5 hours. Its location is in the Mansiri Himal, part of the Nepalese Himalayas, in the west-central part of Nepal. The name Manaslu means mountain of the spirit and is derived from the Sanskrit word Manasa, meaning intellect or soul.

Manaslu is the fourth most dangerous mountain to trek. In May 2008, over 287 ascents were made, and 53 of those died on the mountain only behind Annapurna, Nanga Parbat, and K2

Annapurna

It is the tenth 10th Highest Mountain of The World at 8,091miles above sea level. Its location is east of a great gorge cut through the Himalayan by the Kali Gandhi river, where the mountain has glaciers on its western and northwestern slopes, which drain into this gorge. In 1959, it became the first 8,000 meter high (4130 miles) mountain to have trekked. Annapurna is a Sanskrit name and translated as Goddess of the Harvests and the provider of grains. There are five high peaks, five of which are labeled with names using some variation of the name Annapurna. The two highest known as Annapurna I and Annapurna II. They stand and appear as bookends at the western and eastern ends of the massif. As a Base Camp of Annapurna, it is one of the most popular Base Camp Trek in Nepal.

This mountain is a unique Trekking Trail, which lies in the lap of the great Himalayas and its gorgeous nature. Annapurna offers the outstanding Himalayan scenery, the traditional local captivating insight of Nepalese People with their culture. From the Annapurna Base Camp, you can realize this trek between 13 to 15 days.

The cost ranges between USD$ 800 to USD$1,200 for an average 12 to 13 days trek. Selecting a private company in Nepal is likely the best way to make your trek the least expensive.

The trek itself is a moderately difficult trek at high altitudes. This trek of Annapurna can be rocky, steep, or slippery with a lot of stairways which is more difficult than straight paths. So, please be sure you are in training before attempting the treks from Nepal. 

March or mid-April is best if wanting to see the wild rhododendrons in bloom. Otherwise, March to April and September to November are the best times to trek this area.

Bob Bhandari, Author of, The Golden Lady of Nepal