Travel Destinations » Hills of Himalaya ....
"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.
Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.
The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy,
while cares will drop off like autumn leaves."
- John Muir
"Himalaya" is a Sanskrit word which literally means "Abode of Snow" - from hima, "snow," and alaya, "abode" - a term coined by the ancient pilgrims of India who travelled in these mountains. For Tibetans, Indians, Nepalese, and many of the other inhabitants of the Himalayas, the mountains continue to be the predominant factor in their lives. The beauty of the Himalayas has lured visitors to this region since olden times. And being the world's highest mountain chain, it constitutes the greatest attraction to climbers and trekkers throughout the world. But more than anything else, the Himalayas represent the awe-inspiring power, beauty, and grandeur of Nature. Welcome to the Himalayas - Where Earth Meets Sky!
This quotation surely tells us the inner feelings of a traveler who climbs the mountain. Himalayas is one such nature's gift to mankind. It's the symbol of nature's beauty in true sense. Himalayas being the world's highest mountain chain is a collage of nature's beauty. It portrays different facets of nature like the snowcapped mountain peaks, valleys, glaciers, rivers, and varied and rich vegetation. For mankind Himalayas has always been a mystery so people have tried to explore it again and again. It was in the year 1953, 29th May when Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first humans to climb the Mt. Everest, world's highest peak, since than many have climbed to explore the unknown zone of the Himalayas. Exploring the Himalayas brings you close to nature its surroundings, its people, its religion and food habits. As you traverse through the Himalayan range you discover the geographic variation from the lush green lands to the beautiful valleys and tropical jungles. Such variation is rarely seen anywhere else in the world.
There are various destinations to be visited in the Himalayas. With variations in the climate, vegetation and geographical characteristics each place is distinct from the other. The tribes and the people of Himalayas showcase their own rich culture and heritage of the region. Himalayas is considered paradise on earth. Its scenic beauty is just a visual treat. It rejuvenates the body and soul. The mystic beauty of the Himalayas has attracted people from across the world. Other than the popular holiday destination Himalayas is also known for certain places, which are still unexplored. So if you want to walk down the green and flowery meadows and climb up the rugged mountains than Himalayas is the perfect destination. So don't wait come and explore the greatest gift of nature.
Major Himalayan Hill Stations
Gulmarg & Sonamarg
A huge cup shaped meadow, lush and green with slopes where the silence is broken only by the tinkle of cowbells, Gulmarg looks like a fantasy set in a film and not surprisingly have been the venue of several films.
Read More About Gulmarg & Sonamarg
Srinagar
The capital of Jammy and Kashmir and the largest city in the state, Srinagar (1,730m) is famous for its canals, Houseboats and Mughal Gardens. The city itself is quite unlike most other large Indian cities for here you are much more in Central Asia than on the Indian sub-continent.
Ladakh
Ladakh is a land like no other. Bounded by two of the world's mightiest mountain ranges, the Great Himalayas and the Karakoram, it lies athwart two other, the Ladakh range and the Zanskar Range.
Ladakh is full of amazing sights - strange Gompas perched on soaring heights; the barren, shattered looking landscapes splashed with small brilliant patches of green; ancient palaces clinging to sheer rock walls.
Shimla
Shimla has been blessed with all the natural bounties, one can think of. Dwelling on a panoramic location, the hilly town is surrounded by green pastures and snow-capped peaks. The spectacular cool hills accompanied by the structures made during the colonial era create an aura, which is very different from other hill stations.
Kullu
Kullu was once known as Kulanthpitha, which means the end of the habitable world. Beyond rose the forbidding heights of the Greater Himalayas, and by the banks of the shining river Beas, lay the fabled 'Silver Valley'.
Manali
Surrounded by towering peaks at an arm length, Manali's major asset is its proximity to the snowline. It is a flourishing orchard industry, a popular honeymoon destination and trailhead for numerous treks as well as a great countryside ideal for adventure sport lovers.
Dharamsala
Dharamsala over looks the plains and is surrounded by dense pine trees and Deodar forests. A nearby snowline with numerous streams and cool healthy atmosphere makes the surroundings very attractive. A busy bazaar town, Dharamsala has established itself as the travellers base camp, who come to explore the nearby mountains.
Dalhousie
Dalhousie is a quiet town, with a sense of enchantment. This hill station spreads over five low-level hills at the western edge of the Dhauladhar range, just east of the Ravi River.
Sarahan
Soaked in nature's beauty, Sarahan is flanked on the banks of the meandering Sutlej River. Located amidst Deodar forests, Sarahan was the ancient capital of the mighty Bushahr. It's a belief that Sarahan is the Shonitpur of old times, and this was the place, where Banasura once ruled.
Nainital
A small town in the hills of Kumaon, Nainital is a lovely hill station surrounded by mountains on three sides. Once this area had many lakes and it was called the City of 60 lakes or 'Chakta'.
Mussoorie
Mussoorie is located in the Garhwal hills. Due to its immense natural beauty, Mussoorie is known as the queen of hill stations. Mussoorie is an excellent respite for tourists and people who want relief from the hot sultry conditions of the plains. Nature has gifted Mussoorie everything which makes a place beautiful. With the onset of summers tourists start coming here.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh is just 24 Kms from Haridwar. Located in the laps of lower Himalayas, this place is considered to be the access point of three other pilgrim places of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri the four great places which combine to make Chardham. <
Gangtok
Gangtok, the "Lofty Hill" or the "Hill made flat to build the Gangtok monastery in 1716". Gangtok is a city, which, till one sees it, one would believe exists only in picture-story books.
Darjeeling
Darjeeling the dream land of the East, it has been a popular hill station since the British period. The tourist flow to Darjeeling city has been increasing day by day. Due to the proximity with three international borders, Darjeeling is strategically very important
Kailash Mansarovar
For well over a thousand years, pilgrims have journeyed Kailash Mansarovar to pay homage to the mountain’s mystery, circumambulating it is a ancient ritual of devotion that continues to this day.
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