One of the most famous miraculous wonders of the world are the Himalayan mountains. The point is not only in the scale of this creation of nature, but also in the huge amount of the unknown that these gigantic peaks conceal within themselves.
Where are the Himalayas located?
The Himalayan mountain range passes through the territory of five states - this India, China, Pakistan, Nepal and the Kingdom of Bhutan. The eastern foothills of the range touch the northern borders of the Republic of Bangladesh.
Mountain ranges rise in the north, completing the Tibetan Plateau, and separate from it vast areas of the Hindustan Peninsula - the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
Even the average height of the entire mountain system reaches 6 thousand meters. It is in the Himalayas that the majority of “eight-thousanders” are located – mountain peaks whose height exceeds the 8-kilometer mark. Of the 14 similar peaks on the surface of the planet, 10 are located in the Himalayas.
Himalaya mountains on the map
Himalayas on the world map
The highest and most inaccessible mountains on the planet are the Himalayas. The name comes from ancient Indian Sanskrit, and literally means "Snow Abode". They are located in a giant loop on the continent, serving as a kind of border between Central and South Asia. The length of the mountain ranges from west to east is just under 3 thousand km, and the total area of the entire mountain system is about 650 thousand square meters. km.
The entire Himalayan mountain range consists of three distinctive steps:
- First - Pre-Himalayas(local name - Shivalik Range) is the lowest of all, the mountain peaks of which do not rise more than 2000 meters.
- The second stage - the Dhaoladhar, Pir Panjal and several other smaller ridges is called Lesser Himalayas. The name is quite arbitrary, since the peaks already rise to considerable heights - up to 4 kilometers.
- Behind them are several fertile valleys (Kashmir, Kathmandu and others), serving as a transition to the highest points of the planet - Greater Himalayas. The two great South Asian rivers - the Brahmaputra from the east and the Indus from the west - seem to embrace this majestic mountain range, originating on its slopes. In addition, the Himalayas give life to the sacred Indian river - the Ganges.
Mount Chomolungma, aka Everest
The highest point in the world, located on the border of Nepal and China - Mount Chomolungma. However, it has several names and some variation in the estimate of its height. The names of this mountain peak in local dialects have always been associated with the divinity of its origin: Chomolungma in Tibetan, literally “Divine”, in Nepal it is called “Mother of the Gods” - Sagarmatha. There is another beautiful Tibetan name - “Mother - Queen of Snow-White Snows” - Chomo-Kankar. For Europeans, these names were too complicated, and in 1856 they gave the mountain an anglicized name Everest, in honor of the head of the British colonial geodetic survey, Sir George Everest.
Official today Everest height is 8848 meters including the ice cap, and 8844 meters is the top of solid rock. But these indicators changed several times in one direction or another. Thus, the first measurement, carried out in the middle of the 19th century, showed 29,000 feet (8839 meters). However, scientific surveyors did not like the too round number, and they freely added another 2 feet, which gave a value of 8840 m. Measurements continued a century later, when the height was determined at 8848 m. However, several geographers made their own calculations, using the most modern means of radio direction finding and navigation. This is how two more values appeared - 8850 and even 8872 meters. However, these values were not officially recognized.
Records of the Himalayas
The Himalayas are a place of pilgrimage for the strongest climbers in the world, for whom conquering their peaks is a cherished goal in life. Chomolungma did not conquer immediately - since the beginning of the last century, many attempts have been made to climb to the “roof of the world.” The first person to achieve this goal was in 1953 New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary accompanied by a local guide, Sherpa Norgay Tenzing. The first successful Soviet expedition took place in 1982. In total, Everest has been conquered about 3,700 times.
Unfortunately, the Himalayas set sad records - 572 climbers died when trying to conquer their eight-kilometer heights. But the number of brave athletes does not decrease, because “taking” all 14 “eight-thousanders” and receiving the “Crown of the Earth” is the cherished dream of each of them. The total number of “crowned” winners to date is 30 people, including 3 women.
Ski resorts in India
The northern mountainous regions of India are a completely unique world, with its own philosophy and spirituality, ancient shrines and historical monuments, a colorful population and a variety of natural landscapes. Any traveler will always find a lot of interesting things here.
Gulmarg (Valley of Flowers)
This resort is located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The height of the slopes is 1400-4138 m. Gulmarg was built in 1927 by the British, when they were “staying” in India, so it practically meets European standards. The season here starts from the end of December and ends at the end of March. The appropriate equipment is provided here, so beginners should be quite comfortable, unless, of course, they are afraid of steep descents.
Narkanda
A small ski tourist center located near Shimla city at an altitude of about 2400 meters, surrounded by relict pine forest. Its snowy slopes are quite suitable for both beginner skiers and experienced skiers.
Solang
A fairly well-known place for extreme recreation in skiing circles. It is famous for its well-developed infrastructure, both sports and tourism. Everyone who has visited these places always leaves excellent reviews about the level of training of the resort's coaching and service personnel.
Kufri
One of the most famous Indian ski tourist centers. It is located just two dozen kilometers from Shimla city, which for many years was the residence of the English Viceroy of India. Kufri is also remarkable because in its immediate vicinity there is a huge natural Himalayan Nature National Park, where the wide variety of wild flora and fauna of these places is carefully preserved. Climbing up the slopes of the mountains, tourists manage to visit several climatic zones - from the wildly blooming tropics to the harsh conditions of the northern latitudes.
Historical and cultural attractions of the Himalayas
For those who prefer to spend their time exploring historical sites and cultural treasures, the Indian Himalayan region provides these opportunities.
First of all, in these places, as already mentioned, there was a summer residence of the English governor in India - the Viceroy. That's why the little village Shimla turned into a city - capital of Himchal Pradesh. The famous museum, located in the Royal Palace, is replete with exhibits showing the cultural diversity of the region. Shimla is famous for its bazaar with traditional woolen products, national Indian clothing, and handmade jewelry made using ancient technology. As a rule, a horseback excursion through the surrounding picturesque mountains leaves no one indifferent.
Tourists love India. Read - Russians most often go there for the winter.
The discovery of India is the merit of the Portuguese. in another article.
Dharamsala for Buddhists it is probably the same as Mecca for Muslims. Travelers here encounter the hospitality of the local population, unprecedented anywhere else in the world. This small town is the residence of the Dalai Lama himself, who brought his Tibetan people here after many years of exile.
Visit the Indian Himalayas and not visit Nicholas Roerich's estate- unforgivable for a Russian! It is located in the town of Naggar, near the city of Manali. In addition to the environment in which the painter’s family lived, visitors will see a large collection of original works by this great author.
Capital of Jammu and Kashmir state, Shinagan city- another center of tourist pilgrimage. According to some theories, it was here that Jesus Christ found his final refuge. Travelers will definitely be shown the tomb of Yuz Asuf, a man identified with the Son of God. In the same city you can see unique floating houses - houseboats. No one probably left here without purchasing products made from the famous Kashmir wool as a souvenir.
Spiritual and health tourism
Spiritual principles and the cult of a healthy body are so closely intertwined in various directions of Indian philosophical schools that it is impossible to draw any visible division between them. Every year thousands of tourists come to the Indian Himalayas just to get acquainted with Vedic sciences, ancient postulates Yoga teachings, healing your body by Ayurvedic canons Panchakarma.
The pilgrim program must include visiting caves for deep meditation, waterfalls, ancient temples, bathing in the Ganges- a sacred river for Hindus. Those suffering can have conversations with spiritual mentors, receive from them parting words and recommendations for spiritual and physical cleansing. However, this topic is so broad and versatile that it requires a separate detailed presentation.
The natural grandeur and highly spiritual atmosphere of the Himalayas captivate the human imagination. Anyone who has at least once come into contact with the splendor of these places will always be obsessed with the dream of returning here at least once more.
Enchanting time-lapse video of the unshakable Himalayas
This video was shot frame by frame on a Nikon D800 camera over 50 days over 5000 km. Places in India: Spiti Valley, Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Leh, Zanskar, Kashmir.
The Himalayas are considered to be the highest and most mysterious mountains on planet Earth. The name of this massif can be translated from Sanskrit as “land of snow.” The Himalayas serve as a conditional divider between South and Central Asia. Hindus consider their location to be sacred land. Numerous legends claim that the peaks of the Himalayan mountains were the habitat of the god Shiva, his wife Devi and their daughter Himavata. According to ancient beliefs, the dwelling of the gods gave rise to three great Asian rivers - the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra.
Origin of the Himalayas
The origin and development of the Himalayan mountains took several stages, taking a total of about 50,000,000 years. Many researchers believe that the origin of the Himalayas was given by two colliding tectonic plates. 
It is interesting that even today the mountain system continues its development and formation of folding. The Indian plate is moving towards the northeast at a speed of 5 cm per year, while compressing by 4 mm. Scientists argue that such progress will lead to further rapprochement between India and Tibet. 
The speed of this process is comparable to the growth of human nails. In addition, intense geological activity in the form of earthquakes is periodically observed in the mountains.
An impressive fact - the Himalayas occupy a considerable part of the entire surface of the Earth (0.4%). This territory is incomparably large in comparison with other mountain objects. 
On what continent are the Himalayas located: geographical information
Tourists preparing for a trip should find out where the Himalayas are. Their location is the continent of Eurasia (its Asian part). In the north, the massif's neighbor is the Tibetan Plateau. To the south, this role went to the Indo-Gangetic Plain. 
The Himalayan mountain system stretches over 2,500 km and is at least 350 km wide. The total area of the array is 650,000 m².
Many Himalayan ridges boast heights of up to 6 km. The highest point is represented, also called Chomolungma. Its absolute height is 8848 m, which is a record among other mountain peaks on the planet. Geographic coordinates – 27°59′17″ north latitude, 86°55′31″ east longitude. 
The Himalayas are spread over several countries. Not only the Chinese and Indians, but also the peoples of Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan can be proud of their proximity to majestic mountains. Parts of this mountain range are also present in the territories of some post-Soviet countries: Tajikistan includes the northern mountain range (Pamir). 
Characteristics of natural conditions
The natural conditions of the Himalayan mountains cannot be called soft and stable. The weather in this area is prone to frequent changes. Many areas have dangerous terrain and cold temperatures at high altitudes. Even in summer, frost remains here down to -25 °C, and in winter it intensifies to -40 °C. In the mountains, hurricane winds are not uncommon, gusts reaching 150 km/h. In summer and spring, the average air temperature rises to +30 °C. 
In the Himalayas, it is customary to distinguish between 4 climate options. From April to June, the mountains are covered with wild herbs and flowers, and the air is cool and fresh. From July to August, the mountains are dominated by rain and the highest amount of precipitation falls. During these summer months, the slopes of the mountain ranges are covered with lush vegetation and fog often appears. Until the arrival of November, warm and comfortable weather conditions persist, after which a sunny, frosty winter with heavy snowfalls sets in. 
Description of the flora
The Himalayan vegetation surprises with its diversity. On the southern slope, which is subject to frequent rainfall, altitude zones are clearly visible, and real jungles (terai) grow at the foot of the mountains. Large thickets of trees and shrubs are found in abundance in these places. In some places, dense vines, bamboo, numerous bananas, and low-growing palm trees are found. Sometimes you can get to areas intended for growing certain plant crops. These places are usually cleared and drained by humans. 
Climbing a little higher on the slopes, you can alternately take refuge in tropical, coniferous, mixed forests, behind which, in turn, lie picturesque alpine meadows. In the north of the mountain range and in drier areas, the territory is represented by steppe and semi-deserts. 
In the Himalayas there are trees that provide people with expensive wood and resin. Here you can get to the places where dhaka and sal trees grow. At an altitude of 4 km, tundra vegetation in the form of rhododendrons and mosses is found in abundance. 
Local fauna
The Himalayan mountains have become a safe haven for many endangered animals. Here you can meet rare representatives of the local fauna - snow leopard, black bear, Tibetan fox. The southern region of the mountain range has all the necessary conditions for living leopards, tigers and rhinoceroses. Representatives of the northern Himalayas include yaks, antelopes, mountain goats, and wild horses. 
In addition to the richest flora and fauna, the Himalayas abound in a variety of minerals. In these places, placer gold, copper and chrome ore, oil, rock salt, and brown coal are actively mined. 
Parks and valleys
In the Himalayas you can visit parks and valleys, many of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
- Sagarmatha.
- Flower Valley.
Sagarmatha National Park belongs to Nepal. Its special asset is the world's highest peak, Everest, and other high mountains. 
Nanda Devi Park is a natural treasure of India, located in the heart of the Himalayan mountains. This picturesque place lies at the foot of the hill with the same name, and has an area of more than 60,000 hectares. The height of the park above sea level is at least 3500 m. 
The most picturesque places of Nanda Devi are represented by grandiose glaciers, the Rishi Ganga River, and the mystical Lake of Skeletons, around which, according to legend, numerous human and animal remains were discovered. It is generally accepted that the mass deaths were caused by the sudden fall of unusually large hail. 
Not far from Nanda Devi Park is the Flower Valley. Here, on an area of about 9,000 hectares, several hundred colorful plants grow. More than 30 species of flora that adorn the Indian valley are considered endangered, and about 50 species are used for medicinal purposes. These places are also home to a variety of birds. Most of them can be seen in the Red Book. 
Buddhist temples
The Himalayas are famous for their Buddhist monasteries, many of which are located in inaccessible places, and are buildings carved out of rock. Most temples have a long history of existence, up to 1000 years old, and lead a rather “closed” lifestyle. Some of the monasteries are open to everyone who wants to get acquainted with the way of life of monks and the interior decoration of holy places. You can take beautiful photos in them. Entry into the territory of other shrines is strictly prohibited for visitors.
The largest and most revered monasteries include:
- Drepung, located in China.
- Temple complexes of Nepal – Boudhanath, Budanilkantha, Swayambhunath.
- Jokhang, which is the pride of Tibet.
Buddhist stupas are a carefully protected religious shrine found throughout the Himalayas. These religious monuments were built by monks of the past in honor of some important event in Buddhism, as well as for the sake of prosperity and harmony throughout the world. 
Tourists visiting the Himalayas
The most suitable time to travel to the Himalayas is considered to be from May to July and September to October. During these months, vacationers can count on sunny and warm weather, the absence of heavy rainfall and strong winds. For lovers of adrenaline sports, there are few but modern ski resorts. 
In the Himalayan mountains you can find hotels and inns of various price categories. In religious quarters there are special houses for pilgrims and admirers of the local religion - ashrams with ascetic living conditions. Accommodation in such premises is quite cheap, and sometimes can be completely free. Instead of a fixed amount, the guest can offer a voluntary donation or help with housework.
The most majestic and mysterious mountain range on our planet is the Himalayas. This massif, whose name translates as the abode of snow, conventionally separates Central and South Asia, and the height of its individual peaks reaches more than 8,000 meters. The Himalayas are rightfully considered the highest mountains in the world. Let’s look at the Himalayas on the map and find out why these mountains are so unusual.
Location of the Himalayas mountain system on the world map
“Where are the Himalayas, in which country?” - this question often arises among novice travelers who have heard about the beauty of the most inaccessible mountains on the planet and decided to go there in search of adventure. Looking at the world map, you can see that the Himalayas are located in the northern hemisphere between the Tibetan Plateau and the Indo-Gangetic Plain. India, Nepal, China, Pakistan, Bhutan and Bangladesh are the countries whose territories cover the Himalayas. The most visited country in the Himalayas is India. There are many attractions and resorts here. The massif is 2900 km long and about 350 km wide. There are 83 peaks in the mountain system, the highest of which is Everest, the height of the mountain is 8848 m.
The Himalayan mountains on the map consist of three main stages:
- Siwalik Range. This is the southernmost part of the mountain range. The ridge is located in Nepal and affects several states of India. Here the height of the Himalayan mountains does not exceed 2 km.
- Small Himalayas. This ridge runs parallel to the Siwalik Range. The average altitude here is 2.5 km.
- Great Himalayas. This is the highest and oldest part of the mountain range. The height of the ridge exceeds 8 km, and it is here that the highest peaks of the planet are located.
Highest Peaks
The mountain range contains 9 of the 10 highest peaks in the world. Here are the highest ones:
- Chomolungma – 8848 m.
- Kanchenjunga – 8586 m.
- Lhotse – 8516 m.
- Makalu – 8463 m.
- Cho Oyu – 8201 m.
Most of them are located on the territory of Tibet, and this is where mountain conquerors from all over the planet flock, because climbing the highest peaks is the life’s work of a real climber.
Flora and fauna
The flora of the Himalayas changes with changes in altitude. The natural features of the Himalayas at different levels surprise with the change of landscapes, flora and fauna. In the foothills of the small Himalayas, terai or swampy jungles predominate, above them they are replaced by tropical forests, then mixed, coniferous, and finally, alpine meadows appear. The northern slopes are dominated by deserts and semi-deserts. The fauna of the Himalayas is as diverse as the flora. Here you can still find wild tigers, rhinoceroses, elephants and monkeys, and when you rise higher, the risk of encountering a bear, mountain yak and snow leopard increases.
In the mountains that cover Nepal there is a unique nature reserve where endangered species of animals are still preserved. The zone is under the protection of UNESCO. Mount Everest is located within this reserve.
Rivers and lakes
It is in the Himalayas that the three largest rivers in South Asia originate. These include, Brahmaputra and Indus. Moreover, there are many beautiful and clean lakes in the mountain range. The highest mountain is Lake Tilicho, located at an altitude of 4919 m.
The special pride of the Himalayas is, of course, the glaciers. In terms of the amount of fresh water reserves, the mountain range is surpassed only by the Arctic and Antarctic. The largest glacier here is the Gantotri formation, which reaches a length of 26 km.
When is it nice to be in the Himalayas?
According to travelers, it is always good in the Himalayas. Each season gives the slopes of this ridge unique landscapes, the beauty of which is simply impossible to describe in words. In spring, the slopes are strewn with beautiful flowers, the aroma of which spreads for many kilometers; in summer, during the rainy season, lush greenery breaks through the light fog and gives freshness and coolness; autumn is a riot of colors; and in winter, when snow falls, there is no cleaner and whiter place in the world.
The main tourist season is in the autumn months, but even in winter there are many skiing enthusiasts, because the Himalayas are home to many world-famous ski resorts.
Himalayas. View from space
Himalayas - "abode of snow", Hindi.
Geography
Himalayas - the highest mountain system on the globe, located in Asia (India, Nepal, China, Pakistan, Bhutan), between the Tibetan Plateau (in the north) and the Indo-Gangetic Plain (in the south). The Himalayas extend from 73°E in the northwest to 95°E in the southeast. The total length is more than 2400 km, the maximum width is 350 km. The average height is about 6000 m. Height is up to 8848 m (Mount Everest), 11 peaks are more than 8 thousand meters.
The Himalayas are divided into three stages from south to north.
- Southern, lower stage (Pre-Himalayas). The Siwalik Mountains consist of the Dundva, Chowriaghati (average height 900 m), Solya Singi, Potwar Plateau, Kala Chitta and Margala ranges. The width of the step ranges from 10 to 50 km, the height does not exceed 1000 m.
Kathmandu Valley
- Small Himalayas, second stage. A vast highland 80 - 100 km wide, average height - 3500 - 4000 m. Maximum height - 6500 m.
Includes part of the Kashmir Himalayas - Pir Panjal (Haramush - 5142 m).
Between the outlying ridge of the second stage, called Dauladar "White Mountains"(average altitude - 3000 m) and the Main Himalayas at an altitude of 1350 - 1650 m lie the valleys of Srinagar (Kashmir Valley) and Kathmandu.
- Third stage - Greater Himalayas. This step is strongly dissected and forms a large chain of ridges. The maximum width is 90 km, height is 8848 m. The average height of the passes reaches 4500 m, some exceed 6000 m. The Greater Himalayas are divided into Assam, Nepal, Kumaon and Punjab Himalayas.
- Main Himalayan range. The average height is 5500 - 6000 m. Here, in the area between the Sutlej and Arun rivers, there are eight of the ten Himalayan eight-thousanders.
Beyond the gorge of the Arun River, the Main Ridge drops slightly - Jonsang Peak (7459 m), from which a branched spur extends to the south with the Kanchenjunga massif, the four peaks of which exceed a height of 8000 m (maximum height - 8585 m).
In the section between the Indus and the Sutlej, the Main Range is divided into the Western Himalayas and the Northern Range.
- Northern ridge. In the northwestern part it is called Deosai, and in the southeastern part it is called Zanskar (“white copper”) (the highest point is Kamet Peak, 7756 m). To the north is the Indus Valley, beyond which to the north is the Karakoram mountain system.
1st place: Chomolungma:
(Everest, Dumulangfeng, Sagarmatha)
The highest peak of our planet, reaching a height of 8848 m, is known throughout the world under the names Everest, or Chomolungma. It received its first name in honor of Sir George Everest, who in 1830-1843. was the chief surveyor of British India. The second name is of Tibetan origin and translated means “Divine”. Since the mountain is part of Nepal’s Sagarmatha National Park, in this area it is called the same as this park itself, which means “Mother of the Gods.”
Everest is located in the Himalayas, dividing Nepal and China, the world-famous peak itself falls on the territory of the latter.
Chomolungma has the shape of a triangular pyramid, along which glaciers flow from all sides, interrupting only at an altitude of about 5000 m. The southern slope and ribs of the pyramid are exposed, since snow does not hold on it. At the top of the mountain, sometimes powerful winds rage, reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h, and the temperature at night drops to -60º Celsius.
Climbing to the top of Everest is not easy. The time required for this, including the process of acclimatization and setting up camps, takes about a couple of months. Of all the seasons, spring is the most favorable for climbing the southern and northern slopes. In autumn, climbing the northern slope is impossible. The last 300m of the climb is an incredibly steep, smooth rock slope covered in powdery snow and is the most difficult section.
The year of the first conquest of Everest by man was 1953, when two climbers climbed to its summit at once - Tenzig Norgay and Edmund Hillary. The next significant year of the conquest is considered to be 1978, since it was in this year that native Italian Reinhold Messner and German Peter Habeler reached the top of this mountain without oxygen cylinders (climbing Everest, climbers usually use oxygen masks). This is due to the fact that the air at the top of the mountain is thin and therefore breathing becomes difficult.
1969 - the Japanese Miura attempted to ski down from the peak for the first time.
1998 - the first descent on a “snow board” - a snowboard, made by the Frenchman Cyril Desmereau.
2001 - Bertrand and Claire Bernier, a couple from France, set off from the top to fly on a tandem glider.
Climbing Chomolungma is an extremely dangerous and risky endeavor - to date, the number of deaths in such attempts has exceeded 200 people. The causes of death are lack of oxygen, frostbite and heart failure, being covered by an avalanche, but the price for the climb, which is up to 65 thousand US dollars in the case of climbing as part of specialized groups, does not stop the climbers. Just to get permission from the Nepalese government you need to pay 10 thousand dollars. To date, the number of climbers who have conquered the highest peak of our planet is approximately 4,000 people.
