Are You Planning For Himalayan Expedition? Here are the Reasons Why Every Traveller Should Visit

MILA JONES
Future Travel
Published in
6 min readAug 26, 2019

The top 10 reasons why you should plan a trip to the Himalayas in India. Not only adventure but indulge in Yoga, pilgrimage & wildlife tour and more.

The Indian Himalayan ranges is an enigma in itself enticing the travellers with its breathtaking views of the snow-laden mountains, glaciers and plunging river valleys. Spread across various North and Northeastern states in India, the magnificent mountains have picturesque landscapes that leave one wonderstruck. For this reason, Himalayas compel not only the adventure enthusiasts but also those seeking self-discovery amidst serene setting, cultural retreat, spiritual wellness and more. The mighty Himalayas have everything that satiates the expectations of travellers of all kind. With something or the other for every traveller, the Himalayan destinations are a must-visit once in a lifetime. So, here are some of the many good reasons that will justify why every traveller should add Himalayan expedition to their bucket list.

  1. To Witness the Awe-Inspiring Landscape

A trip to the Himalayas brings the travellers close to the incredible and astonishing landscapes. The view of these landscapes inevitably leaves an impression that remains etched in the memories for a lifetime. Along with being a feast to the eyes of the nature lovers, the Indian Himalayan landscape offers a beautiful opportunity to the photographers to capture the best shot. To this, the must-visit Himalayan sites in India include Valley of Flowers National Park in Uttarakhand and Hampta Pass Trek in Himachal Pradesh.

2. For a Never Had Before Trekking Experience

Yet another good reason where one can experience the outdoors and get in touch with pristine nature. The rugged trails with a stunning atmosphere and captivating panorama in the Indian Himalaya cater to an unmatched hiking experience. There are a plethora of hiking and trekking destinations in the Himalayas that are unspoiled and bind the region with the beauty that can make one go WOW. The must-visit trekking destinations include Chopta-Chandrashila Trek and Dodital Trek in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, Sham Valley Trek in Ladakh, Dzongri Trek in Sikkim, Har Ki Doon and Roop Kund Trek in Uttarakhand, Pin Parvati Trek in Himachal Pradesh and more.

Image Source

3. For the Best Spiritual Retreat

To those seeking a spiritual retreat, there can be no sacred region than the Himalayas. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva is believed to live above Mount Kailash which is now in Tibet. For this reason, there are many sacred temples, ashrams, and pilgrimage routes in the Indian Himalayas, including the foothills. Of all, the Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand is one of the most important pilgrimages in India. Besides this, Rishikesh- the Yoga Capital of the World lying in the foothills of the mystical Himalayas is also the most preferred destination for the best retreat.

4. To Discover the Buddhist Colourful Prayer Flags

One thing that travellers cannot miss out on discovering when on a Himalayan expedition is the bright coloured strings of Buddhist prayer flags. The five colours of the flag represent the five elements of nature including white for air; green is water; blue for the sky; red is fire, and yellow is for the earth. It is believed, the flags when moved by the wind, carries the mantras (Om Mani Padme Hum) over the mountains and purifies the air.

Image Source

5. To Experience the Warmth of Sunrise and Sunset

Well, it is pleasing and soul-soothing to witness the views of the mesmerising sunrise and sunset when on your Himalayan expedition. The sight of the sun rising or setting down between the snow-capped mountain is something that shouldn’t be missed. It is during this time when one can sit and unwind amidst a tranquil setting.

6. Learn About the Tibetan Culture and Tradition

The Greater Himalayan of the North Indian region of India is dominated by Tibetan Buddhists, especially in Ladakh and in Northeast India. Tourists on their Himalayan expedition can make the most of the opportunity to learn about the authentic Tibetan culture and tradition. The Tibetan government-in-exile, including Dalai Lama (the spiritual leader), can be found in Dharamshala. Travelling to Ladakh, you might even get the impression of being in Tibet. Also, staying in the homestays in these regions lets one come closer and learn about their lifestyle and culture.

Image Source

7. Encounter With the Rich Biodiversity

The Himalayas being remote has successfully maintained a pristine environment. This has made the Himalayan regions a popular place for scientific research, nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers and photographers. With several national parks in the Indian Himalayas, you can come across a remarkable healthy ecosystem of rich biodiversity. Of all the prominent one is the Great Himalayan National Park in Himachal Pradesh which is home to more than 370 fauna species. The park is even entitled as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

8. To Catch the Sight of Majestic Snow Leopard

One of the elusive wild animals, Snow Leopard is the most beautiful creature that is on almost every animal lover’s bucket list. For many reasons, they are difficult to spot. The first one is, they are almost completely camouflaged, then comes to their migratory behaviour followed by their solitary natures. But it is in the Himalayan region where one can get a chance to spot the majestic Snow Leopard.

Image Source

9. To Mingle With the Warm-Hearted Local People

Yet another best part of a trip to the Himalayas is the warm welcome received by the indigenous people. The people of this region is known for their simplicity and amiability. On being at any of the Himalayan destinations in India, one can feel safe, learn about the ideas and beliefs of these people and create an unexplainable bond that clings in the memories for a life span.

10. To Explore the Birthplace of Yoga

Ever since the renowned ‘The Beatles’ visited Rishikesh back in the year 1968, the destination came to be known worldwide as a leading yoga and meditation centre and the not-to-miss International Yoga Day. Even though Rishikesh is at the foothills of the Himalayas, the origin of Yoga has been linked, making it an ideal place for those keen about the ancient art and science. People from across the globe, visit Rishikesh to learn more about the International Yoga Day that is held every year to enlighten one about the ancient mental, physical and spiritual practice that originated in India.

Image Source

Well, the list doesn’t end here. There are many other reasons why one should plan a visit to the Himalayas at least once in a lifetime. With the fact of unable to cover all of the above, these were some of the important ones. Hoping that it convinced you enough to choose a destination, pack your bags and plan a trip to any of the Himalayan destination (be it in Northern Indian Himalayas or Northeastern), right away! Be there and delve into the magical beauty and don’t forget to share your experience with us.

--

--

MILA JONES
Future Travel

Mila Jones is a Senior Business Consultant, With rich experience in the domains of technology consulting and strategy.Twitter: @miilajones