6 Facts about the Himalayas You Should Know

Himalayas is one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world. They have not been explored as much as other mountain ranges, but that does not stop tourism from thriving here. In fact, many tourists, from within and outside India and other countries which these ranges run across, come to experience the thrill which is so internationally renowned.

We read a lot about the Himalayas, and even if you hadn’t read much about them in the recent past, you most likely remember your geography lessons at school. Even if you don’t, I am going to help you refresh your memory. But, this time around, I will provide you with information which you, and as a matter of fact many people, might not know about.

So, here are 6 facts about the Himalayas you might not know but should know:

1. The Youngest Mountain Ranges
   This is a commonly known fact, considering it is one of the first things geography teacher tells about the Himalayas. You should know that the Himalayas, despite being more than 70 million years old, are actually the youngest mountain ranges on this planet. Well, the number is huge, but then there are other mountain ranges which are older. It is said that the Himalayas were formed as a consequence of the collision between the two landmasses into which our map was once divided.
2. Nepal has the Highest
   Mount Everest, which I am pretty sure you know, is the highest mountain peak in the world. It is known as Sagarmatha in that country and the name literally means “Goddess of the Universe”. However, Nepal is not just about that; in fact, the country houses the majority of the highest Himalayan peaks. There are 15 highest mountain peaks globally, of which a total 9 of them exist only in Nepal. Talk about glory!
3. Growing Taller Every Year
   Mountains grow. Yes, they do but due to their sheer size, human eye fails to notice the change.
   The Himalayas are said to be highly active and have been growing every year. Studies show that the range is growing at a rate of 5 mm every year. The rate is a pretty minute, but in the long run, it will make a huge difference—after all, isn’t this the way the earth and its constituents developed?
4. The Himalayas Are The Source of Life-Giving Rivers
   India is home to many rivers some of which have attained international repute for their geographical and cultural importance. In the West, North, and North-east, the Himalayas have been a blessing because they are the source of many perennial rivers.
   These rivers are part of two river systems, namely the Ganges-Brahmaputra River System and the Indus River System. The latter is on the western side of the range of which the largest river, Indus, was known for being home to one of the most developed ancient civilizations in the world. The former, on the other side, is in the North and North-east region and have paved the way for the formation of the largest river delta in the world, the Sunderbans.
5. Through 6 countries
   The Himalayas hold the distinction of having their presence stretched out in 6 different countries. Many people are under the impression that the Himalayas are strictly Indian; in fact, the proper way of saying is that the Himalayas are found in the Indian subcontinent.
   There are total 6 countries, as noted above, through which the range runs. These countries are Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Tibet. Nepal has 75 percent of its area covered in the Himalayas.
6. Where Myths Are Alive
   The Himalayas are also known for myths. There are many local folktales and myths associated with them, but I cannot name all of them.
   The most famous of all is that the Himalayas are home to the mythical Yeti. Also, it is believed that the mythical Shambala, Shangri-La or Gyanraj, which is said to be the land of immortals is deep within these ranges. Many travelers speak of their encounter with the residents of the mythical land.

Well, who knows what the truth is? But, one thing is certain that such accounts do make the travelling experience fun and exciting. So, pack up your adventure-self and head to the Himalayas—you will not be disappointed.

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