Where are the Himalayan mountains on the map? Incredible mountains of the Himalayas. Characteristics of natural conditions

The Himalayas are the great mountain system of Asia, forming a barrier between the plateau of Tibet in the north and the plains of the Indian subcontinent in the south. The Himalayas comprise the world's highest mountains, with more than 110 peaks rising to 7,300 meters or more above sea level. One of these peaks is Everest. Another name for the mountain in the Tibetan version is Qomolangma, in the Chinese version - Komolangma Feng, in Nepalese - Sagamata. It is the highest mountain in the World, with a height of 8,850 meters.

Geographical location of the Himalayas

Everyone who is interested in these mountains first of all searches on what continent, in what country and where are the Himalayas located. Geographical position The Himalayas extend over 2550 kilometers from North Africa to the Pacific coast South-East Asia in the northern hemisphere of the Earth. The Himalayas stretch from west to east between Nanga Parbat, in Pakistan they include parts of Kashmir and Namzhagbarwa Pike, and in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

Between the western and eastern edges are two Himalayan countries - Nepal and Bhutan. The Himalayas border in the northwest with mountain ranges Hindu Kush and Karakoram, and in the north with the high and vast plateau of Tibet. The width of the Himalayas from south to north varies between 200 and 400 km. Their total area is 595,000 square kilometers.

On physical map it can be seen that India, Nepal and Bhutan have sovereignty over most of the Himalayas, Pakistan and China also occupy parts of them. In the disputed Kashmir region, Pakistan has administrative control over approximately 36,000 sq. km in the Ladakh region of Kashmir and claims territory at the eastern end of the Himalayas in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. These disputes highlight the border issues facing India and neighboring countries in the land where the Himalayas are located.

Physical Features

The most characteristic features of the Himalayas are their high, steep, jagged peaks, valleys and alpine glaciers. Complex geological structure complemented by river gorges deeply cut by erosion. A number of elevated zones are distinguished by different ecological types of flora, fauna and climate. Viewed from the south, the Himalayas appear on a map as a giant crescent moon with its main axis rising above the snow line, where snowfields, alpine glaciers and avalanches feed the lower valleys.

Most of the Himalayas lie below the snow line. The Himalayan ranges are grouped into four parallel longitudinal mountain belts of varying widths, each of which has different physical and geographical features and its own geological history. They range from south to north as the outer sub-Himalayas (also called the Siwalik Range), the lesser or lower Himalayas, the Greater Himalayan Range (Great Himalayas) and the Tethys or Tibetan Himalayas. Further north in Tibet lie the Trans-Himalaya.

Geological history

It is believed that the Himalayas owe their origin to the movement of the Indo-Australian plate, which is constantly moving north, where it collides with the Eurasian plate. The force of the plate movement is such that it bends the layers of rock and creates faults into which masses of granites and basalts invade. This is how the Tibetan plateau was formed. The Trans-Himalayan ranges became the region's watershed and rose so high that they became a climate barrier. The more rain falls on southern slopes, the more they strive southern rivers not north along transverse faults.

The northern shores of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal are quickly filled with debris brought from the mountains by the Indus, Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers. About 20 million years ago, the rate of pressure between the two plates increased sharply. As the Indian subcontinental plate continued to subduct, the uppermost layers were thrown back a large horizontal distance to the south, forming boulders.

Wave after wave of boulders rushed south over Indian land at a distance of up to 100 km. Over time, these boulders rolled up, shortening the former trench by 400-800 km. All this time, the falling rivers matched the rate of rise, carrying a huge amount of stones and rocks. Once the Himalayas rose high enough, they became a climate barrier: extreme mountains in the north they lost rain and became as parched as the Tibetan plateau.

On the contrary, on wet southern shores the rivers rose with such energy that they forced the ridge line to slowly move north. However, changes in the landscape forced all but the major rivers to change the direction of their lower reaches, because as the northern ridges rose, so did the southern edge of the vast plateau. Where the Kashmir Valley is located, as well as the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal, temporary lakes were formed, which were then filled with sediments.

Population of the Himalayas

The Indian subcontinent is home to four language families - Indo-Aryan, Tibetan-Burman, Austro-Asiatic and Dravidian. They have a long history of infiltration by Iranian groups from the west, Indian peoples from the south, and Asian peoples from the east and north. In the hilly regions of the lesser Himalayas live the Gaddis and Gujaris. They are traditional mountaineers, owning large herds of sheep and goats and descending with them from their snowy abode into the outer Himalayas only in winter and returning to the highest pastures only in June.

These pastoral people are in constant migration, living off their herds of sheep, goats and a few cows, for which they seek pasture on different heights. To the north of the Great Himalayan Range live the Champa, Ladak, Balti and Darda peoples. The Champas traditionally lead a nomadic pastoral life in the upper Indus. The Ladakhis settled on the terraces and stone fans that flank the Indus in the northeastern region of Kashmir.

The Balti settled further along the Indus Valley and converted to Islam.
In Himachal Pradesh, most people are descendants of Tibetan migrants who speak Tibetan-Burmese. In Nepal, Paharis, who speak an Indo-Aryan language, constitute the majority of the population. Peoples such as the Newar, Tamang, Gurung, Magar and Sherpa speak Tibeto-Burman. Of all these nationalities inhabiting the Himalayas, the famous long-living mountaineers, the Sherpas, stand out.

Economy of the Himalayas

The economy of the Himalayas depends on the resources available in different parts of this vast region with different ecological zones. The main activity is livestock farming, but forestry, trade and tourism are also important. The Himalayas have abundant economic resources. These include rich arable land, extensive meadows and forests, workable mineral deposits, easy water power and magnificent natural beauty.

In the central Himalayas of Nepal, two-thirds of the arable land is in the foothills and adjacent plains. The land in this country produces most of the world's total rice production. The region also produces large crops of corn, wheat, potatoes and sugar cane. In the Kashmir Valley, fruits such as apples, peaches, pears and cherries are grown and enjoyed in great demand in Indian cities. There are rich vineyards on the shores of Dal Lake in Kashmir, and the grapes are used to make wine and brandy.

Walnut and almond trees grow on the hills surrounding the Kashmir valley. A country like Bhutan also has orchards and exports oranges to India. Tea plantations are located on the hills and plains at the foot of the mountains in the Darjeeling region. There is a spice cardamom plantation in Sikkim. Since 1940, the Himalayas have experienced an explosion of population growth. As a result, deforestation to clear land for planting and construction, supplying firewood and paper moved up the steep and higher slopes of the small Himalayas. Only in Sikkim and Bhutan large areas still covered with dense forest.

The Himalayas are rich in mineral resources, although exploitation is limited to accessible areas. Sapphires are found on the Zaskar Range, and gold is mined in the bed of the Indus River. Baltistan has copper ore deposits and iron ore is found in the Kashmir valley. In Ladakh there are deposits of borax and sulfur. Coal seams are found in the hills of Jammu. Bauxite is found in Kashmir. Nepal, Bhutan and Sikkim have extensive deposits of coal, mica, gypsum, graphite and iron, copper, lead and zinc ores.

Conquerors of the Himalayas

The earliest travels in the Himalayas were made by traders, shepherds and pilgrims. The pilgrims believed that what harder journey, the closer it brings them to enlightenment. For shepherds and traders, trekking at altitudes between 5,500 and 5,800 meters was a way of life. However, for everyone else, the Himalayas presented a huge and terrible barrier.

The Himalayas first appeared on the map in 1590 with the participation of a Spanish missionary to the court of the Mughal emperor, Antonio Monserrate. In 1773, French geographer Jean-Baptiste Bourguignon d'Harville compiled the first map of the Himalayan range based on systematic research. In 1865, Everest was renamed after Sir George Everest, Surveyor General of India.

By 1862, it became known that Everest was the tallest mountain in the world. After World War II, India produced several large-scale maps based on aerial photographs. Himalayan mountaineering began in 1880 with Briton W. W. Graham, who claimed to have climbed several peaks. Although his claims were met with skepticism, they sparked interest in the Himalayas among other European climbers.

Attempts to conquer Everest began in 1921 and about a dozen of them were made before it was conquered in May 1953 by New Zealand climber Edmund Hillary and his Tibetan guide Tenzing Norgay. That same year, an Austro-German team led by Karl Maria Herrligkoffer reached the summit of Nanka Parbat. Over time, climbers began to find easier ways to reach the peaks.

Easier access to the mountains brought everything large quantity climbers and tourists to the region. Every year hundreds of people attempt to climb Everest. By the beginning of the 21st century, the annual number of tourists had increased so much that in some regions expedition participants began to threaten the ecological balance of the mountains, destroying vegetation and animal world and leaving behind mountains of garbage. In addition, large expeditions increased the likelihood of loss of life. In 2014 more than 40 foreign tourists died in a snowstorm near Annapurna.

From May 22, 2019 until today, a search has been underway for eight conquerors of India’s second highest mountain, Nada Devi. There are fears that they were carried away by an avalanche. These were four British, two Americans, one Australian and an Indian guide who were supposed to climb the eastern ridge at Nada Devi and return to base on May 26th. Her ascent began on May 13 and, after their departure, the team showed no signs of life. Heavy snowfall that lasted a week complicated the search.

Hundreds of climbers from all over the world come every year to climb the peaks of the mountains. Not everyone makes it, some return. Many remain in the mountains forever, frozen in permafrost. Their names are written on the slab and everyone who has gathered to this peak must become familiar with their names. Everyone should know that their name can also be written on this plate. There's still a lot of free space there.

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 is 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 Tibetan plateau, and are separated from it by vast areas of the Hindustan Peninsula - the Indo-Gangetic Plain.

Even the average height of the whole mountain system reaches 6 thousand meters. It is in the Himalayas that the bulk of the “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 ridge) - the lowest of all, Mountain peaks which does 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 respectable 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 most high point 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 survey, Sir George Everest.

Official today Everest height - 8848 meters including 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 also set sad records - 572 climbers died 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

Northern mountainous areas India is a completely unique world, with its own philosophy and spirituality, ancient shrines and historical monuments, colorful population and diversity 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

Quite a well-known place in ski circles extreme recreation. Famous 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 resorts 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 National Park Himalayan nature, 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 devote their time to getting to know historical places and cultural values, the Indian Himalayan region will provide these opportunities.

First of all, in these places, as already mentioned, there was summer residence English governor in India - viceroy. That's why the little village Shimla turned into a city - capital of Himchal Pradesh. The famous museum located in 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 clothes, jewelry self made made using ancient technology. As a rule, a horseback excursion through the surrounding picturesque mountains leaves no one indifferent.

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.

Almost the entire northeast of India is occupied by the vast mountain system of the Himalayas and Hindu Kush. There are many Buddhist monasteries and communities, many of which settled here thousands of years ago. The Himalayas are India's most famous natural landmark, and Qomolungma Peak, or Everest, the highest peak, claims to be one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Not only climbers and other lovers of extreme recreation come here, but also pilgrims - followers of Buddhism, Hinduism, and esotericism.

The Himalayas are part of five countries. The mountain system is located on the territory of India, Pakistan, Nepal, China and Bhutan, and the Asian rivers Indus, Ganges and Brahmaputra, around which the world's most important cultures were created, are fed from the Himalayan glaciers.

Despite the abundance mountain slopes, there are very few ski resorts in the Himalayas, and those that exist are not very developed. This is due not so much to the reluctance of Indians to invest in sports tourism, but to the lack good places for riding. Of the available ones, the most popular are Gulmarg in the Indian part of Kashmir, Auli in the state of Uttarakhand and Manali in Himachal Pradesh.

How to get to the Himalayas

The closest airport to the Indian Himalayas is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. First you need to fly here, and then domestic flights, by train or rented car you can already reach your destination.

There is no railway network in the mountains, but you can take a train to the foot. The only one Railway in the Himalayas is more about entertainment than convenient transportation The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is called the "toy train" here. It departs from Siligiri station and goes up to Ghuma, located at an altitude of 2257 m, passing tea plantations, valleys and other picturesque landscapes.

The easiest way to get to the Gulmarg ski resort is by plane: the city of Srinagore, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, has its own airport. Auli is close to several airports, the nearest being Dehradun.

The main means of transportation between cities and towns in the Himalayas are jeep minibuses (shared jeeps), they run between all settlements. Indians are accustomed to taking up minimal space on the road, so in order to travel comfortably, it makes sense to buy 1-2 extra seats.

Search for air tickets to Delhi (the nearest airport to the Himalayas)

Weather in the Himalayas

The weather in the Himalayas depends on the height of the mountain ranges - the higher, the colder. At an altitude of 2000-2300 m above sea level in winter the air temperature ranges from −4 to +8 °C, in summer - on average +18...+24 °C, sometimes it can be hot, up to +23...+30 °C .

The best time to travel is from May to July and September to October. At this time, the weather is dry, sunny, warm and comfortable enough for walking. In July and August it is also warm, but at this time there are rains and fogs, high clouds, so it is unlikely that you will be able to admire the mountain landscapes. In winter, the Himalayas are cold and windy, all roads are covered with snow, and travel becomes problematic.

Himalaya Hotels

There are hotels in different price categories in the Himalayas. There is a large selection of hotels from 2* to 5* in Darjeeling and at popular ski resorts. A small house without amenities, with a fan instead of an air conditioner, will cost from 1100 INR per day for two. “Treshka” will cost about 3500-4200 INR per day for a double room, and 5* hotels - from 7000 INR per day. Prices on the page are as of March 2019.

Ashrams are popular in the Himalayas, especially in its religious districts. These are shelters for pilgrims, similar to very ascetic hostels. The conditions there are quite spartan, often in a room for several people there are only beds and one shower for everyone (if you are lucky, there will be a fan). Accommodation is very cheap, and sometimes you can live in the ashram for free for help with housework or a voluntary donation.

Skiing

There are several ski resorts in the Himalayas. In terms of service level they cannot be compared with European ones, but the most important thing is minimum required services and luxury mountain landscapes- there is one here. Equipment rental points are available almost everywhere; a full set will cost approximately 1400-1750 INR per day.

The most popular ski resort in the Himalayas - Gulmarg. It corresponds more than any other to European standards, and looks like a Swiss village from the middle of the last century. There are equipment rental points, several ski lifts, about 15 km of pistes and excellent forest freeride.

Auli is another popular Himalayan ski resort. Local trails are considered the best in the region (about 10 km in total). There are snow cannons ski schools for beginners and gentle slopes for them. The resort as a whole is more focused on beginner athletes; experienced athletes will find it quite boring here.

Solang- a ski resort 22 km from the city of Manali. There are trails for both beginners and extreme sports enthusiasts (one “black trail”), tourists note the high professionalism of the instructors.

Narkanda- a very picturesque resort surrounded by pine forest, located near Shimla, the only drawback is very little space.

Kufri- the oldest ski resort in India. In winter, it is a center for skiing, and in summer for trekking and hiking, as two national parks are located not far from Kufri: the Himalayan Nature Park and the Indira Tourist Park.

Cuisine and restaurants of the Himalayas

Tibetan cuisine is widespread in the Himalayas. It is much less spicy than in southern India, and there is more meat in it, although vegetarian dishes are also present. The most popular dishes that can be found in almost every cafe and restaurant are chowman (pasta with vegetables and meat), momo (steamed dumplings with various meat and vegetable fillings) and tuhpa (lamb broth soup with pasta, vegetables and meat). Here, a lot of cooking is done in a tandoor - an earthen oven without a lid. Basically, this is simple peasant food: meat or poultry is roasted on a spit, and then finished in a tandoor in special bread cakes, which are used to cover the inside of the tandoor.

The season is important. In the Himalayas, this seasonality is special and is associated with religion and other ancient traditions. During the rainy season, you won’t find dishes with nuts here; after a hearty lunch you need to eat mango, and in the summer they don’t eat meat or fish here. However, the latter is easily explained: not every home still has refrigerators, and meat spoils very quickly in the heat.

In the Himalayas there is a cult of healthy food. For example, it is believed that mango soup not only improves blood circulation, but also increases sexual desire, halva is almost a blessing from the gods, and a drink made from rhodo flowers (Himalayan rhododendrons) brings harmony to the body and soul.

Guides in the Himalayas

The best photos of the Himalayas

Entertainment and attractions

The Himalayas are primarily interested in ancient temples and natural attractions. The most famous are Ladakh, the city of ashrams Rishikesh and Haridwar, one of the seven sacred cities. The high-mountain temples of Shiva and Vishnu in Kedarnath and Badrinath, the Kashmir Valley and, of course, Shambhala with Tibetan monasteries are worth visiting.

Also popular are excursions to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, surrounded by a “reservoir of immortality,” and trips to the state of Sikkim to the foot of the sacred Annapurna and other Buddhist shrines.

Acquaintance with the Himalayas often begins from the capital of Himchal Pradesh - the town of Shimla. It is called “the most fashionable village in the Himalayas”: here it is worth visiting the palace of the Viceroy of Britain (today there is a museum), the central square with Christ Cathedral and the main shopping street, where you can buy scarves and shawls made of fine wool, saris and other national clothes and sparkles to decorate the forehead.

One of the most mysterious places in the Himalayas - Srinagar. All its secrets are connected with the Rozbal tomb - according to historical studies (mostly dubious), the body of Jesus lies there, and many locals sincerely believe this. In addition, the city is famous for docks - boats on Lake Dal, the proximity ski resort Gulmarg and very high quality woolen products in local shops and markets.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is one of the most interesting attractions in the Himalayas. It is better known here as the Toy Train. The road was built in 1881, and since then a small train has been running along a narrow 60-centimeter track to an altitude of 2000 m above sea level. The final station is Ghum (height 2257 m), the path runs past tea plantations and other local beauties. The railway ring at the terminal station offers a magnificent view of the surrounding area.

Road to the Himalayas

Natural attractions

The Himalayas are very interesting National parks- Nanda Devi and the Valley of Flowers in the Western Himalayas, which are protected by UNESCO. These two parks are located nearby and are considered one of the most picturesque in the Himalayas. The landscapes here are truly impressive: glaciers on mountain peaks, alpine meadows, the source of the Ganges River, which flows through the entire Nanda Devi Nature Reserve, and a diverse flora and fauna. Rare animals live here, such as the snow leopard and blue sheep.

The most famous attraction of the national park is Lake Rooklund, also known as Skeleton Lake. It received its ominous name after many human skeletons were discovered at the bottom of the lake. It is believed that these people were killed by hail while climbing to the top.

Himalayas and Roerich

The Himalayas have inspired and continue to inspire artists, directors, musicians and simply creative people. The great Russian artist and mystic Nikolai Konstantinovich Roerich on his expedition in the 30s of the 20th century. not only visited the Indian Himalayas and depicted what he saw in paintings, but even founded the Institute of Himalayan Studies in America. Moreover, last years The artist's life was spent in the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Now there, in Nagar (a suburb of the city of Manali) there is a house-museum of the painter. The environment in which the Roerich family lived for 20 years, Nikolai Konstantinovich’s personal car and some of his paintings were preserved there.

The Kullu Valley is famous not only for the Roerich estate. This region is called Indian Switzerland: coniferous forests grow here, and in Manali there is a Center for Tibetan Medicine, where you can get diagnosed by the best local doctors and improve your health.

The Himalayas abound a huge amount rocky, almost vertical slopes that are very difficult to climb, you have to use all sorts of technical devices in the form of driven hooks, ropes, special ladders and other climbing equipment. Often, rocky ledges alternate with deep cracks, and so much snow settles on the mountain slopes that over time it is compressed and turns into glaciers that close these cracks, which makes walking through these places deadly. It is not uncommon for snow and ice to descend, which, rushing down, turn into huge avalanches, demolishing everything in their path and capable of crushing climbers in seconds.

The air temperature in the Himalayas, when rising in altitude, decreases by about 6 degrees for every 1000 meters. So if at the foot of the mountain in summer the temperature is +25, then at an altitude of 5000 meters it will be about -5.

At altitude, the movements of air masses are usually intensified, often turning into hurricane winds, which makes movement very difficult, and sometimes makes it impossible, especially on the narrow ridges of mountain ranges.

Starting at an altitude of 5,000 meters, the atmosphere contains approximately half the oxygen at sea level to which the human body is accustomed. Lack of oxygen has a detrimental effect on the human body, sharply reduces its physical capabilities and leads to the development of so-called mountain sickness - shortness of breath, dizziness, chills and interruptions in heart function. Therefore, at this altitude the human body usually needs time to acclimatize.


At an altitude of 6000 meters, the atmosphere is so thin and oxygen-poor that complete acclimatization is no longer possible. No matter what kind of physical activity a person experiences, he begins to slowly suffocate. Climbing to an altitude of 7000 meters is already mortally dangerous for many; at such a height the mind begins to become confused and even thinking becomes difficult. The height of 8000 meters is called the “death zone”. Here, even the strongest climbers can survive for only a few days at best. Therefore, all high-altitude ascents are carried out using oxygen breathing apparatus.


But representatives of the Nepalese Sherpa tribe, who permanently live in the Himalayas, feel quite comfortable at altitude and therefore, as soon as the Europeans began to “master” the mountain peaks of the Himalayas, the men of this tribe began to work as guides and porters on expeditions, receiving payment for this. Over time, this became their main profession. By the way, Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, together with Edmund Hillary, were the first to climb the top of the Himalayas - Everest, the highest mountain in the world.

But these sometimes deadly dangers did not stop mountaineering enthusiasts. It took more than one decade for all these peaks to be conquered. Here is a brief chorology of climbing the highest mountains on our planet.

1950, June 3 - Annapurna

French climbers Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal climbed Annapurna Peak, which is 8091 meters high. Anapurna is considered the seventh highest mountain in the world. Located in Nepal, in the Himalayas east of the Gandaki River, which flows through the deepest gorge in the world. The gorge separates Annapurna and another eight-thousander, Dhaulagiri.


Climbing Anapurna is considered one of the most difficult climbs in the world. Moreover, this is the only conquest of an eight-thousander that was accomplished the first time, and moreover, without oxygen apparatus. However, their feat was successful at a high price. Since they were wearing only leather boots, Herzog froze all his toes and, due to the onset of gangrene, the expedition doctor was forced to amputate them. Over the entire period, only 191 people successfully climbed Annapurna, which is less than any other eight-thousanders. Climbing Annapurna is considered the most dangerous, with a mortality rate of 32 percent, like no other eight-thousander.

1953, May 29 - Everest "Qomolungma"

Members of the English expedition, New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Nepalese Norgay Tenzing were the first to conquer Everest, a peak 8848 m high. In Tibetan, this mountain is called Qomolungma, which means “Goddess Mother of Snow.” Her Nepalese name is “Sagarmatha”, that is, “Mother of the Universe”. This is the highest mountain in the world. on the border of Nepal and China.

Everest is a triangular pyramid with three sides and ridges that extend to the northeast, southeast and northwest. The southeastern ridge is gentler and is the most widely used climbing route. It was this route to the top through the Khumbu glacier, the valley of silence, from the foot of Lhotse through the South Col that Hillary and Tenzing blazed for their first ascent. The British first attempted to climb Everest back in 1921. They then could not go from the south side, due to the ban of the Nepalese authorities, and tried to climb from the north, from Tibet. To do this, they had to go around the entire Chomolungma mountain range, traveling more than 400 kilometers to get to the top from China. But time was lost for the detour and the onset of the monsoons did not make it possible to carry out the ascent. After them, a second attempt along the same route was made in 1924 by British climbers George Leigh Mallory and Andrew Irwin, which was also unsuccessful, ending in the death of both at an altitude of 8500 meters.


Despite its reputation dangerous mountain, placed on commercial basis Climbing Everest has made it a very popular activity for tourists over the past few decades. According to the latest data, 5,656 successful ascents of Everest have been made, while 223 people have died. The mortality rate was about 4 percent.

1953, July 3 - Nanga Parbat

The peak is located in the north of Pakistan in the western part of the Himalayas. This is the ninth highest eight-thousander, 8126 meters. This peak has such steep slopes that even snow cannot stand on its top. In Urdu, Nangaparbat means "Bare Mountain". The first to climb the peak was the Austrian climber Hermann Buhl, a member of the German-Austrian Himalayan expedition. I made the ascent alone, without an oxygen apparatus. The ascent time to the top was 17 hours, and the descent time was 41 hours. This was the first successful ascent in 20 years of attempts; 31 climbers had already died there before.


According to the latest data, a total of 335 successful ascents have been made to Nanga Parbat. 68 climbers died. The mortality rate is about 20 percent, making it the third most dangerous eight-thousander.

1954, July 31 - Chogori, "K2", "Dapsang"

The first to summit K2, the second highest peak in the world, were Italian climbers Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni. Although attempts to conquer K2 began back in 1902.


Chogori Peak or Dapsang Peak is 8611 meters high, located on the Baltoro Muztagh ridge in the Karakoram mountain range, on the border of Pakistan and China. This mountain received the unusual name K2 in the 19th century, when a British expedition measured the heights of the peaks of the Himalayas and Karakoram. Each newly measured peak was given a serial number. K2 was the second mountain they stumbled upon and since then this name has been attached to it for a long time. Locals call this Lamba Pahar, which means “High Mountain”. Despite the fact that K2 is lower than Everest, it turned out to be more difficult to climb. Over the entire period, there have been only 306 successful ascents on K2. 81 people died while attempting to climb. The mortality rate is about 29 percent. K2 is often called the killer mountain

1954, October 19 - Cho Oyu

The first to climb the peak were members of the Austrian expedition: Herbert Tichy, Joseph Joechler and Sherpa Pazang Dawa Lama. The peak of Cho Oyu is located in the Himalayas, on the border of China and Nepal, in the Mahalangur Himal mountain range of the Qomolangma mountain range, approximately 20 km west of Mount Everest.


Cho Oyu means "Goddess of Turquoise" in Tibetan. It has a height of 8201 meters, it is the sixth highest eight-thousander. A few kilometers west of Cho Oyu is the Nangpa La pass with an altitude of 5716 m. This pass is the passage from Nepal to Tibet, paved by the Sherpas as the only trade route. Because of this pass, many climbers consider Cho Oyu to be the easiest eight-thousander. This is partly true, because all ascents are made from Tibet. But on the Nepal side, the southern wall is so difficult that only a few managed to conquer it.

In total, 3,138 people climbed Cho Oyu safely, more than any other peak except Everest. Mortality is 1%, less than any other. It is considered the safest eight-thousander.

1955, May 15 - Makalu

For the first time, the Frenchmen Jean Cousy and Lionel Terre climbed to the top of Makalu. The ascent to Makalu became the only one in the entire history of conquest of eight-thousanders, when all nine members of the expedition reached the summit, including the senior group of Sherpa guides. This happened not because Makalu is such an easy mountain, but because the weather was extremely good and nothing prevented the climbers from achieving this triumph.

At 8,485 meters, Makalu, the fifth highest mountain in the world, is located just 20 kilometers southeast of Everest. In Tibetan, Makalu means "Big Black". This unusual name given to this mountain because its slopes are very steep and the snow simply does not hold on them, so it remains bare most of the year.


Defeating Makalu turned out to be quite difficult. In 1954, an American team led by Edmund Hillary, the first person to climb Everest, tried to do this, but they failed. And only the French, after a lot of preparatory work and well-coordinated team work, were able to accomplish this. In total, 361 people successfully climbed Makalu over the entire period, while 31 people died while attempting to climb. The mortality rate for climbing Makalu is about 9 percent.

1955, May 25 - Kanchenjunga

British climbers George Band and Joe Brown were the first to successfully climb Kanchenjunga. Before the ascent, local residents warned the climbers that the Sikkimese god lives on the top of this mountain and should not be disturbed. They refused to accompany the expedition and the British went to the ascent on their own. But either due to superstition, or for some other reason, having climbed to the top, they did not reach the very top a few feet, considering that the peak had been conquered.


Kanchenjunga is located on the Nepal-India border, approximately 120 kilometers south of Everest. The name "Kanchenjunga" translated from Tibetan means "Treasury of the Five Great Snows". Until 1852, Kanchenjunga was considered the most high mountain in the world. But after Everest and other eight-thousanders were measured, it turned out that it is the third highest peak in the world, its height is 8586 meters.

Another legend existing in Nepal says that Kanchenjunga is a woman mountain. And women are not allowed to attend on pain of death. Of course, climbers are not superstitious people, but nevertheless, only one female climber, an Englishwoman, Ginette Harrison, has ever climbed to its peak. All would be well, but a year and a half later, Ginette Harrison died while climbing Dhaulagiri. Over the entire period, 283 climbers successfully climbed Kanchenjunga. Of those who tried to rise, 40 people died. The lethality of the climb is about 15 percent.

1956, May 9 - Manaslu

The mountain is 8163 meters high, the eighth highest eight-thousander. There have been several attempts to climb this peak. For the first time in 1952, when, in addition to the British, the Swiss and French teams took the lead in conquering Everest, the Japanese decided to first conquer Manaslu Peak, located in Nepal about 35 kilometers east of Annapurna. They scouted out all the approaches and mapped out the route. The following year, 1953, we began the ascent. But the blizzard broke all their plans and they were forced to retreat.


When they returned in 1954, the local Nepalese took up arms against them, citing the fact that the Japanese had desecrated the gods and aroused their anger, because after the departure of the previous expedition, misfortune befell their village: there was an epidemic, a crop failure, a temple collapsed and three priests died. Armed with sticks and stones, they drove the Japanese away from the mountain. To settle matters with local residents, in 1955, a special delegation arrived from Japan. And only the following 1956, having paid 7,000 rupees for damages and 4,000 rupees for the construction of a new temple and having organized a big holiday for the village population, the Japanese received permission to climb. Thanks to beautiful weather Japanese climber Toshio Imanishi and Sirdar Sherpa Gyaltsen Norbu climbed the peak on May 9. Manaslu remains one of the most dangerous eight-thousanders. In total there were 661 successful ascents of Manaslu, sixty-five climbers died during the ascent. The lethality of ascents is about 10 percent.

1956, May 18 - Lhotse

Fritz Luchsinger and Ernst Reiss, members of a Swiss team, became the first people to climb the 8,516-metre Lhotse peak, the fourth highest peak in the world.


Lhotse Peak is located on the border of Nepal and China, a few kilometers south of Everest. These two peaks are connected by a vertical ridge, the so-called South Col, whose entire height is above 8000 meters. Typically, ascents are carried out along the western, gentler slope. But in 1990, the Soviet Union team climbed the southern side, previously considered completely inaccessible, since it is a 3,300-meter almost vertical wall. A total of 461 successful ascents have been made on Lhotse. Over the entire period, 13 climbers died there, the mortality rate is about 3 percent.

1956 July 8 - Gasherbrum II

The peak is 8034 meters high, the thirteenth highest mountain in the world. For the first time, Austrian climbers Fritz Moravec, Josef Larch and Hans Willenpart climbed Gasherbrum II. They climbed to the summit along the south side along the southwest ridge. Before ascending to the peak itself, rising to a height of 7,500 meters, they set up a temporary camp for the night, and then launched an assault early in the morning. This was a completely new, untested approach to rock climbing, which was subsequently used by climbers from many countries.


Gasherbrum II is the second of four Gasherbrum peaks in the Karakoram on the Pakistan-China border, approximately 10 kilometers southeast of K2. The Baltoro Muztagh ridge, which includes Gasherbrum II, is known for the longest glacier of the Karakoram, more than 62 kilometers long. This was the reason that many climbers descended almost from the very top of Gasherbrum II on skis, snowboards and even with a parachute. Gasherbrum II is considered one of the safest and easiest eight-thousanders. Gasherbrum II was successfully climbed by 930 climbers and only 21 people died in unsuccessful attempts. The mortality rate of ascents is about 2 percent.

1957, June 9 - Broad Peak

The mountain is 8051 meters high, the twelfth highest eight-thousander. The Germans first tried to climb Broad Peak in 1954, but due to low temperatures and stormy winds, their efforts were unsuccessful. The first to climb the peak were Austrian climbers Fritz Wintersteller, Markus Schmuck and Kurt Dimberger. The ascent was carried out along the southwestern side. The expedition did not use the services of porters and all the property was lifted by the participants themselves, which was quite difficult.


Broad Peak or "Jangiyang" is located on the border between China and Pakistan, a few kilometers southeast of K2. This area is still little studied and geographers hope that over time it can gain sufficient popularity. Over the entire period, there have been 404 successful ascents of Broad Peak. They were unsuccessful for 21 climbers who died while attempting to climb. The lethality of ascents is about 5 percent.

1958, July 5 - Gasherbrum I "Hidden Peak"

Mountain 8080 meters high. The top refers mountain range Gasherbrum - Karakorum. Attempts to climb Hidden Peak began a long time ago. In 1934, members of an international expedition were only able to rise to a height of 6300 meters. In 1936, French climbers reached the 6,900-meter mark. And only two years later, Americans Andrew Kaufman and Pete Schoening climb to the top of Hidden Peak.


Gasherbrum I or Hidden Peak, the eleventh highest eight-thousander in the world, one of the seven peaks of the Gasherbrum massif, is located in Kashmir in the Pakistan-controlled Northern Region on the border with China. Gasherbrum is translated from the local language as “Polished Wall”, and it fully corresponds to this name. Due to its steep, almost polished, rocky slopes, climbing it was rejected by many. A total of 334 people successfully summited the peak, while 29 climbers died while attempting the summit. Climbing mortality rate is about 9 percent.

1960, May 13 - Dhaulagiri I

“White Mountain” is 8167 meters high, the seventh highest of the eight-thousanders. The first to reach the summit were members of the European team: Dimberger, Shelbert, Diener, Forer and Sherpas Nyima and Nawang. For the first time, an airplane was used to transport expedition members and equipment. On " White Mountain“The French, participants in the 1950 expedition, drew attention back in 1950. But then it seemed inaccessible to them and they switched to Annapurna.


Dhaulagiri I is located in Nepal, 13 kilometers from Annapurna, and Argentines tried to climb its peak back in 1954. But due to a strong snowstorm, we did not reach the top by only 170 meters. Although Dhaulagiri is only the sixth highest by Himalayan standards, it is quite a tough nut to crack. So in 1969, while attempting to climb, the Americans left seven of their comrades on the southeastern ridge. In total, 448 people successfully climbed to the top of Dhaulagiri I, but 69 climbers died in unsuccessful attempts. The lethality of ascents is about 16 percent.

1964, May 2 - Shishabangma

The peak with a height of 8027 meters. Eight Chinese climbers were the first to conquer Shishabangma: Xiu Jing, Zhang Zhongyan, Wang Fuzhou, Zhen San, Zheng Tianliang, Wu Zongyue, Sodnam Dozhi, Migmar Trashi, Dozhi, Yonten. For a long time, climbing this peak was prohibited by the Chinese authorities. And only after the Chinese themselves climbed to its peak, did it become possible for foreign climbers to participate in the ascents.


The Shishabangma mountain range, in Chinese "Geosenzhanfeng", in Indian "Gosaintang" is located in China in Tibetan autonomous region a few kilometers from the Nepalese border. It consists of three peaks, two of which are higher than 8 kilometers. Shishabangma Main 8027 meters and Shishabangma Central 8008 meters. The ascent to the main peak is included in the “All 14 Eight-Thousanders of the World” program. In total there were 302 successful ascents of Shishabangu. Twenty-five people died trying to reach the summit. The lethality of ascents is about 8 percent.

As can be seen from the chronology of ascents to highest peaks The Himalayas took more than 40 years to conquer. Moreover, according to the analysis of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, the most dangerous of all are: Annapurna, K2, and Nanga Parbat. On the ascents of these three peaks, the Himalayas took the life of every fourth person who encroached on their inaccessibility.

And yet, despite all these deadly danger, there are people who have conquered all eight-thousanders. The first of them was Reinhold Messner, an Italian climber, a German by nationality from South Tyrol. And although already during the first ascent of Nanga Parbat in 1970, his brother Gunther died, and he himself lost seven toes; During the second ascent of Manaslu in 1972, his teammate died, this did not stop him. From 1970 to 1986, he climbed all 14 of Zamli's highest peaks one after another. Moreover, he climbed Everest twice, in 1978, together with Peter Habeler, along the classic route through the South Col, and in 1980, alone, along the northern route, and during the monsoon season. Both ascents did not use oxygen apparatus.

In total, there are now 32 people in the world who have conquered all 14 eight-thousanders, and these are probably not the last people who are waiting for the Himalayas.

Since our school days, we all know that the highest mountain on the planet is Everest, and it is located in the Himalayas. But not everyone clearly understands where the Himalayas actually are? Mountain tourism has become very popular in recent years, and if you are into it, then this miracle of nature - the Himalayas - is definitely worth a visit!

And these mountains are located on the territory of five countries: India, China, Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistan. The total length of the largest mountain system on our planet is 2,400 kilometers, and its width is 350 kilometers. In terms of height, many peaks of the Himalayas are record holders. Here are the ten highest peaks on the planet, more than eight thousand meters high.

– Everest or Chomolungma, 8848 meters above sea level. The highest mountain in the Himalayas was conquered by man only in 1953. All the ascents that had taken place before were unsuccessful, because the slopes of the mountain are very steep and dangerous. Strong winds blow at the summit, which, combined with very low night temperatures, present a difficult challenge for those who dare to conquer this inaccessible peak. Everest itself is located on the border of two states - China and Nepal.

In India, the Himalayas, thanks to their gentler slopes, which are not so dangerous, have become a refuge for monks preaching Buddhism and Hinduism. Their monasteries are located in large numbers in the Himalayas in India and Nepal. Pilgrims, followers of these religions and just tourists flock here from all over the world. Due to this, the Himalayas in these regions are highly visited.

But ski tourism in the Himalayas is not popular, since there are no suitable flat slopes for skiing that could attract tourists en masse. All states where the Himalayas are located are popular mainly among climbers and pilgrims.

Traveling through the Himalayas is not such an easy adventure, it is only possible with endurance and a strong spirit. And if you have these powers in reserve, then you should definitely go to India or Nepal. Here you can visit the most beautiful temples and monasteries located on picturesque slopes, take part in the evening prayer of Buddhist monks, and at dawn indulge in relaxing meditation and hatha yoga classes conducted by Indian gurus. Traveling through the mountains, you will see with your own eyes where such great rivers as the Ganges, Indus and Brahmaputra originate

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