Himalaya is most popularly known as Roof of the World. Stretched across Nepal, India, Bhutan, China, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Himalayas shelter over 200 mountains exceeding 7,200m amongst which nine are the world highest peaks; Mount Everest [8,850m/29,035ft] on the Nepal-Tibet border; K2 or Mount Godwin Austen[8,611m/28,251ft], on Pakistan - Jammu & Kashmir boarder, Kanchenjunga [8,598m/28,209ft] on the Nepal-India border, Makalu [8,481m/27,824ft] on Nepal-Tibet border, Dhaulagiri [8,172m/26,811ft] and Annapurna I [8,091m/26,545ft] in Nepal, Nanga Parbat [8,125m/26,657ft] in Jammu and Kashmir of Pakistani territory and Nanda Devi [7817m/25,645ft] in India. Geographical, historical, cultural and adventure variations have made Himalaya the most sought after travel destination for trekking, mountaineering and pilgrims. The term, Himalaya, was derived from a Sanskrit word meaning "the Abode of Snow" and is believed to have been coined by the ancient Indian pilgrims who traveled in these majestic mountains since time immemorial. The mighty Himalaya is also revered as the abode of divinity. |
