History of Himalaya
Himalayas is known for its historical, religious, and geographical significance. Historically it has a lot of relevance it served as a guard from various invasions, a border and a meeting ground for different races, culture and religion. It formed a divide between India and Tibet. But that barrier didn’t stopped individuals from pursuing adventurous journeys to explore the unknown side of the mountains. People traveled for religious and trade purposes.
Jammu & Kashmir
Jammu Kashmir is the first Himalayan state of India, but its not another hill land of India. Jammu and Kashmir is really three regions: the foothill plains of Jammu; the lakes and blue valleys of Kashmir rising to alpine passes, the high altitude plains and starkly beautiful mountains of Ladakh, which lies beyond those passes. It’s enough to move one to poetry. Among the most attractive part that this Indian state has is the adventure oppurtunities that can be seggragated into trekking, mountaineering and Trans Himalayan Jeep Safari. Kashmir Valley, Adventure in Jammu & Kashmir, Kayaking & Canoeing, Jeep Safari in Ladakh, Motorbike Safari in Ladakh, Mountain Cycling in Ladakh, Mountaineering in Ladakh, River Rafting in Ladakh, Snow Skiing in Gulmarg, Trekking in Kashmir Valley, Ladakh Trekking, Trekking in Zanskar
Kashmir is one of india’s most beautiful and touristically popular regions and has been since the time of the great Moghul emperors. It’s probably most famous for the houseboats on picturesque Dal Lake you’ve not really been to Kashmir until you’ve not really been to Kashmir until you’ve stayed on one – but there’s a lot more to the Kashmir Valley than just lazing on board.Around the capital, Srinagar, there are a number of interesting mosques, temples and forts and, of course, the delightful Moghul Gardens – laid out in formal patterns hundreds of years ago and every bit as beautiful today. But you have to get away from Srinagar, up to the hill stations around the valley, to really enjoy Kashmir. Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg are all delightful in themselves, but they also serve as the jumping off points for Kashmir’s many Trekking possibilities.
Jammu
Jammu, the second largest town in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, and is situated 290-km from capital city of Srinagar on the south-eastern slopes of the Shiwalik range. In winter it becomes the headquarters of the Jammu & Kashmir administration and many Kashmiris move here for the winter because the temperature drops.
Ladakh
LadakhLadakh’s landscape has more in common with the lunar landscape than any other place on earth. Being in a complete rainshadow region, cut off from the monsoon clouds by the Great Himalaya and a host of subsidiary ranges, it is a cold high altitude desert where the wind, water from the minimal winter snows, and chemical reactions within the rocks themselves, have carved a fantastic, sometimes grotesque, landscape.
Climate Of Jammu & Kashmir
The climate is one of opposites: while in summer time the heat builds upto breaking point in the foothills, people of Ladakh and Kashmir wait for the snow to melt.on the high passes. From October onwards, Jammu becomes a much more pleasant destination. However, the best time to enjoy vale of Kashmir and the adventures of Ladakh region is between the months of May and September.
People And Culture Of Jammu & Kashmir
The majority are Muslims living in the Kashmir valley; culturally and ethnically, the closest links are with peoples in the northwestern highlands of the Gilgit district in the Pakistani sector. While Hindus dominate the Jammu region and Ladakh is majorly influenced by the Trans-Himalayan Buddhism.The Kashmiri language is influenced by Sanskrit and belongs to the Dardic branch of Indo-Aryan languages also spoken by the hill tribes of Gilgit.
The great majority of the population resides in the lower reaches of the valley. The ancient caves and temples of Kashmir, reveal a strong link with Indian culture at the beginning of the Christian Era. At one time the classical dances of the south are believed to have been practised. These arts survived only in folk forms and were performed principally at marriage ceremonies. The popular Hafiza dance performed by Kashmiri women to the accompaniment of Sufiana Kalam was later replaced by the Bacha Nagma, performed by young boys dressed like women. The Bhand Jashna or the “festival of clowns”, a 300- to 400-year-old genre of Kashmiri folk theatre performed in village squares, satirizes social situations through dance, music and clowning.
Water Skiing Adventure Sports In Jammu & Kashmir
In the summer season Kashmir offers a series of a little less rigorous adventure sports, such as Water Skiing, on Srinagar’s Dal and Nagin Lakes, a popular part time in the valley. Water trekking is calculated to delight anyone wanting to explore the valley in a boat. A Gondala, locally known as Shikara, takes sightseers along a five-day route along rivers and lakes situated within the valley. Enjoy spending nights camping along the way.
Trout fishing is another delightful water sport in Kashmir and fishing season lasts all through summer. What can make a mountaineering expedition, an adventure one could never forget? If its done on the glaciers that are still craving to be explored. The Himalayan range offers some of the most rigorous mountaineering challenges one can ever come across. The glaciers of Ladakh and Kashmir regions can test one’s survival to the fittest and most testing of them all is the Siachen glacier, known as the largest glacier outside the Polar Regions.
Himalayan Wildlife
If you want to experience the actual flora and fauna then there is no other place on this earth than the Himalayas. Due to such varied topography Himalayas showcases some of the rare plants and endangered species of animals. Different regions have different kinds of forests and animals suited to the climatic condition of that region. In Himalayan region forests such as Teak, Sal, and Shisham are mostly seen. As the height increases the forest belts get changed.
As you climb up you come across rhododendron, birch and juniper, pine, oak, deodar and fir. In higher altitudes the juniper becomes a bush. Where the tree line ends the ‘Buggyals’ or alpine meadows began to grow. Rare flowers are seen in plenty in the Himalayan region. In the Garhwal region lilies and potentillas gives a different look to the Himalayan beauty. If we categorize the type of vegetation found in the Himalayan region then there are four main types: temperate, alpine, tropical, and subtropical. In Outer Himalayas it is the dense tropical rain forest of oak, bamboo and chestnut, which dominates the region. At about 12, 000 feet the alpine zone begins.
The Himalayan forests are ideal for insects like bumblebees and crane flies. As you climb higher the climate becomes cool so insects have dark bodies to absorb as much heat as possible. Different types of butterflies are found in higher altitudes like apollo’s, blues, vanessas, and papilios.
Even at higher altitudes like above 14,000 ft tiny insects are found. The great Tibetan sheep is found here, which is world’s largest sheep. They can resist temperature in scorching summer and freezing winter. Different species of mountain goat are found here like the markhor, the Ibex, and the wild goat.
The yak is also found here in large number. The Tibetan blue bear, the brown bear also lives here. The wolf, the wild dog, and the hill fox are common here. Among the other animals are tiger and leopard, as well as the jungle cat, lynx, and Pallas cat. The musk deer is also found here but now it is among the endangered species. In the Terai region the animals comprises of tigers, elephants, pythons, deer, wild boar and crocodiles.
Some of the major wildlife sanctuaries and national parks where you can visit are:
Great Himalayan National Park
Namdapha National Park
Jim Corbett National Park
The Royal Chitwan Park
Royal Bardia National Park
You can go for wildlife safari tours, which are arranged by all travel agents even state government tourism sector also arrange various kinds of wildlife tours.
Camping in Himalayas
Camping Locations of Every Kind
Camping Vacation on Himalayas – The mountains and valleys of India present a kaleidoscopic selection of camping locations and recreational facilities. From greens to forests, to lonely boulders – it’s all out there for you to rough it up with the nature Camping in India. You can set up your own camp if you so desire. The better idea is to let Vacations India step in to do its work and you can just choose to enjoy your camping trip and Camping in Himalayas.
Why Camping?
Camping Adventure Himalayas – There is no option like camping if you like to relax your way through the vacations. The mountains around in Himachal Pradesh especially Manali have beautiful camping locales that’ll indulge you no end Camping Vacation on Himalayas. The camp locations are easily accessible to you yet are away from the usual bustle of the cities Himalayas Camping and Trekking, Camping in Himalaya. These camps are complete adventure for those tourists who believe in exploring new lands Camping Adventure Himalayas.
Jeep Safari in Himalayas(Kumaon Himalayas)
The youngest, largest and highest chain of mountains in the world, the Himalayas is one of the natural wonders of the earth. Cradled within lush sub-tropical forests of the foothills to the bitterly cold high altitude forests, is the bountiful flora and fauna that is a tribute to the nature lover and photographer of the wild.
Kumaon home to endangered mammals with the snow leopard epitomizing the character and concerns of the mountain environment. Mountain sheep, goats, the Himalayan black bear, the antelopes, wolves, foxes and cats constitute the wild life study to be made in the region while these ranges are also important for bird migration. Hundreds of species of birds that comprise the sub-continent’s avifauna are winter visitors from the north of the Himalayan barrier.
The region of Kumaon is situated in the north-eastern hills of Uttaranchal comprising the districts of Nainital, Bageshwar, Almora Champawat and Pithoragarh. Known for their grandeur and peace, the Kumaon Himalayas are rich in geographical diversity – from the foothills to the snow-laden mountain peaks of the lofty young and active Himalayan ranges. Tree topped ridges, snow-laden peaks, rippling streams, towering forests, famous mountains.
Lakes and gentle valleys have all along offered joy and inspiration to every type of visitor to the region. Our Jeep Safari aims to provide an insight into the diversity and grandeur of Kumaon. The jeep safari takes you through mysterious thick forests, deep valleys, snow-clad peaks and the rugged, barren trails that offer a lingering thrill to the adventure seeker. This is enhanced by the cultural enigma of the land.
Jeep Safari Himalayan Kumaon India
From the lower altitude wilderness, where every flower truly enjoys the air that it breathes to the rough rocky terrain where the land formations set the hills on fire in their rich variant hues. From the first ray of the rising sun to evening’s deepest glow, the landscape unravels the untaught harmony of the primitive wild. The springtide blossoms, the whistling airborne species, the mysterious wild and the picturesque valleys come together to offer a romance hitherto unseen, unheard or untold.
Nainital: Developed by the British, set amidst high ridges thickly clothed in forests of pine and deciduous trees with an enchanting lake, Nainital offers a variety of attraction for all tourists.
Corbett National Park: One of the finest tiger reserves of India offering a wide range of bio-diversity.
Ranikhet (1829mt.): A cantonment town of immense charm, it was once the pet excursion ground of Padmini, queen of the Katyuri king, Sudhardev (1180AD). There is much to see in and around Ranikhet starting with Kalika temple known for its forest nursery and the shrine to goddess kali. The plateau of Upat has a 9-hole golf course ringed by tall pines. Tourists visit Chillianaula for its Shiva temple.
Sheetlakhet: It is 26 km from Ranikhet and overlooks the incomparable Himalayas. Scouting camps are often held here and Syahi Devi peak and temple is just 3 km away.
Kausani (1890 mt.): Nestling amongst thick forests of pine atop a narrow ridge, Kausani is known for its wide angle view of several lofty Himalayan Peaks as well as a pleasant view of the Kosi river and the Katyur Valley. From here, one can see the settlements of the Katyur valley, the river Gomti and the snow clad peaks of the Himalayas. The remains of the tea estate developed during the British rule can still be seen here. Kausani also has the famous Anashakti Ashram named after the book Anashakti Yoga written by Mahatma Gandhi when he lived here in 1929.
Chaukhori: Even if Chaukhori were stripped of the majestic vista of the Kumaon Himalayas, in which it outrivals Binsar and Kausani (being the closest of the three to the range), it would still score over other resorts in Kumaon by the sheer unspoiled charm it excludes. After the breathtaking sweep from Chaukhamba to Panchchuli (better by dusk than dawn, as it is west of Himalayas), the scene close to the Wayfarer Retreat appears homely. There are fields of ripening corn, fruit orchards and pine, oak and rhododendron trees.
Bageshwar: 36 km. from Kausani and 26 km from Chaukhori, at the confluence of the rivers Gomti and Saryu lies the religious town of Bageshwar. An important pilgrimage centre of Kumaon Himalayas, Bageshwar is adorned by temples and places of worship and is often equated by pilgrims by Varanasi in its divinity and religion. Bageshwar is also a base for the popular trekking routes of Sunderdhunga, Pindari, Kafni and Namik glaciers.
Patal Bhubaneshwar: Discovered more than one thousand years ago, the caves of Patal Bhubaneshwar are known for their remarkable stalactite forms and shapes representing different Gods and Goddesses of the Hindu Pantheon. Day excursion from Chaukhori.
Mukteshwar (2286 mt.): It is famous for the over 100-year-old Indian Veterinary Research Institute campus, thickly wooded forest land and a majestic view of the Himalayas. There is a stone with a hole of ‘ Chauli Ki Jali ‘ dedicated to Lord Shiva where childless people come to pray for children. On moonlit nights, seeing the sparkling town of Almora, flanked by snow clad peaks, is an exhilarating experience. One must trek from Mukteshwar to Almora.
Binsar: Kumaon has many summer retreats that were patronised by the region’s royalty. Binsar, once the summer capital of the Chained rajas (7th. to 18th. centuries), is an idyllic hamlet whose chief attraction is a majestic view of the Himalayas – a 300Km stretch of famous peaks which includes Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and Panchchuli.
In olden days, the devout came to pray at the temple of Bineshwar (an aspect of Shiva) built by Raja Kalyan Chand. A motorable road connects Kapharkhan, 13 km. from Binsar, to Almora (also accessible from Bageshwar, via Takula). Binsar Hill, locally known as Jhandi Dhar, rises to a height of 2412 metres and offers a panoramic view of Almora town, the Kumaon Hills and the Greater Himalayas.
The region around abounds in alpine flora, ferns, hanging moss and innumerable species of wild flowers. From the complex, a walk through dense oak and rhododendron forests leads to a vantage point at the summit which offers an uncluttered view of the Himalayan range and the surrounding valley.
Munsyari: Surrounded by the mighty Panch-Chulli range, this Kumaon outpost is the closest you can get to the real Himalayas. Munsyari is the gateway to the well-known Milan and Realm glaciers and the Nanda Devi range.
Jeep Safari Himalayan Kumaon India
Jageshwar: Counted among the 12 Jyotirlingas in the country, Jageshwar lies in a beautiful narrow valley hedged by monarch-sized, ancient deodars. Of the over 100 small and large shrines of this complex, the three outstanding ones in terms of sculpture are dedicated to Jageshwar, Mrityunjaya and Pushtidevi.
There is a small museum where statues of artistic value, removed from the various shrines, have been preserved by the archaeological department. A 3Km trek from Jageshwar leads to Vriddha Jageshwar. This is regarded as the abode of Lord Shiva prior to his manifesting himself as Jageshwar. This site commands a magnificent view of the Himalayas. The lof ty-tower type isolated shrine of Dandeshwar is 1Km short of the actual temple complex.
Jungle Safari in Himalayas
Himalayas has such varied topography that it showcases different types of flora and fauna. It has some unique wildlife activities. Different regions of the Himalayas have some unique features. So to explore the wilds of the Himalayas jungle safari is the best option. It will give you a chance to come close to nature. Jungle safari can be of different types like riding on an elephant’s back or traveling on a jeep.
Jungle safari is exploring the forest trough a jeep instead of trekking, hiking and walking. It is a very different experience, which is really difficult to express in words. You should go there to experience it yourself. The jungle safari tours involve not just exploring the jungles of any particular region but it also involves various wildlife sanctuaries and national parks and even protective reserves.
If you want you can also opt for wildlife camping and nature walks along with your jungle safari. The safari tour also includes lodging, which are provided by various forest departments within the sanctuary area and national parks. It gives you a chance to walk around the jungle and just relax and feel the wildness. The best time to go for a jungle safari is between April to June and September to November.
Major Places for Jungle Safari are
The Great Himalayan National Park
Jim Corbett Natioanl Park
Royal Chitwan National Park
Namdapha National Park
Royal Bardia National Park
Jungle Safari Sites In The Himalayas
Jim Corbett National Park: is surrounded by hills and vast savannas. It is the best place to view the wild in their natural habitat. Here you can go on a safari on the elephant’s back and experience the amazing view of the flora and fauna of the region. The Great Himalayan National Park: is a great place to visit for the researcher, the nature lover and the adventure lover. The best time to visit this place is between the months of September and October. This time the weather is best to visit the place.
The Namdapha National Park: is a tiger reserve in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is situated on an area of 1,850 sq kms rugged landscape. The Namdapha national park rises to an altitude of 200m to 4,500m in the snow-capped mountain. Due to this variation in the height you can experience a diverse environment of flora and fauna. It is one of India’s unexplored wild reserves, which makes it all the more interesting place to visit.
The Royal Chitwan National Park: It is one of the richest and well-known sanctuaries of Asia. Here you can experience elephant, safari jeeps or dugout -canoes or a combination of them. Royal Bardia National Park: it is the largest wild area in the Terai region of the Nepal Himalayas. It stretches to an area of 1,000 sq kms of riverside grassland and Sal forest. You can find around 350 bird species in this park.
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