For India, the Himalayas are a sacred space. It is believed that this is where Lord Shiva resides, immersed in meditation, while the mountains themselves symbolize spiritual strength and a connection to something greater. The great rivers of the region — including the Ganges, the Indus, and the Brahmaputra — are all fed by Himalayan glaciers and snow.
🏔️ Rishikesh and the Sacred Cities
At the foot of the mountains lies Rishikesh — the yoga capital of the world. Higher up are the ancient temples of Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Badrinath. In Hinduism, the Himalayas hold special significance: people come here seeking purification, prayer, and a rare sense of solitude.
🗻 The Abode of Snow
The Himalayas are often called the “abode of snow” because this is the only region in India where snow is a natural part of everyday life — something that surprises many visitors. This is also where Mount Everest stands, the highest point on Earth at 8,848.86 meters above sea level.
By the way, 10 of the world’s 14 highest peaks are located in the Himalayas, along with the world’s highest motorable road — Umling La (5,913 m).
🌫️ Cities with a Unique Atmosphere
Scattered throughout the mountains are towns with completely different climates and rhythms of life:
- the misty Darjeeling,
- the cool mountain town of Manali,
- the meditative Leh,
- the green hills of Shimla.
India feels entirely different here. I’ve shared more about the mountain regions, climate, seasons, and atmosphere of these places in my living guide, India GO.
✨ The Legend of Shambhala
These mountains are also connected to the legend of Shambhala — a hidden land of wisdom that cannot be found on any map, yet can be approached through an inner journey.
It was this very place that the artist and philosopher Nicholas Roerich sought, dedicating his expeditions and paintings to the Himalayas.
⛰️ Naggar and the Kullu Valley
By the way, right now I’m in Naggar, in the Kullu Valley — the place tied to both the life and death of Roerich. I came here for a few days to reconnect with my own inner Shambhala.
