Himalayas — Attraction in Annapurna

The Himalayas are home to a diversity of medicinal resources. Plants from the forests have been used for millennia to treat conditions ranging from simple coughs to snake bites.Different parts of the plants – root, flower, stem, leaves, and bark – are used as remedies for different ailments. For example, a bark extract from an Abies pindrow tree is used to treat coughs and bronchitis. Leaf and stem paste from an Andrachne cordifolia is used for wounds and as an antidote for snake bites. The bark of a Callicarpa arborea is used for skin ailments.Nearly a fifth of the gymnosperms, angiosperms, and pteridophytes in the Himalayas are found to have medicinal properties, and more are likely to be discovered.Most of the population in some Asian and African countries depends on medicinal plants rather than prescriptions and such.Since so many people use medicinal plants as their only source of healing in the Himalayas, the plants are an important source of income. This contributes to economic and modern industrial development both inside and outside the region.The only problem is that locals are rapidly clearing the forests on the Himalayas for wood, often illegally.about 1,300 to 2,300 m (4,300 to 7,500 ft), states Yarshater, "sclerophyllous forests are predominant with Quercus and Olea (wild olive); above that, up to a height of about 3,300 m (10,800 ft) one finds coniferous forests with Cedrus, Picea, Abies, Pinus, and junipers". The inner valleys of the Hindu Kush see little rain and have desert vegetation.On the other hand, Eastern Himalaya is home to multiple biodiversity hotspots, and 353 new species (242 plants, 16 amphibians, 16 reptiles, 14 fish, two birds, two mammals and 61+ invertebrates) have been discovered there in between 1998 and 2008, with an average of 35 new species finds every year. With Eastern Himalaya included, the entire Hindu Kush Himalaya region is home to an estimated 35,000+ species of plants and 200+ species of animals.There are many cultural and mythological aspects associated with the Himalayas. In Jainism, Mount Ashtapad of the Himalayan mountain range, is a sacred place where the first Jain Tirthankara, Rishabhdeva, attained moksha. It is believed that after Rishabhdeva attained nirvana, his son, Emperor Bharata Chakravartin, had constructed three stupas and twenty four shrines of the 24 Tirthankaras with their idols studded with precious stones over there and named it Sinhnishdha.For the Hindus, the Himalayas are personified as Himavat, king of all mountains and the father of the goddess Parvati.The Himalayas are also considered to be the father of Ganga (the personification of river Ganges).Two of the most sacred places of pilgrimage for the Hindus are the temple complex in Pashupatinath and Muktinath, also known as Saligrama because of the presence of the sacred black rocks called saligrams.The Buddhists also lay a great deal of importance on the Himalayas. Paro Taktsang is the holy place where Buddhism started in Bhutan.The Muktinath is also a place of pilgrimage for the Tibetan Buddhists. They believe that the trees in the poplar grove came from the walking sticks of eighty-four ancient Indian Buddhist magicians or mahasiddhas. They consider the saligrams to be representatives of the Tibetan serpent deity known as Gawo Jagpa.The Himalayan people's diversity shows in many different ways. It shows through their architecture, their languages, and dialects, their beliefs and rituals, as well as their clothing.The shapes and materials of the people's homes reflect their practical needs and beliefs. Another example of the diversity amongst the Himalayan peoples is that handwoven textiles display colors and patterns unique to their ethnic backgrounds. Finally, some people place great importance on jewelry. The Rai and Limbu women wear big gold earrings and nose rings to show their wealth through their jewelry.Several places in the Himalayas are of religious significance in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism,...

Understanding the impact of snow cover variability with respect to altitude and temperature in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region (HKH) (Immerzeel, van Beek, and Bierkens 2010; Shrestha et al. 2015) is of great importance for regional water availability and understanding of climate change in this highly populated region of the world. The meltwater from snow and ice contribute to all three rivers (Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra), with the highest meltwater fraction in the Indus and the lowest in the Ganga (Bookhagen and Burbank 2010; Immerzeel et al. 2010; Siderius et al. 2013) . The HKH region is projected to show a substantial loss of glacial mass and area in the coming decades (Bolch et al. 2012) . The snow cover and glaciers of the high-altitude regions of HKH, including Tibet, are likely to be one of the most affected by the projected rise in global temperatures by about 1–2°C on an average in this decade, which could be significantly higher (reaching 4-5°C) in mountainous terrains (Bolch et al. 2012; Prasad et al. 2009; Shrestha et al. 1999a) . The assessment of glacier shrinkage over high mountain regions of Himalaya and Tibetan Plateau (1960 to 2010), based on a 0.5° grid resolution published data on glacier shrinkage, shows large uncertainties in the rate of shrinkage due to various factors (Cogley 2016) such as rate of snowfall, accumulation and melt. Studies related to elevation dependency of climate changes recommends for further research  into this important aspect (Chen et al. 2021) . Using vegetation data and derived parameters, Chen et al. 2021 investigated the elevation dependency of climate change in the Arctic mountains spanning five main Arctic mountain regions. Except for one exception, the study discovered significant elevation dependency of vegetation phenology using moderate resolution AVHRR (Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer) time series from 1985 to 2013. The study found that the start of the growing season (SOS), the end of the growing season (EOS), and the length of the growing season (GSL) all changed more at higher elevations. Snow cover variability is considered as a direct indicator of regional as well as global climate change in the terrestrial domain (Frei et al. 2012; Shrestha et al. 2015) . Snow cover, as well as the change of its contribution to surface albedo, are listed as Essential Climate Variables (ECV) by the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS). Long-term changes in the thinly snow-covered areas, especially in the mountainous region, affect the albedo and the global radiation budget. GCOS emphasizes that the study of snow cover changes is one of the priority areas that can be achieved using long term satellite observations, especially in remote areas not accessible to any other types of measurement and monitoring. Snow cover fluctuations in HKH regions are highly variable temporally because of various types of controlling factors including topographic effects, glacier dynamics, various types of geomorphic parameters (Shrestha et al. 2015) , and as of late, due to anthropogenic emissions of soot and other air pollutants (Gautam et al. 2013; Kang et al. 2019; Prasad et al. 2011) . Data from CALIPSO (vertical profiles), MODIS and photographs taken from aircrafts show the impact of dust storms and anthropogenic pollution on the snow cover in the foothill regions reaching up to 4-6 km altitudes (Prasad et al. 2011) . Data from Global MODIS snow products, known as the climate-modeling grid (CMG) products at relatively coarser temporal and spatial resolution (5km, monthly, (Hall, Riggs, and Salomonson 2006) ) presents a relatively rapid quantitative analysis of seasonal variability, altitude-wise variability, and temporal trends (spatial and altitude-wise) over the...

Title: Journey to the Roof of the World: An Exhilarating Adventure in the Majestic Himalayas

Rating: ★★★★★

The Himalayas—nature's magnificent masterpiece that stretches across multiple countries—is an absolute paradise for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. Having recently embarked on an awe-inspiring expedition to this majestic mountain range, I can confidently say that the Himalayas exceeded all my expectations, leaving me breathless and forever transformed. Here's my thrilling review of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

From the very moment I set foot in the Himalayan region, I was instantly captivated by its surreal beauty and grandeur. The towering snow-capped peaks, such as Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga, stood as majestic sentinels, evoking a sense of both awe and humility. The sheer scale and magnificence of these mountains are impossible to fully comprehend until you witness them firsthand.

The Himalayas offer a myriad of thrilling activities for adventure enthusiasts. I embarked on a challenging trek through the Annapurna Circuit, and it was an experience that pushed my limits physically, mentally, and spiritually. The trekking routes presented breathtaking vistas at every turn—lush green valleys, cascading waterfalls, serene alpine lakes, and ancient monasteries nestled in remote corners. The sheer diversity of landscapes in the region is unparalleled, making each step forward feel like an achievement in itself.

Interacting with the warm and welcoming locals along the way was a highlight of my Himalayan journey. The unique blend of cultures and traditions that coexist in this region is a testament to the rich tapestry of human history. Sharing stories with the Sherpas, learning about their way of life, and experiencing their hospitality left an indelible mark on my heart.

Beyond trekking, the Himalayas offer a range of other exhilarating activities. Paragliding over the stunning Pokhara Valley in Nepal, with the Annapurna range as a backdrop, was a true adrenaline rush. The feeling of soaring high above the world, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, is an experience I will cherish forever.

Another unforgettable aspect of the Himalayas is the serene spirituality that permeates the region. Visiting ancient Buddhist monasteries and meditating amidst the tranquil mountain setting was a soul-stirring experience. The spiritual energy that emanates from these sacred places is palpable, allowing for introspection, reflection, and a deep connection with nature.

Furthermore, the Himalayas boast an incredible biodiversity, with a wide range of flora and fauna thriving in its diverse ecosystems. Spotting elusive wildlife such as snow leopards, Himalayan monals, and red pandas was an absolute delight, adding a touch of wilderness to the adventure.

It is important to note that exploring the Himalayas requires proper preparation and guidance. Engaging the services of experienced guides and ensuring adequate acclimatization are essential for a safe and enjoyable journey. The extreme weather conditions and high altitudes demand respect and caution, but with the right precautions, the rewards are immeasurable.

In conclusion, my expedition to the Himalayas was an extraordinary adventure that pushed my boundaries, expanded my horizons, and filled my soul with an overwhelming sense of wonder. The sheer natural beauty, the rich cultural heritage, the spine-tingling experiences, and the profound spirituality of this region are unlike anything else on Earth. If you're seeking an adventure of a lifetime, where the boundaries of possibility are redefined and the splendor of nature reigns supreme, look no further than the Himalayas. Prepare to be enchanted, amazed, and...