Himalayan histories: Tales behind the world’s most magnificent mountain region

The Himalayan mountains were formed over 50 million years ago and still continue to shift, grow and develop today. This is the result of turbulent tectonic activity happening underneath the Earth’s crust, causing the Indian and Eurasian plates to collide and overlap, spilling out to form mountains.

At the crossroads of Asia, the Himalayas have a distinct micro-culture caused by a coming together of Central Asian, Iranian, Indian and East Asian communities. For centuries, the Himalayan mountains have been immortalised in mythology, art, literature and even hold a special religious significance. 

Pilgrims have journeyed to this immense landscape for worship and reverence. For Hindus, the Himalayas symbolise the vastness of the human soul, mirroring the universal connection of human consciousness in every living being. The Nepalese call Mt. Everest “Sagarmatha” which can be translated as “Goddess of the Universe” or “Forehead of the Sky.” 

According to Tibetan Buddhist beliefs, the Himalayan mountains were the most important of the pre-Buddhist deities, acting as warrior-protectors to the Tibetan kings. Also serving as the source of Asia’s greatest water network – forming the Ganges, Yangtze, Yellow, Indus, Mekong and Nujian rivers – the mountains have long been worshipped as a life-giving force of nature.

In contemporary times the Himalayan mountains are still revered as one of the world’s most impressive attractions and the greatest challenge to any keen mountaineer. 

With such wild beauty and rich local traditions to experience first-hand, choose to explore this spectacular country on foot, where each step brings you closer to authentic Nepal. Browse our carefully curated holiday packages to the Himalayas and book your adventure today.