I love to experience Himalaya because it is there. Simple.
Whenever I think about Himalaya, I feel so proud of my existence as human being for I can see the grandest wonder of nature and further, I feel so fortunate to be living in Delhi for it takes only few hours to enter Himalaya’s fiefdom. Though, The Himalayan mountain system extends some 2,500 km from east to west and covers about 595,000 sq km but for me Himalayan fiefdom starts as soon as I enter Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand or Kashmir which is mainly western part of Himalaya. Alas, I am yet to explore eastern part of Himalaya.
My tryst with Himalaya started in 2004 when we went to Vaishno Devi and midnight breeze was so soul elevating that I knew that my connection had established with Himalaya. In 2007, I went all the way to Gangotri on a college trip and it sealed my desired destiny with Himalaya.
However, I had to wait for 5 more years to transform my desires into reality when I found myself in Kashmir for good 10 days celebrating my post wedding days in 2012. It was all snow laden oozing the purest form of beauty in all directions and I was completely sold to its unchained existence. As a couple, we were sure that we would have to explore it and live it for all our lives. After so many trips to Himalayas, we proudly say that we are smitten by Himalaya.
Kashmir Trip in 2012.
Since then, Himalaya keeps calling me. Every now and then I feel an itch in my feet which pushes me into the lap of Himalaya. I believe, now, this is eternal and I am elated that it is eternal. I keep going to Himalaya first because it is there and second because it is there and third because it gives me so many reasons to celebrate life. Every time I see this crowing beauty of planet earth, it’s love at first sight coz every time it presents a fresh perspective which is adventurously spiritual & excitingly mysterious.
Every turn and every road gives fresh perspective to life and refreshes zeal to live full throttle. When I breathe amid the beauty of Himalaya I truly feel that I am alive. I am forever grateful that I discovered the Himalaya and now it’s a lifelong passion.
Himalaya is an exact epitome of Inspiration. Every bit of Himalaya oozes inspiration to live a grand life. Driving on curvaceous roads & passing through lovely woods and verdant valleys give me real adrenaline kick. Every feet of climb is a test of endurance that encourages me to challenge my limits. I, truly, feel refreshingly alive and kicking whenever I see those clouds clinging on rhododendron trees. The entire aura around Himalaya accentuates when I see those Monasteries, the monks prayer flags and prayer wheels. This aura becomes heavenly pristine during Golden Hours when sacred hues of golden rays envelops the landscape.
Prayer Flags – Blue, White, Red, Green & Yellow
Amidst high altitude passes, water crossing and deep gorges, helping hand of locals and travellers make me feel humbled. Every moment that I spent in the lap of Himalayas is worth a story of thousands of words.
Let me share some of my finest moments from Himalayan world which now have become my reasons to keep traveling back to Himalayas. They are my moments of truth and also source of my eternal motivation to live Himalaya my way.
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My reason to travel Himalaya – Snow laden Kashmir in Winters
In 2012, right after wedding, I went to Kashmir in February and what i experienced was breathtakingly unparalleled. Never before, i had seen this kind of snow which made every scene in every direction so much serene and pacifying. Memory of every moment that i spent amidst snow and only snow inspires me daily to make another trip to Himalayas.
Some more Pictures from Kashmir trip to inspire your wander lust.
Read more on world’s best winter destinations.
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My reason to travel Himalaya – Curvaceous Road To Kinnaur Valley
I am sure for every road tripper, Robert Frost’s immortal words – I took the one road less traveled by And that has made all the difference – are like the real testaments. And, when I drive across Himalayas, every road looks like a road less traveled for it takes me to another wonderland. During my first real Himalayan Road trip to Kinnaur Valley, after Sarahan, every turn made me to stop and watch the beauty. My wife and I acted like children in the lap of divine nature and were motivated with our accomplishment all the way to Chhitkul.
Road to Kinnaur was the real turning point for me as only after this trip, I started my Travel Blog. Few more photographs from this trip – A Trip to Remember Forever.
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My reason to travel Himalaya
Solitude redefined – Standing at the edge
A man needs solitude and I find mine at the top of the world. Whenever, i get an opportunity, I make sure to stand or sit at the edge and feel the world. This solitude gives real solace and make me one with the Himalayas. Standing at the edge makes me feel humbled and the chilling breeze reminds me of fleeting nature of our time bound life. Every trip to Himalaya, gives me a realistic picture of my life and pushes me to celebrate life everyday.
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My reason to travel Himalaya
Living the passion – Self Drive to Spiti Valley
Oddity of Himalayan terrain is the ultimate test of endurance for anyone who is passionate about driving. My tryst with driving started on a summer morning when my father pushed me to wake and made me to learn the art of driving. It is more than 20 years since then, however, i could live my passion only after embarking on self drive road trips to Himalayas. Self-drive road trip to Spiti Valley is my ultimate accomplishment and after that i have become fearless and celebrate every moment of life on road. It not only gave me opportunity to stretch beyond my limits but also made me a better driver for it taught me to value life on road.
For more inspiration, let me share some of the most endearing photographs of my Himalayan Road Trips.
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My reason to travel Himalaya
Golden Hour with Panchachuli Range in Munsiyari
In soulful Himalayan set up, every ray of sun is a light of enlightenment and there is no better time than golden hours to capture nature in its divine glory. Anywhere in Himalaya, every golden hour in morning or evening is a visual treat for eyes. Capturing the colorful extravaganza of Panchachuli Ranges in Munsiyari left indelible impression in my mind and since than I always make a point to capture some part of Himalaya during golden hours. I leave in the midnight hours from Delhi to witness first ray of sun kissing some Himalayan range. Further, my everyday in Himalaya starts early with holding my camera to capture divine wonders of nature and so the day ends bidding good bye to sun in the evening.
Some of my golden hour captures of heavenly abode called Himalaya,
Click here to read in detail on my road trip to Munsiyari.
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My reason to travel Himalaya
A Trophy Moment – Standing Next to The Goosebumps Raising Signboards
It was a real “Been There & Done That” kind of accomplishment for my adventure thirsty soul. I have heard so much about this road that mere thought of driving on this was gave goosebumps to me and standing next to this signboard took me closer to the state of self actualization. This elated trophy moment made me more determined to conquer more milestone and thus I find myself again and again driving on some Himalayan road.
My some other Trophy Moments from Himalaya are tryst with crossing Kunzum La, crossing 10800 feet high Jalori Jot (Pass), getting the fuel filled at the highest petrol pump of the world, road trip to highest inhabited village Komic, reaching Rohtang after completing Spiti Circuit and many more. Each of these moment satiated my adventure seeking soul and also infuses fresh blood to achieve more on Himalayan roads.
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My reason to travel Himalaya
On Spiti River – A walk to remember
On a trip to Trans-Himaayan region, Spiti River is the only constant companion after Khab where it merges into Satluj. For travel enthusiasts, Spiti’s conspicuous presence is too motivating. For road trippers, it has a cult image and for me, to walk on the river bed of Spiti is a spiritual achievement. When i saw the shallow bed of this pebbled river near Dhankar Monastery, it was impossible for me to show any self constraint as the pristine turquoise colored water too captivating to give it a miss.
Experienced like this can only be experienced in the fiefdom of Himalaya and these aspects make Himalaya a sacred abode of Gods and augment its mythical and mystical value for each of us. People who travel to experience other worldly wonders, have only one option to submit the Himalaya.
Click here to read on my Road Trip to Spiti.
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My reason to travel Himalaya
Jugalbandi of Colors – Chandratal Lake & Rising Sun
Jugalbandi is an Indian Musical art form where two musician of different style creates a captivating fusion of music to enthrall the audience and in doing so, they retain their distinct style too. At the Chandratal lake in Himachal Pradesh, I witnessed a riot of colors when rising Sun started to cast its rays on the lake. The Lake and The Sun were in complete sync and playfully showcased their Jugalbandi of colors by creating enchanting reflections on crystal blue water. Every moment, changing reflections in the lake presented a psychedelic vista which was strong enough to impose a state of trans on anyone’s mind and soul.
See for yourself.
Himalayan Region has many such breathtakingly beautiful lakes that ooze melange of colors every day of the year such as legendary Mansarovar Lake, most photographed Pangong Lake, Tso Mori, Dal Lake, Sukhna Lake, Nainital, Gangabal lake etc.
Click here for a detailed blog-post on Chandratal Lake.
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For me, Himalaya is the paradise and rest everything is called earth. In Himalaya, every day is a profound experience that creates life long memories and truly takes me closer to my self – Sheer ecstasy to sum it all.
May Himalaya be my lifelong passion!
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If you feel motivated, please share this blog post with your loved ones so that they can break the mundane cycle of everyday life and explore the world.
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Related blog posts:
Road Trip In Spiti Valley: Divine Drive From Kaza to Komic
Road Trip Across Uttaranchal: Munsiyari and Stunning Panchachuli Ranges
My Tryst With Kunzum Pass: Road trip From Kaza To Kunzum Top
Quick View: Self Drive Road Trip to Spiti Valley, Himachal, India
Road Trip to Chhitkul in Kinnaur Valley: The Last Inhabited Village on Indo-Tibet Border
Quick View: Self Drive Road Trip to Naggar in Kullu Valley near Manali
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Please click on share and motivate others. In comments do mention your reason to visit Himalaya as I also need some more motivation 🙂
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beautiful capture Himanshu……. Himalayas have been my home…. or rather Iw ould say they brought me up…. as I studied at chail and was in a boarding school….. your drive in a low GC car to spiti and other areas is amazing….. did you face any problem because of that….
Thanks. At some patches we faced some difficulties but it is certainly doable with patience.
Incredible! Aren’t they?
Indeed 🙂
Great brother
aapka hi ashirwad hai dada!!
awesome pics
Hi Himanshu,
How awesome that you live so close to an amazing place.Good for you bro. You are taking advantage of that too, seizing the moment and experience this epic mountain range.
We visited Nepal in 2013 but only chilled in Kathmandu. We wanted a feel for the place before a return visit, and loved the beauty in the surrounding areas, as well as the warmth and kindness of the Nepali people.
We will do the Himalayas on a return trip, no doubt.
Thanks for sharing with us.
Ryan
Hey Ryan,
Indeed i feel fortunate to be so near to Himalayas.
People in entire Himalayan range are very kind and helpful. yet to visit Nepal but would do so soon.
Superb Moment Himanshu G,
Thats really great place..Top of the Top…
Beutifully…..
Thanks Sameer!! Keep Visiting.
Wow really wonder ful click Himansu. Today came to know about you…….. really wonderful. 👌👍🏻
Thanks Sirji. Your appreciation means a lot.
Some stunning images. Himalaya has inspired many people to leave everything and just travel.
Thanks Arv for your encouraging words. So true, for Indians it has always been a myth that everyone wanted to experience.
I guess we are seeing another round of babas in the making. (not referring to the “famous” or “infamous” ones that are being highlighted in the news). While earlier, people would quit normal life and head to the Himalayas for peace now we have young people quitting their corporate jobs…… )
Indeed!
😊
This looks incredible, the photo you capture really make me want to check out this part of the world. The Spiti Valley and the Spiti River both look breathtaking. Hiking there must be awesome. I hope to get there some day.
Thanks Cindy. Every moment you spent in Spiti is breathtaking. Hiking is indeed awesome here. Do plan for your.
What a beautiful image you create when talking about aura of Himalaya near the Monasteries, I cannot wait to see the monks prayer flags and prayer wheels and at sunset with the golden sunshine rays enveloping the earth as it sets. I bet that was one heck of a pinch me, is this actually happening for me to experience moment?!
Thanks Anna,
Monasteries have given a different charm to Himalaya. Go there to feel it.
Your photos are inspiration enough! Would love to do this and see that part of the world! Thanks so much for sharing all the things you did.
ANd Your words are inspiration enough to hit the road again in search of more stories from Himalaya 🙂
C u more often!
How beautiful are those snow capped mountains in the Himalaya region. I loved your pics of the sunsets or sunrises in Munsiyari. That golden hue is breathtaking
Thanks for your encouraging words. Everything about Himalaya is so beautiful and soul touching.
The Himalayas are just a true wonder! We trekked in Nepal and are planning to trek in Ladakh soon. Can’t wait to explore more of these mountains!
Do plan for Spiti also. You gonna love it. And there is another trek in Kashmir i.e. Great Lakes of Kashmir Trek.
Like you, a friend of mine keeps returning to the Himalaya for more than 20 years, always updating his friends with most beautiful pictures and stories of the region. I think, if you have been there ones, it gets under your nails and you have to go back again and again!
Indeed, it get deep inside and touches your soul.
I can see how one would very easily fall under the Himalayas spell – some of the most wild, rugged and purest landscapes in the world; I can totally understand how being among this gives you inspiration and makes you feel alive! The snow you experienced in Kashmir in winter is incredible – I’ve never seen that level of snow either – something so surreal! And being able to stand on the edge looking into such an iconic scenery – WOW!
I hope to travel one day and feel the same deep connection as you do 🙂
Himalayan landscape is truly mesmerizing. In terms of Snow, i think only north and south pole can match it. It is sometimes also referred as third pole or middle pole for its snow laden landscapes.
Incredible pics Himanshu. I have been to Ladakh about a decade ago, i havent seen such stunning scenery – not in Switzerland or New Zealand or anywhere else. I want to re-visit with my family. And someday go to Spiti and Chandratal lake as well.
Thanks. I must say, landscape was so beautiful that any one can become a good photographer. The landscape here is truly unique.
A snow-covered Kashmir and the stunning sky meeting the water in Chandratal lake was pretty much all I needed to inspire my wanderlust. I would love to visit the Himalayas one day. It seems so far away and like it would take a miracle to get there but one day I’ll make it happen. Thanks for lighting a fire under me to get there sooner!
I am grateful to have given you reasons to visit Himalaya and that was the sole objective of the post. May you visit it someday.
Wow! The golden hour in Himalaya is breathtaking! It’s so inspiring and you’re right about the fact that everyone should experience some kind of solitude – or let’s say inner peace – from time to time, and there’s no better place to experience it than on the top of a mountain.
Himalaya is breathtaking in so many ways. Everyone find somethings there which touches heart and soul.
Wow, you are lucky that you have such easy access to such a beautiful part of the world. I can understand why you feel drawn to the Himalayas. The landscape is truly spectacular, and getting a chance to explore more and more of it is special. Great share!
Isn’t it so amazing to live so close to some of the world’s most incredible features? I live right near the Great Lakes in the United States. They contain one-fifth of the world’s total freshwater and I can get to them in just a 1.5 hour drive!
I feel real fortunate to be so close to Himalaya.
So good to know you stay close to Great Lakes. Wish to visit them someday.
This is a very inspiring story. Those pictures of Kasmir with the snow is crazy but beautiful. Reminds me of how winters can get here in Canada. Those pictures of the rock faces and scenery are spectacular. One day I’ll make it to the Himalayas
Would love to visit Canada some day to experience. Thanks for your encouraging words.
The Himalayas are my go-to place. I call them my home. It is kinda mandatory for me to take few trips to the offbeat parts of Himalaya in an year. I am so glad to see that you too keep returning back to them. Love your pictures.
Thanks Archana. Will follow your blog.
I love how strong your emotional connection is to Himalayas and how openly you convey that passion. I also really love all the photos taken across your various trips, at different times of year, at different times of day. You can really see that you have forged a forever kind of relationship!
Ohh yess. Himalaya is like my second home. Love to live it.
Wow! This trip looks amazing. We love self-drive opportunities to explore the world and did not realise you could drive through the Himalayas. I think this trip just found itself on my bucket list!
Thanks Sarah. Road Trips are the best way to explore Himalayas.
Oh my this trip looks absolutely amazing! This is definitely something I would consider doing in the future! My favourite pictures are your snowy ones… I am a sucker for beautiful winter pictures lol!
The Himalayas look amazing! Such fabulous views every way you turn. I would love to see the prayer flags adorning the gorgeous mountains.
Your photos are incredible and very inspiring. Thanks for sharing. I hope to make it here one day
Ahhhh, what an amazing part of the world! This is totally on my bucket list. What a gorgeous collection of photos, thanks for sharing!
so gorgeous and dreamy 🙂
Thank you sirji!!
Wonderful! You are doing a good job here, and I want you to know that your presence and work are acknowledged and they are helping us reach our targets and goals. Keep up the good job!
TREMENDOUS! A lot of people failed at what you accomplished, simply because they were busy finding problems while you were busy finding solutions. Well done. I took a lesson. Thanks!
Thanks for your kind words. I hope you like the post. Look forward to c you again.
This looks epic! Makes us want to go on this adventure so bad! Great post.
Nothing like the Himalayas! It made me start blogging 🙂
Wow. And it made me live 😀
Great post. You’ve been to so many places.
Photos are beautiful… and the journey is awesome
Check this luxurious tented accommodation at Morni Hills. With exotic views facing a scenic valley, you will surely fall in love with Morni.
http://www.hikersandbrewers.com
Hello Himanshu,
wow really wonderful clicks, Thanks so much for sharing all the things you did.
very perfect article, thanks for sharing it with us,