Namche Bazaar is located on horseshoe-shaped mountain slopes that offer breathtaking views of the mountains. Located at 3,440 m height, the village is one of the main stops on the trail up to Everest Base Camp. Here you will get your first view of Everest and it is a great place to spend a day or two. Almost everyone trekker and climber in the area visit Namche Bazaar.

The village has numerous lodges, restaurants and shops. There is a post office, telephone facilities, internet, a health and dental post and even a couple of delicious bakeries. If you are in Namche on a Saturday, it is worth visiting the weekly market, where traders from Tibet sell their wares.

Annapurna is a series of peaks in the Himalayas. The massif is 55km long and highest point Annapurna I stands at 8091m, making the 10th highest summit in the world. It is located east of a great gorge cut through the Himalayas by the Kali Gandaki River, which separates it from the Dhaulagiri massif.

There is also Annapurna II, which does not rank far behind Annapurna I. It is a fully independent peak, despite the close association with Annapurna I which its name seems to imply.

The Annapurna Conservation Area is a emerged as trekking region. There are three major trekking routes in the Annapurna region: the Jomson Trek to Jomsom and Muktinath, the Annapurna Sanctuary route to Annapurna base camp and the Annapurna Circuit, which circles the Annapurna Himal itself and includes the Jomson route.

Pokhara is well know town which is also a starting point for these treks, and is a good starting place for other short treks of one to four days, such as routes to Ghorepani or Ghandruk.

The Mustang district, a former kingdom bordering Tibet, is also geographically a part of the Annapurna region, but treks to Mustang are subject to special restrictions. About two-thirds of all trekkers in Nepal visit the Annapurna region. The area is easily accessible, guesthouses in the hills are plentiful, and treks here offer incredibly diverse scenery, with both high mountains and lowland villages. Also, because the entire area is inhabited, trekking in the region offers unique cultural exposure and experience.

Boudhanath stupa, a sacred Buddhist shrine, located in a short distance Northeast of Kathmandu is a World Heritage Site. This ancient stupa symbolizing “Nirvana”- the state of no suffering – was built in by. In its honor the festival of lights is celebrated on a full moon night in around February. A five day festival which takes place each year on the fifteenth day of Kartika around the end of celebrated by all Hindus with ritual house-cleaning, lanterns, candles, and fireworks. The Nepali version tends to be more picturesque and less explosive (literally) than those celebrated in India. All houses in the cities and villages are decorated with dozens of lit oil lamps which gives them a glittering appearance at night. The festival is held in honor of the Goddess Laxmi who is the Hindu goddess of wealth and also the wife of the almighty Vishnu. Hindus are joined by Jains, who mark their New Year and Sikhs, during this festival.

The Festival is all about worshiping of different animals such as crow, dog, cow, and worshiping of the Hindu Goddess of Fortune or Wealth (Goddess Laxmi), and cooking great meals at home, brothers and sisters shopping for gifts, flying kites, decorating homes and streets, playing cards with friends, resting and relaxing, and finally ending the festival with an exchange of a special temporary mark on forehead (tika in Nepali).
When Takaful’s Syariah head issued the now infamous letter, which forbade its staff from greeting Hindus during this festive season, not only were Hindus insulted, many Malaysians felt this had gone too far.

Over 80,000 enjoyed the vibrant music, riotous colours and spicy flavours of Diwali in 2006. Organised by Asia New Zealand Foundation in partnership with Auckland City Council, the Festival features the popular Bollywood dance competition, international performers, classical dance and music, crafts, Diwali sweets and lots of delicious food stalls.

Patan is often considered to be the oldest and most beautiful among the three royal cities (Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur) in the Kathmandu Valley. It is best known for its finest tradition of arts and crafts and its rich, cultural heritage. A good number of Hindu temples are also situated here. Hiranya Varna Mahavihara, Kumbheshwar, Jagat Narayan, Mahaboudba, Rudra Varna Mahavihara, Machchhendranath, and the five stupas of Ashokas are some of the major tourist sites of Patan.

The main attraction of Patan is the Durbar Square, where once was the ancient royal palace with 3 very interesting courtyards – admission fee is npr 200 per person for foreigners. The Durbar square of Patan is another fascinating tourist spot. Listed on UNESCO’s world heritage site, the Durbar square of Patan was once the resident of the Malla rulers. Now, this place is converted into a museum. The Durbar square is divided into three bloc: the central chowk, Sundari chowk and Keshav Narayan chowk. Among these three chowks, the Sundari chowk contains many beautiful stone architecture and Tushahity, the royal bath.

KHUMBHESHWOR: It is the temple of Lord Shiva, built by King Jayasthiti Malla and later a golden finial was added to it. This temple in Patan and Nyatapola temple in Bhadgaon are the only temples in the valley with five roofs, with an exception of round five-tiered Pancha Mukhi Hanuman of Kathmandu Hanuman Dhoka Palace. During the Janai Purnima or Raksha Bandhan (in August) a festival will be held in this temple. Jhankris (witch doctors) attired in their traditional costumes come to bath at Khumbheshwor tank.

Patan is a very artistic city. Most of the Nepalese art of any form is devoted to Gods. So, there are a lot of temples and bihars in the city. The main places of interest is -Patan Durbar Square: The residence of the Malla rulers of the then Patan state which is now converted into a museum.

* Annapurna Circle – The 330 km (205 mi.) long mountain walk from Dumre to Pokhara around the Annapurna massif is famous for both its spectacular scenery and its cultural diversity. Accordingly this classic route is walked relatively often, especially the more simple walk around Annapurna in a clockwise direction. In addition to the two weeks for walking three to five days should be added on for acclimatising and resting. The lowest point is Dumre at 480 m (1574 ft) and the highest point is the Thorong La Pass at 5416 m (17,769 ft).

* Annapurna Sanctuary – The walk to the Annapurna Sanctuary is a classic walk in the middle of the heart of the Annapurna massif. Destination is the Annapurna base camp, a moraine surrounded by 6000m to 8000 m (19,685 ft to 26,246 ft) high peaks. This land is sacred to the Gurungs, the inhabitants of the surrounding area. According to their tradition women and members of lower classes are forbidden to enter this region. Unclean foods such as meat, eggs and garlic are not allowed, neither is slaughtering nor hunting. Naturally the sanctuary, which was only ever visited by shepherds for short periods, was a paradise for animals and plants.

* Bhaktapur – Unlike Kathmandu and Patan which are situated close together, the third of the “Royal Cities”, Bhaktapur (pop. 70,000), lies some 14 km (81/2 mi.) away, “outside the holy hollow of the Valley” on the old trade route to Tibet. For Bhaktapur the trade route was both arterial link and major source of wealth. Its relative remoteness allowed the city to develop independently and in ways which distinguish it from the other two. With farmers – some of the best in the Valley – numbered heavily (60 per cent) among its inhabitants, the city is self-supporting.

* Chitwan National Park – The Chitwan National Park lies south-west of Kathmandu close to the Indian frontier and is included in the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage sites. Protected within the park are remnants of the jungle which once covered the Indian sub-continent from the Indus in Pakistan to the Burmese border. Chitwan is located in the Rapti Valley, largest of the flat “dun” valleys of the inner Tarai separating the Siwalik hills in the south from the mountains of the Mahabharat chain to the north. The northern section of the park takes in the floodplains of the rivers Reu, Rapti and Narayani, a flat region of grassland, swamps and lakes 150 m (500 ft) above sea level. To the south Chitwan extends into the hills of the Siwalik range (600 m (1970 ft)).

* Chobar Gorge – The picturesque Chobar Gorge is spanned by a small suspension bridge, ordered by the Ranas from a manufacturer in Aberdeen (Scotland) in 1903. The bridge had to be transported piecemeal across the mountains from India before being put in place, something of a technical miracle at the time. The rocky cliffs of the gorge are pierced with caves, ideal retreats for meditation. An underground passage is reputed to run from the caves via a subterranean lake to the Adinath Lokeshwar Temple in Chobar. On the south side of the gorge the bank of the Bagmati River has been paved to make ghats, steps used for ritual ablutions and cremation. People also come to the ghats to wash and launder clothes while buffalo bathe near by.

* Daman – The village of Daman lies on the Tribhuvan Highway mid way between Hetauda and Kathmandu. The 2322 m (7620ft)-high ridge affords the most spectacular view in all Nepal of the Himalayan chain with peaks from Dhaulagiri to Sargamatha (Everest) visible through the telescope on the viewing tower.

* Janakpur – Janakpur (pop. 72,000) is situated in the south of the Tarai 22 km (131/2 mi.) from the Indian border. The town is the heartland of the ancient Maithili culture which gave birth to its own language and script. Janakpur is also a popular pilgrim center; it was here that Sita (also known as Janaki), the heroine of the Ramayana, was born and where Rama was married.

* Kathmandu – At the crossroads of the great civilizations of Asia, seven groups of Hindu and Buddhist monuments, as well as the three residential and palace areas of the royal cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, illustrate Nepalese art at its height. Among the 130 monuments are pilgrimage centres, temples, shrines, bathing sites and gardens – all sites of veneration for both religious groups.

* Langtang National Park Trek – On a clear day Langtang Lirung (7245 m (23,769 ft)) is visible from Kathmandu. It dominates the surrounding area of the same name which stretches from the north of the Helambu to the Tibetan border. The one-week walk through the Langtang National Park leads to the glacier at the foot of the mountain, then to near the base camp and back. On the way there are good views of the Ganesh Himal chain. The countryside is quite thinly populated but it is possible to spend the night in village guest houses. From the lowest point in Trisuli Bazar at 541 m (1775 ft) to the Kyanjin gompa at 3800 m (12,467 ft) the walk cuts through various climatic zones.

* Lumbini – Lumbini, a town in the Tarai about 22 km (131/2 mi.) west of Bhairawa, is famous as the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama the historic Buddha, known as Buddha Shakyamuni. Situated well off the tourist track, almost 250 km (155 mi.) from Kathmandu, Lumbini is a worthwhile detour from the route from Pokhara to the Chitwan National Park. In this pilgrimage town there is no tourist hustle and bustle – it is visited mainly by Buddhist pilgrims from Japan, Thailand and Tibet retracing Buddha’s footsteps through the stations of his life. Lumbini is remarkable only for its tranquility, undisturbed by major celebrations and largely devoid of sights. Only a few relics from the excavation site remain to bear witness to the importance of the town and these have come within the framework of the Lumbini Development Project. Lumbini has been nominated for inclusion on the UNESCO list of world cultural sites. Archaeologists hope for major discoveries both here and at Tilaurikot (27 km (17 mi.) west), once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Kapilvastu. At the present time excavation work is under way.

* Mount Everest Trekking Route – The route first leads through the mountainous countryside of Solu before reaching the higher Khumbu region. Unlike in the Annapurna region it does not follow river valleys but runs vertically. As it is constantly up and down the walk to the base camp actually covers a climb of 9000 m (29,527 ft), so to speak, the total height of Everest above sea level. The route goes through regions with sharply contrasting topography and climates, from the hot Tarai to the glaciers of Khumbu. In between are the Siwalik Hills and the Mahabharat chain with the valley of the Sun Kosi. The walk continues through the Sagarmatha National Park.

* Muktinath – A renowned pilgrim site, Muktinath is located in the heart of the Himalayas in the northern region of Mustang. Sacred to Hindus and Buddhists alike its shrines are perched on a mountain ridge 3700 m (12,143 ft) and 3980 m (13,062 ft) above sea level. In Hindu tradition Muktinath is known as Muktichhetra (“Place of Salvation”). Here Brahma lit fire upon water and reconciled the contradictory elements thereby. An eternal flame still burns, reputedly sustained by nothing more than water, stone and earth. Muktinath became hallowed ground for Buddhists when Guru Rinpoche, passing through on his journey to Tibet, left a footprint in the rock. The 84 siddhas dropped their wooden staffs, which grew into a poplar grove, a miracle in an otherwise treeless land.

* Muktinath Route – The Muktinath route mainly follows the valley of the Kali Gandaki, which makes its way from the dry rain shadow area of Annapurna to the sub-tropical jungle. The valley of the Kali Gandaki is the deepest in the world, on the western side Dhaulagiri (8167 m (26,794 ft)), on the eastern side Annapurna (8091 m (26,545 ft)) both only 30 kilometres apart. The river has carved itself several thousand metres deep into the mountains. An ancient trading route follows the Kali Gandaki to Tibet. However after the Chinese invasion relations came to a standstill. The flourishing trade has been replaced by tourism. Guest houses and restaurants are extremely comfortable. Tourists, with their expensive equipment, bare footed sadhus and pilgrims on their way to Muktinath all mingle side by side.

* Mustang Trekking Route – The route to Lo Manthang is the continuation of the walk to Muktinath and can easily be combined with it. The small principality of Mustang is an enclave of Tibetan culture which until recently had only been entered by a small number of foreigners. Among them were the Englishman David Snellgrove and the Frenchman Michel Peissel. At the beginning of 1992 the region was opened up to tourism with only groups being legally allowed to enter. Mustang is interesting for its own individual culture and its local breeds of horses and dogs. Not too much interest should be shown in these giant dogs as they fulfil their duty as guard dogs with a passion one would do better not to experience.

* Narayanthan – Budha Nilkantha – This delightful small town (pop. 23,000) near Banepa remains relatively untouched by the changes taking place elsewhere in the Banepa Valley. Large and prestigious temples are the only reminders of past glories when Panauti enjoyed a prime position on two trade routes and even boasted a palace. Situated at the confluence of the Rivers Rosi and Punyamati, the town occupies a sacred site. A third river, called Lilamati, visible only to the wise, is said to flow into the others from the Gorakhnath Shrine on the hill above the town.

* Panauti – This delightful small town (pop. 23,000) near Banepa remains relatively untouched by the changes taking place elsewhere in the Banepa Valley. Large and prestigious temples are the only reminders of past glories when Panauti enjoyed a prime position on two trade routes and even boasted a palace. Situated at the confluence of the Rivers Rosi and Punyamati, the town occupies a sacred site. A third river, called Lilamati, visible only to the wise, is said to flow into the others from the Gorakhnath Shrine on the hill above the town.

* Patan / Lalitpur – Patan is one of the major cities of Nepal. The official name of the municipality is Lalitpur and it lies in the district with the same name (inside Kathmandu valley). Patan is often considered to be the oldest and most beautiful among the three royal cities (Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur) in the Kathmandu Valley. It is best known for its finest tradition of arts and crafts and its rich cultural heritage.

* Phewa Valley – Although Pokhara is commercialized and at times suffers from a surfeit of tourists, it actually has a great deal of charm. The delightful Phewa Valley is one of its principal attractions. In the mornings a veil of mist floats over the lake, behind which the mountains form a magnificent backcloth. The water of the lake is only 19 m (62 ft) deep and is very dirty. An invigorating swim is only possible in the middle of the lake or from the opposite bank. Rowing boats can be hired but any breeze is usually too light for sailing or windsurfing. Boats go to the Vahari Temple on Lake Phewa’s small island. On Saturdays in particular – Saturday being an auspicious day for sacrifices – boatloads of folk clutching billy-goats and cockerels are ferried across the channel between the island and the shore.

* Pokhara – Pokhara, situated at the base of foothills 200 km (125 mi.) west of Kathmandu, represents for many trekkers the gateway to the Himalayas. It is the starting point for treks to Jomsom and the Annapurna group. With more than 146,000 inhabitants Pokhara is the third largest town in Nepal after Kathmandu and Biratnagar. People coming from the Kathmandu Valley notice the much cleaner air and pleasant climate. Lake Phewa, with its cluster of lakeside hotels, restaurants and shops, is ideal for seekers after relaxation and for day excursions. Pokhara consists of many different parts and lacks cohesion: airport, bazaar, Lakeside, Pardi, as well as the shopping centers of Mahendra Pul and Chipledhunga are far away from each other, also the long connection road is difficult to reconnoiter on foot. Happily there are now taxis with meters, whereas previously very high taxi fares were charged. However, for the visitor with sufficient time, it is better to hire a bicycle.

* Tansen – Tansen (pop. 14,000) lies 1400 m (4595 ft) above sea level on the south side of the Mahabharat range, just off the Siddharta Highway from Pokhara to the Indian frontier (Bhairawa). The combination of a pleasant climate, mountains and escape from the tourist throng make Tansen and its surroundings a delightful area for trekking. The town is a good base for shorter treks such as the route from Pokhara to Tansen via Dhorpatan or along the Kali Gandaki from Beni.

Kathmandu Valley in Nepal is remote and exotic place, walled by nearby hills and by the ever snow-capped Himalayan Mountains. The Valley is still sprinkled with villages and farms seemingly untouched by time.

The Kathmandu Valley may have been inhabited as early as 900 BC, but the oldest known objects in the valley date to a few hundred years BC. It is said that the Buddha and his disciples spent some time in the area of present-day Patan in the 6th century BC, although there is no evidence for this. Four stupas around the city of Patan said to have been erected by Charumati, daughter of Ashoka the Great, a Mauryan king, in the 3rd century BC attest to the ancient history present within the valley. As with the tales of the Buddha’s visit, there is no evidence supporting Ashoka’s visit, but the stupas probably do date to that century.

Machchhendrananth Temple:
The temple of Sweta Machchhendra Bahal between Indra Chowk and Asan. It is a Pagoda of considerable artistic beauty is also called as “Janmadyo” or “Machchhendra” deity.

Akash Bhairav Temple:
A three storey temple in the main market avenue, called Indra Chowk, the image of Akash Bhairav is displayed outside for a week during Indara Jatra, the festival of Indra – the God of Rain.

Hanumandhoka (Durbar Square):
It is the historic seat of royalty. The Durbar Square, with its old temples and places, epitomizes the religiuous and cultural life of the people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized.

Interesting things to see here are; Taleju Temple built by king Mahendra malla in 1549 A.D.; Kal Bhairav, the God of Destruction, Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, The Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Bell, Big Drum and the Jagannath Temple.

On the right hand corner, larger wooden lattice screen hides an enormous gilded face of Sweta Bhairav. The screen is removed only during the Indra Jatra festival. There are also Numismatic Museum and Tribhuvan museum inside the Hanuman Dhoka Palace building. Photography is prohibited inside the museums. Both the museums remain closed on Tuesdays and government holidays.

Temple Of Kumari (Kumar Ghar): The temple or the residence of Living Goddess, “Kumari”, is situated in the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The building has profusely carved wooden balconies and window screens. The Kumari – the Living Goddess, acknowledges the greetings from her balcony window. Photography is prohibited.

Kasthamandap:
The Capital City of Nepal – KathmanduLocated near the Temple of Kumari, it is said to have been built by King Laxmi Narsingha Malla in the beginning of the 16th century. It is said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. The city of Kathmandu derives its name from this temple.

Tundikhel:
A huge green field, flanks one entire side of the old city Tundikhel. Some of the important landmarks of Kathmandu valley are located in the periphery of this area. At the south-western end of Tundihkel is a 59.29m tower built by prime minister Bhimsen Thapa in 1832 A.D. known as Dharahara or Bhimsen Stambha. Sundhara – fountains with golden water spouts is situated at the foot of this great tower also belonging to the same period.

Bhadrakali Temple:
As the eastern edge of the Tundikhel, near Shahid Gate stands the temple of Goddess Bhadrakali. This temple is also known as Lumarhi temple and is one of the main “Shakta” temples of Kathmandu city.

Budhanikantha:
About 8-kms north of Kathmandu, at the base of sivapuri hill is a remarkable colossal statue of Lord Vishnu, reclining of the bed of snake. This is one of the masterpieces of stone sculptures of Lichchhavi period. This 5th century statue is in the middle of a small pond and seems to float in water.

Swayambhunath:
This is one of the world’s most glorious Buddhist Chaityas. It is said to be 2,000-years-old. Painted on the four-sides of the spire bases are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is 3-kms west of Kathmandu City and is situated on a hillock about 77m. Above the level of the Kathmandu valley.

National Museum:
Two and half kilometers west of Kathmandu, the National Museum has splendid collection of weapons, artifacts from ancient, medieval and modern Nepal. Its archaeological and historical displays are worth seeing. The museum is open everyday except Tuesday and government holidays.

Natural History Museum:
Situated 3-kms west of Kathmandu City behind the famous Swayambhunath hillock. This museum has a unique collection of butterflies, fish, reptiles, birds, mammals, plants and a variety of fossils collected within the country. Photography inside the museum is prohibited.

Pashupatinath Temple:
Pashupatinath TempleSituated 5-kms east of Kathmandu, the temple of Lord Shiva-Pashupatinath with two tiered golden roof and silver doors is famous for its superb architecture. Visitors can clearly seen the temple and the activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River.

Guheswari Temple:
Near Pashupatinath is located another historic and holy temple of Guheswari. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple courtyard.

Chabahil:
The lovely stupa of Chabahil is believed to have been built by Charumati, the daughter of the Indian emperor Ashoka, in the 3rd century B.C. There are ancient statues around the stupa.

Chandra Vinayak:
The temple of Chandra Vinayak is situated about 200 m. north of Chabahil stupa. This double tiered brass roofed temple houses a tiny image of Lord Ganesh, the Elephant-headed God.

Bouddhnath:
The Stupa of Bouddhnath lies 8-kms east of Kathmandu. This colossal and ancient stupa is one of the biggest in the world.

Gokarna:
This lovely Toyal Game Sanctuary, also known as Gokarna Safari Park, lies about 10-kms north-east of Kathmandu. Many wild animals such as Spotted Deer can be viewed in the sanctuary from an Elephant back. On the northern side of Gokarna, is a Pagoda of Gokarneshwor Mahadev.

Kirtipur:
It is a small town, 8-kms south-west of Kathmandu on the top of a hill. Tribhuvan University is located at the foot of the hill. This historic town has many things to offer like old shrines and temples, old houses, the people typically dressed in old traditional costumes, people working on ancient loom etc.

Chobhar:
Situated 9-kms south-west of Kathmandu, this place is famous for its gorge. All the water of the valley drain through it. There is a small but picturesque temple of adinath on the top of a hill. From this top one can have a panoramic view of snow capped mountain peaks.

Shekha Narayan:
Situated between Chobhar and Dakshinkali the temple of Shekha Narayan represents one of the four Narayans of the Kathmandu valley. The other three Narayans are Changu Narayan of Bhaktapur, Visankhu Narayan of Patan and Ichangu Narayan of Kathmandu.

Dakshinkali:
The temple of Dashinkali is situated about 2-kms south of Shekha Narayan. Dakshinkali is regarded as one of most important Hindu Goddesses pilgrims visit this temple to offer their prayer and animal sacrifices to the Goddess. Besides, this place has been developed as a popular picnic spot.

They’ve also determined that the Himalayan Mountains are still growing higher, at a rate of about 2.4 in/6.1cm per year. That’s twice as fast as previously thought. A growth rate of 2.4 in/6.1cm per year doesn’t sound like very much. If you think about it, that means in the last 26,000 years the Himalayans have risen almost a mile into the upper reaches of the earth’s atmosphere!

When Hillary and Norgay climbed to the top of Everest they wore oxygen tanks. Because Everest is so high it juts into the upper reaches of the earth’s atmosphere, where there are much lower concentrations of oxygen than at sea level. What that means to folks trekking up the side of Everest is that their bodies get less oxygen from each breath they breathe while climbing. But their brains and muscles require the same amount of oxygen to perform as they would at sea level. That makes it especially tough to climb Everest.

Try to imagine what it feels like to climb up a mountain with very little oxygen in your body – you get dizzy, your nose, fingers and feet get numb and tingly, your heart thunders in your chest trying furiously to keep up with the muscles’ demand for oxygen. You feel sleepy, confused, downright stupid as your brain struggles to function on limited oxygen. Every step you take is extremely slow and plodding, requiring every ounce of will you have. Hillary and Norgay had extra oxygen to help them make the trip, but there have been a few people who have made the trip since who did it without the aid of oxygen – taking one step about every five minutes! About 4,000 climbers have attempted the summit of Everest, but only 660 have made it. One-hundred forty-two people have died trying.

Mount Everest is just one of over 30 peaks in the Himalayas that are over 24,000 ft/7315m high. Himalaya is a Sanskrit word meaning, “abode of snow“, which is so true. The snowfields which dominate many of the peaks in the Himalayas are permanent. Yes, they never melt (not even in the summer). That means there are glaciers in the Himalayas – lots of them. Mount Everest is permanently covered in a layer of ice, topped with snow. The “top” of the mountain at which the elevation was measured can vary as much as twenty feet or more, depending on how much snow has fallen on its peak. Scientists believe that the actual tip of the rock lies tens of feet below the ice and snow on its summit. There are current plans to use ground penetrating radar to get a reading of the actual height of the mountain beneath all that snow. Although the Himalayan Range is only 1,550 miles/2480km long, the average height of all the major peaks in the Himalayas easily makes it the highest mountain range on land.

Mountains aren’t just big piles of dirt, they’re made of solid rock. Believe it or not, the rocks that make up the Himalayan mountains used to be an ancient sea floor. Over millions of years, rivers washed rocks and soil from existing mountains on the Indian subcontinent and nearby Asia into a shallow sea where the sediment was deposited on the floor. Layer upon layer of sediment built up over millions of years until the pressure and weight of the overlying sediment caused the stuff way down deep to turn into rock. Then about 40 million years ago, in a process called “uplifting”, the sea floor began to be forced upward forming mountains.

What caused the sea floor to be pushed up toward the sky was the result of the action of plate tectonics. The theory of plate tectonics was developed about thirty years ago by scientists who discovered that the earth’s crust is made up of many “plates” which are constantly moving around. They are still moving around, even today, but the speeds at which they move are REALLY SLOW. In human terms the movement can’t even be seen, but it can be felt occasionally when we have earthquakes. Earthquakes happen when plate margins (edges) move past, or bump into each other. In the case of the Himalayan mountains, the continent of India is part of a plate that “crashed” into southwest Asia, but it didn’t stop when it hit. It continued to push northward, crushing and rumpling the earth’s crust, resulting in the mountains we see today. If you go back to the map of the Himalayas, you can see that the mountains look kind of like a rumpled blanket. India is still pushing northward today, raising the Himalayas even higher!

Scientists know this because they’ve been measuring the increasing height of the mountains. There have also been a lot of earthquakes recorded down deep in the mountains, which indicates continuing movement. The Himalayas are growing, but only about an inch a year. That’s not very much in human terms, but imagine how much that would be over millions of years! You may be thinking, “That would have been kinda cool to be here on earth 40 million years ago to be able to watch the Himalayas forming”. You would have been really bored, though. The movement that took many millions of years to form the mountain range is still taking place today, and I doubt you would stake out a camp at the foot of the mountains just to watch them grow. You’d be waiting a LONG TIME.