Hidden Secrets of Himalayas

The magnificent Himalayas are certainly a wonder. They are one of the youngest and most interesting ranges in the world. There are many hidden treasures and secrets in the Himalayas that remain unexplored and mysterious. Apart from the unexplored places, even the structuring of the mountain remains a mystery for scientists. Scientists are even researching the mineral composition of the range to understand what it is made up of. 

To begin with, the Himalayan range is in Asia and is host to some of the highest peaks in the world including Mount Everest, the highest. It has over 50 mountains and is shared by countries like India, China, Bhutan, Burma and Nepal. The Himalayas in India are specifically considered sacred for many religions including Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. It is considered to have many yogic qualities and tantric stories also associated with it. It is the origin of many lakes and rivers in India including the Ganges and the Tsangpo-Brahmaputra River. 

There are many places in the Himalayas to visit and see. However, there are also many secrets and mysteries to uncover. Here are some of them. 

Here is Some Hidden Secrets of Himalayas

Minerals

One of the biggest secrets of the Himalayas is the material make up of the ranges. If you are into the science of rocks, or a geologist, the Himalayas comes up with a lot of secrets that have not been discovered yet. Many different minerals are found in the rocks of the Himalayas and some geologists can find answers as they study the range more and more. 

Gurudongmar Lake 

This lake that is frozen all year has a secret that no one has found a solution for. This lake is on the plateau next to the Kanchengyao mountain range. It is the source of the Teesta river. However, the secret it holds is that there is a spot in it that stays unfrozen. There surely is a religious angle to it from Buddhism. The story circulated is that a Buddhist guru called Padmasambhava gave this place a blessing. He is believed to have had tantric qualities as well. However, it is still unknown how this one place is untouched even by the harshest of colds.    

Tiger’s Nest Monastery

A must-visit for Buddhists, this is a monastery in Bhutan. The place by itself is a beauty but it comes with a mystery. Guru Padmasambhava is believed to have flown to this place on a tigress. To this day it is a tough climb and is built in a weird and strange location. The meditation spot was built in 1692, but not without the mysterious stories associated with it.  

The archaeological wonder of Skeleton Lake

If you are interested in archaeology, the Skeleton lake is certainly the best-kept mystery or secret and something you have to follow. About 16,500 feet above sea level is the Roopkund Lake. It is frozen for the most part of the year, but when it gets warmer, during summers the lake’s water melts and shows hundreds of human skeletons, Hence the name skeleton lake. Who these people were, how did they die, what happened to them remains a secret. Some researchers believe these bodies are almost over 1000 years old. 

Gyanganj

A secret and mysterious land in the Himalayas, Gyanganj is considered the City of Immortal Beings. Buddhists from Tibet and India say that this is not an actual place but a different dimension of the mind. Many mountaineers and trekkers try to go to the location every year but end up failing. It is believed that this place can be reached only by sages and yogis, and those that have a soul worthy of a visit to this place. This makes for one of the best-kept secrets of the Himalayan range. Though many believe this place exists, it has not been found even by satellites or new mapping technologies. 

Himalayan Caves

Given the climbing conditions, many archaeologists and scientists rely on mountain climbers to find skeletons in different caves in the Himalayas. The different caves in the Himalayas hide different secrets of people from ancient times and why they buried their dead in them, in places that are not easily accessible even with today’s technology. However, the secret behind why these scientists find skeletons in the cave is still unknown. 

Gangkhar Puensum

Gangkhar Puensum is one of the highest unclimbed mountains in the world. People, especially Bhutanese, believe that gods and yetis live here and therefore are unattainable. What exists on top of this mountain remains a secret. It is believed that there are unexplained noises and mysterious lights that are seen from the mountain. These are reported by people living near the mountain. What goes on in the mountain however remains a secret. 

Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash, also called the Stairway to Heaven is one of the most intriguing mountain ranges in the Himalayas. It is about 22,000 ft from the Tibetan plateau and is largely inaccessible. It is considered sacred for Hindus and Buddhists. Trekking up the mount is not allowed for Hindus because they are told they will disturb the divine energies that reside there. It is believed that a Tibetan monk called Milarepa tried to reach the top of Mount Meru and returned saying do not try to bother the God resting there. What all he saw could remain a secret because many mountaineers have tried to climb the mountain in vain. However, two lakes called Mansarovar and Rakshas Tal on the mount are are considered the highest freshwater bodies in the world. 

Now, there are many secrets and mysteries associated with the Himalayan range. However, one thing that is not a secret is that they are breathtaking. Even if it just means to enjoy the view from one of the highest peaks of the world, even if you are not into trekking, one thing you must do is visit there. If not for any other reason to tell the world ‘been there, done that’. You have not experienced the world if you have not at least once been to the Himalayas. The thing about that place also is that you just need to see it once,after which what the Himalayas does to you is makes you return again and again. 

About the Author 

Gulshan Bafna is a leading travel entrepreneur with a passion for exploring every corner of the globe. His unique approach of describing and covering tourist hotspots as well as unknown retreats alike has won him a solid following online. True to his blog’s name, he believes that travel is an exciting prospect for everyone!