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The charm of the Himalayas extends far beyond its glaciers and vertical rock faces. Each of the various climate zones in the region has unparalleled native fauna and flora. The many different ethnic groups that inhabit the region have developed unique cultures and traditions. Hinduism and Buddhism trace their origins to the Himalayas. The Ganges and Indus, two great rivers, originate here and the region is a major source of spirituality.

At the same time, the Himalayan region is like a mirror and a microcosm of world issues: Bhutan and Nepal are among the world's economically poorest countries. The 10-year 'civil war' in Nepal was due to poverty and discrimination. Tibet has long been under control of the Chinese government. The 'Tibet issue' is one of the most persistent ethnic problems in the world.

The region is affected by many environmental problems. Himalayan forests are being destroyed by illegal logging and some experts worry that the region may become a desert. Global warming has caused glaciers to melt, forming many glacier lakes. Unstable moraine dams bursted and caused extensive damage and great distress to local communities. According to Greenpeace, rising temperatures are rapidly melting Himalayan glaciers, potentially endangering water supplies for millions of people in Asia and causing dangerous floods. The destruction of nature in the Himalayas will affect the global environment sooner or later.


We can surely deepen our understanding of the earth, gazing at the Himalayas.

The Himalayas in Central Asia span 300 kilometres from north to south and 2400 kilometres from east to west. The vast mountain range cuts through China, Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, India and Pakistan. The Himalayas are called 'the roof of the world' and 'the abode of snow' in Sanskrit. The world's highest peaks, including Mt. Everest, are there. Sagarmatha National Park with Mt. Everest in Nepal is designated as a World Heritage Site. The Himalayas were formed as a result of the Indian subcontinent colliding with the Eurasian plate. The Indian plate is still moving north, and increasing the altitude of the Himalayas.