
The Himalayas have been an object of reverence, mystery, awe
and wonder right from the Vedic period. Himalaya is very well depicted in the
epic like Puranas. In its praise, the Sikand Purana says, "He who thinks of
Himalaya, though he may not behold it, is greater than who performs worship in
Kashi and he shall have pardon for all his sins. Those beings who, while dying,
think of its snows are freed from their sins." It further quotes "In hundred
ages of God, I could not tell thee of the glories of Himalayas, as the dew is
dried up by the morning sun, so are the sins of mankind by the sight of
it"
.
There
are a number of peaks in this region, which are very tempting and
attract the novice mountaineers to scale them and learn the art of
climbing. These peaks are of alpine nature and ascents can be suitably
planned in less time and with low budget. The heights of these peaks
vary between 4500 m to 5000 m. This mighty range has vast trekking,
mountaineering and skiing potential. It is known for its unspoiled,
unexplored, unfrequented and improvised treks. Some of the peaks in
this region have been identified and scaled by Britons, since 1924.
Expedition to Peaks:
These peaks are the
Moon (4610m) to the north of
Dharamshala,
Kailash (5656 m), in the M

animahesh
region,
Christmas (4581 m) and
Toral (4386 m)
above Khaniyara,
Gaurijunda or the
Dhauladhar Matterhorn
near
Talang pass (4916 m) Lantern (4950 m) near Thamsar Pass,
Slab (4496 m) near Indrahara Pass,
Dromedary (4553 m)
between Bhimghasutri and Gag Pass and
Riflehorn (4400 m)
above Nag Chhatri Dal. In addition to these, the region has a few
small and unnamed virgin peaks. They offer an opportunity for the
amateur mountaineers, experienced trekkers and beginners to visit the
unfrequented areas and open new vistas for adventure. One has the
choice to taste the climbing in different seasons i.e. summer, post
summer and winter months. Winter mountaineering is becoming more and
more popular among foreign trekkers.