The Himalaya: One of the Youngest Mountain Ranges on the Planet | Travel Documentary

Peaks covered with a blanket of snow, higher than the clouds themselves. Such peaks. Mountains whose height is still increasing slightly every year A mountain range through which the world passes The highest peak, Mount Everest, stands tall. Monasteries thousands of years old still stand amidst the clouds today. Where the present Mount Kailash is so sacred and mysterious that no human has reached its peak until today, nor has anyone ever done so No aircraft or helicopter has been able to pass over him. And from where the rivers flowing sustain the lives of millions of people across Asia We are talking about the Himalayas. This mountain range stretches for about 2,500 kilometers, from India to Myanmar. Not just the highest mountain range in the world It is not just that; it is a whole world in itself. In this Himalayan range spread across seven countries, there are several eight-thousand-meter peaks covered in snow. There are peaks even higher, and ancient Buddhist monasteries dating back several thousand years. There are many green valleys, as well as numerous high mountain passes where Arriving there, it feels as if the earth and the sky are merging with each other. have been taken. But the most astonishing thing about the Himalayas is The beauty of the story lies not in its beauty, but in its origin. Because at the place where Mount Everest's peak is today, Massive peaks like Kanchenjunga and Annapurna are touching the sky. There was a deep sea there hundreds of millions of years ago. But then a natural phenomenon occurred The one who gave birth to the world's highest mountain range whose height continues to increase every year even today Moreover, the Himalayas are often referred to as the Water Tower of Asia. Because thousands of glaciers located within this mountain range, Ganges, Indus, Brahmaputra Several great rivers of Asia, such as the Yangtze and the Mekong, originate from here. linked to peaks such as Mount Kailash in the Himalayas Scientists have still not solved the mystery to this day. So why can't anyone reach the summit of Mount Kailash? How was the formation of the Himalayas? And which natural wonders will give you the experience of heaven? Discover this thrilling journey through the Himalayas Himalayas, The Roof of the World If we look at the Himalayas on a world map, they appear as just a mountain range. It looks less like a chain and more like the backbone of Asia. This vast mountain range, stretching up to 2,500 kilometers, lies in the west of Pakistan. It extends from here to India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Myanmar. Its towering peaks have for centuries dominated Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. It stands like a natural wall between the subcontinent. Therefore, it is also called the Roof of the World. The Himalayas are not just a mountain range but several A vast group of different mountain ranges in which Trans-Himalaya, Greater Himalaya, Lesser Himalaya, The Outer Himalayas, namely the Shiwaliks and the Purvanchal Himalayas, are included. And its height reaches up to approximately 8,800 meters. But the true strength of the Himalayas lies not in its height, but in its impact. This does not merely define the geographical boundaries of seven countries Rather, the weather of entire Asia's rivers, It also affects forests and the lives of millions of people. This is the reason why scientists often refer to the Himalayas as Water Tower of Asia and Climate Controller Also known by names such as South Asia Thousands of glaciers and natural water sources nestled in the lap of the Himalayas Ganges, Indus, Brahmaputra, Yamuna The Satluj, along with more than 19 other major rivers of Asia, originates here. These very rivers provide drinking water for millions of people. They form the foundation of farming and daily life. Not only that, but Mountain Range experiences cold weather every year. The Siberian winds are held back from moving southward. and the Indian monsoon, throughout South Asia It affects the monsoon cycle. On the other hand, its lofty peaks have remained separate for thousands of years. It stands like a natural wall between civilizations. Without knowing, can you tell me about the snowy mountains of the Himalayas? It looks like they've been there for billions and trillions of years. They weren't even standing upright just a few hundred thousand years ago. Born from an ancient ocean How the Himalayas were formed Himalayan Mountain Range That which today appears to tear through the sky with grandeur—11 crore years from today There was never anything there to begin with; instead, there used to be an ocean called Thetis in its place. It was a place where marine life once swam, even though now it is covered with ice. At that time, the Earth did not look like it does today. Around 330 million years ago, there was just one single vast continent on Earth. What is called Penjia But the movements going on within the Earth for billions of years Began breaking up this supercontinent Pengxia gradually split into two large parts. Eurasia and Gondwana Land Then those two parts broke apart and scattered. Seven continents were born over hundreds of millions of years. One of them, amidst all the commotion, was the Indian Plate. The commotion that would later lead to the formation of the Himalayas About 1.4 billion years ago, the Indian plate broke away from Gondwana Land. It separated and began moving toward the Eurasian plate in the north. Here, by the Eurasian Plate, we mean when from which Europe and Asia were situated Here is the interesting fact: today, Tibet is a landlocked region. That is, Tibet, which is surrounded by land on all sides. It was part of the Eurasian Plate at that time. And he had a large stretch of the coastline of the Dead Sea. Then came the moment about 500 million years ago that Asia's map has been permanently changed. Indian moving rapidly northward The plate collided directly with the Eurasian Plate. This collision was so powerful that both plates The Tethys Sea began to gradually close between them. Millions of years of accumulated soil and sand on the ocean floor, The rocks and marine remains began to rise under tremendous pressure. And from there was born the world's most The Himalayas, a high folded mountain range The astonishing thing is that this process is still not completely halted today. The Indian Plate is still moving northward by a few centimeters each year. For this very reason, the Himalayas are still gradually getting taller today. And that is precisely why this entire region is the world's most It is considered a geologically active region. Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world If the identity of the Himalayas were defined by a single peak, it would be Mount Everest. Standing at a height of 8,848 meters above sea level This is the highest peak in the world. In Nepal it is called Sagarmatha, and in Tibet it is called Chomolungma, meaning Mother She is known as the Goddess of the World and reaching the summit of this mountain worldwide Thousands of mountain climbers' dream Thousands of mountaineers from different countries around the world every year They arrive at Lukla, a small village in Nepal. This is where the world's most famous trek begins—the Everest Base Camp Trek. For about two weeks, this journey will take you through dense forests, snowy valleys, Swinging suspension bridges and swiftly flowing rivers, It takes you from small Sherpa villages all the way to the world's highest base camp. On every bend along the way, the snow-covered peaks standing ahead remind me You are slowly moving toward the highest point on Earth. Reaching Everest is by no means easy. Up to the base camp at an altitude of about five thousand meters The real test begins after arrival. comes into view, the Khumbu Ice Fall, which is fully The climb is considered the most dangerous route. Here, vast ice rocks and time itself constantly shift their places. Aluminum ladders are laid to cross deep cracks. and the mountaineers advance one step at a time, moving with extreme caution. Even a small mistake here can prove fatal. As altitude increases, oxygen in the air continuously decreases. The Death Zone begins after approximately eight thousand meters. Where the human body begins to slowly lose itself Every step feels heavy here. Breathing becomes difficult, and the weather can change within just a few minutes. But when you reach the summit of Everest after overcoming all these challenges The sight makes the heart beat wildly. In 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Everest for the first time Thousands of successful summits have been recorded since that historic day. But Everest is still not easy for anyone today. Over 300 mountaineers so far Many have lost their lives on this mountain. Many bodies of people are still present in that same snow because Bringing them back from such a height is considered almost impossible. Yet every year new people come here. To record some things, to challenge oneself a little And something just because you're standing atop the highest peak in the world be able to feel that very moment about which they had I've only ever seen it in books and pictures since childhood. Mount Kailash, The Mountain No One Climbs Let's descend from the summit of Everest, the highest mountain in the Himalayas. Now let us head toward Mount Kailash, the most mysterious mountain of the Himalayas. Its height is less than Everest, that is, about 6,638 meters. But it is the mystery of this mountain that has made it popular worldwide. In Hinduism, it is considered the abode of Lord Shiva. According to Buddhist teachings, this is the spiritual center of the universe. Jain followers believe that this is the first one. Lord Rishabha Dev attained liberation. Likewise, the ancient Bon religion of Tibet also reveres Kailash. They regard it as one of the most sacred mountains. There are very few places in the world that are like this. So much devotion has been shown by four different religions This is why thousands of devotees and travelers arrive here every year. But their goal is not to climb to the top. They circumambulate the 52-kilometer-long Kailash pilgrimage route. Who circles around this mountain and whose path winds through many places However, it reaches heights of more than 5,600 meters. Some people complete it in three days, so four or five Throughout the day, many devotees perform the full circumambulation, bowing down prostrate. We complete it while doing it, which takes several weeks. However, the greatest mystery lies in its peak. In the era of modern mountaineering, when humans climb from Everest onwards Even though one has reached Antarctica, Mount Kailash remains untouched to this day. is because no one has ever climbed Mount Kailash Caught up in the pursuit of unraveling the mystery of the Pya and Mount Kailash Mountain climbers attempting to climb Mount Kailash have reported There is a supernatural energy there that causes our lifespan to increase rapidly. The closer we get to the peak, Our heartbeats begin to race with the same intensity and feel so overwhelming. Therefore, most mountaineers climbing Mount Kailash only reach halfway. They either return right away or never return at all. Because their mysterious death occurs in a peculiar way China, which is trying to send scientists to Mount Kailash Climbing to Mount Kailash has now been banned. Lake Manasarovar is located just next to Mount Kailash. This is the world's highest located One of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. It is believed that the weather is clear, in this serene place. But Kailash's reflection becomes visible But even more fascinating is its neighboring lake, Rakshastal. The two lakes are located just a short distance apart. Yet still, one has sweet water, while the other is a lake of salty water. For centuries, these two lakes have welcomed travelers, It has equally attracted the imagination of pilgrims and explorers. Kashmir Paradise Among the Himalayas If one face of the Himalayas is filled with mystery and spirituality, His second face is filled with colors—Kashmir. This valley nestled in the lap of the Himalayas has been a tourist destination for centuries, It has continued to attract poets and photographers. In spring, the entire valley becomes filled with colorful flowers. In summer, green fields stretch far and wide. In autumn, the deodar trees turn golden and red. As soon as winter arrives, this very earth wraps itself in a thick blanket of snow. Perhaps precisely for this reason, Kashmir always feels like a new place in every season. The journey begins in Srinagar. Early in the morning, when a light mist floats over Dal Lake And the colorful shikara boats slowly She moves forward, parting the water. The view here looks like a scene from a movie. If you come here, make sure to take a shikara ride at least once. Mountains visible all around, with the lake in the middle Floating markets on water Fresh fruits for sale on the boat and beautiful house boards along the shore Make this journey unforgettable. After a drive of about one and a half hours from Srinagar, you will reach Gulmarg. In winter, the entire area gets covered with snow. And it transforms into one of the most famous skiing destinations in the world. Even if you don't go skiing, you'll still find here The most special thing is waiting for you. Gulmarg Gondola As soon as you sit in the cable car and start moving upward Below, first the dense fir forests, covered in white snow, on the sloping terrain, and far, far away The Himalayan peaks stretch endlessly, becoming more magnificent every minute. The world's highest peak reaching up to about 4,000 meters And it is considered one of the most spectacular cable car rides. After this, the path takes you to Son Merg, which means the Middle of God In summer, the vast grasslands stretch far and wide here. The view of the snow-capped mountains standing behind and the Indus River flowing between them Many people sit quietly for hours, simply watching them. If you like a bit of adventure, head over here to Khajivash You can also take a pony ride or trek up to the glacier. If you also wish to spend some peaceful moments away from the crowd, be sure to visit Pahalgam. Right upon arrival, the Leider River welcomes you first. As the swift-flowing stream ran along the riverbank, we walked through dense cedar trees. Passing through the forests and feeling the cold mountain air Sometimes, while doing it, it feels as if the rush of cities is like a race. Right nearby, the Betal Valley, with its lush green valleys and snow-capped peaks, It has also been the setting for several Bollywood films due to its mountains. Perhaps the most beautiful thing about Kashmir is that here There is more fun in reaching a particular tourist spot than in the spot itself. Paths come that take you right there On this road trip, at times, tall deodar trees on one side of the roads appear on the other side, snowy peaks covered in snow Sheep scattered far away come into view, while on hillside slopes, here and there Tiny little wooden houses that make your journey unforgettable Leh, the land above the clouds If you think that the entire Himalayas Just like Kashmir It seems to be Ladakh Right at the moment you arrive, this is yours At an altitude of approximately 3,500 meters from the Shi label Your mindset changes. Leh is the largest city in Ladakh. The very first advice given upon arriving here is to not overdo it on the first day. Don't rush, because there is very little oxygen in the air at this altitude. It happens, and the body needs a little time to adjust to the local environment here. When you wander through Leh's streets, everywhere you look, there's color. Colorful prayer flags and monasteries come into view The prayers echoing in the morning chill The voice brings a unique sense of peace to the entire city. And if you have time, make sure to visit the monastery properly. This monastery built on the slope of the mountain, seen from afar It looks like a small Tibetan town. While seated inside, the statue of Maitreya Buddha It gives every tourist a peaceful feeling. The most beautiful road trip in Ladakh begins the moment you move forward from Leh. The most famous among these is the journey to Pangong Lake. You have to cross the Changla Pass on the way. One of the highest motorable passes in the world As the road climbs upward, the scenery around changes every kilometer. It keeps changing, and then suddenly appears in front of me — Pangong Lake This 134-kilometer-long lake lies between India and Tibet. The most special thing about it is its color—something different in the morning, something else in the afternoon. And in the evening, its water turns deep blue. If the weather is clear, the mountains standing around the lake The reflection appears so clear that for a few moments It becomes difficult to distinguish between the real and the shadow. It would be unfair to Ladakh if this journey were to end here. Because you'll find the Nubra Valley waiting for you ahead To reach here, you have to cross Khardung La. which was considered one of the highest motorable roads in the world for a long time But the moment you reach Nuwara, the first thing that shocks you is It's the dunes of the sand here. Mountains covered in snow on all sides, and a cold desert spread between them Mountains covered in snow on all sides, and in between them, this desert. Perhaps there are very few places in the world like that. Where both snow and desert are visible within the same frame. Here you are, two humpbacked bacterian camels which are completely different from ordinary camels and never silk The most important means of carrying goods on foot had been the root. Even today, riding upon them, traveling across this unique desert One of the most memorable activities in Ladakh Spiti Valley, those mountains, Ocean and Ocean Now let's go in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India Sitting at an altitude of about 3,800 meters above sea level, Spiti Valley is one of the most unique places in the Himalayas. Tall, steep brown mountains all around. Dry valleys stretching as far as the eye can see, and narrow roads passing through them Sometimes it feels like you're not even on this earth. Instead, we are traveling to another planet. But the most special thing about Spiti Valley is its It's not beauty, but its history. Do you remember we mentioned at the beginning that where today The Himalayas stand there where the Tethys Sea once existed. Spiti is a living testament to that very story. Millions of years old marine fossils are still found in the rocks here today. The mountains among which you are touring today once had The waves of the sea rose, and marine creatures swam. If you come to Spiti Valley, be sure to visit the Key Monastery. This monastery, nearly a thousand years old, is situated on a high hill. From a distance, it looks as if it is white in color. Small houses are arranged one above the other along the slope of the mountain. But as soon as you step inside, the silence outside becomes even more profound within. The echoing voices of prayers completely transform the entire atmosphere. The entire Spiti Valley as seen from above The view is no less beautiful than a postcard. If you go a little further ahead, you will reach Chandertal Lake. This lake, located at an altitude of approximately 4,300 meters, is known for Famous for its shape resembling a half-moon In clear weather, its water sometimes appears deep blue. Sometimes green, sometimes peacock blue The journey through Spiti Valley is not merely about reaching destinations. The roads here are just as amazing. There is a path carved out of the mountain somewhere. A narrow road passing along the edge of deep ravines The view changes every kilometer. But one thing does not change throughout the entire journey—silence spreading all around. Even after driving for hours, no other vehicle appears ahead. Just you, the Himalayas, and the distant, endless mountains that turn this journey into an adventure. Nepal, The Heart of the Himalaya To see the beauty of the Himalayas in India Now we are crossing the border into Nepal. Eight of the ten highest peaks in the world are located in this small country. Thus, every journey here begins with some snowy peak or another. And that is where it also comes to an end. Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is the first stop on this journey. Ancient temple, colorful markets Prayer flags fluttering in the air and the temple's call echoing through every alley The sound of bells reveals glimpses of Nepal's culture to you. If you come to Nepal, be sure to visit Pokhara. This small city nestled in the lap of the Himalayas It is considered one of the most beautiful mountain towns in the world. Standing by the edge of Fawa Lake early in the morning When the reflection of the snow-covered, unfinished range appears in the water ahead For a moment, it's not clear which is greater What is more beautiful—the mountain or its shadow? Pokhara is also known as the adventure capital of Nepal. Here, paragliding, zip lines, ultra-light flights, and white. Several activities like water rafting can be enjoyed And if your dream is to hike for several days amidst the Himalayas This is where the world's most famous unfinished circuit begins. The trek and the Everest Base Camp trek begin here. Bhutan, the Happiest Kingdom in the Himalayas Bhutan, a small country nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, is a part of the world. Known for his distinct way of thinking. Where most countries measure their progress in terms of GDP There, Bhutan has been a Gross National Happiness country for years, that is It holds just as much importance in people's happiness. Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, is among the select few capitals Included where long-term traffic signals were not present Here, instead of large billboards, you'll find traditional wooden markets, A tranquil city nestled among colorful windows and mountains comes into view. It feels as if the frantic pace of the modern world has slowed down a little here. If we talk about Bhutan's most famous place, it would be the most First name goes to the Tiger's Nest Monastery Clinging to a steep rock at an altitude of about 3,100 meters This monastery is astonishing at first glance. The very first question that comes to mind upon seeing this is how on earth this could have been built here. To reach this monastery, you'll need to go about It takes a track of two to three hours. A path lined with deodar forests, prayer flags fluttering in the air, Cold air blowing from the mountains and snow-capped peaks appearing intermittently The journey becomes as beautiful as the destination itself. And as soon as the final bend is cleared, Tiger's Nest comes into view. Even the entire fatigue disappears in an instant. Another special aspect of Bhutan is its Buddhist culture. A small pot monastery nestled among the mountains White-colored chortens circling Prayer Wheels and every hillside But the swaying multicolored prayer flags seem as if The entire country is living in a world of its own, filled with attention and peace. Tibet, the Roof of the Himalayas In the journey through the Himalayas, the name of a place that appears most frequently Tibet, if related to mystery and spirituality. This vast plateau located at an average elevation of 4,500 meters above sea level The world's highest and largest plateau is considered to be the Tibetan Plateau. For this reason, it is often also called the Roof of the World. Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, has been a Buddhist center for centuries. It has been the greatest center of culture. If you come here, the first thing that catches your eye is the Potola Palace. This vast palace, built at the height of the mountain, was once the home of the Dalai Lama. Its magnificent building, in red and white colors, looks like a castle from a distance. And if you want to watch a detailed travel documentary about Tibet So, the link to our video is provided in the description. Pakistan, Home to the Mighty K2 The western part of the Himalayas extends even into Pakistan. Here stands the world's second highest peak, K2. 8,611 meters in height The interesting thing is that these experienced mountain climbers K2 They consider it more difficult and dangerous than Mount Everest. Its steep ascent, sudden changes in weather, and technical challenges It is included among the world's most difficult mountains. If we talk about adventure, then Hunza in Pakistan Valley is not considered any less than paradise. Peaks covered in snow on all sides, turquoise-colored rivers, and small ones Small hillside villages make for very beautiful landscapes. It passes through the region considered to have the world's most beautiful highway. The Karakoram Highway, which many people also call the 8th Wonder of the World where the Himalayas blend into the forest. As it advances, the Himalayas gradually begin to change its form. instead of lofty snowy peaks, dense forests and Green hills begin to come into view. It is here that the mountainous regions of Myanmar begin. Hkakabo Razi is considered the highest peak in Southeast Asia. Although reaching this area is still very difficult today. dense forests, continuous rain, and difficult paths Because of this, very few tourists reach here. Perhaps precisely for this reason, this part of Myanmar remains the Himalayas even today. is considered one of the least explored regions Now the end of our journey It is Afghanistan. The western end of the Himalayan mountain system It is also connected to the Pamir Kotan region of Afghanistan. It is precisely this region where several of Asia's major mountain ranges are located. The Himalayas, Karakoram, Hindu Kush, and Pamir converge closely with one another. Tall, snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, and extremely harsh weather This region is considered one of the most inaccessible mountainous areas in the world. Due to security reasons, tourism here remains highly limited even today, but geographically It is considered the most crucial part of the entire Himalayan system. That's all for today, now let us know in the comments Which part of the Himalayas did you find the most beautiful and adventurous? And you, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Tibet, Myanmar, Afghanistan Which of these countries would you like to see part of the Himalayan mountain range? If you liked this video, please like and share it to support us. Subscribe to our channel for such documentaries Don't forget to press the notification bell, thank you