The Himalayas have always beckoned the adventurous souls for decades now. All through the year, hundreds of people trek up these wondrous ranges of mountains, coming from all over the world in an attempt to discover the hidden mysteries these mountains have to offer!

Here are a few things about Himalayan treks that are not generally publicized –

• Given that the Himalayan mountain range cuts across borders naturally, it is no wonder that trekkers enjoy not only the adventure itself, but also the cross-cultural experience it offers! A few treks even take you deep into the homes of the tribal people who have made these rough terrains their own. Take, for instance, the Talley Valley Trek – which is inhabited by the Apatani people. These people lead simple, contented lives, worshipping nature in its every form.

• If mythology is what gets you going as a trekker, you could try the Pin Parvati Pass Trek, which is rich in its religious and mythological roots! As the most sought after high altitude Himalayan trek, it is certainly not lacking in adventure. To the Hindus, this trek leads to something sacred – the meadows of Khirganga, where Lord Shiva is believed to have meditated for more than 3 millennia.

• Trekking is fun, adventure filled and strenuous at the same time – Himalayan trekking is no different! The Himalayas can be some of the most gorgeous sights you have ever seen; they could also be the reason for the most strenuous exercises you have ever undertaken. Take the Mt. Kanchenjunga Trek, for instance – it is meant for seasoned trekkers, who are well experienced in the art of braving treacherous and rocky conditions to come out on top and literally look down at the beauty of the whole world!

• If you are new to trekking, you could try travelling the Ghorepani Poon Hill in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It offers you a rich cultural experience as well as adventure – the Gurungs and Magars are local tribesmen that will put you up in small hamlets as you travel, so you can get a true taste of their lifestyles.

• If it’s history that excites you, you could traverse the same path that Frank Smythe – the man who typified modern mountain exploration – followed, by taking the trek to the Valley of Flowers. It’s an extreme trek, but the end result is worth it – the flowers look like a carpet of colors against a backdrop of rich green!

• If you enjoy beautiful landscape and scenery, then a trek around the Great Lakes in Kashmir is a good idea too. You could camp around the lakes themselves; you will get to experience a good deal of mountain walking as well as understand the remoteness and solitude that the Himalayas provide!

• Bhutan – the Land of the Thunder Dragon as it’s called – offers a trek to Chomolhari, wherein you’ll be able to witness the remote yak-herders and highland farmers coexist with nature.

Whatever excites you, a trek through the Himalayas will strengthen you in ways you can’t imagine. In the end, you understand how small you are in comparison to these magnificent ranges that touch the sky – you’re small, but not insignificant, just like these mountain ranges that are millennia old, but still the youngest mountains in the world!