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#himalayas

ramnath@nerdpol.ch
ramnath

Premiered on 4 Nov 2024
#MountKailash, located in the remote western region of #Tibet, is one of the world's most revered and mysterious mountains.

Standing at an elevation of 6,638 meters (21,778 feet), this striking peak is uniquely shaped with four steep faces that resemble a pyramid, making it visually distinct from other mountains in the #Himalayas. What makes Mount #Kailash so special, however, isn’t just its dramatic appearance but its profound spiritual and cultural significance across multiple religions.

#Sacred Significance
Mount Kailash is considered a sacred site in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the ancient Bon religion. In Hinduism, it is revered as the abode of Lord Shiva, where he resides with his consort, Parvati, in a state of perpetual meditation. Devotees believe that Mount Kailash is the center of the universe and a direct connection between heaven and earth.

In Buddhism, Mount Kailash is seen as the home of Demchok (or Chakrasamvara), a deity representing #supreme #bliss.

Pilgrims believe that completing a kora, or a circumambulation, of the mountain brings good karma and purifies the soul. Tibetan Buddhists undertake this kora in a clockwise direction, while Bon followers circle it counterclockwise.

For #Jains, Mount Kailash is known as Ashtapada, the place where their first Tirthankara, Rishabhadeva, achieved spiritual #liberation. In the #Bon religion, Mount Kailash is regarded as the seat of the #Sky #Goddess #Sipaimen and a place of immense power.

Pilgrimage and Kora
Every year, pilgrims from around the world travel to Mount Kailash for the challenging kora, a 52-kilometer (32-mile) circumambulation around the mountain. This journey, often done at an altitude of over 4,500 meters (14,764 feet), is believed to be a transformative spiritual experience. Completing just one kora is thought to cleanse negative karma, while completing 108 koras is believed to lead to enlightenment.

Geographical and Environmental Importance
Mount Kailash is the source of some of #Asia's most important #rivers, including the #Indus, #Sutlej, #Brahmaputra, and #Karnali (a major tributary of the #Ganges). These rivers are vital water sources for millions of people across South Asia. The region around Kailash is also rich in unique flora and fauna adapted to the harsh Tibetan Plateau environment.

Forbidden Peak
Climbing Mount Kailash is strictly forbidden out of respect for its spiritual sanctity. Over the years, climbers and explorers have requested permission to ascend, but the mountain remains off-limits. This restriction has preserved its natural state and mystique, as no human has set foot on its summit.

A Place of Mystery
Mount Kailash is shrouded in mystery and local legends, including tales of rapid aging for those who attempt to climb it, and reports of an unusual energy field around it. The mountain has a pyramidal shape, which some believe may be an ancient man-made structure or a center of #cosmic #energy.

Conclusion
Mount Kailash stands as a powerful symbol of #peace, reverence, and spiritual aspiration. Its allure lies not only in its beauty but in its status as an untouched spiritual beacon, attracting pilgrims, #mystics, and adventurers from around the world. For those who witness its grandeur, Mount Kailash is more than a mountain—it’s a deeply sacred place that inspires humility, awe, and spiritual reflection.
#Meditation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcQmsUHM_Xs&t=71s

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jabgoe2089@hub.netzgemeinde.eu
Alexander Goeres

researching the use of forests in indian himalaya ...

#indien #india #forest #landwirtschaft #agriculture #ökologie #ecology

Image/photoenvironmentindia wrote the following post Tue, 08 Oct 2024 07:11:27 +0200

Revolutionising Himalayan Agriculture: The Magic of Nepalese-Alder Forests

Imagine a world where forests aren't just pretty backdrops, but vital life-giving forces. A recent study from Jawaharlal Nehru University has revealed a fascinating secret: the type of forest can significantly impact the health of nearby farmland. Researchers found that broadleaf forests, with their wider leaves, are more beneficial to soil health than coniferous forests. These forests promote the growth of beneficial microbes, increase organic matter content, and release essential nutrients, leading to healthier and more productive farms.

image.png An Agricultural Farm Near Forest

The research, led by Shankar and Garkoti (2024), published in journal Science of The Total Environment, highlights the pivotal role of Nepalese-alder (Alnus nepalensis) forests in enhancing soil quality and nutrient availability. This remarkable improvement is largely attributed to the alder’s nitrogen-fixing capabilities and higher microbial biomass, which contribute to better soil structure, increased organic matter, and enhanced microbial activity. These findings underscore the critical role of forest vegetation in maintaining soil health and productivity in agroecosystems, highlighting the need for strategic forest management practices.

image.png Ecologist Anand Shankar, Ph.D Scholar with School of Environmental Sciences in Jawaharlal Nehru University taking samples from the Research Forest

The findings indicate that integrating alder forests into agricultural practices could be a sustainable strategy to maintain long-term soil health and productivity in the region. So, how can we harness this forest power? The answer lies in integrating trees into our agricultural practices. Agroforestry, alley cropping, contour planting, and intercropping are just a few techniques that can bring forests and farms together in a harmonious partnership. Here are some practical steps for farmers:

Agroforestry Systems: Integrate alder trees into existing agricultural fields. Planting rows of alder trees along the borders or within the fields can improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation.

Alley Cropping: Plant alder trees in rows with crops grown in the alleys between them. This method allows for the benefits of nitrogen fixation and organic matter addition from alder leaf litter while still maintaining crop production.

Contour Planting: On sloped lands, plant alder trees along the contours. This helps in reducing soil erosion and improving water retention, benefiting both the trees and the crops.

Intercropping: Combine alder trees with other crops in the same field. This can enhance biodiversity, improve soil structure, and increase overall productivity.

Soil Enrichment: Use alder leaf litter and prunings as mulch or compost. This organic matter can enrich the soil, improving its structure and nutrient content.

Rotational Planting: Rotate crops with periods of fallow land planted with alder trees. This can help restore soil fertility and break pest and disease cycles.

But the benefits don't stop there. Restoring degraded lands with oak and alder trees can revitalize entire ecosystems. These trees provide habitat for countless species, help prevent soil erosion, and even play a role in combating climate change. Oak forests, known for their rich biodiversity, can help restore native plant and animal species, creating a more balanced and resilient ecosystem. Alder trees, with their ability to improve soil quality, can play a crucial role in stabilising soil, preventing erosion, and enhancing water retention. Additionally, these trees can contribute to carbon sequestration, mitigating climate change by absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. By incorporating these species into restoration efforts, project initiators can create more sustainable and resilient landscapes. For policymakers, the message is clear: investing in forest conservation and restoration is not just about protecting nature; it's about ensuring a sustainable future for our communities and our planet. By promoting the conservation and restoration of nitrogen-fixing forests like Nepalese-alder, they can enhance soil fertility, boost agricultural productivity, and support long-term ecological balance in the region. This approach aligns with broader environmental goals, including biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. Furthermore, policymakers can develop educational programmes to raise awareness among farmers and local communities about the benefits of sustainable land use practices. Implementing incentive programmes for farmers and landowners who adopt sustainable practices can encourage wider adoption. By promoting nitrogen-fixing forests and supporting sustainable land use practices, we can create a healthier, more prosperous India.

By leveraging these findings, policymakers can develop and implement strategies that promote sustainable land use practices, enhance agricultural productivity, and support ecological restoration. The focus on planting oak and alder trees in restoration projects can lead to more resilient and sustainable landscapes in the Indian Himalayan Region. This integrated approach aligns with the goals of biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future for the region. So, let's embrace the power of trees and unlock the hidden potential of our forests. Together, we can create a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.

Source 👉Shankar, A., & Garkoti, S. C. (2024). Influence of forest types on soil physicochemical and biological characteristics of associated agroecosystems in the central Himalaya. Science of The Total Environment, 906, 167731.

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#AgricultureEducatiin #AlderTree #EnvironmentNews #Forest #HimalayanEcology #HimalayanEcosystem #Himalayas #IndianHimalaya #India #HimalayanRegion #JNU #LandRestoration #LandscapeRestoration #News #OakTree #Research #ResearchNews #RestoreOurEarth #RevivingAgriculture #SaveHimalaya #Sustainability #Sustainable #SustainableDevelopment #SustainableFarming #Sustainableliving #SustainableDevelopment #SustainableManagement #Uttarakhand #WesternHimalayas

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nowisthetime@pod.automat.click
nowisthetime

enter image description here
Image shows an ice-covered mountain of the #Himalayan range
#Himalayas have been getting #COLDER, Nature Geoscience journal reports
While this phenomenon may slow down the effects of global warming in some areas, its sustainability is not guaranteed over the coming decades.

A surprising phenomenon has emerged in the mighty Himalayas that might slow down the effects of the global climate crisis. Scientists have noted that when high temperatures hit high-altitude ice masses, 'katabatic' winds are triggered that blow cold air to lower-altitude areas.
https://www.sott.net/article/487318-Himalayas-have-been-getting-COLDER-Nature-Geoscience-journal-reports

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nowisthetime@pod.automat.click
nowisthetime

enter image description here

#Landslides and #floods in the #foothills of the #Himalayas:

Heavy rainfall in #India’s #Himachal #Pradesh has caused huge landslides. At least 30 people have died, and the casualty count is increasing.

The strong monsoon has brought huge floods and landslides, destroying several buildings. In Shimla, a Shiva temple came down in the flood waters, killing nine, including three children.

According to local news, it’s feared that nearly 50 people might be buried under the debris. Rescue efforts are currently underway.

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ramnath@nerdpol.ch
ramnath

#om namah shivaya
enter image description here

The #Mystical #Power of Nepalese #Rudraksha #Beads

Introduction:
One of the most renowned and mysterious gemstones, Rudraksha beads, are found in Nepal, a country rich in #ancient customs and spiritual practises. Hindus place great religious significance on these heavenly beads made from Elaeocarpus ganitrus tree seeds, which have been treasured for ages by #spiritual seekers and believers. We explore the history, meaning, and spiritual benefits of Nepalese Rudraksha beads in this essay.

Origin and Authenticity:
In the foothills of the #Himalayas, where the Elaeocarpus ganitrus tree flourishes in the pristine natural environment, Nepalese Rudraksha beads are predominantly sourced for their origin and authenticity. Due to their genuineness and true spiritual vibrations, these beads, known for their outstanding quality, are much sought after. The power and purity of the Rudraksha beads found in this area are a result of the hallowed soil, unpolluted air, and peaceful energy of #Nepal.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance:
Hindu mythology has a strong connection to rudraksha beads, which are thought to be a gift from Lord #Shiva. The words " #Rudra" and "Aksha," which both signify tears in #Sanskrit, are combined to form the word "Rudraksha." Rudra is another name for Lord Shiva. These beads are revered as precious objects and are linked to wellbeing, spiritual development, and heavenly protection. Rudraksha beads are said to promote harmony, calm, and inner transformation when worn or used during meditation.

Types and Mukhi (Facets):
A distinctive feature of Nepalese Rudraksha beads is the quantity of Mukhi, or facets. Each Mukhi represents a distinct deity and has unique characteristics and advantages. The rarest and most potent bead is a single Mukhi, but greater Mukhi counts, like five, six, or even 21 Mukhi, are also possible. Each Mukhi is thought to provide a unique blessing and align with particular chakras, promoting spiritual development and overall wellbeing.

Healing and Therapeutic Properties:
In addition to being valued for their spiritual importance, rudraksha beads are thought to have healing qualities. According to legend, the beads give off uplifting vibrations that are claimed to balance the wearer's energy, soothe the mind, and reduce tension. They are known to increase focus, sharpen memory, and advance general physical and mental health. Additionally, many practitioners employ Rudraksha beads in Ayurvedic treatments and complementary medical procedures.

Care and Maintenance:
The right maintenance is necessary to keep Nepalese Rudraksha beads pure and effective. It is important to gently wipe the beads with a soft cloth to maintain them clean and free of dirt or contaminants. When not in use, the beads should be kept in a tidy, sacred location. The Rudraksha beads are thought to have additional spiritual and healing benefits when worn when regularly chanting or meditating.

Conclusion:
Rudraksha beads from Nepal represent #divine #protection, spirituality, and all-around wellbeing. People looking for spiritual growth and connection highly value them because of their rich history, mystical significance, and healing effects. Nepalese Rudraksha beads continue to captivate the hearts of believers and serve as a potent reminder of the fundamental connections between spirituality, nature, and the human soul, whether worn as a spiritual adornment or used for their healing abilities.

https://www.shraddhashreegems.com/rudraksha/

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petapixel@xn--y9azesw6bu.xn--y9a3aq
petapixel (unofficial)

Photographing Zanskar, an Untouched Region in the Western Himalayas

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Zanskar region in the western Himalayas

An amateur photographer wanted to showcase the picturesque potential of a lesser-known region along the western part of the Himalayas through a body of work that highlights the grand beauty of the area.

Tanay Das, based in India, works for Amazon and pursues landscape photography as a hobby. It was only in 2018 that Das got his first camera, a Nikon D5500 which he says he is still learning how to use at its full potential.

In 2019 while watching a YouTube Vlog, Das heard about the lands of Zanskar, an area in the western part of the Himalayas known as the Ladakh region. While beautiful, he says that it hasn't been widely visited or photographed by landscape photographers.

Zanskar region in the western Himalayas Zanskar region in the western Himalayas Zanskar region in the western HimalayasZanskar region in the western Himalayas

Das made contact with landscape photography company Thescape which offers photography and filmmaking services, workshops, and tours. The company invited Das to photograph the area and join a 15-day long mountain tour.

Zanskar region in the western Himalayas

Because of the COVID-19 disruption, Das hadn't been able to pursue many of his planned photography trips. This meant that by the time the tour date rolled around, it was his first time capturing the western part of the Himalayas.

Zanskar region in the western Himalayas

During the preparations for the trip, Das packed his Nikon D5500 and a choice of three lenses -- Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8, Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-f/5.6, and the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-/f/6.3.

Zanskar region in the western Himalayas

The experience of camping and shooting in such an untouched natural region was particularly memorable for Das, which he says is hard to describe and left him speechless during much of the experience.

Zanskar region in the western Himalayas

"The primary reason could be how raw nature actually is," he says. "The place where we were standing was more than 14,500-feet high. Standing at that kind of altitude in the middle of the night and seeing the cosmos is something absolutely mindblowing and leaves a deep impact on you."

Zanskar region in the western Himalayas

Following his experiences in Zanskar, Das is currently working on a project with Thescape to bring out the best of the Indian Himalayas through tours across the region. Das follows the motto of "travel, learn, and share" and hopes to inspire people to photography the beauty of the area.

More of Das's landscape photographs can be found on his Instagram page.

Image credits: All images by Tanay Das and used with permission.

#inspiration #travel #himalayas #india #landscape #landscapehotography #mountain #mountainphotography #nature #phototour #tanaydas

Photographing Zanskar, an Untouched Region in the Western Himalayas

A region rarely photographed and often forgotten.

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petapixel (unofficial)

Goecha La: The Himalayan Trek in India to the Third Highest Peak

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The Dzongri - Goecha La trek takes you to the base camp of the third highest mountain peak in the world, Mount Kanchenjunga. This trek lies in the western side of the Indian state of Sikkim, which lies in the eastern part of the country just adjacent to Nepal.

The trek starts from Yuksom, which means the meeting of three Lamas. Situated at an altitude of 5,800 feet (~1,767m), Yuksom lies in the southern fridges of Mount Kanchenjunga.

Yuksom

The trek takes you to places like Sachen, which is covered by full coniferous forests and gives you a feel of the rainforests of the mountains.

Toward Sacen. The Goeche La trek follows the river PREK-CHU that originates from the Samiti lake and meets the Rathong Chu at Sachen.

There are a few pockets or windows that are really astounding because they show the sunset. The place called Tshoka is one of the most wonderful Himalayas hamlets, and there is a trekkers hut on site. The place has a beautiful view of the snow-clad peaks.

Whatever I say about this place, it would never be enough. It has all the beauty a Himalayan place should have. Starting high snow-clad peaks, structured clouds, valleys, flowers, and last but not the least wild horses.

Moving forward what you see is something that extremely rare sight one can behold.

Each trail section in the Himalayas is famous for its uniqueness, and there is hardly any trail that does not have beauty. But there are a handful of parts in each and every trek that has a "wow" factor.

Only if you are walking alone in this path you get to feel the real chill and the hear the most unheard sounds of the forest.

Morning at Tshoka.

The trail from Tshoka to Phedang, even though it's damn hard, is one of the few trails in India that has wooden logs embedded deep into the paths. Coupled with red rhododendrons, blue Himalayan meconopsis, and mist, the lands are truly divine.

Goddess of outward journeys. The downward trail from Phedang is covered with high rising magnolia forest.

The trail from Phedang to Dzongri will give you chills if you are going around alone. The entire area is covered by snow and blowing winds will literally make you feel like someone is standing or following you.

Once you enter the trail for Dzongri, after a little hike you get to see what might not expect. The beauty of chaos - created by the rhododendrons. It is trees all over, its branches and creepers falling all over from the top. In between that chaos you get to see the little red flowers that will simply blow your mind. After hiking the toughest part of the trek viz. from Tshoka to Dzongri we were all gasping for a breath.

The next that blows you off is Dzongri. The best part about this place is that when it snows it's all white and when it's not snowing it's all red and brown. This place gives you chills during the night as the mercury touches -20 during the nights but warms you up with crystal clear skies and the clearest view of stars if you are lucky enough.

The best part about this place is that when its snows its all white and when its not snowing its all red and brown. This is a panorama from the top of Dzongri.

Coming down from Dzongri it was all white as it was snowing for the last two days.

With the sunrise at Dzongri, you will be seeing giants that are beyond the scope of scale. You will be literally standing at the base of the highest peaks of the world.

Most of the peaks stand above 6,000 meters and it's only an experience of a lifetime. The next steps take you to the place called Goecha La, which is basically the base camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga if anyone wants to scale up the mountain from the Indian side.

The entire range starting from Mt. Pandim to Mt. Kanchenjunga is visible from here and knocks anyone off his/her feet.

4am in the morning we started to climb for the GoecheLa top and reached there by 5:30, just see the entire surrounding full of storm clouds - dark, heavy and fast moving.

I hope you enjoyed seeing the beauty of the Indian side of the Himalayas.

About the author : Tanay Das is an amateur fine art landscape photographer based in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. You can find more of Das' work on his Facebook and Instagram.

#features #travel #goechala #himalayas #india #landscape #tanaydas #trek

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