First Time in the Greater Himalayas: A Journey Beyond Manali

Beautiful white-and-dark landscape of the Himalayas.

During the past winter, I was fortunate to embark on my First Time in the Greater Himalayas, an unforgettable journey with my friends. This remarkable experience allowed me to witness the grandeur of the mighty Himalayas, a travel gem worth capturing and sharing in a blog post.

Our adventure began at Manali in Himachal Pradesh, the gateway to this majestic mountain range. Here, we were embraced by the welcoming scenery adorned with lush vegetation, truly a splendid sight to behold.

Before I introduce my journey, here is a brief overview of the Himalayas and their Ranges for those unaware.

“Himalayas, the great mountain system of Asia forming a barrier between the Plateau of Tibet to the north and the alluvial plains of the Indian subcontinent to the south. The Himalayas include the highest mountains in the world, with more than 110 peaks rising to 24,000 feet (7,300 meters) or above sea level.”
Britannica

The Himalayan Ranges are divided longitudinally into three parallel ranges: The Shivaliks (the outer Himalayas), The Lesser Himalayas (the middle Himalayas), and The Greater Himalayas (also called Himadri, which includes Mt. Everest).

Himachal or the Lesser Himalayas - First Time in the Greater Himalayas
Himachal or the Lesser Himalayas — Photo by Somil Gupta.

The grandeur of the Himalayas lies in their towering mountains, verdant valleys, tranquil lakes, and snow-capped peaks, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Experiencing the Greater Himalayas for the first time feels like stepping into a magical world.

Starting Our First Time in the Greater Himalayas at Atal Tunnel

Our journey commenced with a visit to the renowned Atal Tunnel — an engineering marvel boasting the title of the world’s longest single-tube highway tunnel, nestled at an altitude exceeding 3,000 meters.

Lush green Himalayan range - First Time in the Greater Himalayas
Lush green Himalayan range — Photo by Somil Gupta.

Before entering the tunnel, the scenery on the south side unfolded like a breathtaking canvas. But our jaws dropped when we exited the Atal Tunnel.

It was like we stepped through a portal into an entirely new realm. The lush greenery accompanying us vanished, replaced by a surreal black-and-white landscape stretching as far as the eye could see. This was truly a moment to remember during our first time in the Greater Himalayas.

Naturally black-and-white mountains - First Time in the Greater Himalayas
The moment when the Himalayas turned grey — Photo by Somil Gupta.

Leaving the Greater Himalayas with Gratitude

Closing our first time in the Greater Himalayas, the memories were as diverse as the landscapes, from the lush greenery near Manali to the surreal grey peaks beyond the Atal Tunnel. It was an immersive experience of adventure, serenity, and natural beauty.

Meditating in the wilderness - First Time in the Greater Himalayas
Meditating in the wilderness — Photo by Somil Gupta.

The Greater Himalayas taught us to appreciate Earth’s dynamic beauty, fostering gratitude for the world we live in. A journey like this leaves an everlasting mark on your soul.

Thanks for reading my story about my first time in the Greater Himalayas. If you like to read more travel adventures, subscribe to me on Medium. Till then, Sayonara!