General info Undoubtedly the center stage of the Indian Himalayas is formed by Garhwal. Garhwal, the land of many garhs, or forts, has been closely connected to the people of India since time immemorial. The Garhwal Himalayas seem to embody a mystical truth beyond the common precepts of man, a quality that has attracted sages and pilgrims alike for countless centuries. The peaks of Garhwal have not only aroused a sense of awe and eternity but also inspired great metaphysics and poetry.

Epitaph of the Man Eater of Rudraprayag. (Download Realplayer)

Garhwal region, from Panorama by Serbjeet Singh Credit: Karamjeet Singh

It is the birthplace of Hinduism's two most holy rivers - the Ganga (Ganges) and the Yamuna. Here lie the char dhams -- the four Himalayan shrines -- which have attracted Hindu pilgrims for ages. Every stone in the Himalayas is said to have a sanctity of its own, every hill-top a divine aspect and every stream a profound holiness.

In Garhwal, great peaks like Kamet, Trishul and Nanda Devi rise majestically, separated by some of the mightiest rivers of northern India. The crowning glory of Garhwal is the beautiful Nanda Devi, whose twin summits tower over 26,600 ft above sea level. It is these awe-inspiring peaks, the mighty rivers, the beautiful valleys and meadows, and the legends and stories associated with all of the above that make Garhwal so special.