1. Benefits to Body, Heart, and Mind
Why you should practice yoga in the Himalayas?
Practising yoga in the mountains has benefits for our three major areas, our body, heart and mind. Therefore, when we perform series of asanas (physical yoga postures) and pranayama (yogic breathing techniques) at a higher altitude where air is pure, our body and brain becomes more oxygenated. In addition, it also stimulates our cardiovascular system and increases energy flooding into our bodies.
There is no better place to learn and practice the holistic system and ancient science of Yoga in the Himalayas. Practising yoga amidst the majestic mountains facilitates and rebalances our mind, body, spirit connection. This in turn, elevates the level of human consciousness.
2. Birthplace of Yoga and Meditation
Himalayas is believed to be the birthplace of yoga and meditation. It has been central to scriptures, myths and legends of countless cultures and religions. Himalayas has also been linked to self-realised masters for thousands of years where saints and Rishis have meditated as these mountains embody spiritual aspiration and humankind’s highest potential.
3. High Spiritual Vibrations and Life energy
The Himalayas has been charged with spiritual vibrations for thousands of years. Just like we have our own energy centres or chakras, Mother Earth also has hers. In essence, our beautiful planet has got many strong energy fields and vortexes and the Himalayas is the Earth’s Crown Chakra. In particular, the crown jewel of Himalayas is in Mt Kailash, Tibet. Hence, whenever we connect with these places such as Himalayas, it can have a profound effect on our energy. Our aura receives a calming high frequency energy. This crown chakra broadcasts Earth’s true will and connecting with this vibe/energy into our life helps us become more in tune with our life purpose and soul blueprint. This leads to us listening to our higher self and intuition more.
4. Awe-inspiring Beauty and Serenity when you practice yoga in the Himalayas
The Himalayas awe-inspiring beauty and serenity is the perfect backdrop to practice yoga and meditation. For example, there are stunning lush green forests of pine and cedars, vibrant colours of wild mountain flowers and panoramic views of rhododendrons. In addition, we can enjoy majestic views of soaring crystal shiny peaks of Himalayas, azure blue sky and picturesque nature, and tranquil setting.
We can rejuvenate our souls as we watch clouds play hide and seek in the perfect ambience of the Himalayas. We can gaze at snow peaks change into hues of orange with the rising sun. Meditating in the Himalayas is paradise on earth. They say that the universe was born in the Himalayas, that deep in the Himalayas is the origin of all creation and it is the door between worlds.
5. Beautiful Weather and Fresh Pure Air
The weather of the region is especially in the Himalayan foothills is also perfect for practising yoga and meditation. We can benefit greatly from the purity and freshness of the natural Himalayan air which is free from pollution.
6. Rich Culture and Heritage
It’s breathtaking natural beauty aside, Himalayas is also enormously endowed with rich culture and heritage. Places in the mountains have spiritual connection and there are many Tibetan monasteries and ancient temples that cover the region.
Tibetan Prayer flags are colourful, rectangular cloths that are hung to promote compassion, peace, strength and wisdom. They are used to carry prayers and mantras through the wind. Blue symbolizes sky and space. White symbolizes air and wind. Red symbolizes fire. Green symbolizes water and yellow symbolizes earth.
The renowned Mahakal Temple in Darjeeling is where the original Dorjeling Monastery was and now is called Bhutia Busti Monastery. The original monastery was plundered in 1815 during Gorka invasion and was rebuilt on 1861. Today when you visit the temple, Hindu priests chant prayers and Buddhist monks read out their holy scripts, as both faiths harmoniously coexist together. There is also other monasteries and temples throughout Himalayas such as Hemis Monastery & Lamayuru in Ladakh, Boudhanath in Nepal, Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) in Bhutan.
7. Trekking and Adventure Activities while you practice yoga in the Himalayas
With the practice of yoga and meditation in the Himalayas, the region has also something to offer all kinds of travellers from spiritually inclined souls, to adventure seekers, explorers and nature enthusiasts. While learning and practising yoga students can take out time and indulge in fun adventure activities such as trekking, mountaineering, paragliding, and water-rafting. Explore here to find our more on some of the best treks of the Himalayas including Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Makalu Base Camp, and Gangotri Glacier Trek.
8. Local Delicacies and Gastronomic Delights
Himalayas also offer gastronomic delights to foodies who can gorge on local delicacies of the region, Indian and International cuisines. There is also sattvic, ayurvdeic, pure vegetarian options available while learning and practising yoga.
Delicious traditional food such as momos (Tibetan style dumplings), Thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup), and veg thali (round platter with rice, dal, vegetables, roti, and papad) are well renowned in within the Himalayan region.