By Parag Ranjan Dutta

Geologically, the Himalayas, which emerged from the bottom of the Tethys Sea around sixty million years ago, are not just mountains to the people of India. Many Indians share a deep emotional attachment to this mighty mountain range. Compared to the age of the Earth, the Himalayas are young fold mountains, formed some 40–60 million years ago during the Miocene geological period.

To millions of Indians, the Himalayas are the abode of Gods and Goddesses. According to Hindu belief, it is the seat of Lord Shiva. The incredibly beautiful Himalayas possess a captivating charm that allures people from all walks of life — mountaineers, trekkers, nature lovers, botanists, and more.

This narrative unfolds two contrasting sides of the Himalayas, based on real-life stories — t

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