History of Garhwal Himalaya : The history of Garhwal is older than that of Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is a land of popular myths like Lord Shiva appearing as Kirat ; the Urvashi, the Shakuntala and the Kaurvas and Pandvas. Worship of Lord Shiva is predominant in this region.

The first recorded name of this region was Kartripur. Later on, since it was surrounded on all sides by mountains, it came to be known as "Giri-avil' which, by passage of time got transformed into Garhwal.

The dress of higher Himalayan inhabitants consists of a Jacket and blanket, tied around the waist and open down the right breast. On their head the villagers generally wear a black cap whereas a piece of blanket is worn around shoulders. The houses in villages are usually two storied; the lower story being appropriated to cattle while the upper story is used for living purpose. In the construction of houses, they make wooden walls interceded with stone slabs, especially in the northern part of Garhwal Himalaya. 

The house are generally covered by stones and wooden planks. The first floor consists of wooden slabs and mud. The windows and doors of the houses are normally small in size. The back of the house is entirely shut up. In Jaunsar Bawar, the houses, in many instances, are three to four storied. However, the daily food of the people is chapati, sag (dal and vegetable), and rice, Ghee, khichri (rice mixed with pulse), kheer (rice cooked in milk) are also fondly used by the people. In western part of Garhwal Himalaya, people generally wear Suttan (trouser), Kurta (choli), Farji (shirt and blouse), Pagar (pagri or hear-ire), Gatra (kamarband), Thapka (kardhani), Khilka (langot), Suddaka (waist-coat), Panchedi (cloth which is worn outside the choli), Ghaghara (skirt) and Dhoti. These dresses are more similar to those worn by Himachal people than thouse used in the Garhwal region. 

In the name of ornaments and jewellery, they used silver, gold, and copper made ornaments. The popular ornaments generally worn by females are commonly known as Kangan, Nath, Bulak and Fulli (all garments are made of gold and used by women). Kangan is used by both male and female.

Western part of Garhwal has joint family system and the chief of the family is oldest and the senior most person, followed by all other family members. The familiar terms of relationship are Baba (father), Boe (mother), Dedi (elder sister), Bhuli (younger sister), Dadda (grandfather), Nani (mother's  mother), Dadi (grandmother), etc. This important means of entertainment of the people are religious festivals like Makar Sakranti, Panchami, Bakuntha Chaturdashi, Ramlila, Jhumela (a group song arranged by villagers during night time) and other seasonal events. The society is mainly divided into three parts : Brahamana, Rajput and Harijan.

The Indian Himalayas contains some of the world’s most diverse and breathtakingly beautiful challenging impressive peaks of the Himalayan chain in the north, high-altitude plains and remote mountain passes. Catch the most panoramic views of the incomparable land of Indian Himalayas. The Indian Himalayas takes you across the lovely land that it dotted with a variety of thrill adventure destinations.

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'' I still believe that Garhwal Himalaya in India is the most beautiful country of all high Asia." T.G. Longstaff, The Ascent of Nanda Devi. Trekking in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve , Himalaya!   Back to Top   The Indian Himalayas contains some of the world?s most diverse and breathtakingly beautiful challenging impressive peaks of the Himalayan chain in the north, high-altitude plains and remote mountain passes. Catch the most panoramic views of the incomparable land of Indian Himalayas. The Indian Himalayas takes you across the lovely land that it dotted with a variety of thrill adventure destinations.   Minimum 2 Persons & above traveling together can have departures dates as per the travel plans.   For our specialized tailor-made trekking programs for Individuals and small groups please write to us details with exact number of persons, No. of Days, & month of travel. We will send you detailed programs most suitable to your requirements.   OUR MOTTO        * to explore & preserve Indian Himalayas in an ecological way, * to enjoy sports challenges and Adventure Holidays in secure conditions, * to share Indian / western cultures in an open and light way.   We propose you trekking, eco tours, biking, rafting, skiing, climbing and Adventure Holidays in the "Abode of Gods", as Indian people name Garhwal Himalayas. We have our own latest Snow Skiing / trekking / rafting / climbing equipments and we do not sublet our clients to other operators, as other do.        We welcome American Express, Master, VISA Credit Cards                                                                 For Further Details Contact us : The Himalayan Adventures & Holidays :   Email us :  garhwalhimalaya@yahoo.com  / garhwalhimalaya@gmail.com / garhwalhimalaya@hotmail.com                                                                                Our purpose is to do eco trekkings as a challenge to show that balance between different cultures and balance between human and earth is possible.