The Himalayas are believed to be dwelling places of gods and enlightened beings by followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and the Tibetan religion of Bon. Every year, thousands of travellers make pilgrimages to sacred Himalayan peaks like Mount Kailash (Government of Uttarakhand, n.d.). Culture has a role in protecting biodiversity and the ecosystem in the Himalayas through a deep respect and connection with nature rooted in religious beliefs (Barwal, n.d.).
Mani Stones
Rock piles in the Himalayas, known as Mani Stones, are spiritually important, especially in Tibet. They’re carved with prayers and placed along paths, rivers, and mountain passes as offerings and markers. In Ladakh, stacking stones (labtse) shows respect, seeks blessings, and marks travel through sacred areas. These piles reflect the impermanence of life and people’s connection to the natural landscape.
Significance of Himalayas
The Himalaya continues to provide economic opportunities like mining and mineral extraction (Government of Nepal, n.d.), construction materials, hydrothermal energy and tourism, while glaciers provide a regulated water store (Raman, 2025). However, shifting water supplies, extreme weather events and natural disasters cause social and economic pressures and disrupt infrastructure (Matta et al., 2025).
