From the Indus in the northwest to the Brahmaputra in the southeast, the highest mountain ranges on Earth stretch over 2,500 km – an endless sea of icy, imposing peaks. In the valleys of the Himalayas and on the plateaus, diverse peoples have settled over centuries, creating a vibrant coexistence of cultures and traditions. The various religions are a lively part of the daily life of the 40 million inhabitants of the Himalayas – with colorful mask dances, arduous pilgrimages to sacred mountains and lakes, monumental religious buildings, and the colorful prayer flags that flutter everywhere in the wind. This illustrated book, featuring a collection of impressive images from various photo expeditions, showcases the fascination of this region and its people. In nine chapters, it covers the northwestern Indian states of Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, the 'Roof of the World' Tibet, Nepal, the former mini-kingdom of Mustang, Bhutan, and the northeastern Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. Although Ladakh and Zanskar also belong to Kashmir, they are presented in a separate chapter due to their geographical and cultural uniqueness. An introductory text provides the necessary background on the Himalayan region and its people, particularly regarding Buddhism and Hinduism.