Dance has a long history in India and the other Himalayan countries. Many of the most important Hindu deities are traditionally depicted dancing, and dance is a vital element of all festivals, may they be Hindu, Buddhist or non-religious.

There are hundreds of different styles of folk dances: They typically feature elaborate costumes, masks or jewellery and even the slightest wink has a deeper meaning. There are dances like Kathakali in South India, which tell entire stories, the stick dances of the Tharu in Nepal or comical religious dances in Bhutan.

Why not join into a night of traditional dancing with your trekking porters and guides on your next trekking holiday? They will be happy to teach you.

Header picture taken from Flickr CC, Copyright by jay8085.