Mountaineering
in India
If
you're fired by the spirit of adventure, let the sparks in your heart fly......
in India, a land blessed with lofty snow-clad peaks, crystal glaciers, rolling
meadows, jagged rock faces, verdant valleys, meandering rivers, cascading waterfalls,
dense forests, and hospitable people, blessed with a rich culture - a land perfect
for mountaineering, trekking, and rock climbing.
Seasons:
While the mountaineering season tends to be concentrated around the April-November
period, a number of climbs are also attempted in winter (December-March) which,
though much colder, allows for clearer climbing days.
Categories:
Mountaineering routes are graded, according to the degree of difficulty and accessibility.
Prior medical examination is essential. The permanent snowline, generally being
in the region of 5,200 m, the degree of difficulty of mountaineering routes, can
broadly be defined as :
Moderate: Requiring knowledge of basic
mountaineering techniques, such as those imparted by the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering
at Uttarkashi, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute at Darjeeling, and the Western
Himalayan Institute of Mountaineering at Manali.
Advanced:
For
this category of peaks, it is necessary to be in top physical condition, and to
possess advanced mountaineering skills, either through the advanced courses of
mountaineering institutes, or through expedition experience. Within this category,
further demarcation is possible, till the highest degrees of difficulty.
Locales: The main mountaineering locales, are in the Garhwal and Kumaon
regions of Uttar Pradesh. In Garhwal, the areas, include the Tons-Banderpunch
region, the Gangotri glacier system, the Nanda Devi sanctuary (presently closed),
Arwa glacier area, Kamet and Abi Gamin. The roadheads for these at Taluka, Gangotri,
Joshimath, and Malari, can be reached in two or three days from Delhi. In Kumaon,
the areas include the Kalabaland glacier system, the Panch Chulhi, Rajrambha,
and Chaudhara peaks, and the peaks of the Nandakot basin, on the eastern flank
of the Nanda Devi sanctuary.
Equipment: Equipment can be
hired, either from clubs, or purchased from one of the agencies selling it. Prior
to setting out, all equipment must be tested, and team members must familiarize
themselves with its use. Kerosene must be carried, so that the fragile mountain
environment is not further degraded, by cutting any wood. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas
Nigam has a full-fledged mountaineering and trekking division, based at Muni-ki-Reti,
Rishikesh
Permits: 
For
information about Peak booking fees, Inner Line restrictions, import of equipment,
camera permits, insurance, medical attention, and evacuation procedures, contact
the Indian Mountaineering Foundation based at Delhi. This is the national apex
coordinating body for the sport in India
Important: All expeditions,
whether Indian, foreign, or joint, are required to apply to the IMF, at least
six months prior to departure, so that all the formalities are completed within
the time frame. Leaders of returning expeditions, are required to submit reports,
and adequate proof of the climbs, to the IMF. While Indian nationals and IMF sponsored
joint expeditions, can attempt peaks beyond the 'Inner Line', foreign nationals
are as a rule not permitted to do so. Additionally, all expeditions by foreign
nationals, are required to be accompanied by an Indian liaison officer at their
cost.
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Adventures in India
—› Camel Safaris
India —› Polo
in India —› Motor
Rallying India —› Hang
Gliding in India —›
Heli Skiing in India —›
Jeep Safari India —›
Motorbike Safari India —›
Horse Safari India —›
Water Sports in India —›
Mountaineering in India —›
Trekking in India —›
Camping in India —›
River Rafting in India —›
Skiing in India —›
Rock Climbing India
