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.
India
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