Mountaineering Location :
Himachal, Garhwal, Ladakh and Kumaon.
Best Time : Summer months from May to Mid-October are best time to
suitable to climb mountains at high altitudes. Rainy months of July is not
advisable for mountain climbing as there landslides during rains are common.
Some Tips : Examine your physical and mental health before taking an
mountaineering expedition. Body resistance varies from person to person.
Exercising is an asset. It can help you build stamina. And always go with
experienced mountaineers.
Mountaineering in India
"Nine planets round the sun, only one does the sun embrace. Upon
this watered one, so much we take for granted; So let us sleep outside
tonight, lay down in our nature's arms, for here we can rest safely.
One sweet world around a star is spinning - One sweet world - And in her
breath we will be swimming, and here we will rest in peace."
It costs nothing than a fortune to be as close to our mother nature. Life
seems dwindling in front of vast canvas that appends all the mysterious
wonders of the world. There is so much to see while the time we have is so
little. So, if you are penchant about this small meeting with mother nature,
brace yourself for an unforgettable journey of the majestic mountains of
India.
Mountaineering Destinations
Himachal Pradesh
The foothills of Himalayas are the core of mountaineering activities in
India. The area around Manali, Beas Kund
and Hunuman Tibba are some of the popular mountaineering destinations in
Himachal Pradesh. If you are a beginner then Tibba is a perfect
mountaineering spot. The Chandra Bhaga ranges, Pir Panjal and Dhaulandhar
ranges are the focal points of such an adventurous expedition.
Jammu and Kashmir
Num, Kun and Zanskar ranges are choicest summits that are loved
mountaineers. The snow covered mountains not only offer great adventure but
bewitch mountaineers with the variegated surroundings that adorn Kashmir.
Climbing a mountains here is like climbing up the heaven. The high peaks
here will not only test your stamina but technical skills as well. Ladakh,
here, is the most enthralling mountaineering destination with a number of
high peaks testing mountaineers.
Garhwal
Garhwal draws an large number of trekkers in India. Either love for nature
or passion for adventure; Garhwal is a perfect mountaineering spot. The snow
covered mountain peaks of Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Kamet, Bandarpoonch, and
other peaks rising 1000 Mts. into the blue distant sky of the challenges to
the mountaineers to surmount and prevail over.
Some Precautions for Mountaineers
Mountaineering can be risky if you miss on even a very minute precaution.
You must consult a doctor to determine your physical stamina and body
resistance. All medicines that you mayu require while climbing should always
be there with you. Dehydration is a common problem so you must not forget to
carry a bottle of water with you. Moving in groups is always advisable as
you can be in touch with your friends, if need some help. Carraying your
identity card with yourself can really help. You may leave some of your
basic information with the organizers as well.
Permits and Licenses
For Foreign Nationals
If you are a foreign national, you may need permits to undertake mountain
climbing activity in India. It is a punishable offense to climb a mountain
without prior permission. You need to register yourself with the regular
authorities to avoid legal hassles. Send your application with all documents
at least three months in advance to Indian Mountaineering Foundation. You
have to specifically inform about the destination, path, group, group
leader, number of days and past experience in mountain climbing.
As you reach India, you may inquire from the from police or army
headquarter about the expedition. They can also help you hire porters and
liaison officer to assist you throughout your trip. You are expected to
ensure yourself to cover for accident risks and ground/helicopter search and
rescue. All mountaineers are expected to have X Mountaineering Visa endorsed
on their visa by Indian Embassy.
For Indian Nationals
Applications for mountaineering expedition should be sent to state
government or military base, 6 months in advance.
Trekking in restricted areas of
Jammu and Kashmir should be undertaken only after a clearance from military.
Medical examination is a must. Two weeks prior to the expedition, you must
inform the commissioner of police or defense base of a particular place;
about your trip. If any photographs are taken, they must be first cleared
from military. Insurance against all risks is necessary with a credit letter
for 35,000 and above if a helicopter search is required.
Things to Carry
There are a number of equipments that you may require while on a
mountaineering expedition. Ropes, crampon (ice-climbing spikes), gaiter,
head lamp, snow goggles, chock (a metal device inserted into rock as anchor;
also, nut), butane gas, twin sling, shoes, carabiners (oblong metal rings),
harness seat, ice axe, ascender, descender (a device used for rappelling),
hammer, tent, sleeping pad, rucksack, sleeping bag, jummar (device with
handles and is used in pairs to ascend a rope), pulley, and helmet are the
essentials.
Although most of these equipments can be hired or purchased from Indian
Mountaineering Foundation in Delhi or from the departments of tourism
offices of state governments but it is the responsibility of the adventure
tour operator, if you have hired one.
