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.
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Prior medical examination
is essential. The permanent snow line, 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. |
