Adventure in India

Rock Climbing in India, initially began as training for mountaineering and turned into an exciting sport about 15 years ago. Rock-climbing is largely balance and not strength. Balance also determines the value of strength by how much energy you spend actually climbing

Sheer rock faces, ideal for rock climbing, can be found in many areas. The Aravali hills have good climbing faces at Dumdama, Dhauj and Nuh, all situated near Delhi. The Western Ghats have Mumbra and Dudha beyond Pune. Himachal Pradesh offers the Manali Valley, Manikaran and the Rohtang Pass. Rajasthan has Mount Abu and Sariska which have gentler rocks. In Karnataka there are the Chamundi Hills.

High-altitude climbers will enjoy the rock faces at Sonmarg in Kashmir and Gangotri in Garhwal, Uttaranchal. These trips are advisable in the summer and autumn months. Certain climbs can often prove gruelling and tough, but the magic of the beautiful landscape, the cool weather and pure air keeps the climber's spirit up.

Most climbs are graded from 1 to the 30's. The highest grade climbed is currently 32. Serious climbing starts around 10. Beginners normally do the early tens and then move upwards.

Rock-climbing can become complex because it involves the interplay of many elements: you, your gear, your skill and technique.

Best Season

October to February. Monsoons should be avoided.

Safety

Climbing is relatively safe, but that shouldn't stop all climbers from taking precautions. Climbers are not oblivious to heights. As a climber, you cannot afford to suffer from vertigo or a lapse of judgment. Specialist equipment such as ropes is often used to protect climbers from falls.


Indoor climbing gyms

Indoor climbing gyms help in developing many skills in outdoor climbing especially rock climbing. Unfortunately, these are not found in India but in Western countries.

Classification of rock surface according to gradients

A rock surface with a slope of less than 30 degress is Glacis. One can easily walk up or down such a rock. A rock surface with a slope between 30 to 75 degrees is called as a Slab. A rock surface with a slope between 75 to 90 degrees is called as a Wall.

A rock portion projecting overhead and having an angle of more than 90 degrees is called as Overhang. A rock portion projecting outwards like a roof at nearly 180* is called a Roof.

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Adventure In India