Rock Climbing Vacation in India

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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.

Rock climbing is one of the best outdoor activities. When you are ascending you concentrate on your moves and can't think of all the everyday stuff. You are in a different "world" and it's a great feeling! Rock climbings most basic features include climbing a rock face, using only hands, feet and a safety rope.

Requirements

You will need gear such as rock climbing shoes, rock climbing ropes, helmets, harnesses, belay and rappel devices, nuts, cams, pitons, quick draws, ascenders and others. Here you can find easy to understand information about the rock climbing gear and learn how to choose it according to your needs. Also get advice on maintenance and lifespan of the basic pieces of the equipment like shoes and ropes.

Tips

When moving up, stay as close to the wall as you can, the closer your center of gravity is to the wall, the less your muscles have to work to hold you. When resting straighten your arms and lean back. Rely upon your legs more than your upper body strength. Your legs are much stronger than your arms so don't just try to act macho by pulling yourself up the wall, just stand up! Don't lean too far away from the wall when you are resting, when you are ready to continue it will just take more strength to pull your body back against the face.

Classification of rocks according to Faults

Rock Climbing in IndiaVertical, horizontal or slanting cracks can be used for climbing. Depending on their width one can use an appropriate technique for climbing. A wider crack in which a climber can enter is called as chimney. If the crack is wider than a chimney then it is called as a gully. A corner is formed where two rock walls meet each other at about 90 degrees. A groove is formed by two narrow rock walls meeting each other at an angle.If the angle is more than 90 degrees then it is called as Shallow groove and it is less then it is called as Vee groove. A small blunt and narrow ridge protruding out of the rock is called as Rib. A much sharper projection than the rib called as arete. A position on the rock wall where a climber can comfortably stand or sit is called a stance. A ledge is comparatively a wider stance where a group of 2-3 climbers can sit or stand during a climbing activity.

Types of rock climbing

Rock climbing Bouldering: This is the purest form of climbing and requires the least amount of gear.

Sport climbing

Peak bagging

Free soloing: This is climbing without a rope but this is one of the dangerous aspects as there is no room for error.

Expedition climbing: There are no rules here. You can use any kind of gear to get up. Probably the most expensive form of climbing.

Crag climbing: Multipitch rock climbing at its best.

Wall climbing: Wall climbing uses aid climbing gear to directly support your weight on a wall. This is the opposite of "free" climbing where gear is only used in the event of. Mixed aid and free climbing are call "mixed climbing." Alpinism: A blend of rock and snow/ice climbing. Very few climbers come in this category.

Rock Climbing Regions in India

Rock climbing is an almost year round sport in India, except during the Monsoon season. The fun on the rocks is mainly concentrated in and around Delhi; near Pune on the Western Ghats; along the Bombay-Nashik at centers like Mumbra and Dulha; in Manali in Himachal Pradesh; the Chamundi Hills in Karnataka, and in Sonamarg, a popular base in Kashmir.

Himachal Pradesh

Excellent terrain for rock climbing is found in Himachal Pradesh at Patalsu, Bharmour and Manali, making them popular with rock-climbing enthusiasts. The best thing about rock climbing in Himachal is the availability of all rock features like - slabs, chimneys, walls and overhangs at almost all the places. Among some major mountain climbing institutes that also offer courses in rock climbing in the state include the Mountaineering Institute at Dharashala, Bharmour, Narkanda and Jispa.
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Uttaranchal

Gangotri in the Garhwal Himalayas too sees excellent high altitude rock climbing but one should always try out the rocking expedition in the summer and autumn months.
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Rajasthan

Gentler rocks are found at Mount Abu and Sariska in Rajasthan, which are a part of Aravalli range. Equipment and professional help are available for amateur rock climbers.
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