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Rock climbing is not very different from mountaineering except that instead of snow
there are rocks involved in this adventure sport. Rock climbing's most basic features
include climbing a rock face, using only hands, feet and a safety rope.
If you are good at climbing, then you can definitey try out this sport. But, some
rock traverses in certain areas extend over great lengths and merit championship
status. Certain climbs can often prove gruelling and tough, but the magic of the
surrounding mountains landscapes always keep the spirits high of a climber.
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Take along this rock climbing gear, before you nest climbing trip: shoes, chalkbag,
harness, rpes, ropecare, belay devices, cordlette, webbing and carbiners. Try out
a lot of shoes before buying the one that exactly fits your climbing requirement.
If you are beginner in climbing, go for high top shoes with midsole. Even if used
rock climbing gear can save money, better not take used ropes, harness or slings.
Cams, stoppers and biners can last a lifetime. The bottomline here is that if you
haven't bought any new climbing gear yourself and then better not take up a used
one.
Another thing that a climber has to keep in mind is the climbing route. Carry a
map that guide you about the routes you are planning to take. Remember, any rope
can break when loaded over a sharp edge. It is not possible to produce a rope that
is strong enough not to break when loaded over a sharp edge, however, the maximum
chance for survival is with a new rope.
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Choose your mountain first, according to your capabilities and abilities. To get
a zest of lengthy, steep climbing at high altitude, beginners should consider starting
with a non-technical "walk-up". The adequately steep snowy peaks need
basic skills and particular equipment to climbing safely. It requires hooks, ice
axe, safety fittings, and a rope to link the climbers together.
It is important to decide weather you are interested in climbing a peak or high-altitude
trekking and the hazards involved in the tour as well as your physical fitness.
Consult the doctor to determine your physical condition and take proper medical
precautions as per the doctor's advice.
All the medicines that one may require and other basic surgical equipment should
be taken along with you. High-altitude survival techniques, Proper mountaineering
directions and first aid techniques should be taken into account.
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Before you tackle the big mountains, you'll need to test your skills on molehills.
The first most essential skill the perquisite of mountaineering is your physical
fitness that will tell you the amount of fun you will be driving while climbing.
Before challenged climbing, workout routines should be frequent and rigorous. To
maintain your cardiovascular fitness, try walking with a loaded haversack, running,
biking, swimming, climbing of stairs and cross-country skiing. For upper-body strength,
try push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, and indoor climbing.
Acquire the skills of mountaineering from an experienced mountaineer or certified
guiding service. If you are going for your first climbing go for basic mounting
techniques that includes signals, belaying, anchor systems, and climbing protection,
basic rope management, useful climbing knots, and most important, basic wilderness
survival.
Ambitious peak-beginner with better rock-climbing skills might try to start with
steeper, more technical and less snowy beginner mountains. Beginner-peak climbs
typically take one or two days, there are climbing schools offering multi-day mountaineering
courses with their climbs.
With a couple of technical beginner peaks under your belt, try going for much harder
expedition peaks, that needs longer walks and minimum of a week climbing.
At the top of the mountaineering pyramid are the Himalayan giants that exceed 8,000m
/26,246 feet in altitude, of these majestic mountains, only Everest are constantly
served by commercial outfitters, which accommodate unskilled climbers.
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The equipment requisite for mountaineering are climbing rope, ice axe, stiff-soled
over-the-ankle boots, warm clothing, energy food and drinks, survival gear, and
at least one partner. Depending on the mountain and its conditions, you also might
need hook for drawing along; a helmet; slings; safety that can be adopted on rock,
ice, or snow; an avalanche beacon; a chest harness; hammer, tent, sleeping bag and
rucksack. You can get all these equipment from climbing shops or can taken on rent.
Other requirements include extreme winter clothing and oxygen- if necessary, are
normally provided by the outfitter.
Most of the equipment is normally supplied by Indian Mountaineering Foundation in
Delhi or from the tourism offices of state governments. If you have booked your
tour with any adventure tour operator, then all the necessary equipments are provided
by the operator. There are more than 300 mountaineering clubs in India and can also
be contacted for your prerequisites.
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Anchor or Protection: A fixed support on the mountain terrain that holds the weight
of a climber while falling or descending.
Belay: Various techniques used by a rope climber to have a control while descending.
Carabiner: A metal snap-link used for attaching the rope to an anchor.
Crampons: Metal boot attachments with numerous spikes that render adhesive friction
on slippery snow and ice.
Rappel: A controlled slide down through anchored rope.
Sling: Nylon tubular webbing with its ends either fastened or professionally sewn
together making a loop used to attach an anchor.
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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.
Rock Climbing Places in India:
- Manali, HP
- Delhi
- Near Pune, Maharashtra
- Mumbra, Maharashtra
- Dulha, Maharashtra
- Chamundi Hills, Karnataka
- Sonamarg, J&K
- Mount Abu, Rajasthan
- Sariska Sanctuary, Rajasthan
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