|
|
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. Prior medical examination is
essential. The permanent snowline, 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.
The Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF),
Benito Juarez Road, Anand Niketan,
New Delhi - 110021
Tel: 671211, 602245, 6883412
Fax: 91-011-6883412
|