Mountaineering & Rock Climbing

Mountaineering and rock climbing in Himachal Pradesh are popular adventure sports that you can enjoy. Home to mountain ranges situated at an altitude of 4000 meters and higher, it is surrounded by picturesque valleys and snow capped peaks that are a mountaineer's delight. They are not too high that beginners cannot try their hand at the sport nor too low to leave experts uninspired. Himachal Pradesh offers you unspoiled and natural elevated terrain to climb on. Summer and autumn months are ideal for these activities. Indianholiday.com brings you the details

Experience of Mountaineering and Rock Climbing in Himachal Pradesh

Climbing on elevated topography requires a great deal of physical and mental strength. It is not for the unfit, and accidents can happen if there is even a momentary lapse of concentration. But, if you know your sport, this can be the most thrilling experience. You will get hard rock in the lower slopes and as you go higher you can find snow. The view all the way is breathtaking, especially after you reach the top. Spending thousands of calories is well worth it!

Number of adventure training institutes teach skiing, paragliding, rock climbing and mountaineering in Himachal Pradesh. The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports in Manali and Dharamshala is one of the largest in the country. You can enroll for a short term training course to hone your skills. They also organize climbing expeditions that you can participate in.

Whether you are rock climbing or mountaineering you must have the right climbing gear. While climbing you will need the right outfit that will keep you protected from the cold and rain. Choose waterproof attire. Other essential gear include robust shoes, anchor, belay, crampons, ice axes, rappel, carabiners, cordlette, bag, ropes and camping gear (that is if you want to rest on the peak!).

The mountain ranges of Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal and Chandra Bhaga in Himachal Pradesh are natural climbing regions in India. Popular mountains and peaks for climbing can be categorized for beginners and experts:

• Patalsu Peak in Manali (4500 meters)
• Shitidhar Mountain in Manali (4600 meters)
• Friendship Peak in the Pir Panjal Range (5289 meters)

• Beas Kund
• Mount Hanuman Tibba (5932 meters)
• Mount Deo Tibba (6001 meters)
• Mount Ladakhi in Manali (5345 meters)
• Seven Sisters in Manali (about 4500 meters)

This is not a complete list of climbing sites. There are many more peaks to climb in Himachal Pradesh. Many of them are still undiscovered!

The first step to mountaineering and rock climbing in Himachal Pradesh is to book a tour. Indianholiday.com provides tour packages to Himachal Pradesh and other places in India.