|
MOUNTAINEERING
 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. For more details contact the Secretary,
Indian Mountaineering Foundation.
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. For further information contact
the IMF.
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
Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited (GMVN), Kailash Gate, Muni-ki-Reti,
Rishikesh, Uttar Pradesh, India Tel: 32648 Fax: 01364-30372
|
