Mountaineering?

Mikep_ · Feb 27th, 2007, 03:21

I am going to be visiting a friend who is on an extended stay in Rishikesh. While I am there I would like to do some mountaineering (I'm an experienced climber) but I do not know much about climbing in India. Does anyone know if permits are required? I know certain areas have been closed. What are other good areas? What is the climbing season? I have emailed a couple of guide services but no one has gotten back to me. Any help will be appreciated.

AvidTrekker · Feb 27th, 2007, 23:43

What levels of difficulty are you looking for?? Are you a rock-wall climber or a snow and ice climber?

Most peaks above 6000m [except Stok Kangri] are regulated. All foreigners must apply to the IMF around six months in advance for permission. You also must have a specific mountaineering "X" visa issued from your home Country. [no conversions allowed while you are already here]. After permssion is granted, a liaison officer will accompany you [compulsorily, no option] to ensure that you stick to your permitted route and mountain.

In spite of all these bureaucratic hassles, mountaineers DO climb in India. Some more paperwork and a lot of advanced planning required.

If you want to climb mountains around 5980m or less which are NOT within 5 km of the int'l border, just sniff around and you can hire some agencies [Manali or Rishikesh] who will come with you as a "trekking" team. If you climb afterwards, there is no one to verify what you are doing.

DANGER: There is NO rescue possible and you will be on your own if some mishap occurs.

Think about these things, and welcome to India

Mikep_ · Feb 28th, 2007, 07:13

Thanks, I have put together expeditions to So. America and Alaska but this seems to be a whole different game. I'll try to find a service before I go.

VSK Sharma · Feb 28th, 2007, 22:47

Hi,
I would suggest that you come to India and do some high altitude trekking around Gangotri region, which your friend who is at Rishikesh must be aware of. While at Delhi visit Indian Mountaineering Foundation and gather info about climbing in India. Visit www.indmount.org for some info.
Well trekking and climbing in Himalaya is a different ball game.
Welcome to Himalaya

mtnjim · Mar 4th, 2007, 21:47

Love to hear how your trip goes. I understand the "powers that be" in all their forms make it a bit more difficult to organize trips than some neighboring countries do. It'd be nice to get some first hand info.

VSK Sharma · Mar 7th, 2007, 23:47

Hi,
May be mountaineering trip would require some more running around but not much. Yes a trip to the border requires more permissions. Have a word with IMF and maybe things workout without much problem.

himadventures · Mar 8th, 2007, 21:06

There are many peaks below 6000m which are good challenge to a experienced climber.Moreover AVID is right...but it seems you are SOLO- so you have to try alpine style climbing OR if you opt for treditional style then it will take time as well as more money to attempt mountain.

CB range is one which can be tried for e intial climbing besides CWM of BEAS KUND which is having access to some below 6000m peaks and if you want to go deeper....Try MAKER-BEH / SHIKER-BEH

Feb 27th, 2007, 03:21	#1
Mikep_ Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: California Posts: 2	Mountaineering? I am going to be visiting a friend who is on an extended stay in Rishikesh. While I am there I would like to do some mountaineering (I'm an experienced climber) but I do not know much about climbing in India. Does anyone know if permits are required? I know certain areas have been closed. What are other good areas? What is the climbing season? I have emailed a couple of guide services but no one has gotten back to me. Any help will be appreciated.

Feb 27th, 2007, 23:43	#2
AvidTrekker Veda Chanting & Mantra Yoga teacher Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: body in Mumbai, head in Himalaya Posts: 2,785	What difficulty? What levels of difficulty are you looking for?? Are you a rock-wall climber or a snow and ice climber? Most peaks above 6000m [except Stok Kangri] are regulated. All foreigners must apply to the IMF around six months in advance for permission. You also must have a specific mountaineering "X" visa issued from your home Country. [no conversions allowed while you are already here]. After permssion is granted, a liaison officer will accompany you [compulsorily, no option] to ensure that you stick to your permitted route and mountain. In spite of all these bureaucratic hassles, mountaineers DO climb in India. Some more paperwork and a lot of advanced planning required. If you want to climb mountains around 5980m or less which are NOT within 5 km of the int'l border, just sniff around and you can hire some agencies [Manali or Rishikesh] who will come with you as a "trekking" team. If you climb afterwards, there is no one to verify what you are doing. DANGER: There is NO rescue possible and you will be on your own if some mishap occurs. Think about these things, and welcome to India __________________ The Universe is an ellipsoid?... or a Spheroid?? If the sphere smiles... it becomes an ellipse. This IS Creation.

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Feb 28th, 2007, 07:13	#3
Mikep_ Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: California Posts: 2	Thanks, I have put together expeditions to So. America and Alaska but this seems to be a whole different game. I'll try to find a service before I go.

Feb 28th, 2007, 22:47	#4
VSK Sharma Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Pune,India Posts: 408	Hi, I would suggest that you come to India and do some high altitude trekking around Gangotri region, which your friend who is at Rishikesh must be aware of. While at Delhi visit Indian Mountaineering Foundation and gather info about climbing in India. Visit www.indmount.org for some info. Well trekking and climbing in Himalaya is a different ball game. Welcome to Himalaya

Mar 4th, 2007, 21:47	#5
mtnjim Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Colorado USA Posts: 12	Love to hear how your trip goes. I understand the "powers that be" in all their forms make it a bit more difficult to organize trips than some neighboring countries do. It'd be nice to get some first hand info.

Mar 7th, 2007, 23:47	#6
VSK Sharma Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Pune,India Posts: 408	Hi, May be mountaineering trip would require some more running around but not much. Yes a trip to the border requires more permissions. Have a word with IMF and maybe things workout without much problem.

Mar 8th, 2007, 21:06	#7
himadventures Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: India Posts: 1,069	There are many peaks below 6000m which are good challenge to a experienced climber.Moreover AVID is right...but it seems you are SOLO- so you have to try alpine style climbing OR if you opt for treditional style then it will take time as well as more money to attempt mountain. CB range is one which can be tried for e intial climbing besides CWM of BEAS KUND which is having access to some below 6000m peaks and if you want to go deeper....Try MAKER-BEH / SHIKER-BEH

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