MOUNTAINEERING IN INDIA

Mountaineering as a sport has a history as old as the history of the evolution of human race itself. Mountaineering started when the need was felt for people who could climb difficult heights and terrains to meet people across the border, to trade, or to conquer new territories. In the course of time, man developed new modes of transportation and communication and venturing out on these difficult routes were not needed. Nevertheless, what remained was his nature to take risks and getting pleasure in conquering something totally unknown and unexplored. This inner urge to take up challenges has led man to do things that are quite daring.

Mountaineering in India, as a sport came with the Europeans in the 18th century. That was a time when entire Europe was experiencing a new phase. New regions were being explored, won, and native peoples were being made to become civilized.

This zeal of adventurism found its ultimate fruition in the Himalayas-lofty, extremely difficult to conquer, and challenging enough to send a man back to his mother's womb. But, being men, these challenges were accepted and there began a tussle between men's ambitions and nature's reluctance. New heights were conquered, new routes were discovered, many lives lost, but the mission was accomplished. Today, almost all the major peaks are conquered and even general people have started taking mountaineering as a serious hobby.

For starters, India offers a wide spectrum of options for mountaineering as well as other related sports. Peaks and trekking routes are classified and maps are available for the interested travelers. Many institutes provide basic and advanced level courses in mountaineering and other related sports. All the equipment is locally available and other support resources can be found here.

Mountaineering is the unblemished adventure, for the body and soul. It is an endeavor to reach the vault of heaven, and explore the sprit of fantasy. India offers a vital range of mountaineering opportunities on its challenging peaks - the climber enthusiast can indulge in this romantic adventure in mountain ranges of Ladakh, the Nun-Kun Massif, in Jammu and Kashmir, in hills of Manali in Himalayas and Uttranchal.

Himalayas of North India The extreme Northern part of India holds immense mountaineering charm in the region of Jammu and Kashmir with some of its most beautiful snow capped peaks‚ where as Ladakh capture the attraction of some of the high altitude peaks with their scenic zest. The mountaineering through these valleys will encounter its visitors with its lush green alpine vales; flower-strewn meadows; meandering tributaries and river streams and glacier-topped mountains.

Kanchenjunga Sikkim lies in India's Eastern Himalayas, the abode of 5 peaks of Kanchenjunga Mountain - the third-highest mountain in the world. The peaks are idle for climbing up the mountains, crossing the paths meandering through green forests, waterfalls, untamed streams rambling through meadows, pilgrim routes and finally reaching the sacred monasteries perched high in splendid isolation.

Mountaineering Adventure on the North East Ranges Towards the extreme east of India lies the abode of 7 sisters, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh. These Himalaya ranges again have much of mountaineering scope, inhabited by friendly tribal folks. Mountain climbing in this region gives a captivating sight of high altitude rain forest dotted with spurs, pine trees and crest of the higher peaks of Himalayas. The hills of Assam are trimmed by the widespread Brahmaputra River, along its edge lies the Kaziranga National Park - the home of the one- horned Rhinoceros, that can be easily explored while taking up your mountaineering adventure.

Mountaineering through out Ladakh, Spiti and Lahaul are possible. Sojourn the valleys of Nubra, Zanskar, Dha Hanu and the lakes of Tso Moriri and Pangong Tso. Here mountaineering holds the charm of exploring the monasteries and villages at an altitude of 13,000 feet with the recently opened areas of Ladakh -a stunning lunar panorama.

Ladakh, Lahaul, Spiti / Kinnaur- Mountaineering through out Ladakh, Spiti and Lahaul are possible. Sojourn the valleys of Nubra, Zanskar, Dha Hanu and the lakes of Tso Moriri and Pangong Tso. Here mountaineering holds the charm of exploring the monasteries and villages at an altitude of 13,000 feet with the recently opened areas of Ladakh -a stunning lunar panorama.