ROYAL WORLD TRAVEL
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Rock Climbing India
Rock
Climbing in India, initially began as training for mountaineering and turned
into an exciting sport about 15 years ago. Rock-climbing is largely balance
and not strength. Balance also determines the value of strength by how much
energy you spend actually climbing
Sheer rock faces, ideal for rock climbing, can be found in many areas. The Aravali
hills have good climbing faces at Dumdama, Dhauj and Nuh, all situated near
Delhi. The Western Ghats have Mumbra and Dudha beyond Pune. Himachal Pradesh
offers the Manali Valley, Manikaran and the Rohtang Pass. Rajasthan has Mount
Abu and Sariska which have gentler rocks. In Karnataka there are the Chamundi
Hills.
High-altitude climbers will enjoy the rock faces at Sonmarg in Kashmir and Gangotri
in Garhwal, Uttaranchal. These trips are advisable in the summer and autumn
months. Certain climbs can often prove gruelling and tough, but the magic of
the beautiful landscape, the cool weather and pure air keeps the climber's spirit
up.
Most climbs are graded from 1 to the 30's. The highest grade climbed is currently
32. Serious climbing starts around 10. Beginners normally do the early tens
and then move upwards.
Rock-climbing
can become complex because it involves the interplay of many elements: you,
your gear, your skill and technique.
Best Season
October to February. Monsoons should be avoided.
Indoor climbing gyms help in developing many skills in outdoor climbing especially
rock climbing. Unfortunately, these are not found in India but in Western countries.
Classification of rock surface according to gradients
A rock surface with a slope of less than 30 degress is Glacis. One can easily
walk up or down such a rock. A rock surface with a slope between 30 to 75 degrees
is called as a Slab. A rock surface with a slope between 75 to 90 degrees is
called as a Wall.
A rock portion projecting overhead and having an angle of more than 90 degrees
is called as Overhang. A rock portion projecting outwards like a roof at nearly
180* is called a Roof.
