Rock 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.

Safety Climbing is relatively safe, but that shouldn't stop all climbers from taking precautions. Climbers are not oblivious to heights. As a climber, you cannot afford to suffer from vertigo or a lapse of judgment. Specialist equipment such as ropes is often used to protect climbers from falls.

Classification of rocks according to Faults Vertical, horizontal or slanting cracks can be used for climbing. Depending on their width one can use an appropriate technique for climbing. A wider crack in which a climber can enter is called as chimney. If the crack is wider than a chimney then it is called as a gully. A corner is formed where two rock walls meet each other at about 90 degrees. A groove is formed by two narrow rock walls meeting each other at an angle.If the angle is more than 90 degrees then it is called as Shallow groove and it is less then it is called as Vee groove. A small blunt and narrow ridge protruding out of the rock is called as Rib. A much sharper projection than the rib called as arete. A position on the rock wall where a climber can comfortably stand or sit is called a stance. A ledge is comparatively a wider stance where a group of 2-3 climbers can sit or stand during a climbing activity.

Indoor climbing gyms 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.

Types of rock climbing

Rock climbing Bouldering: This is the purest form of climbing and requires the least amount of gear.

Sport climbing, Peak bagging

Free soloing: This is climbing without a rope but this is one of the dangerous aspects as there is no room for error.

Crag climbing: Multipitch rock climbing at its best.

Expedition climbing: There are no rules here. You can use any kind of gear to get up. Probably the most expensive form of climbing.

Alpinism: A blend of rock and snow/ice climbing. Very few climbers come in this category.

Wall climbing: Wall climbing uses aid climbing gear to directly support your weight on a wall. This is the opposite of "free" climbing where gear is only used in the event of. Mixed aid and free climbing are call "mixed climbing."