Rock Climbing in India - Push the limits of your skill and climb earth on earth.

About Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is not very different from mountaineering except that instead of snow there are rocks involved in this adventure sport. Rock climbing's most basic features include climbing a rock face, using only hands, feet and a safety rope.

If you are good at climbing, then you can definitely try out this sport. But, some rock traverses in certain areas extend over great lengths and merit championship status. Certain climbs can often prove gruelling and tough, but the magic of the surrounding mountains landscapes always keep the spirits high of a climber.

Facts About Rock Climbing
Take along this rock climbing gear, before you nest climbing trip: shoes, chalkbag, harness, rpes, ropecare, belay devices, cordlette, webbing and carbiners. Try out a lot of shoes before buying the one that exactly fits your climbing requirement. If you are beginner in climbing, go for high top shoes with midsole. Even if used rock climbing gear can save money, better not take used ropes, harness or slings. Cams, stoppers and biners can last a lifetime. The bottomline here is that if you haven't bought any new climbing gear yourself and then better not take up a used one.

Another thing that a climber has to keep in mind is the climbing route. Carry a map that guide you about the routes you are planning to take. Remember, any rope can break when loaded over a sharp edge. It is not possible to produce a rope that is strong enough not to break when loaded over a sharp edge, however, the maximum chance for survival is with a new rope.

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.

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.
Expedition climbing: There are no rules here. You can use any kind of gear to get up. Probably the most expensive form of climbing.
Crag climbing: Multipitch rock climbing at its best.
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."
Alpinism: A blend of rock and snow/ice climbing. Very few climbers come in this category.

Rock Climbing In Uttaranchal
Rock climbing is an almost year round sport in India, except during the Monsoon season. The fun on the rocks is mainly concentrated in and around corbett hills, near river koshi.

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.