The lure of Himalayas is irresistible
for the mountaineers, as the Himalayas are the greatest range of
mountains on earth, their beauty, vastness, fascination and mystery
will always have an everlasting appeal for those who venture in this
region. The captivating landscape, with an incomparable diversity
of flora and fauna: Himalayas is regarded as the 'Mountaineers paradise'
and, indeed, is a refreshing treat to the Mountaineers. Himalayas
is the ultimate destination for a holiday, offering everything from
short and easy excursions to the long challenges of the snowy peaks,
invoking visions of the spectacular Himalayas, the lush meadows,
green woodland and fragrant orchards.
Manali :- The area around Manali presently forms
the core of mountaineering in Himachal. The Beas Kund region and
lower reaches of the Hanuman Tibba (5,930m), the Manali and Shitidhar
peaks around the source of the river Beas, and the Deo Tibba (6,001m)
area, are suggested for beginners with some experience. Situated
at the northern end of the kullu valley, Manali has spectacular views
of snowcapped peaks and is Surrounded by towering peaks from all
around. Manali's major asset is its proximity to the snowline. It
has a flourishing orchard industry, a popular honeymoon destination
and trailhead for numerous treks as well as a great countryside ideal
for adventure sport lovers.
Season :- While the mountaineering season tends
to be concentrated around the April-November period, a number of
climbs are also attempted in winter (December-March) which, though
much colder, allows for clearer climbing days. |
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The Institute of Mountaineering and
Allied Sports at Manali, and its branch at Dharamshala, offer the
activity. Courses are also available with the Institute. The
conquest of Everest acted as a stimulus to Indian mountaineering
and in 1954, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute at Darjeeling
was established with the late major N.D. Jayal (Nandu) as its first
principal. Since then other institutes have been set up at Uttarkashi
in Uttaranchal and at Manali in Himachal Pradesh.
In addition to these three institutes, there are a number of small
institutions and clubs all over India where short courses on rock
climbing etc are available. Basic courses in mountaineering are
devoted to theoretical training-consisting of lectures on high
altitude physiology, history of mountaineering, mountain fauna
and flora, geomorphology, geology, map reading and glaciology.
During the course, films on wildlife, mountaineering expeditions,
and allied subjects are shown. The practical side is covered by
treks where training on rock, snow and ice is given. This period
culminates with a climb to a peak of 5,490m and 6,100m as part
of the advanced course, expeditions are organised to peaks such
as Kamet, Trisul, etc.
Important :- Many climbing accidents occur because
of inexperience people taking insufficient precautions. The potential
for the advancement of Indian mountaineering in the future is great.
As roads penetrate the Himalayas and bring the peaks ever closer
to the plains, as the enthusiasm of the pioneers spreads to more
and more people, it is difficult to believe that at least some
part of the potential will not be realised.
While the equipment of a climber is of great importance, the individual
equipment - both mental and physical fitness of the mountaineer,
is of even greater importance. One slip or thoughtless action may
turn the joy of the heights into the sorrow of the depths. Good
judgment, constant care and teamwork are indispensable items in
the climbers’ outfit. Nevertheless, it is equally true that
for an experienced climber who takes the normal precautions, the
margin of risk is very much less than what popular imagination
would seem to accord it. |
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