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Rock Climbing and Mountaineering in Himachal Pradesh :- |
| 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. |
| 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. |
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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. |
The magic behind River Rafting also referred, as Whitewater River
Rafting is the extreme and never-ending thrills in the untamed rivers.
The rivers in the upper Himalayas are among the best in the world
for river rafting sports, with many staircase rapids that challenge
the body and spirit of the river runner. The river cuts against
the rocky banks, crash into rocks, crevices and breaking into white
water rapids, foaming, swirling, and falling in a thunderous din.
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Mountaineering Institutes & Adventure
Sports Clubs :- |
| 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
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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.
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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..
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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.
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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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