|
CATEGORIES :
Mountaineering routes are graded, according to the degree of
difficulty and accessibility. Prior medical examination is
essential. The permanent snowline, generally being in the
region of 5,200 m, the degree of difficulty of mountaineering
routes, can broadly be defined as :
Moderate:
Requiring knowledge of basic mountaineering techniques,
such as those imparted by the Nehru Institute of
Mountaineering at Uttarkashi, the Himalayan Mountaineering
Institute at Darjeeling, and the Western Himalayan Institute
of Mountaineering at Manali.
Advanced :
For this category of peaks, it is necessary to be in top
physical condition, and to possess advanced mountaineering
skills, either through the advanced courses of mountaineering
institutes, or through expedition experience. Within this
category, further demarcation is possible, till the highest
degrees of difficulty.
LOCALES :
The main mountaineering locales, are in the Garhwal and Kumaon
regions of Uttar Pradesh. In Garhwal, the areas, include the
Tons-Banderpunch region, the Gangotri glacier system, the
Nanda Devi sanctuary (presently closed), Arwa glacier area,
Kamet and Abi Gamin. The roadheads for these at Taluka,
Gangotri, Joshimath, and Malari, can be reached in two or
three days from Delhi. In Kumaon, the areas include the
Kalabaland glacier system, the Panch Chulhi, Rajrambha, and
Chaudhara peaks, and the peaks of the Nandakot basin, on the
eastern flank of the Nanda Devi sanctuary.
EQUIPMENT :
Equipment can be hired, either from clubs, or purchased from
one of the agencies selling it. Prior to setting out, all
equipment must be tested, and team members must familiarize
themselves with its use. Kerosene must be carried, so that the
fragile mountain environment is not further degraded, by
cutting any wood. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam has a
full-fledged mountaineering and trekking division, based at
Muni-ki-Reti, Rishikesh.
PERMITS :
For information about Peak booking fees, Inner Line
restrictions, import of equipment, camera permits, insurance,
medical attention, and evacuation procedures, contact the
Indian Mountaineering Foundation based at Delhi. This is the
national apex coordinating body for the sport in India.
IMPORTANT :
All expeditions, whether Indian, foreign, or joint, are
required to apply to the IMF, at least six months prior to
departure, so that all the formalities are completed within
the time frame. Leaders of returning expeditions, are required
to submit reports, and adequate proof of the climbs, to the
IMF. While Indian nationals and IMF sponsored joint
expeditions, can attempt peaks beyond the 'Inner Line',
foreign nationals are as a rule not permitted to do so.
Additionally, all expeditions by foreign nationals, are
required to be accompanied by an Indian liaison officer at
their cost. |
