If you are a climbing enthusiast and dare to accept challenges, then Indian Himalayan ranges are best to fulfill your dream. The central Himalayan ranges of India offer some of the spectacular and high mountain peaks in the the world like Nanda Devi (7,800 metre), Kamet (7,750 metre) and Dunagiri (7,088 m). These high peaks of Himalayas are major attraction for mountain climbers. Mountain climbing amidst the picturesque mountains, the soothing breeze and cold weather is altogether a thrilling experience, that lingers long in the mind of visitors. Mountain Climbing is a most challenging adventure sports, but adventure seekers can do it by learning the basic skills and a positive attitude. In fact after trying mountain climbing, one becomes a passionate lover of this sport.

Main Locales for Mountain Climbing
Indian Himalayas offer varied climbing options for the adventure lovers, right from easier to most challenging peaks. The mountains peaks around Manali in Himachal Pradesh are ideal for beginners. There are several group of many majestic peaks across the Rohtang pass at the Lahaul region. The peaks rising up to an altitude of 6,500 metre comprise some of the most challenging peaks, easy snow-covered peaks or rocky peaks. The state of Jammu & Kashmir houses popular peaks namely Kolahoi (5425 m) and Harmukh (5148 m) which offer an opportunity for fast alpine climbing. The Kishtwar region is known for its popular peaks like Sickle Moon, Arjuna and Flat Top extending up to a height of 6,000 metre above sea level. Ladakh is major attraction for its climber, as it has challenging mountain peaks extending above 7,000 metre. Some of the famous mountain peaks of the region include Zanskar (6,150 m), Kun (7,077 m) and Nun (7,135 m) mountains. The state of Uttaranchal offers some of the most challenging peaks like Shivlinga (6,542 m), Meru (6,540 m) and Kedarnath (6937 m).


Institutes of Mountain Climbing in India
The Mountain climbing training can be obtained in one of the institutes run across the country. These institutes offer basic and advance courses for one month's duration. The courses include prime lessons and presentations, documentary films on mountain climbing, use of equipment and some amount of the snow and ice-craft and how to plan climbing. Some of the famous institutes of Mountain Climbing include :

» The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling (West Bengal)
» The Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (Uttaranchal)
» The Institutes of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali (Himachal Pradesh)
» The Institute of Mountaineering, Pahalgam (Jammu & Kashmir)


Important gears for Mountain Climbing
» Kerosene oil must be carried.
» Carry a pair of canvas shoes, this helps in rock climbing.
» Other gears one should carry are a backpack, coat, water, enough food, flashlight, first aid kit, sunglasses, a map, crampons, an ice axe, warm clothing and a rope.


Permits
Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) based at Delhi, provides the information related to peak booking fees, inner line restrictions, import of equipment, camera permits, insurance, medical attention, and evacuation procedure. For foreign tourists permit is required from Government of India and issue of 'X' Mountaineering Visa by India Embassy. IMF provide necessary help in organizing and sponsoring mountain climbing. It also deputes a liaison officer to accompany foreign climbers. All inquiries related to climbing have to be forwarded to IMF for clearance. The climbing team should give at least a 6-month's notice before mountain climbing.