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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.
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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.
Mountaineering Institutes &
Adventure Sports Clubs :
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 organized 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 realized.
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. |
